Modernization
GSA chief: Central IT fund is a start, not a remedy
While President Trump's budget proposal includes a $228 million investment for a general IT modernization fund, the head of the agency overseeing the fund sees the initial investment as more of a proof of concept than a panacea.
Cybersecurity
CBP reports advances in biometrics
After years of searching and tech trials, Customs and Border Protection said it has found a way to make a biometric entry/exit system work with airlines and airports.
Modernization
GOP continues push to privatize air traffic control
Have the stars finally aligned behind a long-planned push to outsource air traffic control operations?
Cybersecurity
GAO: DHS coming up short on FITARA implementation
The Department of Homeland Security needs to strengthen and formalize CIO contract approval and evaluation procedures to fully comply with FITARA, according to a new report.
Modernization
Data center optimization savings falls short
Agencies are reporting far less than the estimated $4 billion in savings by consolidating data centers because of inconsistent reporting and incomplete strategic plans.
Modernization
GAO to Agencies: Get a Data Center Plan
A handful of agencies are doing the bulk of the government's consolidation and that's a problem, GAO said.
People
Do feds make too much money?
The Congressional Budget Office reported that federal employees are compensated more than their private sector counterparts, but watchdogs say challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled workers run deeper than pay.
Emerging Tech
GAO Lists Pros and Cons of Internet of Things for Congress
The agency examined the costs and benefits of the growing market, per a congressional request.
Modernization
MGT Act headed for House vote with slimmed-down CBO score
The revised IT modernization bill will cost $500 million to implement, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Digital Government
IGs say hiring freeze, budget cuts hurt oversight
Inspectors general report that the hiring freeze negatively affected their operations and raised concerns that proposed budget cuts could jeopardize their ability to conduct oversight.
Digital Government
As big deadline hits, lawmakers warn on long-term risks to Data Act
Agencies are due to report their first tranche of spending data under the Data Act on May 9, but lawmakers are framing the milestone date as a starting point.
Cybersecurity
Legislators call for more flexible cyber hiring and training
Three Democratic members of Congress want the government to look to private sector practices as a model for hiring and training the federal cybersecurity workforce
Digital Government
Agencies looking beyond Data Act deadline
The Digital Accountability and Transparency Act’s first submission deadline is a few days away, but agencies are already counting the benefits and looking to future uses.
Acquisition
DOD pushing ahead with AT&L split
The Department of Defense is moving forward with the congressionally mandated split of the Office of Acquisition, Technology and Logistics and will soon reveal details of its strategy.
Cybersecurity
House Judiciary to tackle email privacy, spy rules
Email privacy, FISA Section 702, overseas data and encryption top the House Judiciary Committee’s innovation and competitiveness agenda for the 115th Congress.
Cybersecurity
Why compliance demands a DevOps approach
Security compliance doesn't have to stifle innovation -- it should baked into the agile development process.
People
New VA office to focus on whistleblowers, accountability
President Trump visited the VA's headquarters to sign an executive order setting up a new office inside the agency to target problem employees and protect whistleblowers.
Cybersecurity
The Fed should do more to oversee financial sector cyber
With the financial sector under threat, the Federal Reserve should take a stronger hand in oversight of cyber defense, according to a new report.
Digital Government
More Competition Key to Improving OASIS, GSA IG Says
The agency's inspector general had suggestions, not complaints, about the professional services contract.
Modernization