Modernization
Lawmakers: OMB ‘Skirting the Intent of the Law’ With New Data Center Policy
The administration’s shift in focus to optimization, rather than closures, is not what lawmakers envisioned when they passed FITARA.
Modernization
OMB Updates Data Center Optimization Initiative
The new policy bans agencies from budgeting resources toward new or expanded agency-owned data centers without permission from the Office of Management and Budget.
Emerging Tech
House Oversight Votes to Secure Connected Devices in Government
The committee approved legislation that would enforce basic security standards for the numerous internet-connected devices used at federal agencies.
Ideas
OMB’s New ID Policy Will Help Consumers Protect Their Identities Online
America should modernize our existing paper-based identification systems around a privacy-protecting, consumer-centric digital model.
Cybersecurity
OMB Chief: Contractors Need More Time to Cut Ties With Huawei, ZTE
Without the extension, there could be “a dramatic reduction” in the contractors that can legally do business with the government, according to acting OMB Director Russel Vought.
Digital Government
16 Things OMB Wants Agencies to Accomplish in the Data Strategy's First Year
Agencies and other stakeholders have until July 5 to comment on the draft action plan, which includes hard deliverables for all of government.
Digital Government
Commerce Asks for Feedback On Unreleased Data Strategy Action Plan
An agency leading development of the Federal Data Strategy wants input on the draft action plan, though it won’t be released until later this week, at the earliest.
Digital Government
Federal CIO Says OMB is ‘Working Aggressively’ on Automation Policy
The agency is tapping some of the government’s top scientific investigators to help produce the new strategy.
Policy
Senate Considers Bill to Modernize Constituent Services
The CASES Act is one of several customer experience-related bills Congress is considering.
Digital Government
DATA Act Collection Effort Worked Better for Grants Than Contracts
Watchdog found documentation gaps in pilot plan for creating central portal.
Modernization
Government Offering Prizes for Best Ideas to Stand Up GEAR Center
Challenge.gov is offering up to $300,000 to teams or individuals who submit the best proposals.
Policy
Exclusive: What OMB’s New Shared Services Policy Will Mean for Modernization
A new class of shared services providers will manage a “marketplace” of offerings, meaning big changes for employees and modernization plans.
Digital Government
White House's Push for More Oversight of Agency Data Has Some Scientists Concerned
OMB wants to make more agency data public, peer reviewed and reproducible.
Modernization
NARA’s Plans to Ensure Agencies Have the Tools for Electronic Recordkeeping
Agencies won’t have to figure it out themselves, a NARA official said.
Cybersecurity
Federal Cyber Reskilling Academy Announces Second Class
The second class will be open to all feds, not just those who do not work in IT.
Cybersecurity
Class in Session for Federal Cyber Reskilling Academy
Demand drove an increase in cohort size.
Modernization
Watchdog: OMB and GSA Need a Better Plan For Shared Payroll Services
GAO says planners lack roadmap to monitor agency roles in switch to new software.
Cybersecurity
DHS Cyber Chief is Ready to Update Federal Tech Hiring
The department is preparing to roll out a new personnel system that will let officials “hire people based on their skill sets, not what’s on a piece of paper,” said Chris Krebs.
Digital Government
OMB is Dropping the Ball on DATA Act Management, Watchdog Says
The office lacks a formal process for revising data standards, and it doesn’t clearly tell agencies when changes are made, the Government Accountability Office found.
Digital Government