Acquisition

Senate-passed bill looks to modernize federal contracting, expand small business opportunities

A bipartisan bill seeks to expand federal contracting opportunities for small businesses and push government to modernize acquisition processes.

Acquisition

Agencies have proposed more than $2B in TMF projects since new funding was approved

Federal CIO Clare Martorana told a House subcommittee that 108 project proposals have been submitted to the Technology Modernization Fund across 43 agencies, with 75% focusing on cybersecurity since the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act.

Modernization

House panel advances slate of cybersecurity bills

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said eight new bills will bring the United States "one step closer to a safer and more secure wireless future."

Digital Government

Wyden dings IRS for access issues in tax credit tool

The chairman of the Senate Finance Committee wants the tax agency to offer its advanced child tax credit tool in more mobile-friendly format and make the content available in more languages.

Cybersecurity

Can federal funding fill gaps in rural cyber preparedness?

Utility firms in small towns and rural communities across the country lack critical funding and staffing resources necessary to counter an escalation in nationwide cyberattacks, state and local infrastructure experts warned on Wednesday.

Digital Government

DHS lacks comprehensive strategy to counter violent extremism, report says

The Department of Homeland Security is failing to assess critical external factors and has not yet implemented a data governance framework while developing strategies around terrorism prevention, a new report warns.

Cybersecurity

OMB provides key guidance for TMF proposals amid surge in submissions

Deputy Federal CIO Maria Roat details what makes for a winning Technology Modernization Fund proposal as agencies continue to submit major IT projects for potential funding.

People

Vote delayed on Biden's SBA nominee amid GOP-led filibuster attempts

Republicans have condemned Dilawar Syed, nominated to serve as deputy administrator for the Small Business Administration, over his involvement with a Muslim advocacy group that has been critical of Israel.

Acquisition

The risks of pushing for procurement equity

A White House plan to steer $100 billion towards small disadvantaged businesses could prove transformative for historically underserved communities nationwide -- but only with proper regulation.

Digital Government

Will the ransomware surge impact Biden's cyber EO?

Alan Chvotkin, a federal acquisition expert and the former executive vice president for PSC, reveals how federal officials can better respond to attacks while meeting the deadlines featured in the cybersecurity executive order.

Acquisition

House Dems look to ramp up oversight of DHS operations

A bill introduced by the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee addresses law enforcement functions, acquisition, leadership and more.

Digital Government

White House stresses stakeholder engagement in Evidence Act guidance

Three years after its passage, the Biden administration is now trying to provide clarity and additional recommendations for agencies still struggling to implement the Evidence-Based Policy Act.

Cybersecurity

CISA predicts cyber EO will drive progress on zero trust

Most agencies are just getting started creating plans around zero trust, but tight deadlines featured in President Joe Biden's cybersecurity executive order and a wave of new guidance, may speed up implementation across the entire government.

Cybersecurity

VA watchdog warns of security risks from undocumented PIV cards

A new report warns contracting officers at the Veterans Health Administration are failing to comply with agency and federal guidelines ensuring contractor personnel return personal identity verification (PIV) cards after employment.

Cybersecurity

NIST defines 'critical software' under the cyber EO

The National Institute of Standards and Technology's new definition of "critical software" is foundational to new federal efforts to exert more control over the code supply chain.

Acquisition

TMF board scales up

The deputy federal CIO said on Monday that the Technology Modernization Board has received numerous "large-scale modernization, cybersecurity projects" from the entire federal landscape after relaxing payback requirements.

Cybersecurity

Granholm refocuses Energy's cyber shop

The Energy Department is seeking 30% increase in funding for the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response, and plans new roles and new authority for the organization.

Digital Government

Biden's pick to lead GSA: 'We can't implement government policy if we can't get the damn websites to work'

Robin Carnahan said she will focus on making General Services Administration's offerings more user friendly and digitally secure while improving governmentwide cybersecurity efforts.

Cybersecurity

Biden revokes Trump's unenforced Chinese app bans

President Joe Biden's administration is establishing a new timetable to assess risks posed by using web services from foreign adversaries like China - while revoking his predecessor's final actions against Beijing.