The Buzz Factor

1. Government reopens while feds talk telework in aftermath of blizzard

Summary: A lot of the federal employees forced to stay home during the heavy snows in mid-February tried to stay productive with telework, but they had only partial success.

Outlook: In addition to breaking records for snowfall in Washington, the three blizzards of winter 2009-2010 provided an unprecedented chance to test telework. But can agencies overcome the stumbling blocks that this trial run revealed?

2. 2010 Federal 100 award winners announced

Summary: The latest list continues a long FCW tradition of recognizing outstanding work in government information technology.

Outlook: Federal 100 winners tend to be overachievers, so watch for more accomplishments from them.

3. Cyber threat growing at unprecedented rate, intell chief says

Summary: The bad guys might be winning.

Outlook: Emerging threats demand technology and policy changes, and agencies better move fast.

4. Feds brace for another storm

Summary: Tiring of major snowfalls, the government prepared for another.

Outlook: Although a thaw might be in the offing, feds have learned a few lessons about dealing with severe weather.

5. Google attacks: A wake-up call or curtain call for agencies?

Summary: The cyberattacks that targeted Google and other companies should worry civilian agencies, too.

Outlook: Advanced persistence threat perpetrators take hacking to a new level of sophistication.

6. Navy cyber command sets sail

Summary: The Fleet Cyber Command, with Vice Adm. Bernard McCullough at the helm, will lead the Navy's charge against cyberthreats.

Outlook: The Army will soon have its own cyber command, making it the last of the four military branches to add that capability. The question is: Will centralizing operations really improve cybersecurity?

7. Meyerrose: Takai would be qualified for Defense CIO post

Summary: California CIO Teri Takai, Obama's nominee to lead the Defense Department's IT efforts, has no military experience, but supporters say that might prove to be an asset.

Outlook: She still awaits Senate confirmation, which is no cakewalk these days. But Takai's opening weeks on the job should indicate how far and fast she can move.

8. DHS gets new intell chief

Summary: The Senate confirmed Caryn Wagner to be the Homeland Security Department's undersecretary for intelligence and analysis.

Outlook: Wagner will lead the office that oversees the new Joint Fusion Center Program Management Office, one of the agency's most prominent intelligence programs.