FCW Insider: Aug. 3, 2021
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
New report details America's water infrastructure cyber vulnerabilities
Water utilities across the country are plagued by a lack of cybersecurity funding and qualified personnel, a ThreatLocker report warns. The $1 trillion infrastructure bill moving in the Senate includes several measures designed to prioritize the cybersecurity of the water supply.
DOD could face $4 billion in pandemic reimbursement payments for contractors
According to a GAO report, the Defense Department may have $4 billion in eligible reimbursements for contractors under the CARES Act.
Bipartisan bill looks to get acquisition workforce on board with AI
The leaders of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee are looking to get the federal workforce – particularly program managers and acquisition specialists – on board with artificial intelligence.
Public libraries and government innovation
Steve Kelman notes an example of government reinvention at the very local level.
Quick Hits
*** The infrastructure bill currently under consideration in the Senate includes $1 billion for state and local cybersecurity grants over four years to be administered by the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agency. The legislation also includes $21 million to get the National Cyber Director office off the ground, a $100 million cyber response and recovery fund, $35 million for CISA's critical infrastructure capabilities and $157 million for cyber research and development to be managed by the Science & Technology Directorate at the Department of Homeland Security. The bill is expected to be amended with potentially more tech items added to the mix before a final vote.
*** The National Archives and Records Administration is now accepting comments on a draft strategic plan covering fiscal years 2022-2026. In the plan, the agency projects that by 2026, "NARA will provide policy, requirements, and oversight to support a transparent, inclusive and fully digital government."
*** The Commerce Department is using bots to cut the time it takes employees to correct inaccurate forms and process records from hours to minutes – a game-changer that's giving employees in the Enterprise Services Division time to focus on more complicated customer service tasks, the agency says. GCN has more on this story.