FCW Insider: Jan. 23
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
The backlog of active security clearance investigations has dropped from a high of 750,000 to just over 231,000, according to William Evanina, the director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Evanina disclosed the new data in a closed hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on Jan. 22. Committee leaders were pleased with the results, but want to see ODNI push on continuous monitoring and other Trusted Workforce 2.0 initiatives. Adam Mazmanian has more.
The Army's zero-based budgeting approach turned up extra money for tech modernization, according to CIO Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford. Lauren C. Williams reports on the link between night court and the cloud.
The General Services Administration is pushing a new website, maturity model and other resources to guide agencies as they implement the 21st Century IDEA Act. Derek B. Johnson explains.
A Customs and Border Protection pilot project looks to nine e-commerce platforms and cargo companies for more detailed data on incoming small packages. Mark Rockwell takes a look.
Confirmation for political appointees in the Senate has lagged for two consecutive administrations, and the Partnership for Public Service has some ideas for picking up the pace. Get more from Lia Russell.
Quick Hits
*** The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board is looking to make life easier for feds who want to make up for lost time on their retirement accounts. A new rule proposed Jan. 23 would do away with requirement that that feds complete a separate form to document their catch-up election. Feds over the age of 50 are permitted to exceed the statutory maximum for retirement contributions thanks to a 2002 law.
*** The Department of Defense issued its first task order under the governmentwide Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions contract vehicle. The DOD Education Activity tapped CenturyLink for virtual private networking, internet, voice and video services for its 85 locations around the world. The task order is for one year with 12 option years and has a ceiling value of $75 million.
*** Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) is seeking information from Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos about allegations that his phone was the target of malicious cyber activity directed personally by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In a Jan. 22 letter, Wyden wants details on the software used in the alleged hack, details on the origins of the intrusion and any forensic investigations conducted at Bezos's direction.