People

GAO: Q&A with Gene Dodaro

Richard Cohen recently sat down with Gene Dodaro to discuss his experiences in working with the GAO.

Modernization

IGs seek better access to federal clouds

The breakdown of the VA's cloud email deal last year highlights the question of how to maintain oversight of cloud-based computer systems.

People

Fixating on failure

Failing fast is the best way to get better -- in agile development and in life.

Digital Government

Amazon takes up HealthCare.gov role

Adding AWS as a subcontractor is one piece of the plan to overhaul HealthCare.gov before the next open enrollment period.

Digital Government

One DHS remains a work in progress

The multiple components at the department have an existing architecture of databases "not conducive to effective implementation," report finds.

Acquisition

10 reports worth a second look

Among the most interesting Critical Read pieces FCW published in 2013 were ones covering the security clearance process, performance management and FISMA.

People

Navy Yard answers remain elusive after shutdown

Report on police response to Sept. 16 shooting was due Oct. 21, but the government shutdown has slowed the investigation.

Digital Government

Hacker pleads guilty, targeted DOE

A hacker has pleaded guilty to charges he had hacked into supercomputers owned by the Department of Energy and planned to sell access to them for tens of thousands of dollars.

People

Former GAO head seeks congressional OK for cost-cutting commission

David Walker, the leader of the Government Transformation Initiative, envisions a bipartisan commission to trim government waste and duplication.

Cybersecurity

Is an emphasis on compliance hampering IT security?

Top-level agency leaders are often unaware of the risks their agencies face -- and content to remain that way, argues NARA's CISO.

Digital Government

A road map for oversight to come

House details committees' planned reviews and investigations of the executive branch this Congress.

Digital Government

OMB reasserts its gatekeeper role between agencies and Congress

Memo stresses need for feds to clear all testimony and other legislative communications before heading to the Hill.

People

IT helps Treasury crack down on financial crime

The IRS is catching its own dishonest employees as well as outside fraudsters, thanks to sophisticated technology.

Acquisition

OFPP seeks 'aggressive goals' for agency contractor reviews

Agencies are improving their compliance with requirements to review contractor performance, but is it enough?

Digital Government

Lawmakers: Obama needs new tune on whistleblower protections

President's criticism of provisions in new law could discourage employees from shedding light on wrongdoing, bipartisan group warns.

Digital Government

Uncertainties may keep whistleblowers quiet

Observers wonder whether Obama's reservations about protections for employees who expose wrongdoing will have a dampening effect.

Digital Government

Obama objects to whistleblower protections in defense bill

President fears that measures to protect employees who expose government wrongdoing could undermine his authority to manage executive branch officials.

Digital Government

'If this were government it would be a news story'

An experience in a movie line triggers thoughts of government oversight and the press for Steve Kelman.

People

A toxic work environment threatens acquisition personnel gains

Agencies have made progress in hiring talented acquisition professionals, but unreasonable scrutiny from all sides is encouraging risk avoidance and stifling innovation, according to the Procurement Round Table.

People

Fighting the fear of ambition

Stretch goals can lead to big gains, but fear of accountability often keeps agencies from trying.