Digital Government
Nine Major Takeaways From the Omnibus and Coronavirus Relief Packages
Funding boosts and hiring pushes are coming for many federal agencies.
Cybersecurity
Biden Disputes Trump’s Claim that Hack is Under Control
The president-elect called for an official attribution to Russia but said a damage assessment is necessary before discussing the appropriate response.
Emerging Tech
CBP Should Halt Expansion of the Biometric Entry-Exit Program, Many Commenters Write
Advocacy groups and the City of Portland wrote the Homeland Security Department urging a full stop on expanding the use of facial recognition technologies.
Modernization
CISA Releases Draft Use Case For Securing Remote, Mobile and Teleworking Connections
The cybersecurity agency wants feedback on how to secure remote users under the Trusted Internet Connection 3 policy.
Modernization
No Failures in Latest FITARA Scorecard But 5 Agencies Slip
In a first, every agency got an A on at least one metric. But a new column on telecom transition brought several agencies down.
Policy
Spending Agreement Would Allow 1% Pay Raise, Fails to Ban Schedule F
Provision in the fiscal 2021 omnibus appropriations bill would give feds until the end of next year to repay payroll taxes deferred by the Trump administration from September through December.
Cybersecurity
Massive Hack Roundup: Attorney General Pins Intrusion on Russia
Here are the news and updates you may have missed.
Emerging Tech
Two Years into the Government’s National Quantum Initiative
An Office of Science and Technology Policy official offered a look back on what’s unfolded—and a glimpse into what’s to come.
Digital Government
VA to Begin COVID-19 Vaccinations at 128 More Sites
The Veterans Affairs Secretary said the approval of a second vaccine allows the department to inoculate more health care providers and veterans.
Cybersecurity
Trump Officials Deliver Plan to Split Up Cyber Command, NSA
An end to the “dual hat” arrangement has been debated for years — but the timing raises questions. The plan requires Milley's certification to move ahead.
Digital Government
OPM Proposes Prioritizing Job Performance Over Tenure in Layoffs
Officials at the Office of Personnel Management are seeking to finalize a provision of President Trump’s controversial workforce executive orders before he leaves office.
Digital Government
Tech Industry Group Recommends Biden Admin Reimagine How Government Does IT
The Alliance for Digital Innovation unveiled a series of legislative and policy proposals for President-elect Joe Biden to consider.
Emerging Tech
The Evolution of Public Health
Driven by a global pandemic, federal agencies stepped up with new strategies and embraced new technical capabilities to combat the coronavirus and meet their missions.
Cybersecurity
Amid Massive Hack, Lawmakers Urge Trump to Sign Defense Bill with New Cybersecurity Legislation
As the government scrambles to understand the widening compromise, legislation to shore up the nation’s cyber defenses sits unsigned on the President’s desk.
Cybersecurity
DIU, CISA Team Up to Coordinate Cybersecurity Tech Investments
The Defense and Homeland Security departments agreed to develop cybersecurity technologies for national security applications together.
Cybersecurity
House Committees Launch Investigation into Alleged Russian Hack of Federal Agencies
President-elect Joe Biden also promised to elevate cybersecurity “as an imperative” across government.
Digital Government
With Negotiations Ongoing, Lawmakers Say Yet Another Stopgap Bill ‘Highly Likely’ to Avert Shutdown
Congress is ironing out coronavirus relief funds in conjunction with a government funding package as the Friday deadline looms.
Digital Government
Inauguration a Holiday for D.C.-Area Feds, Even Those Teleworking Due to COVID-19
The quadrennial bonus day off will still apply to capital region feds in 2021 even though many are not commuting to the office.
Cybersecurity
CISA: SolarWinds Is Not the Only Way Hackers Got Into Networks
The agency also warned that getting attackers out of networks will be complex—especially because they are monitoring IT and cybersecurity employees’ emails.
Policy