People
Clock ticking on officials in acting roles
The Vacancies Act sets time limits on the period for acting officials to occupy politically appointed roles -- and some of these officials are about to run out of time.
Modernization
Lawmakers look to keep close tabs on VA's health record switch
A bipartisan quartet of lawmakers introduced legislation that would compel the Department of Veterans Affairs to document how it plans to implement its new electronic health record system.
Modernization
Why GAO nixed the Census mobile deal
Census made several key slipups in its decision to award a $283 million mobile device contract for the 2020 population count, according to the Government Accountability Office.
Cybersecurity
GAO Says Cybersecurity is Top Concern for 2020 Census
The Census Bureau has only tested four of 43 systems needed for the 2020 Census.
Cybersecurity
U.S. ports lack key cyber tools
The NotPetya attack in June that briefly crippled shipping giant Maersk is a reminder that maritime cybersecurity vulnerability is a problem with global reach.
Cybersecurity
IG: EPA infosec needs better management
The EPA's internal watchdog praised the agency's information security program, but says improved management and training program are required to protect data.
Cybersecurity
Can dark fiber help secure the energy grid?
Sen. Bill Cassidy is interested in the possibility of legislation to support an isolated networks that can conceal and protect the electric grid.
Cybersecurity
Kaspersky: pirated software led to NSA contractor breach
The embattled cyber vendor claims an NSA contractor breach can be traced to a pirated version of Microsoft Word.
Digital Government
Lawmakers grill IRS on management, IT security
Lawmakers expressed frustration with the tax agency's failures to implement oversight recommendations for workforce management, IT security and legacy systems, as well as its handling of the recent Equifax contract.
Cybersecurity
Gowdy: White House deleted text, social media apps from official phones
White House staff no longer have text or social media messaging apps on their official phones because of records management headaches, according to a letter from a key House overseer.
Modernization
Little progress on IT governance, says NASA IG
An oversight body found little change in IT governance at NASA four years after a critical report and wonders if the space agency can effectively oversee its IT assets.
Digital Government
Can FOIA be fixed?
A federal advisory committee offered tech and procedural suggestions to improve agency performance on meeting Freedom of Information Act requests.
Cybersecurity
Whitehouse: 'I can't find a point of entry' to talk cyber with Trump administration
Senate Democrat wants to know whom he needs to talk to in the administration to coordinate on cybersecurity legislation.
Cybersecurity
Letter: White House told House panel officials weren't following records law
Rep. Elijah Cummings, ranking member on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, is asking for the chairman to press the White House on records management.
Cybersecurity
GAO Denies Northrop Grumman Protest in $1 Billion DHS Cybersecurity Contract Fight
Northrop Grumman has been wrangling with contract winner Raytheon over the DOMino contract since 2015.
Acquisition
Lawmakers hear from Trump's picks to lead GSA, OPM
Federal hiring, the clearance backlog and procurement data came up in a Senate confirmation hearing for candidates to lead the Office of Personnel Management and the General Services Administration.
Acquisition
GAO sustains protest in $283M Census mobile contract
As the Census Bureau prepares to ramp up its preparations on a tight budget and schedule, the Government Accountability Office decided a critical $283 million contract was not rightfully awarded.
Cybersecurity
White House: No new policy for encrypted chat apps
In a terse response to probing questions from Capitol Hill, a White House liaison indicates that there's no new policy when it comes to encrypted messaging platforms.
Digital Government
GAO Denies Equifax Bid Protest on IRS Contract
In its ruling, GAO said Equifax’ contentions were “unreasonable,” allowing IRS to move forward on a contract with Experian.
Cybersecurity