Cybersecurity
OMB Guidance Heralds Automation of FISMA Reporting
The new Federal Information Security Modernization Act guidance also prioritizes security testing and doubles down on CISA’s Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation program.
People
White House presses for improved agency-IG cooperation
The White House has called for increased collaboration between federal agencies and inspectors general after conducting a review which revealed some agency leaders had not fully communicated their endorsement of IG policies and whistleblower protections to staff.
Emerging Tech
Sixth Member of International Hacking Community Sentenced in SIM Card Scheme
In response to the growing number of SIM hijacking incidents, federal law enforcement is cracking down on perpetrators.
Emerging Tech
FAA Warns Of Holiday Laser-Light Display Dangers To Pilots
2021 broke records for the highest number of annual laser strikes, which can incapacitate pilots and endanger aircraft passengers.
Digital Government
GAO: Better Data Collection Can Improve Homelessness Estimates
Auditors suggest the Housing and Urban Development Department can improve its homeless estimates by gathering better data at the local level.
Cybersecurity
Government Watchdog Welcomes Treasury’s Data Collection on Cyber Insurance Claims
A Government Accountability Office report on the Treasury Department’s role in shaping the market for cybersecurity insurance is expected next spring.
Digital Government
Bid Protests Decrease for Third Straight Year
Industry filed 12% fewer protests in fiscal 2021 than fiscal 2020, according to the Government Accountability Office.
Acquisition
Analysis: Are better debriefings driving down protests?
Beginning 2018, the Defense Department started conducting what are called "enhanced" debriefings that allow for more dialogue with companies after they've lost a contract. That means unsuccessful bidders get more information on where their bid fell short without filing a protest.
Digital Government
The Defense Department Fails Its Audit Again, But Officials Have ‘No Doubt’ It Will Eventually Pass
This was the fourth time the Pentagon completed an audit since it became a requirement in 1990.
Cybersecurity
Senators Urge Better Cyber Protection For K-12 Schools
A recent Government Accountability Office report dove into how virtual classrooms are increasing vulnerability to ransomware and other cyber threats.
Acquisition
Speed bumps for VA's new scheduling system
A watchdog report identified gaps in training and oversight for the new scheduling system being implemented at VA medical facilities.
Ideas
$1.2T Infrastructure Plan Offers Lucrative Target for Fraud
The problem is that lawmakers don’t always make preventing fraud a priority.
Cybersecurity
Senate Republicans seek IG probe of TSA pipeline directives
Republican leaders on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee are calling for an inspector general probe into how the Transportation Security Administration developed its first ever pipeline-specific security directives.
Digital Government
GAO Highlights Problems with Speeding Disaster Help to Disadvantaged Areas
Disaster response is uneven across the country.
Cybersecurity
FDIC to Strengthen IT Security Following IG Audit
An audit found notable weaknesses within the FDIC’s information security processes.
Modernization
GAO Sides With Microsoft in Massive NSA Contract Protest
NSA awarded the contract to Amazon Web Services in July.
People
DOD looks to civilian workforce to close technology gaps
The Defense Department has been increasingly looking to recruit civilians to fill its tech talent needs, but some lawmakers are concerned that the mission of uniformed troops could suffer.
People
GAO prods OPM to review pandemic hiring
A new Government Accountability Office report says that not compiling the lessons learned from special hiring authorities could "risk significantly hindering the government's ability to recruit, hire, retain and manage its current COVID-19 pandemic workforce as well as for future pandemics or emergencies."
Digital Government
IGs look to expand investigative authority
Agency watchdogs told lawmakers that they would like authority to subpoena former federal employees, contractors and other non-governmental witnesses to give testimony in IG probes.
Modernization