FCW Insider: Sept. 28

CMMC clears key regulatory hurdle

The White House approved an interim rule to mandate defense contractors prove they adhere to existing cybersecurity standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Bipartisan bill looks to claw back executive power over telecom

World War II-era legislation, meant to counter radio transmissions to the enemy in wartime, now gives the president 'kill-switch' authority over the internet and telecommunications.

DHS watchdog weighs in on 2019 biometrics leak

Customs and Border Protection didn't adequately safeguard data that eventually leaked by subcontractor, a recent Inspector General report states.

Quick Hits

*** William Perry Pendley has served unlawfully for well over a year as acting director of the Bureau of Land Management, a federal court ruled on Sept. 25. The decision bans Pendley from continuing to act as agency head. "Only the Secretary of the Interior can perform functions or duties of the BLM Director," Judge Brian Morris of the U.S. District Court in Great Falls, Montana wrote in his decision. The question remains what decisions Pendley's made as agency head will be undone as a result of the ruling.

*** NASA has released the final solicitation for its $1.5 billion Advanced Enterprise Global Information Technology IT Solutions contract. Read more in Washington Technology.

*** The U.S. Coast Guard is looking to field handheld translators to communicate with vessel operators and passengers during maritime rescues. GCN has more.