FCW Insider: July 30
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
With furloughs looming, union pleads for deal on USCIS funding
The immigration agency is seeking $1.2 billion to keep employees working through an anticipated financial shortfall it links to the pandemic.
Senate Dems join push for $1B TMF boost
A group of Democratic senators are asking top appropriators to include a sixfold increase to an IT modernization revolving fund in the next round of pandemic relief and stimulus legislation.
Researchers disclose widespread bootloader vulnerability
New research from Eclypsium details a simple buffer overflow bug that could impact billions of devices using Linux and Windows operating systems.
Could a new academy solve the AI talent problem?
The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence is recommending a new academy to train feds to take on federal agency jobs involving emerging technologies including AI.
DHS seeks permanent flexible acquisition authorities
Temporary acquisition authorities that aid the Department of Homeland Security in getting innovative commercial technologies and goods in response to the COVID-19 crisis should be lasting tools in the department's acquisition toolbox, the agency's top acquisition official told a Senate panel.
Quick Hits
*** The Inspector General of the Small Business Administration is warning about "serious concerns" about fraud in the administration of a $373 billion loan program set up to support firms during the pandemic. Some instances of fraud include reports of identity theft and efforts to transfer SBA loans to overseas accounts.
*** In a move to plug leaks to the press and to the public, the Defense Department is reminding employees not to disclose non-public information. In a July 20 memo to all DOD personnel, Secretary Mark Esper said that unclassified government information is considered non-public until approved for release. Esper ordered all personnel to take online training courses on OPSEC awareness, unauthorized disclosure of classified information, insider threat awareness and information security within 60 days.
"Unauthorized disclosures, regardless of purpose or intent, can result in adverse personnel action, including unsatisfactory performance evaluations, records of formal counseling, the loss of security clearances or termination of employment, or even criminal prosecutions," the memo states.