Author Archive
Frank Konkel
Executive Editor, Nextgov

Frank Konkel is Nextgov’s executive editor. He writes about the intersection of government and technology. Frank began covering tech in 2013 upon moving to the Washington, D.C., area after getting his start in journalism working at local and state issues at daily newspapers in his home state of Michigan. Frank was born and raised on a dairy farm and graduated from Michigan State University.
IT Modernization
IRS Commissioner Calls for Multiyear Funding to Help Recoup Potential $1T Tax Gap
Charles Rettig told senators the agency needs increased resources to address aging tech systems and years of personnel cuts.
- By Frank Konkel
CIO Briefing
Commerce Awards $29M in Coronavirus-Related Innovation Grants
The projects address economic, health and safety risks caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
- By Frank Konkel
Policy
Jobs Plan Is Part of Competing with China, Commerce Secretary Says
Gina Raimondo said President Biden’s $2 trillion infrastructure proposal will be key in out-competing China.
- By Frank Konkel
Data
Nuclear Agency Awards Palantir $90M Contract for Data Platform
The contract is Palantir’s first at the National Nuclear Security Administration.
- By Frank Konkel
IT Modernization
Indian Health Service Wants IT Strategic Planning Help from Industry
The strategic plan will be core to the agency’s modernization efforts.
- By Frank Konkel
CIO Briefing
Telework Works and Other Workforce Lessons Census Learned During the Pandemic
The U.S. Census Bureau’s customer experience chief encouraged agencies to embrace small gains.
- By Frank Konkel
CIO Briefing
OMB Restores Agency CX Guidance Eliminated Under Trump
The guidance had been eliminated by the Trump administration during the lame-duck session in late December.
- By Frank Konkel
Emerging Tech
Survey: Pandemic Accelerating AI Adoption
Multiple drivers are pushing federal agencies and industry toward AI technologies.
- By Frank Konkel
Data
Senate Bill Would Force Companies to Safeguard Consumer Data
The bill outlines “reasonable” duties of care, loyalty and confidentiality for companies to follow or face fines.
- By Frank Konkel
CIO Briefing
Survey: Nearly 1 in 4 Consumers Distrust Government COVID Data
The survey also showed significant levels of distrust in some emerging technologies.
- By Frank Konkel
Policy
Bipartisan Bill Would Hold Tech Companies Responsible for Moderating Content
The legislation would make changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
- By Frank Konkel
Policy
Consumer Privacy Bill Would Set National Data Privacy Standard
The legislation would require companies to write their privacy policies in plain English.
- By Frank Konkel
CIO Briefing
COVID Relief Bill Boosts CISA, GSA and Digital Service Funding
Breaking down the tech funding in the American Rescue Act.
- By Frank Konkel
CIO Briefing
Biden’s Latest Tech Appointments
President Biden tapped former IARPA Director Jason Matheny for roles on the National Security Council and White House OSTP.
- By Frank Konkel
CIO Briefing
9 Government Tech Trends That Mattered in 2020
The federal government turned to technology during an unprecedented 2020 marked by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- By Frank Konkel
IT Modernization
TTS Aims to Help Rebuild the Public’s Trust of Government
The tech group's director said each time an individual interacts with the government is an opportunity.
- By Frank Konkel
Cybersecurity
FBI Director Says Extremists Flocking to Encrypted Apps Poses New Challenges
Christopher Wray told lawmakers tech companies are the ones making policies about encryption.
- By Frank Konkel
IT Modernization
Draft Senate COVID Relief Bill Includes $1B for Technology Modernization Fund
The fund gets a second chance at a boost after a $9 billion proposal didn’t make it to the House-passed bill.
- By Frank Konkel
CIO Briefing
IG: ‘Tens of Billions’ in Fraudulent Unemployment Claims in 2020
A Labor Department Inspector General memo suggests a massive uptick in fraudulent unemployment claims brought on by COVID-19.
- By Frank Konkel
CIO Briefing
Tech Among Top Priorities for Biden’s CIA Director Pick
William Burns also said he’d look to build morale at the agency in part by speaking “truth to power.”
- By Frank Konkel