Modernization

HUD Employees Saw Few Disruptions In Shift to Mass Telework, Says IG

The COVID-19 pandemic upended some paper-based processes and led to some network bandwidth issues, but the department has weathered the transition well, the watchdog reports.

Cybersecurity

Government’s Annual Cyber Report Shows Improvements Across the Board

Agencies received lower scores for not holding contractors responsible for privacy requirements.

Modernization

GAO plans review of telework tech

The congressional watchdog plans to examine agency lessons learned from the rapid rollout of telework tools as part of pandemic response.

Cybersecurity

Privacy report outlines scope, limitations of ICE facial recognition

According to a recently released privacy assessment, Immigration and Customs Enforcement systems are linked to a network of image databases across the country, and future trainings are being eyed to combat abuse and misuse.

Ideas

Scaling AI: 3 Reasons Why Explainability Matters 

In highly regulated industries, explainable AI is increasingly essential for leaders to ensure trust in, and govern, their enterprise AI applications. 

Digital Government

Senators Make Bipartisan Push to Expedite Hiring for Workers to Oversee Pandemic Response

Measure would ensure special investigator has proper resources in light of Trump's recent IG firing spree, senator says.

Cybersecurity

GAO: DHS Needs More Oversight for Service Contracts

An appropriate balance of staff is needed to ensure contractors don’t end up making policy in mission areas including cybersecurity, auditors said.

People

White House pushes Thrift Board to back off China index investment

Citing national security and economic risks, senior officials instructed the Secretary of Labor to overturn plans by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to buy a fund that includes investments in China.

Digital Government

Audit: HHS Not Maximizing Authorities to Recruit Scientists

The audit suggests the Health and Human Services Department should make use of the 21st Century Cures Act to recruit and retain more government scientists.

Cybersecurity

ODNI shakes up cyber structure

A consolidation of the cyber offices at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence is just one piece of a sweeping re-org announced by the spy agency late Friday that includes the elimination of one of four directorates.

Acquisition

Paycheck protection, other pandemic response to garner 'flash' oversight

Agency inspectors general told Congress that the $2.2 trillion in spending to speed recovery and heal economic damage caused by the pandemic would be subject to quick oversight.

Modernization

IG: VA Knew Infrastructure Upgrades Wouldn’t Meet Timeline For March Health Records Rollout

Severe staffing shortages, infighting and lack of comprehensive planning for infrastructure improvements would have handicapped the multibillion-dollar project, the inspector general said.

Digital Government

House Approves Creation of a Select Panel to Oversee Pandemic-Related Spending and Response

Critics have said the committee will be duplicative, but one transparency expert said that "overlapping oversight jurisdictions can be a good thing if managed correctly."

Modernization

FCC records progress with public comments system

In a recently-released study, a government watchdog said the FCC has been implementing recommendations to fix its electronic comment filing system.

People

Why right now is the most challenging time in history for government CIOs

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented CIOs at all levels of government with unprecedented challenges to respond to the critical needs of the country.

Modernization

Judge gives DOD the chance for a second look at some aspects of the JEDI award

The Pentagon is getting the chance for a do-over of some aspects of its controversial $10 billion cloud award to Microsoft.

Emerging Tech

What’s Wrong With the Air Force’s ‘Connect Everything’ Project

In a new report, GAO watchdogs say officials can’t say how much it costs or if it’ll even work