Cybersecurity

FEMA still lags on IT coordination, watchdog says

The Department of Homeland Security's inspector general says FEMA has improved the way it handles IT projects since the last audit in 2011, but work remains.

Cybersecurity

DHS chief looks to Congress on visa waiver gaps

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson wants Congress to help close data gaps that some say could provide a backdoor entrance for terrorists.

Modernization

Supercomputers get help with Fortran

The National Labs are using a new tool to integrate the 1950s-era Fortran computer language into their supercomputing infrastructure.

Digital Government

FAA drones task force recommends online registration system

As promised, a Federal Aviation Administration task force released recommendations that include requiring the operators of privately owned unmanned aerial vehicles to register with the government.

Cybersecurity

Christina Prat

Christina Prat's management helps Border Patrol agents get the data they need quickly and accurately to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

People

Mark Naggar

Mark Naggar's innovative approach to acquisition at the Department of Health and Human Services has touched off a reform effort that is spreading to other agencies.

Modernization

Michael H. Brody

Michael Brody has a unique ability to reconcile mission needs with privacy protections, which requires close collaboration with DHS' many independent-minded components.

Cybersecurity

Akosua Ali

Akosua Ali ironed out complex acquisition issues and found millions of dollars in unused funds at DHS.

People

TSA seeks free outside help with social media pilot

TSA is looking for an unpaid, short-term industry expert to help test a social media service that would respond to air travelers questions in real time.

Cybersecurity

DHS wants large-crowd simulator

Officials have announced their intention to engage in a sole-source procurement of Regal Evac, which simulates and evaluates evacuation plans.

Modernization

Critical infrastructure regulators need to improve cyber metrics

According to a recent Government Accountability Office study, sector-specific agencies need to do a better job of measuring cyber risks to private-sector critical infrastructure.

Modernization

GAO nixes Peace Corps' email plans

Auditors ruling on a bid protest could bring clarity to how follow-on contracts should be handled.

Acquisition

Sun could be setting on DUNS

Open-government advocates have long criticized the reliance on the proprietary DUNS identifier in federal contracting, and it appears that some agencies are listening.

Digital Government

Body cameras not ready for prime time at CBP

A report from Customs and Border Protection found several key barriers to equipping agents with body-worn cameras, including IT infrastructure and support.

Digital Government

Warner: Visa waiver data troubling in light of Paris attacks

A reciprocal travel program with 38 participating countries allows for visa-free visits, but a key U.S. senator warns of troubling gaps in the security data.

People

Clock ticking on FITARA implementation

There's much to do in a short amount of time to make the IT reforms in FITARA work, leaders say.

Cybersecurity

Paris attacks revive 'going dark' concerns

The terrorist attacks in Paris have rekindled a debate in the United States about law enforcement access to end-to-end encryption on mobile devices.

Digital Government

Commerce hires first chief data scientist

Jeffrey Chen is helping to spin up a new data service at the Commerce Department.

Modernization

IBM adds resellers to its federal cloud portfolio

The vendor has added partners with federal IT experience to help government clients migrate systems to the cloud.

Modernization

Hurd: Feds' cloud security concerns are overblown

Agencies wary of moving to the cloud should look to the CIA's example, congressman says. And "server-huggers will have an uncomfortable time" in front of Congress.