Ideas

Nextgov Launches Soundbytes

Nextgov wants to hear from you: What do you think about body scanners? Transparency? The IT workforce?

Ideas

Kempf to Oversee GSA Acquisitions

General Services Administrator Martha Johnson on Friday announced that Steve Kempf, currently the Federal Acquisition Service's deputy commissioner, will take over as FAS acting commissioner on April 3.

Digital Government

While feds avoid social media, their agencies log on

Congressional staffers and private sector employees in Washington visit social networking sites regularly, but less than half of government executives do, a study found.

Cybersecurity

FAA defends big budget hike for new air traffic control system

Lawmakers are concerned that the NextGen program, which will replace the existing radar-based network with one that relies on satellites, is behind schedule and complex.

Ideas

The Nose Knows

Is your nose a snub? Or maybe a turn-up? According to British scientists, the nose could be the newest feature used to verify an individual's identity.

Digital Government

TSA seeks auto-detection for controversial body scanners

The agency will continue to deploy the technology in major airports in fiscal 2011, officials say.

Ideas

Tech-Tied

You've seen those BlackBerry-crazed workaholics that take their jobs with them everywhere -- out to dinner, to their kids' soccer games, even on their honeymoons -- but only in the movies, right?

Digital Government

Audit blames OMB's lack of guidance for shoddy contracting data

But agencies also are responsible for accurate reporting of contract award spending, analysts say.

Ideas

Web Site Woes: USAspending.gov

Inconsistencies will continue to plague <a href=http://usaspending.gov/>USAspending.gov</a> unless the Office of Management and Budget issues better reporting guidance to agencies, according to the Government Accountability Office.

Ideas

Tweet Trends

Social networking offers lots of opportunities to share information, join a conversation, reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Perhaps too many. With Facebook, LinkedIn, GovLoop, Twitter and more, who has time to actively participate in everything?

Digital Government

Former TSA worker indicted on tampering charges

Employee compromised security of terrorist screening database.

Digital Government

Panel recommends overhaul of GSA's Multiple Award Schedules

Agencies buying services and solutions require updated policies, analysts say.

Ideas

Census Sticking Point

The Census Bureau this week started its daunting task--counting the nation's 300-plus million people--by mailing out advance letters to 120 million households. These letters politely remind citizens that the 2010 census documents will be arriving March 15 to 17 and to please fill out and mail back the quick-and-easy 10-question form.

Ideas

FBI's Most Wanted in Your Pocket

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is one of many agencies to embrace social networking, but its use of technology has a greater practical purpose than simple information dissemination.

Cybersecurity

Security guidance to aid agencies in cloud computing push

Threat list is helpful but incomplete, analysts say.

Ideas

More Airport Body Scans

The Homeland Security Department on Friday announced that it will expand the use of advanced imaging technology--the controversial body scans--to 11 U.S. aiports by summer, thanks to $1 billion in Recovery Act funds.

Digital Government

GSA announces $10 billion telecom contract to complement Networx

Networx offers recurring infrastructure and transport services but does not provide labor or equipment outside of network or telecommunications service delivery.

Ideas

Cloud Computing Trauma

Customer service matters. When it comes to cloud computing, a little bit could go a long way.

Ideas

Virtual Training, Real Battle

Live, on-the-ground battlefield preparation is difficult to come by outside of the battlefield itself. Enter <a href=http://ict.usc.edu/projects/urbansim>UrbanSim</a>, a research prototype simulation currently being used to train U.S. Army personnel in complex urban counterinsurgency and stability operations.

Ideas

Distraction.gov -- Not

Yes, <a href=http://distraction.gov/>Distraction.gov</a> is a real Web site. No, it isn't a compilation of crossword puzzles, <a href=http://www.sporcle.com/>Sporcle</a> quizzes and Gawker-worthy gossip. In fact, it has nothing to do with giving feds a little diversion at work.