Digital Government

Dems slam Bush administration for stalling EPA health-risk database

OMB delayed agency's compilation of a list of chemicals' associated health risks by requiring multiyear interagency reviews, report states.

Ideas

FAA Launches Safety Site

The Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday remodeled its <a href="http://www.faa.gov/">Web site</a> partly to direct users to its safety-related content.

Digital Government

Recovery board to issue app agencies can use to report stimulus data

Transparency groups say a standard data format is needed so outside groups can analyze where recovery funds are spent and if they are saving or creating jobs.

Digital Government

Health professionals call for network to uncover best medical treatments

Sophisticated data mining system would sift through clinical trials and studies, but experts warn the network could fail if not developed properly.

Digital Government

Regulations.gov wins praise for public outreach

The federal rule-tracking Web site is soliciting input from citizens on its proposed redesign.

Digital Government

Administration plans to expand online government data site

White House CIO also will soon unveil technology that allows citizens to follow cost of federal IT programs.

Ideas

OGov on Track, But to Where?

President Obama's open government initiative is on track with part two of a process intended to involve the public in policymaking. Late Tuesday night, White House officials released a <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Wrap-Up-of-the-Open-Government-Brainstorming-Transparency/">summary</a> of part one -- a week-long brainstorming session -- and a bit more information on round two.

Digital Government

Agencies still working through GSA's social networking agreements

Some IT managers have yet to obtain permission to use Web sharing applications like YouTube and Add This despite federal licenses allowing it.

Digital Government

State Department promotes Internet diplomacy

But encouraging online interaction among individuals could pose policy challenges for Obama administration.

Digital Government

Obama's open government initiative thin on collaboration, critics say

A short comment period and little communication about process leave the public wondering if and how its voice will be heard, transparency advocates say.

Digital Government

Obama misses key elements in rolling back secrecy practices

Administration should consider policies on how to handle sensitive information when it is created and how it applies to electronic forms, records specialists say.

Ideas

Sotomayor Restricted FBI Gag on ISPs

Just this winter, Supreme Court pick Sonia Sotomayor was part of a unanimous court <a href="http://www.aclu.org/pdfs/safefree/doevmukasey_decision.pdf">decision</a> that limited the use of the 2001 Patriot Act to silence Internet service providers who are contacted by federal authorities for customer phone and Internet records.

Modernization

New media advocates see cracks in Obama's open government push

Anonymity, tight deadlines and poor layout of Web sites could cause the administration's push for public participation to fall flat.

Modernization

Administration looks to attract venture capital to gov contracting

Officials are reviewing the procurement process to encourage startup companies to pitch innovative ideas, says federal CTO.

Ideas

WhiteHouse.gov's Misplaced Speeches

As the Beltway transparency movement cheers on President Obama's <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/open/">open government initiative</a>, some Washington watchdogs say the arguably admirable feat overlooks important aspects of public disclosure.

Digital Government

Information services firms see potential business in derivatives market reporting

Companies say Treasury should require data in standard format to increase transparency and public access.

Digital Government

White House launches open government initiative

Administration kicks off Data.gov and proposes new design for Regulations.gov in bid to make government more transparent.

Ideas

Obama Opens O-Government

The day that recommendations for a more open government are due to the president, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) plans to file a <a href="http://www.federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2009-12026_PI.pdf">request</a> for public input, prompting questions galore.

Ideas

Congress and the CTO

Federal Chief Technology Officer nominee Aneesh Chopra garnered little attention from lawmakers examining his and other presidential appointments on Tuesday, raising the question: How important is the first-ever federal CTO?

Digital Government

Senators skim over open government during CTO confirmation hearing

Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee members say virtually nothing to nominee Aneesh Chopra during question-and-answer session.