Digital Government

Federal Reserve wants to read your Facebook posts

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York is about to hire a contractor tasked with creating "social media listening platforms" to gauge the nation's economic mood.

Digital Government

VA prepared for new employee mobile devices on Oct. 1

The Veterans Affairs Department is prepared for its long-awaited launch of iPhones and iPads on its networks, its CIO said.

Modernization

DHS moving public websites to the cloud

The Homeland Security Department is moving its public-facing websites to the cloud on a $600,000-a-year contract.

Cybersecurity

NSA developing custom smart phone for top-secret communications

The National Security Agency doesn't think your smart phone is secure enough for its needs.

Digital Government

Are e-gov programs worth the cost?

High-profile federal transparency initiatives such as Data.gov are on the chopping block in Congress, under pressure to prove they provide real value.

Cybersecurity

Coast Guard CIO still needs full authority, audit finds

The Coast Guard's new IT management strategic plan and acquisition guidance earned kudos, but the CIO still does not have sufficient oversight authority, an audit concluded.

Digital Government

Get used to shutdown risks

A smooth budget process isn't likely anytime soon, but agencies may be getting used to it.

People

HHS learns QR code lessons on AIDS.gov website

The AIDS.gov federal website team has learned some valuable lessons in adopting QR c odes as part of its outreach program.

Modernization

5 Kundra plans: Which ones have staying power?

The ambitious and sometimes controversial former federal CIO had no shortage of big ideas for reforming government IT. But can they succeed without him?

Modernization

Radio Free Science: NSF's new Web-based stream offers science news

The National Science Foundation has introduced a new Web-based continuous radio programming stream called Science360 Radio.

People

Gov 2.0 expectations could outrun reality

Devices, data and apps are proliferating, but the defining factor for the next wave will be how useful they are.

People

GAO gives lukewarm review to Obama transparency initiatives

The Government Accountability Office did an audit of the $34 million Electronic Government Fund and found limited progress and incomplete metrics on several projects.

Acquisition

Did SSA lose track of employees when it overspent on software?

Federal auditors ask what blunders the Social Security Administration made that led to overspending on software licenses.

People

Trade shows could be off-limits under new rule

The Office of Government Ethics' recently proposed ethics rule is even more restrictive than it first seemed, according to one industry figure.

People

Outrage over $16 muffins marks heightened scrutiny, experts say

Federal agencies should brace for close auditing of all of their activities as part of the drive to cut government expenses, experts predict.

People

Employee-owned mobile devices cause stress for agency IT shops

Employees are using their own mobile devices, and agency IT departments are suffering the strain.

Digital Government

DHS names Spaulding to critical infrastructure post

Suzanne Spaulding is the new deputy undersecretary for DHS' National Protection & Programs Directorate, according to a news report.

People

Feds could have new restrictions on attending conferences

A proposed ethics rule would bar feds from lobbyist-sponsored social events, but it also could inhibit attendance at trade shows and conferences.

Digital Government

Satellites, telescope worthy of funding, Senate says

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal 2012 budget for science and technology programs.

People

White House lists new transparency goals

The Obama administration has a national plan for transparency as part of the new Open Government Partnership with 43 other countries.