Cybersecurity

Energy’s Cyber Response Office Misspent Millions Due to Lack of Budget Management

Complaints alleged the relatively new CESER misspent $11.7 million, though the inspector general could only substantiate some of those claims.

Modernization

More Underestimated Infrastructure Costs Could Raise VA EHR Price Tag $2.5B

The latest inspector general report shows more underreported infrastructure costs for the electronic health record program, prompting lawmakers to call a hearing for later this month. 

Cybersecurity

VA’s Cybersecurity Still Missing Critical Zero-Trust Element, Watchdog Says

An official from the Government Accountability Office said she is encouraged by the formation of an investment review board at the department and intends to monitor it closely.

Digital Government

White House stresses stakeholder engagement in Evidence Act guidance

Three years after its passage, the Biden administration is now trying to provide clarity and additional recommendations for agencies still struggling to implement the Evidence-Based Policy Act.

Digital Government

Lawmakers mull federal response to state and local technology gaps

One potential fix could be for the federal government to harmonize its cybersecurity and data protection rules for state and local partners across federal agencies that interact with state systems.

Modernization

DOD CIO takes heat on the Hill for pace of MilCloud 2.0 migrations

Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.) called it a "delayed realization of enhanced security" amid recent high-profile cybersecurity attacks.

Cybersecurity

VA watchdog warns of security risks from undocumented PIV cards

A new report warns contracting officers at the Veterans Health Administration are failing to comply with agency and federal guidelines ensuring contractor personnel return personal identity verification (PIV) cards after employment.

Emerging Tech

Watchdog: 10 Government Agencies Deployed Clearview AI Facial Recognition Tech

A Government Accountability Office report details how agencies used different versions of the biometric technology during the pandemic and protests.

Modernization

DOD may be 'overly optimistic' with IT program risks, GAO says

The Government Accountability Office found that DOD often underestimated risks to IT programs compared to its own assessments.

Digital Government

Pentagon May Be Underestimating IT Investment Risks, GAO Says

The Government Accountability Office evaluated 10 programs at a higher risk level than what was reported by DOD, according to a new report.

Cybersecurity

Bill Would Create Cyber Workforce Training Programs at CISA and VA

The two programs would look to increase the pool of cybersecurity experts for the public and private sectors, but with a focus on preparing trainees for federal jobs.

Cybersecurity

Small businesses ask Congress to focus CMMC on primes and DOD

Jonathan Williams, a partner at the Washington, D.C.-based law firm PilieroMazza, told lawmakers much of small businesses concerns could be assuaged if DOD and prime contractors shoulder the burden.

Digital Government

Top Republican Calls for IG Investigations Into Feds’ Telework Productivity During Pandemic

An oversight subcommittee ranking member, Jody Hice, blasted the White House for seeking a permanent increase in federal remote work without first seeking more data about the impact on agency missions.

Digital Government

Defense Digital Service Director Used Signal App In Violation of Pentagon Policy, IG Says

The DOD Office of Inspector General found evidence that outgoing DDS Director Brett Goldstein also encouraged subordinates to use the encrypted messaging app.

People

DOD watchdog says DDS director didn't mistreat employees

A probe found that Defense Digital Service Brett Goldstein did condone the use of unapproved encrypted communications apps and also identified discussion among staffers about programming a script to rig an online competition.

Cybersecurity

CISA still in the dark about agency network defense plans

In the wake of the SolarWinds campaign, the agency in charge of federal agency cyber defense acknowledges some gaps in both its data collection and network monitoring capabilities.

Digital Government

Deferred maintenance takes a toll on federal infrastructure in Indian Country

The average age of health care facilities run by the Indian Health Service is more than 37 years. The agency's construction program has a need for an estimated $22 billion, an agency official told lawmakers.