People

Got a big idea about nanotechnology? The White House wants it

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy is leading a group of 25 agencies to develop a strategy for nanotechnology.

Modernization

TSA blocks work access to sites with 'controversial' content

The Transportation Security Administration is censoring employees' access to "controversial" Web sites on work computers, according to CBS News.

Digital Government

Obama makes $795M in broadband grants

Some $795 million will be spent for broadband development in rural and underserved areas in a second round of grants.

Cybersecurity

Most major DHS acquisitions are over budget, behind schedule: GAO

Audit by the Government Accountability Office finds that 12 of 15 large procurements at the Homeland Security Department suffer from cost overruns, planning obstacles that include staffing shortages and lack of sustainment planning, as well as execution challenges related to technical capability and dependence on contractor partners.

Digital Government

NOAA computer models predict coastal areas to be hit by oil spill

Computer modeling tracking wind and water motion predicts where the oil billowing from BP's ruptured well is likely to come ashore.

Modernization

The new USA.gov: Enhanced search, mobile applications, easier to use

The redesigned USA.gov seeks to be more user-friendly, launched Friday with great fanfare.

People

Open government plans updated, criticized

Agencies are revising their open government plans to respond to audits and feedback they've gotten since the first plans came out in April.

Digital Government

Social network just for feds to debut in late summer

The General Services Administration is preparing to launch the first phase of its FedSpace social media platform for federal agencies and contractors in late summer.

Modernization

How have NASA's Mars robots lasted 24 times longer than expected (so far)?

NASA's two Mars Rover vehicles were designed to last only 90 days but, six years later, they're still operating.

People

Court TV: Viewers flock to federal judiciary's YouTube channel

The federal judiciary has started its own YouTube channel and redesigned its Web site to raise its public profile through Web 2.0 tools.

Modernization

FCC has higher aspirations for its data

The Federal Communications Commission has filled a pair of new executive posts as part of a broad initiative to improve the utility and accessibility of FCC data.

Digital Government

First lady wants help to create childhood obesity infographics

Michelle Obama is looking for a colorful, powerful graphic to present childhood obesity information with the greatest effect.

Digital Government

VA patient scheduling app still not ready for prime time

The Veterans Affairs Department's second attempt to build an outpatient scheduling system may not get off the ground unless significant management deficiencies are corrected, according to the Government Accountability Office.

Digital Government

Facebook taps White House official for VP post

Facebook has hired Marne Levine to be its vice president of global public policy in the Washington, D.C. office.

Modernization

Agencies' faulty payments make OMB site hit list

OMB has started a Web site, PaymentAccuracy.gov, to highlight work to reduce improper payments made by agencies.

Modernization

GSA wants vendor ideas to improve communications

The General Services Administration wants ideas from vendors to improve communication and collaboration.

People

Craigslist founder helps HHS with idea competition

The Health and Human Services Department is getting some help from Craigslist founder Craig Newmark with its employee-only innovation competition.

Modernization

White House releases first intellectual property strategy

The White House has launched its first interagency strategy for fighting pirated software and other intellectual property

Modernization

Security washes out cloud savings

John Pescatore, Gartner Research vice president, advises federal agencies to take a careful look at security while estimating their savings in the cloud.

Cybersecurity

Widgets, Twitter to fuel FEMA emergency alerts

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has created 11 widgets and 13 Twitter feeds as part of its arsenal of social media tools aimed at disaster preparedness and response.