People

The DATA Act compliance struggle is real

After more than a year's worth of DATA Act reporting, just six of the 24 CFO Act agencies submitted data agency watchdogs considered complete.

Digital Government

Transferring Background Checks, Boosting Cyber Workforce Are Top Goals of Trump Government Reorg

A White House official was short on answers during a Senate hearing but said background checks and cyber workforce are a good place to start.

People

Dems on Trump reorg: 'Where's the data?'

Democrats in the Senate are reluctant to support the Trump administration's reorganization plan before OMB provides the underlying analysis used to justify claims it would lead to smoother governance.

Digital Government

Is Congress expanding its knowledge to meet oversight demands?

Another Hill hearing on social media shows members and staff struggling to keep pace with the knowledge required to do oversight on technology topics.

Modernization

Dam cyber: Interior IG closes out audit of hydroelectric control systems

In a follow-up to a June report, auditors did not discover additional vulnerabilities in the Interior Department's management of five hydroelectric dams.

Cybersecurity

TSA preps tech to track Cuba charter flights

TSA is looking to data sources inside and outside its operations to fold into a new tracking tool to get a better handle on charter aircraft traveling from Cuba into the U.S.

People

Can TBM make IT investment reporting less painful?

Some agencies are wary of more data calls, but OMB leaders say the Technology Business Management framework could provide better insights and streamline compliance efforts.

Modernization

VA Creates Special Office to Direct $16B Health Record Overhaul

The House Veterans Affairs Committee also unveiled the lawmakers who will track the project from its new subcommittee.

Cybersecurity

DHS: Agencies need greater authority to protect tech supply chain

Officials from the Department of Homeland Security told a congressional committee that they would support additional authorities to better emphasize security in technology supply chain management throughout the federal government.

Cybersecurity

Why it's time for a major tech overhaul of the classification system

In a new report, the chief of the Information Security Oversight Office warns that the system by which critical security information is created, classified and shared is overburdened by a reliance on paper, legacy policies and incompatible tech.

Cybersecurity

Senators vexed by slow pace of Spectre/Meltdown disclosures

At a Senate hearing, lawmakers expressed frustration about delays in notifying government about the Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities, and they want to see a change industry's approach after discovering flaws.

People

The government reorganization plan: There may be a pony in there after all

Attention and criticism have focused on the proposed org-chart changes, Alan Balutis notes, but the real opportunities lie elsewhere.

Cybersecurity

DOJ backtracks on linking OPM hack to fraud case

The Justice Department acknowledged that a news release connecting a fraud case with the massive data theft of employee data at OPM was "premature."

Cybersecurity

There’s Even More Bad News About IRS Information Security

A board charged with overseeing the agency’s sprawling active directory networks isn’t fulfilling its basic responsibilities.

Cybersecurity

Auditor Dings CFPB Complaint System for Poor Identity Management

The system is doing better on patching vulnerabilities and continuously monitoring activity for anomalies.

Modernization

NTIA blocks China Mobile's bid for U.S. presence

The NTIA tells the FCC that China Mobile is a potential national security threat if it is allowed to provide international services from the U.S.

Modernization

Watchdog: GSA isn't clearing all contactors for work on telecom transition

According to an oversight memo, GSA didn't complete required background checks on all contractors working on transition duties for the $50 billion Enterprise Infrastructure Systems contract.

People

Lankford dishes on the future of the federal workforce

Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) spoke with FCW about his workforce priorities as well as the White House's reorganization plan.

People

Lawmakers question goals of reorganization plan

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle raised concerns about various aspects of the White House's plan to structurally reorganize the federal government.