Digital Government
House Approves Creation of a Select Panel to Oversee Pandemic-Related Spending and Response
Critics have said the committee will be duplicative, but one transparency expert said that "overlapping oversight jurisdictions can be a good thing if managed correctly."
Modernization
FCC records progress with public comments system
In a recently-released study, a government watchdog said the FCC has been implementing recommendations to fix its electronic comment filing system.
People
Why right now is the most challenging time in history for government CIOs
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented CIOs at all levels of government with unprecedented challenges to respond to the critical needs of the country.
Modernization
Judge gives DOD the chance for a second look at some aspects of the JEDI award
The Pentagon is getting the chance for a do-over of some aspects of its controversial $10 billion cloud award to Microsoft.
Emerging Tech
What’s Wrong With the Air Force’s ‘Connect Everything’ Project
In a new report, GAO watchdogs say officials can’t say how much it costs or if it’ll even work
Digital Government
Lawmakers worried over threats to IG independence
A spate of letters reveal that lawmakers are increasingly concerned that agency inspectors general are operating under threat of reprisal and being stripped of their independence.
Modernization
Pentagon IG Can’t Rule Out White House Influence on JEDI Cloud Contract
A 300-page IG investigation reveals multiple ethics violations and refusal by Defense Department General Counsel to let senior officials comment on communications with the White House.
Cybersecurity
GAO to Pentagon: Practice the Cyber Policies You Preach
The Defense Department has yet to fully implement multiple initiatives to improve basic cyber hygiene.
Digital Government
White House Advises Agencies on COVID-19 Spending and Reporting
“Time is of the essence,” but “spending transparency and regular reporting will provide important accountability mechanisms to help safeguard taxpayer dollars,” the Office of Management and Budget said in a memo.
Digital Government
House Bill Would Limit President’s Ability to Remove Inspectors General
The legislation comes after President Trump removed two inspectors general and verbally attacked others.
Digital Government
House Dems push improved protections for agency watchdogs
Congress wants CIGIE’s input on new legislation to safeguard Inspectors General from political interference.
Digital Government
Trump Removes Acting Pentagon IG Slated to Lead Pandemic Oversight
Only current IGs may serve in the new position created by Congress to oversee the government's coronavirus relief effort.
Cybersecurity
Trump shakes up official watchdog ranks
The White House removed an official designated to provide oversight to the $2 trillion rescue and relief fund and nominated a raft of new appointees to handle oversight chores at multiple agencies.
People
Supreme Court ruling makes it easier for older feds to sue for age discrimination
Federal employees 40 and above are entitled to process "untainted by age consideration."
Ideas
Where’s the Money? Keep an Eye on the CARES Act
With the passage of the $2.3 trillion economic relief bill, things are happening at breakneck speed.
Digital Government
House Lawmakers Accuse GSA of Breaching Ban on Implementing OPM Merger
Oversight panel leaders say newly uncovered emails confirm that the General Services Administration’s pending revocation of the Office of Personnel Management’s building operation authority is part of the plan to abolish the HR agency.
People
Oversight Dems want answers from GSA on OPM facilities move
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are complaining that the Trump administration is continuing to advance the proposed merger of the Office of Personnel Management into the General Services Administration despite language in recent legislation requiring a pause on the effort.
Digital Government
Trump Objects to Pandemic Spending Oversight, But Congress and IGs Still Have Authority
“Signing statements by themselves do not really do anything,” said one expert.
Digital Government
Get More Out of STEM Grants by Making a Plan to Tackle Sexual Harassment, Watchdog Says
Agencies’ processes for reviewing complaints don’t reflect the full picture.
Cybersecurity