Digital Government
HHS Relaxes Data Security and Privacy Enforcement For COVID-19 Test Sites
The agency offered a list of suggested security measures but said it will not be imposing penalties in specific circumstances.
Digital Government
D.C.'s Transit System Won't Fully Restart Service Until Next Spring
A phased recovery plan for the Metro system in the Washington, D.C. area doesn't envision a quick return to normal levels of service. Across the country, transit agencies are figuring out how to balance safety and service.
Cybersecurity
Bill Proposes to Incentivize Cybersecurity Innovations With Cash Prizes
The legislation tries to breathe life into a “moonshot” idea first proposed by tech industry leaders.
Cybersecurity
Iran Is Increasing Its Military and Cyber Activity, Report Says
After a big drop in April, Iran’s conventional military activity is up. Cyber operations never slowed down.
Ideas
What to Watch for in Federal Data Privacy Legislation
A draft of a federal data privacy and security bill takes into consideration leading practices for the states and those abroad.
Artificial Intelligence
TSA Issues Road Map to Tackle Insider Threat With Artificial Intelligence
The agency says protection of privacy and civil liberties will be a guiding principle.
Policy
Senators Unveil Bill to Force Airlines to Provide Cash Back for Pandemic-Driven Flight Cancellations
If passed, the bill would also make cash reimbursements retroactive, enabling refunds for existing vouchers that date back to March 1.
Digital Government
Veterans Affairs' Focus on Experience Sees Increase in Veteran Trust
Trust among veterans has increased 5% in VA health care services since the department began measuring real-time feedback in 2017.
Modernization
Under Social Distancing, Rural Regions Push For More Broadband
More than a fifth of Americans in rural areas lack broadband.
Emerging Tech
Coronavirus Not Slowing Russian, Chinese Space Activities, U.S. General Says
Meanwhile, the U.S. has delayed several launches amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cybersecurity
Senator Pushes to Require National Cyber Director in Defense Authorization Bill
The National Cyberspace Solarium Commission recommended the position be Senate-confirmed and coordinate civilian and defense cyber operations.
Modernization
COVID-19 More Likely to Accelerate Telecom Modernization than Cause Delays, GSA Officials Say
The pandemic has delayed some agency transitions to the $50 billion Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions contract, but those are outliers, according to program leads.
Digital Government
New House COVID-19 Bill Includes Hazard Pay for Feds, Strengthens Protections for Telework and Sick Leave
Pelosi on Tuesday unveiled legislation that would provide up to $10,000 in premium pay for federal workers on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak and would prevent agencies from exempting employees from paid sick leave benefits.
Cybersecurity
GAO: DHS Needs More Oversight for Service Contracts
An appropriate balance of staff is needed to ensure contractors don’t end up making policy in mission areas including cybersecurity, auditors said.
Modernization
GSA Offers Techniques for Quickly Coding Policy Changes
Coders from the General Services Administration offer examples for how agencies can turn administration policy into digital computer code.
Digital Government
FEMA Issues Solicitation For Temperature Screening Ahead of Plans to Reopen Two Facilities
The winning vendor will need to supply protective equipment for their employees and contactless, infrared temperature scanning for FEMA personnel.
Digital Government
Ignoring Trump and Right-Wing Think Tanks, Red States Expand Vote by Mail
The Heritage Foundation and other conservative groups warn, with little evidence, that voting by mail fosters fraud. But some Republican secretaries of state reject those concerns and see no alternative to absentee voting if the pandemic persists.
Digital Government
House Democrats Urge Leadership to Begin Paid Parental Leave for Feds Early
A group of 12 lawmakers said the new benefit for federal workers, currently slated for implementation in October, should apply retroactively to December.
Digital Government
Audit: HHS Not Maximizing Authorities to Recruit Scientists
The audit suggests the Health and Human Services Department should make use of the 21st Century Cures Act to recruit and retain more government scientists.
Cybersecurity