Modernization
Bill Would Force Agencies to Honor FedRAMP Authorizations
The FedRAMP Reform Act would codify the program, as well as the “authorize once, use many” mantra.
Cybersecurity
Here’s How to Really Make Cabinet Secretaries Responsible for Cybersecurity
The president and OMB director should pester Cabinet officials about cybersecurity regularly, a former official says.
Policy
White House Chides Senate For Not Funding Modernization Fund
The administration says the Senate version of the Financial Services and General Government spending bill is too high but doesn’t cover priorities.
Policy
NDAA Conference: Congress Spares DISA, Bans Chinese Firms and Orders JEDI Review
Congress packed a lot of tech and cyber changes in the NDAA.
Cybersecurity
Homeland Security Committee Forwards Bill to Prevent the Next Kaspersky
The committee also forwarded legislation to codify Homeland Security’s CDM program.
Modernization
White House Seeks Input on Reskilling Feds and Upgrading Agency Services
As part of its government reorganization, the administration wants advice on how to establish the tech-focused GEAR Center.
Digital Government
China Won and America Lost on ZTE, but Our Offensive Cyber is Super Awesome
Lawmakers also introduced bills to protect against drones and make sure you get texts about incoming missiles in this week’s bill watch.
Cybersecurity
Trump Administration Plans National Cyber Risk Management Initiative
The effort will include the Homeland Security, Treasury and Energy departments along with smaller sector-specific agencies.
Policy
Software Companies Push Senate to Weaken Lowest Price Contracting Rule
Making agencies prioritize the lowest price is leading to poor contracting choices, a software trade group says.
Cybersecurity
Government’s Cyber Monitoring Program Would Become Law Under House Bill
The bill also aims to prevent agencies from getting stuck with outdated technology.
Digital Government
Here’s What Treasury’s Data Lab Found in 10 Years of Federal Contracting Data
Year after year, 6 to 8 percent of contract spending is obligated in the final week of the fiscal year.
Policy
Bill to Block Feds' Personal Email, Social Media Access Advances
The bill would authorize agency leaders to block any website for cybersecurity reasons without negotiating with unions.
Cybersecurity
Government’s Kaspersky Ban Takes Effect
Pentagon, GSA and NASA contracts will now officially prohibit Kaspersky software.
Policy
White House Lays Groundwork for Improving Government Customer Experience
The Office of Management and Budget’s new Circular A-11 provides guidance to federal agencies in establishing customer experience frameworks.
Cybersecurity
4 Big Ideas in the DNC Hacking Indictments
The indictments show how complicated spear-phishing really is.
Modernization
VA Creates Special Office to Direct $16B Health Record Overhaul
The House Veterans Affairs Committee also unveiled the lawmakers who will track the project from its new subcommittee.
Cybersecurity
The Chinese Government Likely Knew about Spectre and Meltdown Bugs Before the U.S.
Fixing hardware and software vulnerabilities requires global information sharing—and that includes U.S. cyber adversaries.
Artificial Intelligence
U.S. Needs a National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, Lawmakers and Experts Say
The government is well-positioned to flag specific research areas that would have the biggest impact on national interests.
Emerging Tech
Defense Security Service Is Trying to Overhaul the Entire Security Clearance Process
And it turned to an alternative contracting method to find nontraditional background check companies and ideas.
Cybersecurity