People

Global Open Government Partnership gets mixed forecasts

The global Open Government Partnership that's preparing to get off the ground Sept. 20 gets praise and a few warnings.

Cybersecurity

DHS still has growing pains, comptroller says

U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro testified that the Homeland Security Department has achieved successes but still has organizational problems.

Acquisition

VA national contracting oversight system inadequate, IG says

The Veterans Affairs Department's inspector general recently audited national contracts and found problems.

Digital Government

FCC names Robbins to managing director post

The Federal Communications Commission has appointed a new managing director in charge of administrative and management functions.

Modernization

VA to try cloud-based collaboration tech for doctors

The Veterans Affairs Department is experimenting with cloud solutions that may eventually be extended to more than 100,000 medical personnel.

Modernization

IRS, SSA score highest in customer satisfaction, survey says

A survey of 1,000 Americans by MeriTalk and RightNow found that federal customer service is improving.

People

OPM creates hiring pool to speed applications

Applicants can apply for multiple jobs with a single application under OPM's new pool system.

Modernization

Kundra: 'IT cartel' holds back government efficiency

Former Federal CIO Vivek Kundra provoked an outcry with an editorial claiming that major federal contractors are holding back progress in updating federal technology.

Modernization

VA starts online open source community for VistA

VA's online agent is now operational to oversee an open-source community involved in modernizing its digital record system.

Modernization

USAJobs overhaul coming in October

The Office of Personnel Management is revamping its federal jobs site, with changes that users will see and others behind the scenes.

People

SSA makes progress with electronic filing, IG says

The Social Security Administration has successfully implemented several programs to boost electronic filing of appeals, a report states.

People

VA's IT project management oversight needs work, IG says

The Veterans Affairs Department's Project Management Accountability System needs more work to be fully effective, according to a new report.

Digital Government

DOJ names new acting director for ATF

The Justice Department has appointed a new acting director for ATF while the former director has been reassigned.

People

Twitter names tech expert to head public policy

Twitter announced that it has hired Colin Crowell as director of global public policy.

People

Forest Service business consolidation created problems, GAO says

The Forest Service got a mixed outcome from its consolidation of business services that started a decade ago, according to a new report.

Cybersecurity

Irene helps FEMA prove itself again

Public officials all along the East Coast are praising FEMA's preparedness and response to Hurricane Irene -- in sharp contrast to public opinion after Katrina.

Cybersecurity

Beware fake FEMA disaster app

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced a new mobile application for disaster preparedness on Android, but an apparently fake FEMA app appears to have fooled many.

Cybersecurity

FBI deploys fingerprint system for mobile devices

Police officers have access to a new fingerprint checking system that allows them to see if someone is a nationally known 'worst' offender.

Cybersecurity

Agencies use Facebook, Twitter to spread hurricane info

Agencies rush to prepare for major hurricane, using all the technology at their disposal to do so.

People

Myths about mobile devices

Federal agencies considering mobile applications should avoid these common myths that might limit their potential, a GSA official said.