Modernization

IG: DISA needs a 3-year ATO for collaboration tool

The Pentagon's inspector general said DISA has complied with software management procedures for the lifecycle management of Defense Collaboration Services, but needs to mitigate risk levels to obtain a full 3-year authority-to-operate.

Digital Government

House panel nudges Trump over IGs

The chairman and ranking member of a key oversight committee want the Trump administration to find candidates for 11 open inspector general posts.

Digital Government

IG: SSA system reboot success depends on backlog

The Social Security Administration's reboot of a failed $300 million IT system for its disability program is being rolled out gradually, and it's getting good marks so far.

Digital Government

Air Traffic Control Can Text Flight Crews. FAA Says It's Safer Than Radio, But Is It Secure?

A watchdog wants to ensure outsiders can’t interfere with flight safety communications.

Modernization

OPM looking to rebuild trust

OPM's National Background Investigations Bureau says it is now effectively securing its legacy IT systems and that people can trust the agency to keep their security clearance data safe.

Modernization

OIG: USPS not prepared for IT blackout

The United States Postal Service's IT systems and personnel could be unprepared to fulfill essential postal functions in the event of an emergency that disrupts normal operations.

People

Senators seek GAO probe of hiring-freeze effects

Two senators are urging Congress's investigative arm to probe any adverse effects of President Trump's hiring freeze.

People

What will it take to make feds happy?

Federal employee global satisfaction scores have risen for consecutive years, but lawmakers still think there's a long way to go in improving workforce engagement, as well as the survey that provides the data.

Cybersecurity

Chiefs: DOD cyber will suffer under a continuing resolution

In the DOD, cyber, modernization, training, recruiting and readiness will all take a hit if Congress passes another continuing resolution rather than a full budget, say the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Cybersecurity

Border wall won't span sea to sea

DHS chief John Kelly paints a clearer picture of the developing border barrier project, which includes a mix of walls, technology and fencing.

Cybersecurity

DOJ, DHS could do better at sharing terror info

Although the DOJ and DHS are sharing domestic counterterror information, they need to tweak some access and coordination issues, according to a joint oversight report from the agencies' inspectors general.

Cybersecurity

Agencies backsliding on FITARA

A leading watchdog told the House Oversight panel that agencies took some backward steps on implementing IT reforms during the transition and the early days of the Trump administration.

Digital Government

Watchdogs worried about DOJ's tech

Oversight officials told Congress they are concerned about the Justice Department's cybersecurity, use of unreliable tech and inability to track contract and grant spending.

Digital Government

Trump hotel lease is valid, says GSA

The lease President Trump signed with the GSA for the Old Post Office building in Washington is in compliance, an agency contracting officer said.

Modernization

GAO: Optimize Data Centers or Lose Them

Progress on closing data centers is mixed and the government’s optimization efforts are worse.

Digital Government

House panel takes on government transparency

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee explored legislative means to increase transparency in government at a March 23 hearing.

Cybersecurity

Spy powers at risk amid Trump controversy

The growing controversy around foreign surveillance and Trump associates is adding fuel to what's already expected to be a fiery debate in Congress over the reauthorization of FISA Section 702.

Acquisition

IG: Census underestimates costs of 2020 count

Inaccurate assumptions in the Census Bureau's 2016 test plan are contributing to the agency's underestimation of what the 2020 enumeration will cost.

Cybersecurity

Comey confirms FBI is investigating Trump-Russia links

FBI director James Comey also told the House intel panel there is no evidence to support President Trump's wiretapping tweets, and the FBI is investigating whether there was coordination between Trump campaign officials and associates and Russia.

Modernization

McCaskill pushes DHS to clarify rules for election aid

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) pushed DHS for clarity on what exactly the designation of election systems as critical infrastructure will mean for states.