Modernization
VA Extends Financial System Overhaul by 5 Years—And Adds More than a Billion to the Cost
The agency is in the middle of a major overhaul of its financial management system, as those efforts stall behind other modernization priorities.
Emerging Tech
Customs Reverses Course on Mandatory Facial Scans for U.S. Citizens
After criticism from Congress and privacy advocates, the border security agency says it will pull back a proposed rule change.
Emerging Tech
CBP Starts Process to Include U.S. Citizens in Facial Recognition Program
A proposed rule change would no longer allow citizens and green card holders to opt-out of Customs and Border Protection’s biometrics program.
Digital Government
New Functionality on the Way for FedBizOpps Replacement
The team managing the transition from FedBizOpps to SAM.gov says it plans to restore key capabilities, such as email alerts.
Modernization
IG: CBP Knew Its Tech Couldn’t Handle Family Separations Before Pushing Zero Tolerance Policy
The agency was made aware of significant data entry and tracking issues after a test in November 2017, then chose to ignore those problems.
Modernization
For Contractors, Work on GSA’s Schedule Consolidation Begins in January
Schedule contract holders will get a mass modification agreement in January and six months to negotiate exceptions to specific clauses.
Cybersecurity
Commerce Secretary Proposes ‘Case-by-Case’ Enforcement Of Telecom Ban
A proposed rule out for public comment would give the secretary discretion over how implement a May executive order.
Modernization
After Two Years In Limbo, FEMA Cancels $250M IT Support Contract
The single-award contract was created to help the emergency management agency manage its IT. Now, that work will be spread across existing staff and contracts.
Emerging Tech
NIST Is Offering $6M For Technical Help With Its Smart Grid, IoT Research
The standards agency is building a contract for technical services in support of its cyber-physical systems research.
Digital Government
GAO Hires First Data Scientist
The position will lead the watchdog’s new Innovation Lab, soliciting new ideas and using data to help GAO better inform agencies and Congress.
Modernization
Officials: Working Capital Funds Take Time But Have ‘Real Staying Power’
Agencies are still figuring out the best way to establish and govern IT working capital funds two years after passage of the MGT Act.
Modernization
GSA Built a Bot Factory and Thinks Your Agency Can Too
The federal RPA Community of Practice is getting ready to release its first playbook before the end of the year.
Cybersecurity
DHS Silicon Valley Program Makes Two Awards for Digital Credentials Management
The department is working to digitize the process for issuing, verifying and managing credentials like travel documents and employment authorizations.
Digital Government
Hunt Begins for New 18F Director
The current executive director will be leaving by February.
Modernization
Officials: Shared Services Implementation Begins But Journey Will Be Long
Three of the four initial focus areas are ready to move beyond the standards-setting phase to implementation, with GSA’s payroll program leading the way.
Emerging Tech
How Chilean Protesters Took Down a Drone With Standard Laser Pointers
The low-powered presentation tool/dangerous children’s toy is becoming a weapon of choice for protesters around the world trying to take down or disable surveillance tech.
Digital Government
Users Had to Wait a Little Longer for GSA’s FedBizOpps Replacement
FedBizOpps migrated to SAM.gov Contract Opportunities over the weekend but a slow site and data migration issues made for some disgruntled users.
Digital Government
Agencies Are Sending Better Data to USASpending But Still Have Room for Improvement, GAO Says
Confusion over data standards, process and transparency remain.
Modernization
More Vets Are Taking Advantage of Digital Services Through New VA.gov
One year in, the relaunch of VA.gov seems to have resulted in more veterans access digital services.
Modernization
Can CBP Stand Up an Electronic Health Records System in 90 Days?
Lawmakers eager to see Customs and Border Protection digitize its health care system are pushing a bill that would give the agency three months to go from paper to electronic records.
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