FCW Insider: June 18, 2021

Feds to get Juneteenth off as a federal holiday, starting Friday

The passage of a law to commemorate Juneteenth as a federal holiday earlier this week will give many federal employees an unexpected day off on Friday.

Survey: Many water utilities lack data on IT, OT assets

The new survey data from an information sharing and analysis center was published on the same day a news outlet reported a water treatment facility in California was easily breached by an individual who possessed a former employee's credentials.

New bill looks to ramp up penalties for ransomware crooks

Three senators are aiming to pass new legislation that expands DOJ's power to go after botnets and stiffen penalties for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure by adding it to the upcoming infrastructure bill.

Quick Hits

*** The General Services Administration made awards on Thursday to 426 vendors to the small business contract 8(a) STARS III, which focuses on small business information technology contracting. The contract, now in its fourth iteration, has a ceiling value of $50 billion. GSA expects to name more vendors to STARS III later this year. Get more on this story from Washington Technology.

*** Chris Inglis was confirmed to take on the post of National Cyber Director on a voice vote in the Senate on Thursday.

*** We're saying goodbye to our cybersecurity reporter Justin Katz, who is returning to the defense beat to cover the Navy and Marine Corps for Breaking Defense. We wish Justin well and we're also looking for a new reporter to take on the government cybersecurity beat at FCW.