Digital Government

Self-Reported Symptoms Pave Way for COVID-19 Forecasting

Researchers are gathering self-reported descriptions of COVID-19-related symptoms nationwide with the help of Facebook and GoogleSelf.

Emerging Tech

Forget Travel Vouchers, Airlines Should Give Customers Cash Back, Senators Say

A group of senators estimates airlines are holding about $10 billion from customers whose travel plans changed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Modernization

VA and DOD Now Default to Sharing Patient Data with Private-Sector Providers

The joint electronic health records management office launched an information exchange program to make it easier to share patient data with thousands of “community partners.”

Ideas

We Need Mission-focused Risk Management Programs to Adapt to Changing Circumstances

In the midst of a global pandemic, it is more important than ever to know which systems are critical to our operations.   

Emerging Tech

How a Slice of Spectrum Split the U.S. Government

The head of the Federal Communications Commission wants to allow a satellite company access in the interest of 5G despite objections from Defense, Commerce and other departments and agencies. 

Cybersecurity

New Leader of IT Sector Coordinating Council Wants Alignment on Key CISA Initiative

The new chairman of the Information Technology Sector Coordinating Council aims to be more involved in the agency’s work to protect industrial control systems.

Digital Government

White House Advises Agencies on COVID-19 Spending and Reporting

“Time is of the essence,” but “spending transparency and regular reporting will provide important accountability mechanisms to help safeguard taxpayer dollars,” the Office of Management and Budget said in a memo.

Emerging Tech

How Homeland Security’s Biosurveillance Arm Uses Tech To Track a Pandemic

The National Biosurveillance Integration Center began tracking what would become the novel coronavirus on Jan. 2.

Ideas

Government Secrecy Is Growing During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Local, state and federal officials throughout the United States have locked down information from the public.

Digital Government

House Bill Would Limit President’s Ability to Remove Inspectors General

The legislation comes after President Trump removed two inspectors general and verbally attacked others.

Digital Government

Pentagon Mandates Homemade Masks for Some Workers

N95 respirators and surgical masks will be reserved for health care workers and patients, the Defense Department said in a series of memos this week.

Digital Government

ODNI Directs Agencies to Be Flexible with National Security Contractors

The guidance recommends immediate contract modifications to allow some industry personnel to remain at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Digital Government

GSA Creates Buying Guide for COVID-19 Screenings at Federal Buildings

As the government’s buyer and landlord, the General Services Administration created a central contract vehicle for screening services to prevent infected people from entering federal buildings.

Digital Government

NOAA Teams with Record-Breaking Explorer to Map the Unknowns of Earth’s Deepest Ocean Points

The agency will work with Victor Vescovo’s Caladan Oceanic to share assets, facilities and data that they hope will strategically power new discoveries.

Cybersecurity

CISA Offers Ways to Lessen Lag for Teleworkers Without Sacrificing Security

The temporary guidance outlines options and best practices for agencies to follow during the coronavirus pandemic.

Digital Government

Lawmakers Push CDC for New Demographic Data on Coronavirus Patients

A group of 17 lawmakers asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to collect sex, race, ethnicity and other information to spot potential inequities in health care. 

Cybersecurity

Pentagon’s Cybersecurity Certification Program Still Working on Third-Party Auditors

Participants in a webinar plagued by technical difficulties still appear to be in denial about the end of self-verification.