Digital Government
When 'compliance' should be a dirty word
Steve Kelman makes the case that using the word "comply" can have unintended consequences.
Cybersecurity
Watchdog: DHS social media screening lacks objectives
Two DHS components launched social media screening pilots in the wake of the San Bernardino shooting. The agency's internal watchdog wants to see improved coordination and measurable goals.
Modernization
VA chief swears off software development
In his most pointed comments on IT to date, David Shulkin, secretary of Veterans Affairs, said that the agency will move to off-the-shelf software.
Cybersecurity
FDIC leads agencies in major cyber incidents
The bank regulator was responsible for 10 of 16 major information security incidents recorded in the FY2016 FISMA report.
Acquisition
How budget sequestration affected contracting
Defense agency contract obligations for IT and telecom services dipped over the last five years under the Budget Control Act, even as civilian side obligations held steady.
Digital Government
Chaffetz, Cummings push White House on records
A bipartisan letter from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee seeks information on Trump administration compliance with federal recordkeeping laws.
Cybersecurity
IGs: budget cuts could put cybersecurity at risk
Inspectors general fear that budget cuts could force agencies to choose between spending on program operations and cybersecurity.
Digital Government
Can IGs and agencies agree to a code of conduct?
Steve Kelman argues "The Art of the Deal" offers a possible path to more constructive oversight.
Cybersecurity
Why the private sector is key to cybersecurity
There is only so much the military can do to protect the country in cyberspace, expert witnesses at a House hearing said, so Congress should invest more is supporting the private sector.
Digital Government
IG: Commerce lags on Data Act
The Department of Commerce is behind on its Data Act preparations and risks missing a key May deadline, the agency watchdog warned.
Cybersecurity
Border drones and aerostats need better coordination
Although Customs and Border Protection coordinates its airborne border surveillance aircraft with other agencies, it needs to refine some specifics, according to a GAO report.
Cybersecurity
States balk at election system move by DHS
A group of state officials formally opposed the DHS critical infrastructure designation for election systems and want it rescinded.
Digital Government
GSA watchdog barks at 18F on shadow IT
Innovation shop 18F is playing by its own rules, according to the General Services Administration's inspector general.
Modernization
IG: Interior risks exposing sensitive data
Deficient IT security controls at a core data center put the Department of Interior at risk of exposing sensitive and personally identifiable information.
Cybersecurity
Failed SBINet offers lessons for border wall oversight
With a failed billion-dollar DHS project in mind, the agency's inspector general said he will audit the southern border wall project repeatedly as it is built.
Digital Government
Federal Information Systems Hit 20 Years on GAO’s High-Risk List
The watchdog is waiting for 1,000 recommendations to be implemented.
Digital Government
2020 census tabbed as 'high risk' by GAO
The 2020 Census is one of three additions to GAO's 2017 list of high-risk government programs.
Cybersecurity
Some IT bright spots in GAO annual risk report
Federal IT acquisition and DHS management see gains over 2015, but GAO wants more improvement.
Modernization
Veterans panel chairman wants faster action on VA scheduling
After the Department of Veterans Affairs announced plans to pursue multiple scheduling projects, the chairman of VA's authorizing committee said the agency should have a single system in place.
Digital Government