Emerging Tech

Universal Service Fund Wants Automation Tools to Help Bring Broadband to Communities in Need

The corporation that manages the fund for the Federal Communications Commission is looking for a contractor to help automate its manual, time-consuming data verification process.

Modernization

CISA Releases Draft Use Case For Securing Remote, Mobile and Teleworking Connections

The cybersecurity agency wants feedback on how to secure remote users under the Trusted Internet Connection 3 policy.

Modernization

No Failures in Latest FITARA Scorecard But 5 Agencies Slip

In a first, every agency got an A on at least one metric. But a new column on telecom transition brought several agencies down.

Emerging Tech

VA Plans Poop Pilots to Detect COVID-19 Outbreaks at Nursing Homes

The Veterans Affairs Department will test wastewater for early indications of infection among residents, who can then be quarantined to limit the spread to others.

Cybersecurity

Massive Hack Roundup: Microsoft Says Breach 'Not Espionage as Usual'

Here are the news and updates you may have missed.

Cybersecurity

CISA: SolarWinds Is Not the Only Way Hackers Got Into Networks

The agency also warned that getting attackers out of networks will be complex—especially because they are monitoring IT and cybersecurity employees’ emails.

Cybersecurity

Pentagon Preps for First CMMC Pilots in 2021

The Pentagon’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program will begin including security requirements in select solicitations starting next year.

Cybersecurity

What We Know About the SolarWinds Breach

The White House invoked Presidential Policy Directive-41 to coordinate a "whole of government" response.

Podcasts

Critical Update: Did COVID-19 Push More Agencies Into the Cloud?

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting mass telework means agencies must have moved more data, workloads and services into the cloud. Right?

Cybersecurity

CISA Orders Federal Agencies to Turn Off SolarWinds Products 

A critical flaw in software used throughout government was reportedly used to breach a major security company and at least two federal agencies.

Emerging Tech

Intel Agencies Seek to Perfect Biometric Recognition from Drones

Intelligence and military researchers want to merge facial recognition with other biometric methods to identify people from long distances and steep angles

Modernization

GSA Relaunches Federal Service Desk With New Look and Added Security

The help desk for all General Services Administration procurement systems got a makeover and a security lockdown.

Digital Government

Biden Team Tries Recruiting Through Source Code

If you find the hidden message, you might be someone the incoming administration wants to hire.

Digital Government

GSA’s Central Procurement Hub Will Lose the ‘Beta’ in April

The legacy SAM.gov will be shuttered and all the capabilities will be folded into the new SAM.gov, which currently goes by beta.SAM.gov.

Emerging Tech

Pentagon Clarifies Biometrics Database Can Move to Any Secure Cloud, Not Just AWS

While the performance work statement namechecks a specific cloud provider and product, a subsequent amendment and Q&A clarify the Pentagon’s true intent.

Digital Government

Federal Employees Say They’re Willing to Download COVID-19 Apps But Few Agencies Have Them

The results of a Nextgov/Government Business Council survey offer insights into how federal employees feel about apps to trace coronavirus exposure and their agency’s efforts to track infections.

Digital Government

DOD Needs IT Support for Security Clearance Background Investigations Program

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency took over management of the background investigations process but does not own all of the related IT systems—yet.

Modernization

Military Health Officials: Electronic Health Records Rollout On Schedule and Ready for COVID Vaccine

After a pause this spring, the MHS Genesis rollout is back on track, with two deployment waves scheduled for early 2021.

Modernization

Trump Administration to Name OPM’s Basil Parker as Federal CIO  

The chief of staff and IT and cybersecurity workforce adviser will be appointed to the top IT position in the federal government, according to the White House.

Digital Government

Army Wants Data Analytics to Spot ‘Emerging Tech Leaders’

The Army plans to issue a call later this month through its Small Business Innovation Research program.