Digital Government

Senate Dems call for an update on vote.gov improvements

More than a dozen Democratic senators signed a letter to the General Services Administration asking for an update on the agency’s work to modernize the government’s voting information platform.

Acquisition

House Oversight lawmaker probes government purchase of Chinese security cameras

A letter to the General Services Administration's CIO asks why he signed off on the equipment purchase, despite alternatives being available.

Cybersecurity

Proposed contractor cyber reporting rule sets a ‘significantly problematic’ bar, industry groups say

The groups, which represent tech and cybersecurity companies sometimes contracted by the government, say the proposals are too rigorous and inconsistent.

People

TMF gets a new executive director, issues 3 more awards

The Technology Modernization Fund announced over $70 million in investments on Wednesday.

Acquisition

GSA used ‘egregiously flawed’ data to clear purchase of Chinese-made cameras, watchdog says

The inspector general's report noted that the acquired video conferencing cameras were not compliant with the 1979 Trade Agreements Act and contained security flaws that, in some instances, had still gone unpatched.

Modernization

GSA, OMB lag on FedRAMP improvements, GAO finds

The congressional watchdog wants agencies to streamline the cloud approval process.

People

GSA announces new role to lead cloud strategy, governmentwide tech initiatives

Eric Mill, who served as a senior advisor to the federal chief information officer within the Office of Management and Budget, will now manage GSA’s cloud security strategy.

Digital Government

Many agencies fail to meet tech accessibility mandates, report finds

The congressionally mandated report from the General Services Administration follows first-in-a-decade guidance on Section 508 released in December.

Digital Government

GSA launches text message service for government programs in four localities and states

Norfolk, Virginia has already been using the service to remind people about Medicaid recertification.

Digital Government

GSA is at a ‘critical juncture’ to salvage faith in TTS, agency watchdog warns

GSA’s inspector general says that it’s “trying to prevent the next Login.gov” — referencing a bombshell oversight report on GSA’s single sign-on service issued earlier this year.

People

Sonny Hashmi to depart GSA

The head of the Federal Acquisition Service is leaving just before the close of 2023.

Acquisition

Reorganizing government acquisition for the digital age

The General Services Administration recently reorganized its Federal Acquisition Service, eliminating its regional structure, a move its commissioner Sonny Hashmi says is already yielding positive results.

Acquisition

Biden wants better deals from contractors

A new administration push is underway to leverage procurement data and purchasing power to generate savings.

Artificial Intelligence

Biden administration plans a multi-agency effort to surge AI recruitment

Officials at the General Services Administration celebrated their forthcoming role to help recruit an AI-fluent workforce across the government, pursuant to the EO’s priorities.

Acquisition

GSA previews its plan for $919M supply chain monitoring software buy

The General Services Administration is putting the security and stability of government supply chains front and center in this planned procurement.

Acquisition

GSA starts the bidding for employee travel system competition

The General Services Administration will choose a single company to provide a "configurable (and) commercial" service that manages travel and expense services for other civilian agencies.

Digital Government

Login.gov to add facial recognition tech

The General Services Administration is changing its digital identity service to allow users to authenticate themselves by matching against a previously submitted government ID.

Digital Government

IRS won't add Login.gov without changes

A watchdog report reveals what led the IRS to scrap plans to use the government-backed identity service during the 2023 tax season.

Digital Government

Technology Modernization Fund announces $9M in new investments

Despite continued awards, Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., says the fund's supporters have “work to do” to garner support on Capitol Hill.

Digital Government

The technologist at the table

Ann Lewis is bringing tech talent to bear on a range of big, pressing service delivery challenges from her perch as director of the Technology Transformation Services.