Author Archive

Frank Konkel

Executive Editor, Nextgov

Frank Konkel
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.
Cybersecurity

Federal Cyber Reskilling Academy Announces Second Class

The second class will be open to all feds, not just those who do not work in IT.

  • By Frank Konkel
IT Modernization

IRS Details Six-Year Modernization Plan

The plan will cost somewhere around $2.5 billion.

  • By Frank Konkel
Emerging Tech

Microsoft Unveils Two Secret Data Centers Built for Classified Government Data

Microsoft is building data centers and expanding security capabilities to compete with Amazon to host sensitive government data.

  • By Frank Konkel
IT Modernization

IRS’ Plan to Modernize Old Tech Will Cost About $2.5 Billion

The agency is seeking $290 million this year as part of a six-year modernization plan.

  • By Frank Konkel
IT Modernization

Pentagon Says No JEDI Conflict, Narrows Field to AWS and Microsoft

The Pentagon’s Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure cloud contract could be awarded by mid-July.

  • By Frank Konkel
IT Modernization

CIA Considering Cloud Contract Worth ‘Tens of Billions’

The agency is hungry for more commercial cloud.

  • By Frank Konkel
Emerging Tech

Scientists Predict Weak Sun Activity During Next Solar Cycle

Low solar activity should mean relatively calm space weather for the next 11 years.

  • By Frank Konkel
Emerging Tech

How Customer Experience is Disrupting Government Technology

Better service delivery is changing the way implementers and users view technology.

  • By Frank Konkel
Cybersecurity

Senate Bill Promises Retaliation If Russia Again Meddles in Elections

The bill would force the U.S. to sanction Russian industries.

  • By Frank Konkel
Data

Survey: Four in Five Industry Tech Execs Favor Federal Privacy Law

Corporate America’s top tech officials favor a privacy law even if they aren’t sure how to adhere to it.

  • By Frank Konkel
IT Modernization

After CIO No-Show, Congress Not Confident in VA’s IT Shop

The Veterans Affairs Department earned no goodwill when it declined to testify before a House Veterans’ Affairs subcommittee.

  • By Frank Konkel
CIO Briefing

To Provide the Best Customer Experience, Be Proactive

"Be where your customers are" and other helpful tips from customer experience professionals.

  • By Frank Konkel
IT Modernization

Without JEDI, Pentagon’s Artificial Intelligence Efforts May Be Hindered

The Pentagon won’t be able to maximize artificial intelligence’s true capabilities without an enterprise cloud solution, something it’s currently trying to contract out.

  • By Frank Konkel
IT Modernization

Analysts: Pentagon’s Multibillion-Dollar DEOS Contract is Guaranteed for Microsoft

The entire department will be required to adopt whatever platform wins.

  • By Frank Konkel
IT Modernization

Destroyed Notes and a Nondisclosure Agreement Gum Up an EPA Cloud Security Assessment

A routine EPA Office of Inspector General security audit has taken a weird turn.

  • By Frank Konkel
IT Modernization

Another Defense Agency Migrates Data to Amazon Cloud

The Defense Health Agency joins a growing list of defense agencies moving their data to the commercial cloud.

  • By Frank Konkel
IT Modernization

GSA Releases Technology Business Management Playbook

After several months of development, the General Services Administration and the Education Department share what they learned by implementing TBM.

  • By Frank Konkel
CIO Briefing

CIA Announces New Chief Information Officer

She’ll start in her new role April 1.

  • By Frank Konkel
CIO Briefing

IT Spending Holds Steady in Trump’s Budget

Civilian agencies would get more and the Defense Department less in the president’s budget proposal.

  • By Frank Konkel
CIO Briefing

House Lawmakers Join Push for Federal Contractor Back Pay

After a push from senators, 48 House members urged the House Appropriations Committee to include back pay for federal contractors in funding legislation.

  • By Frank Konkel