Digital Government

Leveraging the TMF to improve customer experience

Focusing on customer experience as part of the Technology Modernization Fund investment strategy will enable agencies to improve service and build trust in government.

Acquisition

Biden's first budget ups cyber and tech spending; gives feds a 2.7% pay raise

The Biden administration released its $6 trillion fiscal year 2022 budget proposal on Friday, including $1.5 trillion in discretionary spending across federal agencies.

Cybersecurity

How the TMF can enable broad improvements across government

Investments in technology that supports multiple agencies would expand the TMF impact considerably.

Cybersecurity

Biden's first cyber EO deadline is here. What will change?

The Department of Homeland Security was asked to transmit policy recommendations on data retention and event logging to the Office of Management and Budget by May 26 as part of President Joe Biden's cybersecurity executive order.

Modernization

Federal CIO says cybersecurity is a top priority for new TMF projects

Recently installed Federal CIO Clare Martorana said on Tuesday that the government was looking for cybersecurity upgrades and digital services as key focus areas in allocating the $1 billion addition to the Technology Modernization Fund included in the American Rescue Plan Act.

Modernization

Unfunded mandates in the cyber EO?

New marching orders for agencies and technology vendors in the Biden administration's new cybersecurity policy need to be supported in the budget, industry reps say.

People

CDC mask guidelines and the federal workforce

The White House-led Safer Federal Workforce Task Force is incorporating recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates on COVID protocols into their guidance for agencies looking to accommodate vaccinated workers.

People

Few agencies sought Schedule F conversions

In the waning days of the Trump administration, only a relative handful out of hundreds of eligible agencies and department responded to an executive order that looked to reclassify vast swathes of the federal civil service as at-will employees.

Cybersecurity

Leveraging the TMF for the secure modernization of high value assets

Prioritizing Technology Modernization Fund dollars for systems that support high-impact programs can drive major improvements in how IT supports key government missions.

Cybersecurity

CISA chief says cyber order is doable but will 'stretch the system'

The executive order, which was published Wednesday night, contains deadlines for CISA, the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Management and Budget and other agencies to begin reworking the government's cybersecurity with some timelines as short as 30 days from its signing.

Acquisition

With Biden's equity agenda in play, experts talk about making procurement more inclusive

Government procurement practitioners discussed equity and procurement at the Code for America summit, as leaders across the federal enterprise look to measure and expand inclusiveness in public spending.

Cybersecurity

Enhancing the impact of Technology Modernization Fund

Developing connections across the TMF and with larger IT investment programs will yield sustained positive outcomes for the government.

Digital Government

Lawmakers press for IDEA Act adoption

A group of House Democrats want the Biden administration to pick up the pace on implementation of the Integrated Digital Experience Act.

Acquisition

TMF payback rules relaxed for cyber upgrades, pandemic response

Biden administration officials announced on Tuesday that payback requirements will be relaxed for some projects funded by the recent $1 billion addition to the Technology Modernization Fund. Administrators want urgently needed upgrades that help respond to the pandemic or improve the cybersecurity of federal agencies.

People

OMB job satisfaction scores plummeted in 2020

Almost 40% of OMB survey participants choose strongly disagree when presented with the statement, "my organization's senior leaders maintain high standards for honesty and integrity."

Cybersecurity

Senators seek details on Einstein's performance and limitations

Ahead of its scheduled reauthorization next year, two senators are seeking detailed information about Einstein, a government cybersecurity program that has come into the spotlight in the wake of the breach involving SolarWinds.

Digital Government

Industry groups call for TMF reforms following funding boost

The groups' call for changes to how the government operates the modernization fund echoes concerns that multiple former CIOs voiced to FCW this month in interviews.

Cybersecurity

Agency hacks could accelerate push to zero trust security model

Chris DeRusha, the federal chief information security officer, said agencies largely have the tools they need to adopt zero trust security protocols but making a change will "require a shift in mindset."

Cybersecurity

Senators press for federal agency accountability over SolarWinds

Three top cybersecurity officials struggled to answer questions from lawmakers about who is to blame for the government's failure to stop the breach of nine federal agencies.

People

A blueprint to rebuild OPM

A congressionally mandated study from the National Academy for Public Administration asks lawmakers and the executive branch to help create the conditions for the Office of Personnel Management to fulfill its purpose as a strategic human capital advisor to federal agencies.