Digital Government
GAO: NSA Erred in Technical Evaluations of $10 Billion Cloud Contract
The Government Accountability Office recommended the NSA reevaluate bids from Microsoft and Amazon Web Services.
Artificial Intelligence
Economist Calls for Deeper Examination of AI’s Risks
Technological progress could come at a cost.
People
What’s next for security clearance reform?
Expect new milestones from the DOD’s governmentwide vetting IT and new policies on vetting criteria in 2022.
People
Top House Republican pushes back on government telework
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) isn’t the only Republican lawmaker asking questions about the productivity of teleworking federal employees.
Digital Government
Social Security Enjoys Broad Customer Satisfaction As It Overhauls Telephone System
The Social Security Administration has been angling to streamline and automate its call center for quicker customer service.
Emerging Tech
Senator Doubles Down On Data Privacy, Sends Letter to CFPB
Sen. Ron Wyden asked the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to tighten its rules regarding data broker sales.
Emerging Tech
ACLU Calls for Halt of Homeland Security’s Use Of Facial Recognition Technology
The civil rights organization said that the biometrics technology can lead to discriminatory arrests based on race.
Cybersecurity
OMB Guidance Heralds Automation of FISMA Reporting
The new Federal Information Security Modernization Act guidance also prioritizes security testing and doubles down on CISA’s Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation program.
People
White House presses for improved agency-IG cooperation
The White House has called for increased collaboration between federal agencies and inspectors general after conducting a review which revealed some agency leaders had not fully communicated their endorsement of IG policies and whistleblower protections to staff.
Emerging Tech
Sixth Member of International Hacking Community Sentenced in SIM Card Scheme
In response to the growing number of SIM hijacking incidents, federal law enforcement is cracking down on perpetrators.
Emerging Tech
FAA Warns Of Holiday Laser-Light Display Dangers To Pilots
2021 broke records for the highest number of annual laser strikes, which can incapacitate pilots and endanger aircraft passengers.
Digital Government
GAO: Better Data Collection Can Improve Homelessness Estimates
Auditors suggest the Housing and Urban Development Department can improve its homeless estimates by gathering better data at the local level.
Cybersecurity
Government Watchdog Welcomes Treasury’s Data Collection on Cyber Insurance Claims
A Government Accountability Office report on the Treasury Department’s role in shaping the market for cybersecurity insurance is expected next spring.
Digital Government
Bid Protests Decrease for Third Straight Year
Industry filed 12% fewer protests in fiscal 2021 than fiscal 2020, according to the Government Accountability Office.
Acquisition
Analysis: Are better debriefings driving down protests?
Beginning 2018, the Defense Department started conducting what are called "enhanced" debriefings that allow for more dialogue with companies after they've lost a contract. That means unsuccessful bidders get more information on where their bid fell short without filing a protest.
Digital Government
The Defense Department Fails Its Audit Again, But Officials Have ‘No Doubt’ It Will Eventually Pass
This was the fourth time the Pentagon completed an audit since it became a requirement in 1990.
Cybersecurity
Senators Urge Better Cyber Protection For K-12 Schools
A recent Government Accountability Office report dove into how virtual classrooms are increasing vulnerability to ransomware and other cyber threats.
Acquisition
Speed bumps for VA's new scheduling system
A watchdog report identified gaps in training and oversight for the new scheduling system being implemented at VA medical facilities.
Ideas
$1.2T Infrastructure Plan Offers Lucrative Target for Fraud
The problem is that lawmakers don’t always make preventing fraud a priority.
Cybersecurity