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.
Modernization
Congress Calls Coast Guard's Health Records System A 'Five-Year Epic Failure'
The modernization project went over budget and didn't yield any reusable software or equipment.
Digital Government
Will the Coast Guard go commercial on health records?
After spending seven years and almost $60 million on a failed electronic health records system, the Coast Guard is back to using paper. Many lawmakers are urging a commercial solution.
People
Critical Census test to start on schedule, as long as the government doesn't shut down
Despite its unconfirmed budget and the possibility of another shutdown, the Census Bureau is moving ahead with its plans to conduct its critical dress rehearsal on time.
Modernization
Regulating, securing IoT market remains a work in progress
From securing personal data to stopping botnets, there's a global race to regulate smart devices. How to do so remains elusive.
Cybersecurity
Antiquated Security Clearance Process Earns a Spot on the GAO’s High-Risk List
The hackable technology and outdated screening methods used in the clearance process merit its return to the government’s list of most vulnerable programs.
Modernization
Security clearance process deemed 'high-risk' by GAO
The Government Accountability Office has added the governmentwide security clearance process to its list of government programs most in need of reform.
People
Do ethics norms still matter in the workforce?
Government ethics experts worry that perceived ethical lapses at top of the administration are influencing everyday feds.
Modernization
Vendors Can Still Weigh in GAO’s 5-Year Tech Contract
The oversight office extended the deadline for industry to give advice on its coming modernization contract.
Acquisition
What happens to bid protests during a shutdown?
The arbiter of contested federal contract awards won't be looking at protests until the government starts back up.
Digital Government
Next gen aircraft ID system vulnerable, watchdog finds
The GAO is concerned that the next-generation air traffic technology that precisely tracks commercial and military aircraft is vulnerable to hackers.
Acquisition
Budget, workforce challenge CDM implementation
Vendors say the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation program must evolve to deal with emerging threats.
Cybersecurity
Senate hears from IC nominees as spy authority renewal is set to pass
President Trump’s nominees for two key intelligence community oversight roles offered support of section 702 reauthorization during a smooth confirmation hearing.
Modernization
Should US companies hack back? It's complicated, says DHS chief
DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen assured senators that the agency would help private companies protect themselves, but she shied away from endorsing active defense tactics.
Modernization
Watchdog calls out EIS risks
GSA's inspector general warned that the transition to the new $50 billion telecom contract is being put at risk because of a lack of interagency agreements.
Modernization