Cybersecurity

Congress looks to arm DHS, DOJ against drones

A bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration gives two federal agencies the authority to intercept and destroy threatening drone aircraft.

Modernization

Tech sleuthing helped FBI probe at federal observatory

The National Solar Observatory's IT staff and wifi network were instrumental in tracking down an alleged child pornographer, according to FBI documents.

Modernization

How the Energy Dept. is operationalizing emergency response

Hurricane Florence is a proving ground for the DOE's new Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response.

Modernization

FEMA delays nationwide alert test

A plan to test an emergency alert system by hitting nearly every U.S. cell phone with a presidential message was delayed because the agency is focused on Hurricane Florence relief.

Digital Government

FAA drone tracker launches nationwide

The FAA completed the rollout of a nationwide real-time drone operations authorization system.

Modernization

House panel takes up slate of DHS cyber, tech bills

The House Homeland Security Committee is expected to advance a series of bills that will impact DHS operations and infrastructure.

People

White House officials to huddle on future of federal workforce

Federal CIO Suzette Kent said she will talk about federal technology workforce needs at a White House session.

Acquisition

GSA, USAF launch partnership on IT to replace NetCents

A new blanket purchasing agreement aligns GSA and Air Force in a "strategic partnership" on IT hardware and products under blanket purchase agreement.

Modernization

Golden State senators want answers on data throttling

California firefighters battling wildfires have complained to Verizon about wireless data throttling, and the state's senators are pushing the carrier and the FCC for an explanation.

Modernization

Study: Grid security needs to be a team sport

Electrical grid infrastructure providers and federal agencies need to do even more collaboration on operational preparation, response and recovery planning, according to a new study.

Modernization

Nielsen pushes CISA, drone authorities

The Homeland Security chief called on Congress to operationalize its cyber arm and give the agency the authority to defend critical infrastructure against drones.

People

Senators look to wean agencies off year-end spending sprees

Senate oversight chiefs tell agencies to cool their year-end "use it or lose it" spending.

Digital Government

CBP greets international boaters with app

Customs and Border Protection's online portal for international maritime arrivals is moving to a mobile app.

Acquisition

OASIS small business solicitation coming

With agencies looking to OASIS as a trusted source, small businesses are clamoring to get onto it, according to GSA officials.

Acquisition

Education taps NITAAC for major loan platform buy

The Department of Education will use the National Institutes of Health's governmentwide acquisition contract in a major procurement to modernize financial aid services.

Cybersecurity

NPPD flies (and lowers) the flag

Proclamations directing agencies to fly flags at half-staff come from an unexpected corner of DHS.

Modernization

9 ways to streamline EIS choices

Creative techniques can help agencies streamline their selection process for the government’s next-generation telecommunications contract, the head of DHS’ acquisition innovation lab says.

Cybersecurity

CBP's airport facial recognition system nabs first imposter

A new biometric ID entry system that just finished testing has winnowed out its first alleged imposter at Dulles International Airport.

Acquisition

GSA mulls recompete of SAM.gov contract

The General Services Administration granted IBM a six-month $16 million extension on its contract to operate and modernize the SAM.gov system as the agency considers whether to put the business up for bidding.

People

Olson to head Technology Transformation Service

Kelly Olson will step in as acting TTS director and FAS deputy commissioner on Aug. 27.