Cybersecurity

NSA wants NatSec users to mask location data

The spy agency is advising users of Defense Department and National Security Systems to take steps to mask their location data on mobile devices and computers.

Acquisition

Trump fires TVA chairman over IT outsourcing

The federally owned power company is rethinking plans to fire its internal IT staff and shift to managed services in light of Trump's intervention and a new executive order on federal contracting.

Modernization

Hoyer pitches $2B compromise for TMF

The House Majority leader is looking to sell lawmakers in both parties on a major uptick in funding for the Technology Modernization Fund that focuses on IRS modernization.

People

Senate bill seeks oversight of telework, PPE for the federal workforce

A group of Senate Democrats is proposing legislation to create labor-management task forces inside government to review pandemic-related workforce policies.

Modernization

Senate Dems join push for $1B TMF boost

A group of Democratic senators are asking top appropriators to include a sixfold increase to an IT modernization revolving fund in the next round of pandemic relief and stimulus legislation.

Cybersecurity

With furloughs looming, union pleads for deal on USCIS funding

The immigration agency is seeking $1.2 billion to keep employees working through an anticipated financial shortfall it links to the pandemic.

People

Senior execs group pushes OPM re-org

As part of a plan to revitalize federal employment, the Senior Executives Association is looking to take the government's top human resources official out of the political fray with a 5- to 8-year appointment.

People

Does the White House need a new risk management chief?

Recommendations from an ACT-IAC paper for the next presidential term include a chief risk management officer based at the Office of Management and Budget.

Modernization

Oversight Dems push for $1B boost to TMF

The lawmakers want the next COVID-19 relief package to include a boost for the central Technology Modernization Fund to support the upgrade of legacy systems.

People

Trump to nominate new OPM head

The candidate to serve as the nation's top human resources official has a background in computer science and software development, and a controversial record as a conservative commentator.

People

'Sharpiegate' probe elicits rebuke from Commerce IG

The Inspector General at the Department of Commerce is publicly complaining that the agency is using concerns about redactions as cover for blocking the complete release of a critical report surrounding the president's 2019 misstatements about the path of Hurricane Dorian.

People

NARA sharpens digital preservation plans

The National Archives released a framework for preserving government information that takes into account the proliferating variety of electronic formats – some now defunct – so that records can be saved in their original form.

People

Federal CIO Kent to exit in July

During her tenure, Suzette Kent pushed on policies including Trusted Internet Connection, identity management and the creation of the Chief Data Officers Council

Modernization

DOD plans new JEDI amendment

The Pentagon says it expect to be able to finish its revisions and make a new award decision by Aug. 17.

Digital Government

Mapping the PPE supply chain

Ninety days after the COVID-19 emergency declaration, a Senate panel examined how U.S. responders are managing procurement and delivery of needed supplies.

People

Public sector employment continues to slide

However positive signs in the May jobs report could sideline federal legislation to extend aid to local governments.

Cybersecurity

Sen. Hassan digs into agency IT plans

The push comes, the New Hampshire Democrat explained, because of technology weaknesses exposed in the federal government response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Acquisition

GAO probes influence of 'Mar-a-Lago crowd' on VA

A former VA official told the Government Accountability Office that three friends of President Trump established a "shadow reporting structure" in which "they were stakeholders without a formal role."

Modernization

NSA warns Russian hackers exploited email flaw

Russian hackers have compromised a longstanding vulnerability in a widely used email delivery software program at least since August of last year, according to an advisory from the National Security Agency.

Modernization

Lawmakers look to retool NSF for tech

Competition with China is at the center of a bipartisan $110 billion plan to boost technology research and development by a dramatic reorganization of the National Science Foundation.