Cybersecurity

CBP job applicants sign up for text messages

SMS messages can make the federal job application process less frustrating by providing immediate updates and reminders, Border Patrol says.

People

Groups fear 'overcorrection' on vendor interaction

Letter from industry groups to the FAS commissioner warns that inspector general report could 'have a chilling effect' on managers' role in GSA Schedules.

Digital Government

NIST readies new standards for biometric ID cards

Technical guidance for iris recognition -- something lawmakers have demanded for more than a year -- to be released in July.

Acquisition

Purchase agreements to profit small biz

Two new GSA BPAs are designed to create opportunities for small firms teamed with bigger partners.

Cybersecurity

USCIS inconsistent in database use, IG says

The agency tasked with monitoring immigration may be compromising efforts to detect fraudulent applications for benefits.

People

Tangherlini nomination goes to full Senate

GSA's acting administrator has just one hurdle left before getting the job on a permanent basis.

People

Joanie Newhart: Building teams that can buy smarter

As the Obama administration's point person for federal procurement reform, Newhart is charged with making sure the government has the best possible workers on the front lines of government acquisition.

Acquisition

Bill seeks limits on contractor executive reimbursements

A new bill would tie contractor salary reimbursements to the vice president's salary, a proposal that raises the ire of some contractor advocates.

Digital Government

DARPA contest seeks better use of crowded spectrum

Divided into two tracks to test competition and collaboration, DARPA's Spectrum Challenge is heading for September semi-finals.

Acquisition

Would capping contractor salary reimbursements make a difference?

GAO report says few small firms would be affected; industry warns the study relies on a 'minuscule' sample size.

Digital Government

Congress demands progress on advanced ID cards

Twelve years after a presidential directive called for identification cards incorporating biometrics, federal efforts have lagged.

Acquisition

Bid protest problems overblown, says former OFPP head

Dan Gordon's study shows that protests are less frequent, more beneficial than critics claim.

People

Senators press on reform at Tangherlini's confirmation hearing

Vote set for next week on acting GSA administrator's nomination to take the role permanently.

Cybersecurity

DHS seeking industry input on next-gen IT

Department's science and technology arm ready to share information about research priorities.

People

Acquisition community applauds Rung's new role

Chief acquisition officer brings a wealth of experience to her new position as head of governmentwide policy.

Digital Government

Livermore has petaflops to share

One of the Energy Department's national laboratories is offering space in its supercomputer to industry and academia.

Digital Government

Davis to feds: Don't dodge the big decisions

Former congressman joins FAS' Davie to discuss IT and budget challenges for agency IT managers.

People

Did the GSA IG put communications at risk?

A reader opines on whether an inspector general's report about meddling managers could harm OFPP's 'Myth-Busting' campaign.

Cybersecurity

Past surveillance programs could predict Prism's path

Remember Clipper Chip? Carnivore? The current debate over domestic monitoring isn't the first such controversy.

Digital Government

The art and science of data

Using big data well takes creativity and an understanding of the goals.