Digital Government
Is the Data Act proving out?
Key sponsors of the Data Act from both parties have good things to say about the financial information being released under the law.
People
9 GOP reps oppose cuts to federal retirement system
A group of House Republicans including D.C.-area lawmaker Barbara Comstock announced opposition to cuts aimed at federal employees and retirees in Trump's FY18 budget request.
Cybersecurity
Officials press Congress to reauthorize spy powers
The Trump administration is asking Congress to reauthorize a critical foreign surveillance program without any amendments and to eliminate the sunset clause.
Cybersecurity
IG: Infosec weaknesses remain at VA
The 2016 FISMA report shows VA still struggling to secure its networks and data, despite making strides on eliminating vulnerabilities.
Acquisition
OMB cracks down on 'low-value' compliance
The White House announced it was eliminating a range of agency reporting requirements deemed obsolete or unnecessary.
Acquisition
DHS execs own FLASH fail
The department's failure to launch an agile services contract can serve as a teachable moment, according to DHS procurement officials.
People
White House official chided for violating Hatch Act
White House Social Media Director Dan Scavino Jr. was chided by an federal watchdog for stumping against a sitting congressman, a violation of the Hatch Act.
Cybersecurity
Library of Congress reports progress on IT security and modernization
CIO Bernard Barton told lawmakers that GAO recommendations are being put into practice.
Cybersecurity
U.S. faces challenges tracking cryptocurrencies
Improved IT systems, new training and updated legislation are needed to track the use of virtual currencies by ransomware crooks and terrorists, according to a U.S. official.
Modernization
Timeline, budget for VA health record switch in progress
VA Secretary David Shulkin told a Senate panel it could take up to six months before a plan is in place to acquire services from commercial electronic health record provider Cerner.
Digital Government
Senators not sold on privatizing air traffic control
President Trump's plan to privatize air traffic control operations is getting a cool reception from senators on both sides of the aisle.
Cybersecurity
Spy powers overshadowed by Russia in Senate hearing
Officials testifying about the extension of a key surveillance program spent most of a Senate hearing dodging questions about President Trump.
Cybersecurity
FDIC dinged again for inadequate infosec
GAO finds that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation needs to improve its information security controls and do more to separate its financial systems from the rest of its network.
Cybersecurity
Trump's pick to head whistleblower office comes from group suing EPA
President Donald Trump's nominee to lead a whistleblower protection office comes from a legal group that is currently suing the EPA to access employees' encrypted communications.
Cybersecurity
Can government stop using Social Security numbers?
Agencies are having trouble reducing reliance on Social Security numbers as identifiers because of outdated systems, insufficient funding and lack of coordination from OMB.
Modernization
GSA chief: Central IT fund is a start, not a remedy
While President Trump's budget proposal includes a $228 million investment for a general IT modernization fund, the head of the agency overseeing the fund sees the initial investment as more of a proof of concept than a panacea.
Cybersecurity
CBP reports advances in biometrics
After years of searching and tech trials, Customs and Border Protection said it has found a way to make a biometric entry/exit system work with airlines and airports.
Modernization
GOP continues push to privatize air traffic control
Have the stars finally aligned behind a long-planned push to outsource air traffic control operations?
Cybersecurity
GAO: DHS coming up short on FITARA implementation
The Department of Homeland Security needs to strengthen and formalize CIO contract approval and evaluation procedures to fully comply with FITARA, according to a new report.
Modernization