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.
Digital Government
Despite Reporting Improvements, IRS Continues to Issue Billions in Improper Payments
In one program alone, the IRS shelled out $17 billion in improper payments.
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.
Ideas
Creating an Oversight Toolkit to Ensure the CARES Act Delivers for the American People
Inspectors general across government need modern tools in their fight against fraud.
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
Digital Government
Lawmakers worried over threats to IG independence
A spate of letters reveal that lawmakers are increasingly concerned that agency inspectors general are operating under threat of reprisal and being stripped of their independence.
Modernization
Pentagon IG Can’t Rule Out White House Influence on JEDI Cloud Contract
A 300-page IG investigation reveals multiple ethics violations and refusal by Defense Department General Counsel to let senior officials comment on communications with the White House.
Cybersecurity
GAO to Pentagon: Practice the Cyber Policies You Preach
The Defense Department has yet to fully implement multiple initiatives to improve basic cyber hygiene.
Digital Government
White House Advises Agencies on COVID-19 Spending and Reporting
“Time is of the essence,” but “spending transparency and regular reporting will provide important accountability mechanisms to help safeguard taxpayer dollars,” the Office of Management and Budget said in a memo.
Digital Government
House Bill Would Limit President’s Ability to Remove Inspectors General
The legislation comes after President Trump removed two inspectors general and verbally attacked others.
Digital Government
House Dems push improved protections for agency watchdogs
Congress wants CIGIE’s input on new legislation to safeguard Inspectors General from political interference.
Digital Government
Trump Removes Acting Pentagon IG Slated to Lead Pandemic Oversight
Only current IGs may serve in the new position created by Congress to oversee the government's coronavirus relief effort.
Cybersecurity