Cybersecurity

IRS IG: No taxpayer data exposed by hack

The IRS inspector general's letter to lawmakers backs up a statement offered by a senior Democratic senator earlier this week.

Modernization

How COVID-19 accelerated IT modernization

As previous IT investments proved their worth in 2020, the pandemic is prompting agencies to accelerate their modernization efforts

Artificial Intelligence

IRS Moves to Speed Up Contracting Through New Procurement Research Partnership

Data-management, machine learning and acquisition expertise will be combined in this collaboration.

People

NTEU looks for a 'fresh start' for federal employees under Biden

The union's blueprint for immediate action joins with NAPA's working group on the federal workforce in calling for the next director of OPM to abandon a regulation-heavy approach.

Acquisition

Virtual industry days are here to stay

Federal agency virtual industry days are probably now a permanent part of the acquisition toolkit, according to practitioners.

Cybersecurity

IRS modernization still lacks funding

The tax agency is pursuing two modernization plans but lacks funds from Congress to fully implement replacement for 60-year-old systems.

Modernization

IRS Leader Defends Agency’s Stimulus Check Performance

Lawmakers questioned whether lagging IT modernization efforts caused delays or missing financial relief payments for some Americans.

Modernization

A call for visionary investment

Investing in IT modernization is not an either-or proposition, Rep. Connolly writes. This pandemic has presented Congress a choice: We can put our head in the sand and pretend these failures didn't happen, or we can take action to be prepared for the future.

Emerging Tech

IRS Wants to Be Able to Trace ‘Untraceable’ Digital Currencies

The agency’s criminal investigation group is increasingly encountering anonymous and privacy-focused online payments methods.

People

Senators push to make payroll tax deferral optional for feds, service members

Lawmakers are concerned about potential consequences of a mandatory tax deferral being rolled out by the Trump administration.

Digital Government

IRS Offering Up to $7M to Develop ‘Data Mashing’ Tools In Support of Frictionless Acquisition

Using its experimental multiphase Pilot IRS contract vehicle, the agency issued a quickturn solicitation to improve data collection for a governmentwide effort to improve procurement.

Modernization

IRS Doesn’t Know How Many Legacy Systems It Has or How Much They Cost, IG Says

The tax agency needs to start with a single definition of what constitutes a “legacy system.”

Modernization

IRS legacy system problems could be worse than advertised

A new watchdog report finds additional systems and applications that would be considered legacy under the IT organization's own definition, and hundreds more that might or might not.

Cybersecurity

IRS Granted Tens of Thousands of Devices Network Access Without Proper Authentication

Most devices accessing the Internal Revenue Service’s internal network using wireless connections and virtual private networks weren’t authenticated, according to an audit. 

Digital Government

IRS Floats Experimental Contract Vehicle to Help Administration Meet Procurement CAP Goals

The tax agency is using Pilot IRS—an iterative funding vehicle—to work on a governmentwide acquisition initiative.

Modernization

Hoyer pitches $2B compromise for TMF

The House Majority leader is looking to sell lawmakers in both parties on a major uptick in funding for the Technology Modernization Fund that focuses on IRS modernization.

Digital Government

Digital government: the vital prerequisite to a 'new normal'

As the dust settles and pandemic restrictions ease in the coming months, government agencies have a prime opportunity to shift from a state of reactivity to proactivity.

Modernization

IRS Launches New Enterprise Digitalization Office

The co-led office merges and elevates existing projects focused on digitizing processes and getting away from paper-based case management.

Cybersecurity

IRS gets high marks for fraud and identity theft initiatives

A layered approach combining software, public-private partnerships and innovative pilot programs have saved billions of dollars from ending up in the hands of criminals and fraudsters, according to a new audit.