Digital Government
House Oversight Leaders Seek Childcare Payments and Other Help for Feds in Next COVID-19 Relief Bill
In a letter to House leadership, Democrats unveil a laundry list of legislative proposals to assist federal employees and contractors during the coronavirus pandemic.
Digital Government
Spike in Federal COVID-19 Spending Flattens as Total Nears $3B
A separate analysis shows some IT modernization efforts booming while others are put on hold during the pandemic.
People
DOD's telework surge could be permanent
A new emphasis on telework at the Defense Department in response to the COVID-19 pandemic could change work culture at the Pentagon, officials said.
Digital Government
Coronavirus Response 'Likely' to Lead to IRS Backlogs, IG Says
Outstanding cases have already spiked due to shutdown, and now thousands of employees are home and not working.
Cybersecurity
Defense Department Details Rapid Increase in Teleworking Capacity That's Here to Stay
The department’s vast expansion is thanks to $10.5 billion in funding from the coronavirus stimulus bill.
Digital Government
Use of VA’s Telehealth, Virtual Mental Health Services Skyrocket
VA is adapting new ways to treat patients during the pandemic.
People
Temporary Excused Paid Leave sounds good but is hard to come by
Feds with dependent care responsibilities that stretch them to the breaking point have a stopgap once leave options are exhausted, but many agencies are reluctant to put it in play.
Cybersecurity
Navy CIO: Don't worry about shakeups at the top
The Navy CIO updated the workforce on telework practices, COVID-19 disclosures and what the change in service leadership means for the tech mission.
Cybersecurity
CISA, U.K. Agency Issue Alert on Spike in Coronavirus-Themed Cyber Activity
It’s not just phishing and malware. Malicious actors also target known bugs in virtual private networks and other networking tools.
Cybersecurity
CISA Offers Ways to Lessen Lag for Teleworkers Without Sacrificing Security
The temporary guidance outlines options and best practices for agencies to follow during the coronavirus pandemic.
Cybersecurity
CISA looks to help secure federal telework
New guidance allows teleworking feds to connect and access agency and cloud resources from their homes while staying in compliance with the Trusted Internet Connection program.
Cybersecurity
NASA Warns Employees of ‘Exponential’ Increase in Cyber Threats
The Office of the Chief Information Officer sent a memo detailing how teleworking employees can protect agency systems.
Cybersecurity
The Pentagon Is Using Zoom. Is it Safe?
Experts say the ubiquitous videoconferencing tools bear some risk of accidentally exposing mundane details, and even inviting a new wave of deep fakes. But the risks can be managed.
Ideas
Preventing Remote Workers from Being Sitting Ducks
Unlike workers in other industries, most federal workers have largely conducted business within the four walls of their agency.
People
Lawmakers look to shield defense contractors from COVID-19 fallout
Virginia Democrat Sen. Mark Warner and Texas Republican Rep. Mac Thornberry hope to protect national security by bolstering the industrial base.
People
IRS outlines expanded flexible work schedule
The IRS, which is operating under an evacuation order that mandates telework for all eligible employees, released new guidance outlining its flexible work schedule policy.
People
DOD issues permission slips for workers in national capital region
The Defense Department issued memos and permission letters for personnel working in the Washington, D.C. region as local and state governments' stay-at-home orders go into effect.
Digital Government
Senate Stimulus Bill Includes Resources for Federal Telework and Contracting Community
Portions of the Senate’s stimulus bill address immediate technological challenges for government.
Ideas