Author Archive
IT Modernization
Agencies Off-Pace to Switch to New Telecom Contract Before Cutoff Date, GAO Says
The latest FITARA scorecard showed what percentage of operations have moved off old infrastructure contracts—and the numbers aren’t good.
CIO Briefing
Bill Calls for ‘Mile-by-Mile’ Assessment of Tech Needs at the Southern Border
Rep. Xochitl Small Torres on Wednesday introduced the Southwest Border Security Technology Improvement Act in the House, a bipartisan bill that’s already moving through the Senate.
CIO Briefing
Report Recommends Doubling Federal Funding for AI Research
A new report from Reps. Will Hurd, R-Texas, and Robin Kelly, D-Ill., calls for increased funding and stronger federal leadership on artificial intelligence development.
Cybersecurity
Using Automated Security Protocols Reduce the Cost of Data Breaches, Report Says
U.S. agencies lead in adopting security automation and orchestration, an expert said.
Policy
Democratic Senators Join Industry Groups in Calls to Extend CARES Act Funding Authority for Contractors
Industry groups are asking for an extension for the authority to reimburse defense contractors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
IT Modernization
5 Ways the FITARA Scorecard May Evolve
Ten scorecards later, lawmakers and experts are looking for new ways to update the metrics on which agencies are graded.
IT Modernization
Most Agencies Are C-Students on 10th FITARA Scorecard
The latest FITARA scorecard marked a milestone since the first report in 2015—no agency received a D or an F grade. But fewer agencies improved grades this time around.
IT Modernization
USDA Unveils Fresh Round of Farmers.gov Updates
New features on the Farmers.gov portal include a dashboard to help farmers track H-2A related application decisions in real time.
Data
National Data Service Should be Created Within the National Science Foundation, Data Foundation Says
The service could serve a central point for agencies—and state governments—to share data.
Emerging Tech
Facial Recognition Algorithms Struggle to Detect Faces Under Masks, NIST Study Finds
A new study from the National Institute of Standards and Technology found facial recognition algorithms developed pre-pandemic struggle to identify masked faces.
CIO Briefing
HUD IG Warns Agencies to Watch Out for Bidding Fraud
Procurement officials should be on alert for anticompetitive bidding scheme and possible collusion, the agency’s inspector general says.
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Cybersecurity
DISA to Release Zero-Trust Model This Year
Vice Adm. Nancy Norton said the Defense Department must take a data-centric approach to protecting its networks.
Data
Contact Tracing Demonstrates Need for National Privacy Laws, Lawmaker Says
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers said the technology being developed to aid the fight against coronavirus proves the need for a standardized privacy framework.
Emerging Tech
4 Senators Introduce Bill with New Tools to Compete Against China
The bill includes major tech proposals, calling for more investment and closer partnerships with allies.
Emerging Tech
Pentagon Seeks New Means for Detecting Underground Nuclear Tests
The Air Force put out a request for information regarding how to improve detection capabilities.
Data
Senate Voices Privacy Concerns Over Contact Tracing
Experts were gathered in front of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection to testify on scams. But data privacy concerns bubbled over.
Cybersecurity
Two Chinese Nationals Indicted for Stealing Trade Secrets, Coronavirus Research
Federal prosecutors allege the pair hacked into corporations and research institutions on behalf of the Chinese government.
IT Modernization
Preliminary FITARA Scores Look Good, Lawmaker Says
FITARA scores are not finalized but Rep. Gerry Connolly says no agency will receive a D or an F on upcoming scorecard.
IT Modernization
Lawmakers Push to Make Telehealth Options Permanent
Early data shows patients quickly embraced telemedicine options agencies expanded during the coronavirus pandemic.
CIO Briefing