Modernization

Could SCOTUS break the cloud?

In oral arguments on a critical data access case, the Supreme Court justices examined whether a 1986 communications privacy statute can be adapted to cloud computing.

Cybersecurity

What does the House retirement wave mean for tech?

More than a few committee chairs and members with cyber and technology policy chops are leaving Congress. Will it matter to the govtech space?

Cybersecurity

Senators want CBP to close e-Passport security gap

U.S. border authorities lack the software to authenticate digital signatures in ePassports -- a situation two senators would like to change.

Digital Government

Lawmakers press Census Bureau on readiness

Key members of the House Oversight committee want answers from Census Bureau leaders about readiness for critical 2018 tests.

Modernization

GAO Sustains Protest of $771 Million Defense Intelligence Agency Contract

The defense agency didn’t sufficiently explain why it picked a cheaper but riskier bid.

Digital Government

GSA chief slammed for FBI building pivot

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle lit into Emily Murphy for abandoning a plan to consolidate FBI headquarters.

Cybersecurity

Wyden grills FBI chief on encryption

Following an exchange with the FBI director over encryption standards, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) released a letter from four experts arguing that "responsible encryption" is not possible.

People

IG rips VA chief over travel, tickets

Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin is in the crosshairs of an inspector general report, which alleges he improperly accepted government travel for his wife and free tickets to Wimbledon over the course of an offiical 10-day trip to Europe.

Cybersecurity

Intel chiefs: No direction from Trump on election security

At a Senate hearing, three intelligence chiefs acknowledged the White House has not specifically directed them to dedicate resources towards securing election infrastructure, but told lawmakers they are still focused on addressing the issue.

People

OPM looks to improve training, fix skills gap

The Trump administration's human resources strategy includes tasking agencies with better use of data and revising organizational structures.

Modernization

Army looks at redefining its classified networks

Army leaders hope to modernize mobile networks through secure but unclassified pathways.

People

Trump names new ethics chief

The Trump administration has nominated Emory Rounds to head the Office of Government Ethics.

Policy

Senate Homeland Leader Proposes Panel to Fix DHS Oversight

The panel, which is tied to reauthorizing the department, would pare back overlapping committee jurisdictions.

Digital Government

DHS Needs More Cybersecurity Workers—It Just Doesn’t Know Where Or What Kind

The government’s primary cybersecurity agency is missing congressional deadlines to identify and categorize its cyber workforce, a congressional watchdog said.

Cybersecurity

McCaul calls on the Senate to act on cyber bills

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) urged the Senate to move on restoring the State Department's cyber office and reorganizing DHS' National Protection and Programs Directorate.

Emerging Tech

GAO: GSA Hasn’t Been Smart About Smart Buildings Program

Smart building technologies might pay for themselves in cost savings but the government’s landlord hasn’t been able to make the case.

Acquisition

Alliant 2 Small Business bogged down by size standard appeals

Because of an unusual volume of complaints, it appears that Alliant 2 Small Business won't be open for business any time soon.

Acquisition

IG: DHS isn't tracking problem contractors

DHS needs a better system to track barred and suspended contractors, according to a new report from the agency's watchdog.

People

Oversight Chairman Gowdy won't seek reelection

After a short stint holding the House Oversight and Government Reform gavel, Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) announced plans to leave Congress.