Modernization

Cisco product connects first responders via Web

It overcomes interoperability issues by using the Internet to connect walkie-talkies, voice-over-IP phones, push-to-talk cell phones and computer voice messaging programs, a company official said.

People

Inside OPM’s new telework guidelines

Detailed guidance focuses on pandemic emergencies, information security.

People

Census Bureau seeks consulting support

It wants to observe best practices from the 2010 census to apply to the 2020 one.

People

DHS awards EAGLE contracts

A department spokesman could not confirm who the winners are or how many have been awarded contracts.

People

Union criticizes OPM's telework guidelines

NTEU says new pandemic telework rules lack employee negotiation, equipment supply rights

People

Census director raises a red flag about the upcoming e-census

Officials warn that several factors threaten to spoil their plans for an electronic census.

People

DHS: No appeals court rehearing for MaxHR

Despite repeated rebuffs in the courts, the Homeland Security Department said it still supports MaxHR's labor-relations provisions.

Acquisition

Census Bureau awards IT contract to CNSI

The company will help support the Regional Office Survey Control system.

People

OPM chooses retirement system director

Tom O'Keefe will oversee the Retirement Systems Modernization program.

People

Brandewie joins ActivIdentity

The former director of the Defense Manpower Data Center will lead the company's new Public Sector Solutions Group.

People

OPM updates telework guidelines

It provides detailed information covering everything from establishing an agency policy to stressing that safety requirements apply to teleworkers.

Cybersecurity

IG flags TWIC for security holes

The worker ID program finds security flaws in systems, documentation and program management, according to a new DHS inspector general's report.

People

Survey: Feds planning well for retirement

More than half of federal employees said they expect to retire before the age of 62, according to a study by the Office of Personnel Management.

Cybersecurity

Hackers show MacBook vulnerability

Laptop computers running Microsoft Windows and Intel Centrino device drivers also have exploitable flaws.

Cybersecurity

NIST releases open-source kit for biometrics

The Multimodal Biometric Application Resource Kit is intended to support interoperability for personal identity verification cards, readers and software.

Digital Government

NIST releases PIV card-related special publications

One provides guidelines for testing data on the cards, while the other is a draft of guidelines for interoperability between cards and readers.

Modernization

DOD report urges adoption of open technology

Sharing programming codes and standards with the open-source community could speed development and lower costs, the report states.

People

Springer wants OPM to lead by example

Director says an employee-developed strategic plan now guides the agency.

Modernization

Panel: ATF not required to pay teleworkers' broadband costs

The Federal Services Impasses Panel rejected NTEU arguments that the costs of teleworkers’ broadband could be offset by potential savings in office space.

People

House committee examines rehiring retired feds

With a large percentage of the federal workforce close to retirement age, lawmakers and HR officials debated ways to keep performance at peak levels.