Modernization

A long slog ahead for VA health record modernization

Lawmakers who welcomed the news of VA's plan to shift to a commercial health record now have to strap in for a multi-year implementation.

People

VA chief: fast firing authority will improve morale

President Trump is expected to sign a bill granting new authority to fire and discipline VA employees on an expedited basis. Secretary David Shulkin thinks the measure will help improve flagging morale at the agency.

Acquisition

McCain dresses down DOD deputy nominee

President Trump's nominee for deputy defense secretary faced strong criticism from Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain over his background at Boeing and for some of the answers the nominee provided to senators during his confirmation hearing.

People

How digital service teams fit in the new administration

Digital service teams hope their clout and support from the administration can break through decades-old cultural barriers and empower the federal IT workforce at large.

People

FITARA progress stalls on scorecard 4.0

After steady improvement on previous scorecards, agency progress on Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act implementation stalled on the fourth round.

Cybersecurity

New DHS CIO leads with a hands-on style

Richard Staropoli, the new top tech official at the Department of Homeland Security, wants systems that can cover a lot of ground but says the search for a "100 percent solution" impedes progress.

People

Trump to create new council, office to fast-track infrastructure projects

President Trump aims to speed the federal permitting process for infrastructure projects and make it more transparent for project managers and the public.

Cybersecurity

Kelly: DHS halted the march of WannaCry in the U.S.

The DHS Secretary told a Hill panel that the agency was key to curtailing the historic cyberattack.

People

Trump's budget takes aim at federal retirement

President Donald Trump's budget proposal identifies almost $150 billion in savings over 10 years by slashing federal employee benefits, but feds and their unions are crying foul.

Cybersecurity

Budget seeks $2.6 billion for border wall and supporting tech

The administration's budget proposal includes at least a portion of the promised border wall and a lot of tech to support border security.

People

OMB chief: People are 'immune to the true costs of government'

To achieve a balanced budget without tax hikes would require a 12 to 13 percent cut in government spending, said OMB Director Mick Mulvaney.

Cybersecurity

Career procurement exec tapped for top management post at DHS

Claire Grady, who has held senior procurement positions at the Defense Department and the Department of Homeland Security, is President Trump's nominee for deputy undersecretary for management at DHS.

Acquisition

Where the MGT money will go

Tech leaders are already planning how to spend the money in the Modernizing Government Technology Act.

People

Senate bill makes it easier to post feedback to the government

A pair of senators wants to make it easier for agencies to get user feedback on their customer service.

People

Government's unending saga of management reform

The problem with President Trump's management agenda is not its particulars -- it's that we've been talking about the same changes for decades.

People

Trump signs funding bill, deflecting budget fight to the fall

The federal government is funded through the end of fiscal year 2017, but big battles and a possible shutdown loom for the 2018 budget.

People

What’s next for agile acquisition?

As agencies ramp up their IT modernization efforts, increased acquisition training at the agency procurement level and support from the White House and legislative levels play a central role.

Modernization

White House takes on technology revamp

The White House is standing up a technology council to "transform and modernize" the government's IT and digital services.

Cybersecurity

Trump taps hedge fund CISO to lead IT at DHS

Richard Staropoli, who leads IT security at a New York-based hedge fund, will serve as the top tech official at the Department of Homeland Security.

People

New VA office to focus on whistleblowers, accountability

President Trump visited the VA's headquarters to sign an executive order setting up a new office inside the agency to target problem employees and protect whistleblowers.