Emerging Tech

House Passes Bill that Mandates TSA to Study Emerging Transportation Security Threats

The legislation calls for a task force to look into emerging cyber, chemical, drone and other threats. 

Modernization

Federal CIO: It’s Time for Those Digital Transformations to Scale Up

In 2020, agencies will likely expand some of their new pilots and projects into enterprisewide solutions.

Policy

Defense Policy Bill Establishes a Defense Civilian Training Corps

The corps will address “critical skills gaps” in the department’s workforce.

Modernization

Agencies Turn In ‘Best FITARA Scorecard Ever’

Collectively, the federal government improved its oversight grades in IT modernization.

Digital Government

Congress Moves to Block OPM-GSA Merger

A provision in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act would first require an independent study of the challenges facing the Office of Personnel Management.

Modernization

Democratic Senators Urge Social Security to Restore Telework

Lawmakers ask the agency to reconsider its decision to end a 6-year-old pilot program, citing concerns about the burden it places on employees and productivity.

Policy

House Passes Bill to Boost STEM Access for Minority Students

The bill calls for increased federal investments and outreach to support the institutions and diversify the STEM domain.

Digital Government

Maryland Senator Says President is the 'Wild Card' in Spending Negotiations 

While Democrats and Republicans negotiate on appropriations, it’s unclear how the president will react. 

Emerging Tech

Bill Would Constrain Some Police Use of Facial-Recognition Tools

A 72-hour limit on tracking individuals would become the first, and somewhat arbitrary, federal line in the sand.

Digital Government

Feds Should Prepare Financially for Another Government Shutdown

Here are some ideas to help managers make sure employees are covered during a worst-case scenario.

Digital Government

Lawsuit Against Working During Shutdowns Presents a Potential Catch-22

A federal judge ruled it would be too disruptive to stop agencies from forcing employees to work without pay during a lapse in appropriations, but the Trump administration on Wednesday argued the case is now moot because government is open.

Modernization

The Government’s Departing Shared Services Lead Explains Why This Effort is Different

On her last day in government, Beth Angerman talks about the new shared services framework she leaves behind and why she believes it will succeed where others have failed.

Policy

House Passes Comprehensive Anti-Robocall Legislation

Still, experts say a dramatic reduction in the problematic calls likely won’t happen overnight.

Policy

Hassan Joins Senate Cybersecurity Caucus

The junior senator from New Hampshire became the caucus’ 17th member.

Emerging Tech

CBP Starts Process to Include U.S. Citizens in Facial Recognition Program

A proposed rule change would no longer allow citizens and green card holders to opt-out of Customs and Border Protection’s biometrics program.

Digital Government

Watchdog: Proposed OPM-GSA Merger Continues to 'Evolve' Despite Lack of Legislation

Officials have continued to examine moving portions of OPM to GSA piecemeal, and still lack documentation for the legal authority and cost benefit analyses, the inspector general said.

Digital Government

Senators Renew Effort to Safeguard People’s Data Online

The bill would make companies subject to fines from the Federal Trade Commission if they poorly protect data.

Cybersecurity

Small Contractors Struggle to Meet Cybersecurity Standards, Pentagon Finds

Even large companies aren’t doing as well as they think they are, the assistant acquisition chief said.

Ideas

5 Strategies for Building a Culture of Data Literacy

Getting agency buy-in to a culture of data literacy means getting everyone at every level to appreciate the value of data.