Acquisition
Senators urge DOJ to flex debarment authority
Two Democrats say that companies are getting away with "ripping off the government" because of the reluctance to exercise suspension and debarment authorities.
People
Senate Dems have joined the push to block a Schedule F revival
As Republican groups discuss plans to reinstitute the controversial plan to strip tens of thousands of federal workers of their civil service protections, congressional Democrats have renewed their efforts to block it.
Policy
A new bill seeks to prevent the Secret Service from withholding records from its watchdog
“While I share the concerns of my colleagues about the actions of the current inspector general, it is also clear the Secret Service tried to impede the inspector general’s investigation into the events of Jan. 6,” said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.
Modernization
Averting the next pandemic with real-time health data
The Center for Public Health Data would aggregate federal, state and local health data and make it accessible in real time so it can be used for decision-making as health threats unfold.
Acquisition
Lawmakers push Biden for an order to root out dark money from federal contractors
A group of lawmakers want the White House to issue an executive order requiring large federal contractors to disclose their political spending – but not everyone is in support of the idea.
Acquisition
Senate passes bill to root out conflicts of interest in federal contracting
The Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act sets new disclosure requirements and expands authorities for federal contracting officers.
Modernization
CBP’s facial recognition program at airports is expanding but concerns remain
The facial recognition program for international arrivals in airports is rolled out in all international airports in the United States.
Cybersecurity
National Computer Forensics Institute up for reauthorization
The proposal would continue NCFI’s services through 2028 for any government employee who could help prevent or investigate cyber crimes.
Cybersecurity
A top senate democrat has asked DOJ to investigate missing Jan. 6 text messages
The Homeland Security watchdog has been under fire for its handling of the matter.
Cybersecurity
Senators introduce bill to ensure resiliency of federal data centers
The proposal would establish baseline safeguards for cybersecurity and physical issues like natural disasters.
Modernization
Lawmakers float FITARA changes as scores get dragged down by missing data
The cyber scores were unreliable due to incomplete data, witnesses told lawmakers.
Modernization
GAO offers options for improving U.S. semiconductor supply
The prioritization of semiconductor goals—such as protecting national security or improving economic competition—determine which option will prove most important.
Policy
Pass the CHIPS Act
COMMENTARY | Two former senior defense and intelligence leaders lay out the case for Congressional action to help the U.S. semiconductor industry.
Cybersecurity
Senators look to thwart future quantum hacks
The Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act would instruct the federal government to accelerate preparations for defending against future exploits powered by quantum computing.
People
Leveling the field for federal cyber talent
The federal government's top human resources official wants agencies to be on an "equal footing" when it comes to hiring cybersecurity professionals.
People
The House has cleared the way for Biden’s 4.6% pay raise plan
Lawmakers effectively endorsed the president’s pay raise proposal for federal workers Wednesday, although the Senate has yet to weigh in on the issue.
Cybersecurity
House bill tasks CISA with SolarWinds report
A key lawmaker on the House Homeland Security Committee wants more details on what was breached and what was lost when the SolarWinds Orion platform was compromised in a supply chain attack.
Cybersecurity
Vendors prep for new cyber rules of the road
Federal policy is shifting to impose tighter cybersecurity requirements on government contractors and Congress appears poised to impose new standards throughout the private sector.
People
Budding spies might not get weeded out for past drug use
Activists say this would be a practical step to help ensure all the best candidates are getting considered for intelligence jobs.
Acquisition
SBA team targets set-aside contracts awarded to ineligible firms
The Office of Government Contracting and Business Development successfully steered over $5 billion in contracting opportunities for small businesses away from firms that were ineligible for set-asides.
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