Cybersecurity

OMB Confirms Appointment of Controversial New Federal CISO

Camilo Sandoval, a former acting CIO for the Veterans Affairs Department, was the director of the Trump campaign’s data operations in 2016.

Digital Government

Administration Adds 16 Months to Transition from DUNS to Unique ID

The General Services Administration will extend Dun & Bradstreet’s services while agencies get more time to patch and test systems. 

Digital Government

OMB Official Says Evidence Act Implementation Guidance May Come in Early 2021

Two Office of Management and Budget officials discussed the guidance at the first meeting of the Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence Building.

Digital Government

OMB Behind Schedule on Open Data Initiatives, GAO Says

The Office of Management and Budget missed the deadline for issuing governmentwide guidance for complying with the OPEN Government Data Act and is behind on reporting on agencies’ progress.

Digital Government

Trump Administration Releases Draft Framework for the Ethical Use of Data

The draft Data Ethics Framework offers seven tenets for agencies to follow, complete with legal authorities, use cases and links to additional resources.

Modernization

Last Chance For Agencies To Weigh In On TBM Self-Assessment

The comment period is closing on the self-assessment framework that agencies will use to measure their compliance with the mandatory Technology Business Management accounting standard.

Digital Government

OMB Makes Major Changes to Agency Guidance on Customer Experience

The Office of Management and Budget updated its Circular A-11 guidance for agencies this month, including an expanded definition of customer experience itself.

Cybersecurity

Bipartisan Concerns Arise Over Cyber Director Legislation

Proponents say the new position would help balance and deconflict offensive and defensive operations.

Digital Government

SBA’s Maria Roat Officially Named Deputy Federal CIO

Roat will take over the federal government’s No. 2 IT leadership role.

Digital Government

One Year In, Administration Names First Lead Office In New Shared Services Regime

The Homeland Security Department is the first to designate a Quality Service Management Office to lead its shared services marketplace.

Digital Government

White House Instructs Agencies to Begin Process of Returning Some Employees to Their Offices

Operations will remain abnormal for the coming months and will vary widely across the country.

Digital Government

Trump Administration Releases Guidance to Clarify Coronavirus Relief Act’s Contracting Provisions

Agencies can use CARES Act funds to reimburse contractors from March 27 to September 30, 2020.

Podcasts

Critical Update: How CISA Defines ‘Trust’ in the Trusted Internet Connection Policy

Nextgov offers a deep dive into TIC 3 and the purported conflict between CISA’s trust zones and zero-trust security.

Emerging Tech

White House Releases National Strategy for 5G Security

The strategy focuses on four lines of effort and will guide how the government approaches 5G for the near future.

Policy

How the Federal Tech Community Is Coping With COVID-19

“The IT leaders in the federal community, our contractor partners and our vendors are stepping up in incredible ways,” Federal Chief Information Officer Suzette Kent said.

Digital Government

Agencies Request Funds for Emergency Boosts to Telework, Overtime and Hiring

The $46 billion White House request would also help bring home feds stationed abroad in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Digital Government

White House Asks Agencies to Stop All Travel That Is Not Mission Critical

Work trips to areas with community spread of the virus should only be undertaken if they are critical to protecting life and property, OMB says. 

Digital Government

White House Calls for 'Maximum Telework Flexibilities' for D.C.-Area Employees

It also gives agency heads more discretion to offer paid time off for those who cannot telework.

Digital Government

Agencies Get Guidance on the Ethics and Rigor Required for Evidence-Based Decision-Making

The second of four policy documents related to the Evidence Act focuses on standards and practices for evaluation officers.