Modernization

VA chief stresses leadership for e-records

Shinseki commits to single electronic health record system by September and moving disability claims to electronic processing.

People

Social media tools slow to take root

Social-networking technologies generate a lot of buzz, but agency efforts to use them are still rare.

People

Obama expected to name Kundra OMB e-gov and technology head

The D.C. chief technology officer would essentially be the federal government’s chief information officer.

People

Treasury still working on privacy policies

The Treasury Department has consolidated its privacy enforcement into a single office, but it is taking a long time to finalize policies.

People

Killefer withdraws as first federal performance officer

Management executive Nancy Killefer cited tax problems as she withdrew from consideration.

Cybersecurity

GAO updates manual for information system audits

The manual focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of controls, including for use in security assessments under FISMA.

People

White House launches site on economic effort

The Web site provides transparency and allows the public to interact with administration as it launches plans aimed at supporting the middle class and economic recovery.

People

Stimulus bills have big bucks for ‘green’ IT programs

Funding and developing energy efficiencies, renewable resources and the technologies to support them would create jobs, members of Congress say.

People

Auditors: DOD, VA need measures to track electronic health record progress

The departments plan to be able to fully share their health information by Sept. 30.

People

Senators want more oversight over rescue plan

Their legislation would require private entities that receive federal funds through the Treasury Department’s financial rescue program to give the GAO access to their books and records.

People

VA agrees to pay $20M in laptop theft case

The theft of a VA laptop and its aftermath in 2006 led to national headlines and stronger computer and data security policies and processes across the government.

People

Obama announces site to track economic stimulus funds

The president said he hopes the transparency of the stimulus plan through Recovery.gov will reduce unnecessary spending and the skepticism of many to the plan's size.

People

Obama team must start fast

Unusual sense of urgency accompanies this transition because of crises facing the government.

Cybersecurity

High-risk list adds 3 agencies, scratches 1

The roster of government programs at risk of waste and mismanagement grew to a total of 30 in the latest update from the Government Accountability Office, Congress’ watchdog agency.

People

GAO adds drug safety programs to high-risk list

The FDA program's management weaknesses are aggravated by soaring demand, older computer systems and a lack of clear decision-making processes, auditors report.

People

GAO: FAA's modernization improves

Financial regulation is a new area for reform, while information security and contracting continue as works in progress, government auditors say.

Modernization

Performance Institute starts InnoGOV site

The interactive site asks users to share innovations and insight to improve federal management.

People

OMB would toughen how agencies measure program value

Orszag tells senators Obama's fiscal 2010 budget proposal would recommend eliminating some programs.

Digital Government

Obama issues orders and memoranda on ethics, transparency

During his first full day on the job, President Barack Obama issued two executive orders and three memorandums today intended to make the government more transparent and ethical.

People

Inaugural speech: Obama promises to elevate role of tech

Technology will be an important aspect of creating jobs and transforming health care, the president said in his inaugural address.