Digital Government
Agriculture Wants Store-Level Data on All of America’s Grocery Retailers
The agency plans to use the data to make sure everyone in the country has affordable access to healthy food.
Emerging Tech
Agencies Work to Embrace—and Secure—the Internet of Things
Inside officials shared their lessons learned and concerns around the evolving connectivity.
Modernization
USDA Distributes Millions to Boost Energy Efficiency for Rural Farmers and Businesses
The funding is appropriated through the Rural Energy for America Program.
Ideas
4 CX Lessons Federal Agencies Can Learn from Their Peers
There are several agencies making major strides in the CX space and other agencies could learn a thing or two from their CX programs.
Modernization
How Agriculture Plans to Boost Its IT Workforce
The department plans to reskill employees for a data-heavy future and create a CIO development program.
Modernization
USDA Launches Tool to Match Farmers to the Loans They Need
The latest tool on farmers.gov helps take the mystery out of the loan application process.
Modernization
How an Agriculture App that Spills the Dirt on Soil Got a Second Life
The department’s barebones SoilWeb app grew a following until app stores changed their rules in 2017. Now it’s back.
Emerging Tech
Agriculture Unleashed 320 New Inventions in 2018
The agency detailed them all in its annual Technology Transfer Report.
Digital Government
How Some Agencies Are Rethinking Transparency
It’s not just about posting products for the public, it’s about sharing how an agency got there, federal officials said.
Modernization
Agriculture Announces $858M to Upgrade Rural Electric Systems
The department aims to enhance electric reliability for rural communities and finance new smart grid technologies.
Emerging Tech
USDA Accepting Applications to Fund Rural Broadband Services
The agency is making at least $600 million available for the project.
Modernization
USDA Launches New Features on Farmers.gov
The site’s latest functions will enable America’s agriculture producers to better manage loans and the H-2A visa process.
Modernization
Finding the Flaws in the Federal Broadband Maps
Frustrated with the FCC maps, the National Association of Counties and other federal agencies are looking to figure out which communities lack broadband access.
Modernization
Agriculture Invests $122 Million in Rural Electric Infrastructure
More than 6,200 customers over five states will benefit and part of the funds will go to smart grid tech.
Digital Government
Low-Income Renters Face Eviction, Thanks to the Government Shutdown
Contracts for federal housing assistance are expiring, and thousands of low-income seniors and disabled renters could face eviction.
Digital Government
Amid Shutdown, Feds Figure Out Ways to Fund Food Stamp Benefits. For Now.
States have until Jan. 20 to request an early issuance to make sure they receive February SNAP funding.
Digital Government
Farm Bill Expands Rural Broadband Funding
But some remain concerned that the money will not get to many places that need it to expand access.
Digital Government
Agencies That Cut Telework Took a Beating in Annual Employee Survey
Drops in employee happiness corresponded with shifts in opinions on the agencies' telework policies.
Modernization
USDA Saved Millions So Far Due to Centers of Excellence
The Agriculture Department has avoided $26 million in spending due to the first phase of its modernization effort.
Modernization