Acquisition

NASA's SEWP sees 40% spending increase in 2020

NASA's governmentwide acquisition contract sees substantial increase in orders for fiscal 2020; COVID impact is unclear.

Modernization

NASA sets internal contact tracing app

NASA leverages commercial software, CDO Council for the agency's COVID tracing app.

Emerging Tech

NASA to Debut New-and-Improved Space Toilet

Astronauts informed the unit's creation and have high hopes that it’ll bring more comfort to all who use it.

Emerging Tech

Modern Space Missions Lead to Standing Joint NASA, DOE Coordinating Group

Senior Energy officials briefed Nextgov on a range of areas that present potential opportunities for the agencies to advance each other’s missions. 

Acquisition

NASA doesn't know what's on its network

According to an oversight report, the space agency can't provide an accurate count of the number of contractor-owned devices connected to its networks.

Ideas

Amazing Mars Mission Nearing Red Planet

The Mars Perseverance Rover is now speeding toward Mars at a blazing 71,413 miles per hour.

Emerging Tech

NASA Prepares to Launch Internal COVID-19 Contact Tracing Program

The agency is using the Salesforce platform to begin tracking potential infections and community transmissions on a voluntary basis.

Digital Government

No failures, but some declines in 10th round of agency FITARA grades

Although all two dozen agencies got passing grades on the latest Federal IT Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) scorecard, some agencies had cybersecurity and reporting challenges.

Emerging Tech

How the Energy Department Is Powering NASA’s Soon-to-Launch Mars Rover

Undersecretary for Science Paul Dabbar offered a glimpse into the agency’s efforts beyond Earth.

Emerging Tech

NASA Wants Feedback on Liability Issues with Sending Private Astronauts to Space

The space agency is seeking additional feedback on the insurance and accountability issues that accompany bringing commercial astronauts to the International Space Station.

Artificial Intelligence

Space Satellite Data Reveals the Pandemic’s Effects on Earth

A new dashboard—created by NASA and international partners—enables users to see changes in air and water quality, greenhouse gases, city nightlights, economic indicators and agricultural production.

Digital Government

37 IGs Report on Agency Tech Challenges Related to $2.4 Trillion COVID Relief Package

A new report shows similar issues with bandwidth, cybersecurity and aging IT systems across government, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Emerging Tech

NASA Seeks to Improve How It Learns About New Technology

The space agency wants input from partners regarding how it collects information about new tech innovation.

Acquisition

NITAAC says it can fill in for STARS

The National Institutes of Health's governmentwide contracts can pick up the slack for GSA's STARS II 8(a) small business set aside contract’s early cut off.

Digital Government

The Thorniest Subject at NASA Right Now

The space agency is carefully following pandemic measures. Elon Musk thinks they’re overblown. But both are going to the moon together.