Digital Government

Soundbytes: Porn, Spies and Satan

A weekly roundup of comments from Nextgov.com. All comments are presented in their original, unedited form.

Digital Government

GSA seeks better prices, easier customer interface with IT procurement

Alliant and commercial satellite communications contracts have potential for growth, acquisition chief says.

Ideas

FAS Gets Permanent Leader

The General Services Administration on Tuesday announced a permanent leader for its Federal Acquisition Service, which has seen a number of shifts in recent months.

Digital Government

Mapping tools boost accountability, collaboration

Systems used in Maryland focus on results, officials say.

Digital Government

Big Health IT Rules Coming

<em>This post was written by Aliya Sternstein.</em> Expect many major announcements this week from the administration and its advisers

Ideas

Budget Game: Making Debt Fun

With the national debt well over $13 trillion, it seems a tall order to fix U.S. finances. Think you're smart enough to make those tough decisions? The nonprofit Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget's <a href=http://crfb.org/stabilizethedebt/#>new online tool</a> lets users weigh different scenarios for reducing spending and stabilizing debt.

Ideas

Failure To Communicate

I have pretty bad luck when it comes to wireless cellphone service. I was covering a conference call last Friday but was out of the office, so I had to call in with my iPhone.

Digital Government

Thrift Savings Plan launches new website

After delays, revamped site aims to offer easier navigation for users.

Ideas

Census Handhelds 'So 2010'

With its 2010 decennial count well underway, the Census Bureau already is looking forward to the next challenge: planning for 2020. According to the bureau's head, the next count will incorporate more technology than what currently is being used.

Digital Government

HIPAA Rules Now Apply to PHRs

It's not a new law, but it's a tangible, short-term step toward protecting the privacy of patient data that travels online. To address loopholes in current patient privacy legislation, the Health and Human Services Department on Thursday proposed <a href="http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2010-16718_PI.pdf">privacy rules</a> that would apply to vendors of technology that transmit personal health data.

Digital Government

Finding Choices at Healthcare.gov

<em>This post was written by Aliya Sternstein.</em> The administration this week posted information intended to help patients choose the safest hospitals on a new website aimed at granting consumers more control over their health care - and curbing federal spending.

Digital Government

Soundbytes: Rotten Smells and Feeding Wolves

A weekly roundup of comments from Nextgov.com. All comments are presented in their original, unedited form.

Digital Government

Do Not Pass Go Without Consent

<em>This post was written by Aliya Sternstein.</em> An advisory board to the California Health and Human Services Agency is out with a paper that suggests the electronic exchange of patient records should not proceed unless a patient opts into the network.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity R&D efforts lack direction, leadership

Administration should develop detailed agenda and improve its oversight role, watchdog says.

Digital Government

GSA launches satellite communications megacontract

The program will streamline purchases for civilian and Defense agencies to improve communications during emergency situations, analyst says.

Ideas

NASA's Website Work

Government websites aren't exactly known for their sleek design or easy-to-use features, and more than a few tech-savvy individuals have picked up on that trend. But as the General Services Administration <a href=http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100702_5706.php?oref=mostread>rolls out</a> significant upgrades to <a href=http://usa.gov>USA.gov</a>, home to all things related to federal services and resources, others also are upping their online game.

Digital Government

Recall Ready

The Agriculture Department is making it easier on the public to keep track of recalled food and products with a one-stop shop app.

Cybersecurity

Breaking the Chains

Chief information security officers like the State Department's John Streufert are seeking new ways to manage and prevent cyber threats in real time.

Cybersecurity

No Quick Fix

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's financial management system is in trouble, but the solution to its problems could be several years away. That's a lifetime in the cyber world.

Digital Government

Soundbytes: Cookies, Potatoes and Underwear

A weekly roundup of comments from Nextgov.com. All comments are presented in their original, unedited form.