Cybersecurity

White House to Seek Industry Input on New Software Security Rules, NSC Official Says

The administration wants to make sure the private sector has the ability to weigh in on procurement standards in an impending executive order.

Policy

Jobs Plan Is Part of Competing with China, Commerce Secretary Says

Gina Raimondo said President Biden’s $2 trillion infrastructure proposal will be key in out-competing China.

Cybersecurity

Experts Torn on Role of National Cyber Director

Former officials agree someone needs to coordinate the work of various government entities but weighed pros and cons to the position being located within the National Security Council.

Cybersecurity

DOD’s Cybersecurity Accreditation Body Open to Pursuing Grants as a Nonprofit 

Once the organization gains non-profit status from the IRS, the board’s chairman sees new funding opportunities opening up that he says could benefit industry.

Cybersecurity

Top Homeland Security Senators Want Details on Agencies Hit in SolarWinds, Microsoft Intrusions

Sens. Gary Peters and Rob Portman also request more information on key defensive programs and federal cyber leadership.

Modernization

DOD Workforce Wants to Keep Telework Going Despite Early Hiccups

A Defense Department Inspector General report surveyed more than 56,000 employees about telework during the pandemic.

Ideas

You Can Fly! CDC Says Fully Vaccinated People Can Travel Safely within the U.S.

Travelers should continue to wear a mask and maintain social distance.

Workforce

Officials Aim to Diversify the U.S. Quantum Workforce Early On

As experts unleash efforts to attract the future workforce, they are also being deliberate about ensuring the budding field is inclusive from the start.

Emerging Tech

FCC to Consider Proposal Enabling Spectrum for Commercial Space Launches

Companies currently are approved on an ad-hoc basis to share the federal spectrum during specific operations. 

Cybersecurity

DOD Concludes Review of First CMMC Certification Organization

The Accreditation Body in charge of the department’s developing certification program also has a notable new leader as others take their leave.

Modernization

Why the Army Elevated Its Enterprise Cloud Office to Agency Status

Director Paul Puckett explained the move is a recognition that cloud computing is not a temporary project.

Digital Government

Telework Works and Other Workforce Lessons Census Learned During the Pandemic

The U.S. Census Bureau’s customer experience chief encouraged agencies to embrace small gains.

Digital Government

Biden Infrastructure Plan Includes Billions for Federal Buildings and Research

The American Jobs Plan proposes spending a small chunk of the $2 trillion on improving federal office buildings and hospitals.

Cybersecurity

CISA Orders Agencies to Conduct Fresh Scans of Microsoft Exchange Servers

The agency issued supplemental guidance requiring new tests with Microsoft-provided tools and measures to harden the attractive target.

Modernization

GAO Dismisses IBM Bid Protest on $729 Million Task Order

The decision comes after the Army undertook multiple corrective action periods to address concerns mostly related to mapping of government personnel.