Tech
Senators are pushing for a $300M boost to the Technology Modernization Fund
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are urging appropriators to back a Biden administration request to add $300 million to the TMF.
Defense
DOD-VA Health Record Modernization Not Hitting Interoperability Targets, Watchdogs Say
In a joint oversight report, inspectors general at the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs say that some legacy health data isn't being migrated to new electronic health records systems.
Management
VA Has Been Dinged By Its Watchdog Over Project Management Woes
The multibillion electronic health records modernization project at the Veterans Affairs Department needs to improve scheduling and coordination, according to a critical report from the agency's inspector general.
Tech
A Data Strategy That Benefits Veterans
VA's Chief Data Officer Kshemendra Paul talks about the agency's "secret weapon."
Tech
The VA Is Planning New Health Record Deployments, Despite Critical Watchdog Reports
Two upcoming go-live dates for the Cerner health record at VA facilities in Washington and Ohio will proceed on schedule, the agency says.
Management
The VA's New Health Record Is Still Putting Patients at Risk
The transition to Cerner's electronic health records system at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane is still being hindered on multiple fronts more than a year after go-live.
Management
The $1.5 Trillion Funding Bill Makes Small Tweaks to IT Policies and Funding
There's no Technology Modernization Fund boost in the omnibus passed by Congress, but there are multiple small moves supporting IT modernization at federal agencies.
Tech
A Modernized IT Dashboard is Set to Launch in Mid-March
The legacy 2009 website containing schedule, spending and risk data for federal IT projects is offline while a modernized replacement is finalized.
Tech
Vista Modernization Still a Priority at VA, but Funding Is a Question
Two instances of the homegrown electronic health record have been moved to the cloud as part of a pilot project, but it's not clear if funding or support exists for more cloud migration as VA transitions to a commercial electronic health record.
Defense
The Defense Health Record System Still Faces Cyber and Training Issues
The annual report from the Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation at the Department of Defense finds some improvement but ongoing issues with MHS Genesis.
Oversight
The SEC Looks to Expand Cyber Coverage
The Securities and Exchange Commission is taking a new look at how it asks publicly traded companies to disclose cybersecurity risks.
Employee Policy
Court block of contractor mandate does not bar workplace safety measures
A block of the Biden administration order that contractors be vaccinated against COVID-19 or test regularly has been in place since December.
Management
The Hill Gets Serious About Digital Services
The House of Representatives is launching a digital services team, after recommendations from the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress.
Employee Policy
Cyber: NSA to get binding operational directive authority
A new memo signed by President Biden outlines how the May 2021 executive order on cybersecurity applies to national security systems.
Employee Policy
Speed bumps for VAs new scheduling system
A watchdog report has identified gaps in training and oversight regarding the new scheduling system being implemented at VA medical facilities.
Employee Policy
New State Dept. cyber bureau announced
A new cyber unit is planned for the State Department, covering cyberspace and digital policy—as one of a number of improvements announced by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in a recent speech.
Employee Policy
Civic tech vendor recognizes employee union
Code for America recognized a new employee union, a first in the civic tech sector.
Employee Policy
CISA seeks 24-hr timeline on cyber reporting
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency aims for faster reporting times on critical, security-threatening events. Two separate Senate bills set different deadlines for federal contractors, critical infrastructure providers and other covered companies to report cyber incidents to the federal government.
Employee Policy
Shutdown looms as House takes up CR, debt limit extension
Most agencies are still operating under shutdown plans crafted under the Trump administration, but there are provisions for continuing pandemic programs and operations.
Employee Policy