Cybersecurity
Senate Committee Approves $250 Million to Fund the Electric Grid Security
The PROTECT Act would create a federal grant program to help small utility companies improve their digital defenses.
Modernization
Officials: Working Capital Funds Take Time But Have ‘Real Staying Power’
Agencies are still figuring out the best way to establish and govern IT working capital funds two years after passage of the MGT Act.
Digital Government
Transportation to Start Tracking Sexual Harassment of Travelers Under New Bill
The bill calls for certain airlines and railroads to track harassment and assault of their workers and passengers and report incidents to the Transportation Department.
Digital Government
Impasses Panel Gives Rare Win to Union on Telework
Just days after the Social Security Administration announced the impending end of a long-running telework pilot program for operations staff, the panel protected employees in the Office of Hearing Operations from a similar fate.
Digital Government
House Passes Month-Long Spending Bill With Two Days Until Shutdown
Congress appears likely to avoid a Thanksgiving lapse in appropriations, but will face a new deadline near Christmas.
Cybersecurity
Federal CISO: Better Info Sharing Will Lead to More Secure Supply Chain
Federal Chief Information Security Officer Grant Schneider outlined the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Council goals for 2020.
Digital Government
Defense Department Fails Its Second Audit, Yet Is Making Progress
This was only the second audit completed for the Pentagon since a 1990 law required them.
Policy
Congress Reaches Deal to Fight Robocalls
“It’s time to put Americans back in charge of their phones,” lawmakers said.
Ideas
Democratic Candidates Need to Learn to Play the Long Game on Broadband
Putting monopoly-style regulations from the 1930s on the competitive broadband sector won't work.
Emerging Tech
White House Updates National Strategic Computing Initiative
The document refocuses objectives from the country’s 2016 computing plan.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers Propose Bill Limiting Government's Use of Facial Recognition
The legislation would require law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before conducting facial recognition surveillance.
Modernization
Officials: Shared Services Implementation Begins But Journey Will Be Long
Three of the four initial focus areas are ready to move beyond the standards-setting phase to implementation, with GSA’s payroll program leading the way.
Digital Government
Contractors: Begin Shutdown Prep Now
Lessons learned from the 2018 shutdown suggest government contractors should prepare all they can for a potential 2019 shutdown.
Artificial Intelligence
NOAA to Solicit Public Insight on Four Draft Science and Technology Strategies
Focus areas include artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, ‘omics, and the cloud.
Cybersecurity
Senator Urges Cybersecurity Review of Mobile Voting App
West Virginia and local governments in Colorado, Utah and Oregon have all piloted mobile voting applications developed by Voatz.
Digital Government
Congress Expects to Pass Another Stopgap Spending Bill to Keep Agencies Open Through Dec. 20
Lawmakers hope to pass full-year appropriations before the new deadline and avoid another holiday season shutdown.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers Want to Ban Unauthorized Drones from Flying Over Stadium Concerts
The FAA currently only issues temporary flight restrictions during sporting events, but a bipartisan group of senators wants to protect stadium skies during all types of events.
Artificial Intelligence
Report: Government Needs Investment, Cooperation on AI
A report commissioned by industry and government AI leaders highlights national security challenges around artificial intelligence.
Digital Government
Defense Secretary Says to Expect ‘Trimming, Reducing, Some Eliminations’ in 2021 Budget
Esper touts "good progress" in high-level review intended to cut fat and find funds for projects to counter China and Russia.
Cybersecurity