Policy

Wyden blasts wide, unfettered government access to passport files

The revelation comes from ongoing probes into a leak investigation at Customs and Border Protection from Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Digital Government

What Would a GOP Takeover of the House Mean for the Oversight Committee? 

The chair-in-waiting for the once “sleepy” committee would like to investigate COVID-19’s origins, the Biden administration’s border policies and the president’s family members. 

Acquisition

Bid protests decline for fourth consecutive year

Bid protests issued by federal agencies declined 12% in fiscal 2022.

Emerging Tech

VA Needs Better Data on Employment Outcomes of ‘Promising’ Tech Training Pilot, Watchdog Says

A Government Accountability Office report found that the Department of Veterans Affairs lacks sufficient data on its VET TEC pilot to “assess the effectiveness of the program at getting veterans into jobs.”

Modernization

Tech woes still trouble OPM, watchdog says

While a solution appears to be in play for the agency's budget shortfall, deficiencies in the tech workforce remain a cause for concern.

Digital Government

The IG Council is investigating Homeland Security watchdog

The council also pushed back on broader claims that it is “failing” in its mission. 

Modernization

OPM Watchdog Seeks a Background Search Tool to Help Investigations

The Office of Personnel Management’s Inspector General asked industry to offer insights about a potential online search and retrieval service to help with its investigations.

Digital Government

NASA Still Falls Short of Geospatial Data Act Compliance, Watchdog Says

The agency’s inspector general found that while NASA is making progress towards compliance, six out of 13 key elements are incomplete.

Cybersecurity

GAO: Communication Breakdowns Hurt Otherwise Positive View of Federal Ransomware Support

State, local, tribal and territorial governments have “generally positive views” of agencies’ ransomware assistance, but cited “inconsistent communication” from the FBI as a challenge.

Acquisition

IT spend reporting requirements still stuck at halfway point, watchdog finds

The Government Accountability Office report found that agencies failed to disclose approximately $31 billion in fiscal year 2021 investments under the two layers of the Technology Business Management framework that were required.

Policy

Watchdog Again Pushes GSA to End Contracting Pilot Program

The agency’s inspector general found the Transaction Data Reporting program does not guarantee agencies are getting the lowest contract price alternative.

Digital Government

The Pentagon’s Watchdog Is Taking a Closer Look at Defense’s Records Management and Device Use After Missing Jan. 6 Texts

The acting inspector general shared information about the review in response to a letter from a top senator expressing concerns about handling of messages related to the Capitol insurrection. 

Modernization

IT Spend Reporting Requirements Still Stuck at Halfway Point, Watchdog Finds

The Government Accountability Office report found that agencies failed to disclose approximately $31 billion in fiscal year 2021 investments under the two layers of the Technology Business Management framework that were required.

Modernization

Federal Agencies Still Face Several Cloud Challenges, Watchdog Says

Years after prior watchdog reports, agencies still have not fully implemented Government Accountability Office recommendations.

Cybersecurity

Coast Guard Must Address Cyber Workforce Needs, Watchdog Says

The agency is only fully implementing seven out of 12 best practices, according to the Government Accountability Office.

Cybersecurity

Over Half of Operating Systems at VA Medical Center in Texas are Outdated, Watchdog Finds

An audit conducted by the VA’s Office of Inspector General found unaddressed security vulnerabilities and deficient devices at the Harlingen VA Health Care Center.

Digital Government

HHS Needs to Ensure Telehealth Patients and Providers Understand Privacy Risks

An oversight report underscored the need for improved patient privacy and security disclosures following the pandemic-related telehealth boom.

Policy

Federal agencies are ignoring most building safety concerns flagged by DHS

Lawmakers raise concerns about the non-compliance in light of the recent uptick in threats against feds.