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.

Cybersecurity

Shared services poised for adoption

Quality Service Management Offices shared service offerings move closer to reality for federal agencies.

Cybersecurity

House votes for new rules on federal IOT acquisition

Legislation from congressional tech stalwarts would add security requirements for connected devices purchased by the federal government.

People

Tax deferral plan steams ahead

Despite opposition in Congress and skepticism from employee unions, the administration is going ahead with a mandatory tax deferral scheme for federal employees and the uniformed military.

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.

Cybersecurity

CISA, White House release vulnerability disclosure policies

The Office of Management and Budget and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have released a memorandum and Binding Operational Directive guiding federal agencies on how to set up their vulnerability research and disclosure programs.

Cybersecurity

OMB tees up supply chain regs

The interim regulation sets down rules for excluding vendors from federal procurement if an interagency panel deems them untrustworthy.

Cybersecurity

CISA bug bounty directive awaits White House blessing

A draft policy from the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agency instructing agencies to create vulnerability disclosure programs to allow third-party bug hunters to flag security vulnerabilities in federal systems is all-but-completed, sources say.

Digital Government

OMB launches data reskilling pilot

The Office of Management and Budget develops another technology reskilling pilot aimed at fostering data science talent.

Cybersecurity

CISO Schneider exits OMB for Venable post

Federal Chief Information Security Officer Grant Schneider is leaving the federal government to take a job at Venable.

Digital Government

Lawmakers look to expand FITARA oversight

As agencies improve IT operations, lawmakers want to modernize FITARA scorecard categories.

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.

People

Senate bill seeks oversight of telework, PPE for the federal workforce

A group of Senate Democrats is proposing legislation to create labor-management task forces inside government to review pandemic-related workforce policies.

Modernization

CBP lands TMF award to modernize legacy system

Customs and Border Protection won a $15M award to update a COBOL-based fee collection system and move it to the cloud.

People

Does the White House need a new risk management chief?

Recommendations from an ACT-IAC paper for the next presidential term include a chief risk management officer based at the Office of Management and Budget.

People

Mixed success for House Democrats looking to parry Trump's workforce initiatives

The proposed elimination of the Office of Personnel Management as an independent agency appears to be on hold indefinitely, but executive orders and agency relocations have altered the federal workforce landscape.

Acquisition

OMB says fourth quarter spending spree can help boost economy

The director of the Office of Management and Budget reminded agencies to keep category management, acquisition flexibilities and quick vendor payments in mind during the upcoming busy fourth quarter federal buying season.

People

Kent leaves solid legacy

In 30 months as federal CIO, Suzette Kent make a lasting impact on the government's cloud, data, cybersecurity and emerging tech efforts.

People

House appropriators put protections for federal workers into FY21 funding bill

Provisions would block the OPM-GSA merger and empower unions, but the bill does not touch on pay raises.

People

Federal CIO Kent to exit in July

During her tenure, Suzette Kent pushed on policies including Trusted Internet Connection, identity management and the creation of the Chief Data Officers Council