Modernization
OIG: USPS not prepared for IT blackout
The United States Postal Service's IT systems and personnel could be unprepared to fulfill essential postal functions in the event of an emergency that disrupts normal operations.
People
Senators seek GAO probe of hiring-freeze effects
Two senators are urging Congress's investigative arm to probe any adverse effects of President Trump's hiring freeze.
People
What will it take to make feds happy?
Federal employee global satisfaction scores have risen for consecutive years, but lawmakers still think there's a long way to go in improving workforce engagement, as well as the survey that provides the data.
Cybersecurity
Chiefs: DOD cyber will suffer under a continuing resolution
In the DOD, cyber, modernization, training, recruiting and readiness will all take a hit if Congress passes another continuing resolution rather than a full budget, say the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Cybersecurity
Border wall won't span sea to sea
DHS chief John Kelly paints a clearer picture of the developing border barrier project, which includes a mix of walls, technology and fencing.
Cybersecurity
DOJ, DHS could do better at sharing terror info
Although the DOJ and DHS are sharing domestic counterterror information, they need to tweak some access and coordination issues, according to a joint oversight report from the agencies' inspectors general.
Cybersecurity
Agencies backsliding on FITARA
A leading watchdog told the House Oversight panel that agencies took some backward steps on implementing IT reforms during the transition and the early days of the Trump administration.
Digital Government
Watchdogs worried about DOJ's tech
Oversight officials told Congress they are concerned about the Justice Department's cybersecurity, use of unreliable tech and inability to track contract and grant spending.
Digital Government
Trump hotel lease is valid, says GSA
The lease President Trump signed with the GSA for the Old Post Office building in Washington is in compliance, an agency contracting officer said.
Modernization
GAO: Optimize Data Centers or Lose Them
Progress on closing data centers is mixed and the government’s optimization efforts are worse.
Digital Government
House panel takes on government transparency
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee explored legislative means to increase transparency in government at a March 23 hearing.
Cybersecurity
Spy powers at risk amid Trump controversy
The growing controversy around foreign surveillance and Trump associates is adding fuel to what's already expected to be a fiery debate in Congress over the reauthorization of FISA Section 702.
Acquisition
IG: Census underestimates costs of 2020 count
Inaccurate assumptions in the Census Bureau's 2016 test plan are contributing to the agency's underestimation of what the 2020 enumeration will cost.
Cybersecurity
Comey confirms FBI is investigating Trump-Russia links
FBI director James Comey also told the House intel panel there is no evidence to support President Trump's wiretapping tweets, and the FBI is investigating whether there was coordination between Trump campaign officials and associates and Russia.
Modernization
McCaskill pushes DHS to clarify rules for election aid
Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) pushed DHS for clarity on what exactly the designation of election systems as critical infrastructure will mean for states.
Digital Government
When 'compliance' should be a dirty word
Steve Kelman makes the case that using the word "comply" can have unintended consequences.
Cybersecurity
Watchdog: DHS social media screening lacks objectives
Two DHS components launched social media screening pilots in the wake of the San Bernardino shooting. The agency's internal watchdog wants to see improved coordination and measurable goals.
Modernization
VA chief swears off software development
In his most pointed comments on IT to date, David Shulkin, secretary of Veterans Affairs, said that the agency will move to off-the-shelf software.
Cybersecurity
FDIC leads agencies in major cyber incidents
The bank regulator was responsible for 10 of 16 major information security incidents recorded in the FY2016 FISMA report.
Acquisition