Digital Government
Officials cite IT as key to monitoring the real-time spread of H1N1 flu
Lawmakers concerned about the Obama administration's ability to collect near instantaneous data on new infections and stress on clinics and doctors.
Digital Government
Government breaks new ground in Web site satisfaction
Analysts say the achievement has more to do with long-term improvements to sites than the Obama administration's focus on technology.
Ideas
O Gov Directive? Not This Month
While the administration had hoped to issue a long-awaited open government directive <a href="http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20091002_5291.php">before the end of the month</a>, sources close to the process expect that it will be out within the next couple weeks.
Digital Government
Government seeks to update paperwork rule
The administration will consider ideas on how to account for the rise of the Internet and social media in regulations intended to reduce administrative burdens on the public.
Ideas
Obama Launches Global Tech Fund
The White House on Friday invited private equity fund managers to <a href="http://www.opic.gov/investment-funds/calls-for-proposals/global-technology-innovation-fund/">submit proposals</a> for the establishment of a fund that will invest in technology access in countries with large Muslim populations.
Modernization
Official: Despite budget cuts, NASA to continue spending on IT
Key areas for the space agency include supercomputing and data mining, and integrated modeling techniques such as structural, optical and thermal simulations.
Digital Government
Outside Washington, Recovery.gov gets high marks for ease of use
Some have criticized the way the site, which tracks the stimulus spending, presents data, but others say it is understandable and they grasp what can be learned.
Modernization
Think tank makes high-tech suggestions for human rights movement
Center for American Progress recommends using federal funds on technology to help defend human rights abroad.
Ideas
Feds Offer 38,484 Budget Cuts
Federal employees conceived 38,484 ways to cut the federal budget during a month-long contest that ended last week, Office of Management and Budget officials said on Monday.
Ideas
Recovery.gov Enhances Downloads
The board overseeing stimulus spending has provided Internet users with a bulk download of all federal contract results, after transparency activists griped that Recovery.gov's data was hard to analyze. The new <a href="http://www.recovery.gov/FAQ/Pages/DLCenter.aspx">data set</a>, labeled "AllNationwideContracts.zip," is a single spreadsheet listing the status, location, funds awarded and jobs created for projects across all 50 states.
Cybersecurity
NASA systems and data vulnerable to hackers, malicious employees
Some centers did not always restrict access to sensitive files and information, putting space missions at risk, GAO reports.
Digital Government
Critics fault Recovery Board's first posting of stimulus data
While praising the effort, critics say it might be difficult for the public to find details on recipients, where job opportunities are and the progress of the economic program.
Digital Government
Data starts flowing in from recipients of Recovery Act funds
About 112,000 reports on stimulus spending have been submitted to the government.
Digital Government
Recovery board grants stimulus reporting extension
Panel pushes back deadline 10 days, but says posting of data on Recovery.gov will remain on schedule.
Digital Government
GAO: Treasury improves financial bailout program communications
But critics say the department doesn't show more important data such as how recipients have used the funds and how much the investments are worth.
Modernization
Cloud-based e-mail and archives for agencies sparks security concerns
Government officials say the advantages of outsourcing these data services outweigh the risks.
Digital Government
Critics: National Archives lax in records management enforcement
Some document specialists and open government advocates say agencies' challenges with storing and retrieving e-records are due to a lack of policing, not an absence of rules.
Ideas
Contractors Should 'Refrain' from 'Txts'
<em>The Federal Register</em> is out with an <a href="http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-24203.pdf">executive order</a>, first announced last week, that prohibits federal employees from text messaging while driving. It pressures companies with government business to "refrain" from distracted driving, too.
Digital Government
Agencies will be expected to measure transparency results
Open government strategies should include metrics based on input from employees, GSA official says.
Digital Government