DHS Launches ICT Sector Supply Chain Risk Task Force

The Department of Homeland Security on Oct. 30 announced launch of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Supply Chain Risk Management Task Force, which the agency said is charged with developing “consensus recommendations” to identify and manage risk to the global ICT supply chain. […]

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DHS’ Manfra Discusses FISMA Update, Impact to CDM

Jeanette Manfra, assistant secretary for the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications at the Department of Homeland Security, said today that the new update to Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) guidance will place even more accountability on department leaders and reflects an evolution in discussions between agencies and DHS. […]

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Commerce’s ITA Explains Work on Second Phase of Zero Trust

The Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration (ITA) component is well on its way to implementing the second phase of the agency’s migration to zero trust security architectures, ITA’s top technology official said. […]

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FCC Votes to Create U.S. Cyber Trust Mark Program

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted on March 14 to create a voluntary cybersecurity labeling program for wireless internet of things (IoT) devices including home security cameras, internet-connected appliances, fitness trackers, garage door openers, and baby monitors. […]

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VA Announces Finalists in $1M AI Tech Sprint

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the finalists selected to move forward in its AI Tech Sprint competition on March 13, which targets the development of AI solutions to address burnout among healthcare workers. […]

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House Oversight Lead Investigating China Tech Influence in U.S.

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., announced Thursday that he is launching a governmentwide investigation into the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) “ongoing efforts to target, influence, and infiltrate every sector and community in the United States.”   […]

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FedRAMP Chief Brian Conrad Stepping Down

Brian Conrad, acting director of the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), is stepping down from his position. […]

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Bipartisan Push in the House to Establish UAP Committee

Is the Federal government doing enough to investigate UFOs?

Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo, believes there is more to be done and is calling on House leadership for further action. […]

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Fed CIOs Talk FITARA Awards, Share Team Thanks

MeriTalk recognized 14 Federal agencies for their excellence in IT during the FITARA Awards ceremony at Tech Tonic on Thursday, joined by Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., ranking member of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation. […]

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Connolly Pledges Robust FITARA Oversight, Teases FedRAMP Category

Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., is pledging that Congress will continue to undertake vibrant oversight of Federal agency IT and cybersecurity-related progress through the FITARA Scorecard that has been published twice a year – usually by the House Oversight and Accountability Committee – since 2015. […]

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TSA Officials: Recapturing Security Fees Would Help Boost Tech Adoption

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials told lawmakers this week that redirecting passenger security fees to help pay for critical security investments — such as further technology improvements at TSA airport checkpoints — would help greatly to accelerate the agency’s broader technology modernization efforts. […]

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NIST to Launch Competition for AI Manufacturing USA Institute

The Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is planning to launch a competition for a new Manufacturing USA institute focused on artificial intelligence, offering up about $70 million in Federal funds for the new institute over five years. […]

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With 80 percent of every Federal IT dollar spent on life support for legacy systems, the Federal IT community is exploring new options to modernize and innovate – virtualization, cloud computing, Flash technology, software-defined options, shared services, and more. MeriTalk is staying close to the leaders on the front lines, bringing you new ideas and lessons learned.

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