Cybersecurity
Social Security data, smartphone encryption and DHS HQ
News and notes from around the federal IT community.
Modernization
TechAmerica questions GSA telecom effort
The tech industry group said GSA's announced plans for NS2020 are "out of synch" with its stated intention of overhauling telecom contracting.
Modernization
Diana Gowen: The big telecom pivot
CenturyLink's longtime public-sector leader discusses the changing market and what to expect with NS2020.
People
Neely charged with fraud
Former GSA official's lavish conference spending sparked the crackdown on federal travel and event attendance.
Cybersecurity
Sunlight's Williams to GSA, Shellshock to a computer near you and data center savings
News and notes from around the federal IT community.
Digital Government
'Social as an enterprise strategy'
GSA CIO Sonny Hashmi offered attendees at a Digital Government Institute cloud and data conference insight into the evolving nature of government-citizen relations.
Cybersecurity
Palantir's GSA pricing info posted on Hacker News site
The post includes a price list taken from the GSA Advantage ordering system -- which GSA says is not even accurate -- for Palantir Technologies' Gotham and Metropolis products.
Acquisition
In search of smarter buildings
GSA is seeking new technologies to boost its Green Proving Ground program.
Acquisition
Sharpe explains what's in the hallways
The head of the Federal Acquisition Service says “category hallways” will be beacons to federal buyers and suppliers looking for ways to manage the procurement process.
Acquisition
CDM dashboard stirs second contractor controversy
Agiliance is complaining that two companies involved in the Department of Homeland Security's acquisition engaged in questionable joint marketing.
People
Much to learn they still have
GSA CIO Sonny Hashmi’s "Jedi Council" is assisting the development of new technology at the agency, then explaining how to use it.
People
IT chiefs shouldn't fear the dark side
IT undergrounds can create problems, but managers should leverage such networks to find and address gaps in their systems.
Modernization
GSA rolls out IT systems for acquisition
A pair of new systems aim to help federal agency customers better navigate complex procurement processes.
Acquisition
GSA details schedule consolidation
The initiative, scheduled for completion late next year, is aimed at reducing redundant acquisition programs.
Digital Government
Can social media analytics and open data pair up?
Broader access to Twitter analytics could aid government in reaching out to and serving citizens on social media.
Acquisition
GSA: No freeze on adding vendors to services schedules
Agency had planned a pause, but found a better solution that can accommodate new additions.
Digital Government
GSA seeks ideas for shipping SaaS
Emphasis is on making the most of commercial off-the-shelf components.
People
'Hacking bureaucracy' at 18F
Greg Godbout, executive director of GSA's innovation lab, wants to set an example in hiring and other areas for the rest of the federal government to emulate.
People
A new direction for Presidential Innovation Fellows
New PIF Director Garren Givens has revamped the selection process and installed a new system that means less "parachuting in" and wider opportunities for participants.
People