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.
Digital Government
Legislation Would Keep Inspectors General Active During Government Shutdowns
The bipartisan bill would amend the Inspectors General Act of 1978.
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.
Cybersecurity
TSA preps second pipeline cyber directive
A senior TSA official told House lawmakers on Tuesday that it is preparing to issue a second security directive focused on cybersecurity mitigation measures used by pipeline companies.
Digital Government
GAO: Tech, Automation Improved Decennial Census Productivity
More than half of the Americans self-responded to the decennial census using the internet in 2020.
Cybersecurity
Warner previews breach notification bill
The chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence said he will introduce legislation to mandate that companies notify the government to major cybersecurity breaches, a promise several lawmakers have made this year.
People
Biden's OPM nominee appears headed for confirmation
A vote on the nomination of Kiran Ahuja to head the Office of Personnel Management is expected before the Senate goes into recess at the end of next week.
Cybersecurity
Pentagon Weapons Programs Still Struggle to Use Modern Software Practices, Watchdog Says
The Government Accountability Office found programs face challenges with agile deliveries and cybersecurity testing.
Digital Government
Biden's pick to lead GSA: 'We can't implement government policy if we can't get the damn websites to work'
Robin Carnahan said she will focus on making General Services Administration's offerings more user friendly and digitally secure while improving governmentwide cybersecurity efforts.
People
OMB wants budget boost to rebuild workforce
OMB Acting Director Shalanda Young said some offices within her agency remain 30% below 2012 staffing levels.
Cybersecurity