People
Census encourages other agencies to share data collection system
Allowing online responses to the American Community Survey will improve data collection while reducing costs, and other agencies can use the underlying technology for their own purposes.
Acquisition
Agencies adjust contracting approach for coming fiscal clampdown
As contractors brace for the impact of budget cuts, agencies also must recalibrate their expectations.
Digital Government
Forecast: Big data still big kahuna in 2030
Big data and other technologies are likely to continue to expand in influence in coming years, but fears of a surveillance state could play a limiting factor, according to the National Intelligence Council.
Digital Government
Calls to overhaul classification system grow louder
The system for restricting public access to government information is unsuited for the modern age, and prone to both overuse and compromise, say experts. Now, a congressional advisory panel is calling on President Obama to lead an update effort.
People
Air Force assigns general to new Cyber Command role
Brig. Gen. Sheila Zuehlke was nominated for appointment to the rank of major general and assigned as mobilization assistant to the commander of U.S. Cyber Command. Her appointment was one of three recent Air Force personnel moves.
Cybersecurity
Can an executive order protect against a 'cyber Pearl Harbor?'
A draft executive order on cybersecurity eliminates the mandates on the private sector that had been a sticking point in the failed attempt to pass legislation, insiders say.
Digital Government
DOD begins planning for fiscal cliff
OMB provides guidance on planning for the drastic spending cuts that may be coming soon.
Digital Government
Defense CEOs brace for fiscal cliff
Sudden drop or gradual slope? Defense firm CEOs, resigned to declines in their business, fear the outcome of drastic budget cuts.
Cybersecurity
Air Force CIO lays out plan for cyber advance
Training and technologies are part of the road ahead for military cyber defense, Basla says.
Cybersecurity
Can the next Congress get up to speed on cyber legislation?
Experts suggest that education will be critical for new legislators -- and for many of their more-experienced colleagues as well.
Digital Government
As fiscal cliff nears, is no news good news?
Insiders say the spotlight could make compromise harder. "I think the fact that you're not hearing any details is good," one senator said.
Cybersecurity
Who's leading on critical infrastructure?
In the absence of cybersecurity legislation, officials point to the Energy Department's public-private collaboration as a model.
Cybersecurity
Serious gaps remain between cyber concerns, investments
New survey finds agencies and businesses are adjusting slowly to the realities of cloud and mobile.
People
Navy makes intell, cyber personnel moves
The National Maritime Intelligence Center and Office of Naval Intelligence get a new leader.
Cybersecurity
Latest cybersecurity bill failure returns focus to executive order
Officials say legislation is still necessary to fully address cyber threats, but the failure of Congress to pass a bill in its lame-duck session makes White House action more likely.
Cybersecurity
All talk and no action (so far) on cyber threats
The heat is on lawmakers to take action on cybersecurity, and federal officials such as Gen. Keith Alexander warn that keeping cyber policy on ice amid political wrangling will continue to be a costly gamble.
People
Election's end revives hope for cybersecurity action
With uncertainty about the presidency settled, attention turns again to the chances of legislation or an executive order to address cyber threats.
People
Lessons in agency transformation from the battlefield
The military's rich history holds countless lessons that can help agencies move toward excellence. Example: More people should get fired.
People
Retroactive repeal of sequestration possible -- but risky
The effects of sequestration could be mitigated if the president and Congress continue trying to repeal it next year, but it would be a gamble, analysis suggests.
Cybersecurity