Cybersecurity

Trump shakes up official watchdog ranks

The White House removed an official designated to provide oversight to the $2 trillion rescue and relief fund and nominated a raft of new appointees to handle oversight chores at multiple agencies.

Digital Government

VA delays Cerner health record deployment

The Department of Veterans Affairs is delaying the rollout of its $16 billion health record modernization project so that the health system serving 9 million veterans can focus on the COVID-19 pandemic.

People

Union warns of coronavirus exposure in federal prisons, VA facilities

The American Federation of Government Employees filed complaints with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration about alleged violations of safety standards.

Cybersecurity

CISA to release emergency TIC guidance for telework surge

The guidance will expire at the end of the year and will address capabilities such as email, networking, DNS, intrusion detection and data protection.

People

Senate Dems push hazard pay for essential workers

Feds are included in the proposed premium pay increase that would float $13 dollars per hour into the paychecks of frontline workers.

People

AFGE head: Federal managers are exacerbating pandemic risks

In a recent interview, AFGE National President Everett Kelley said that some agencies have directed managers to exclude unions from key decisions involving employee safety.

Modernization

HHS tech official warns feds, contractors on virtual meeting risks

As remote collaboration become the default, federal agencies are advising employees and users that video teleconferencing software, phone meetings and other tools are at increased risk.

Acquisition

Legacy systems crumble under high demand

Unemployment insurance and other social safety net IT systems around the county are crumbling under the stress of millions of users seeking to apply for benefits in the wake of unprecedented unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Acquisition

DHS contractors subject to new COVID-19 screening procedures

The new restrictions come as federal agencies and industry grapple with how best to collaborate on projects under quarantines and social distancing guidelines designed to limit in-person gatherings.

Acquisition

National Labs turn to 3D printing for medical supplies

National labs look to 3D printing to ease COVID medical supply chain squeeze, but reports shows need remains stark.

People

Lawmakers look to shield defense contractors from COVID-19 fallout

Virginia Democrat Sen. Mark Warner and Texas Republican Rep. Mac Thornberry hope to protect national security by bolstering the industrial base.

People

IRS outlines expanded flexible work schedule

The IRS, which is operating under an evacuation order that mandates telework for all eligible employees, released new guidance outlining its flexible work schedule policy.

People

DOD issues permission slips for workers in national capital region

The Defense Department issued memos and permission letters for personnel working in the Washington, D.C. region as local and state governments' stay-at-home orders go into effect.

Acquisition

Even when government gets it right, it gets no credit -- a ventilator story

Steve Kelman spotlights a story of smart acquisition hidden behind a doom-and-gloom headline.

People

Let's call Dr. Fauci by his proper title -- public servant

Steve Kelman argues that Americans need to understand the essential contributions civil servants make to our society's mix.