Improving IT Security Through Implementing Sound Enterprise IT Governance

Submitted by on Tue, 01/23/2018 - 23:01

In the face of ever-increasing cybersecurity risks, significant attention is being paid toward improving preparedness and response of agencies, vulnerabilities and threats. throughout  the public sector.

Implementing the DATA Act: Encouraging Signs

Submitted by on Tue, 01/23/2018 - 22:54

The new law gives agencies three years to implement a set of new reporting requirements to track federal spending, but it will be unbelievably complex – requiring changes in federal regulations, and in the written terms of every federal grant, contract, and loan agreement of $25,000 or more.  These changes will likely cascade to agreements between states and localities with their sub-grantees and sub-contractors, as well.  Congressional sponsors of the legislation told the Administration “we’re going to hold your fee

A long view on innovating for acquisition reform – Set a Vision and Start Down a Path

Submitted by on Tue, 01/23/2018 - 22:46

The federal government achieves a significant part of its mission by working with and through organizations outside agency walls, primarily through grants, contracts, and similar agreements. The work of government contracting is a very large piece of this pie – whether for information technology, physical goods, or other professional services, nearly half of all federal discretionary spending falls into the acquisition category.

Weekly Round-up: May 09, 2014

Submitted by on Tue, 01/23/2018 - 22:39

Gadi Ben-Yehuda

One Size Doesn't Fit All: Marshaling Science in Crises

Submitted by on Tue, 01/23/2018 - 22:35

Almost 40 years ago, the Forest Service developed a command-and-control approach to battling forest fires that was successful in coordinating efforts across multiple jurisdictions and fire departments.  Its approach was adopted by other agencies to address their own forms of emergencies. For example, USDA uses it to battle infestations of crop-killing insects.

How government can securely leverage cloud environments

Submitted by on Tue, 01/23/2018 - 22:25

From the OMB “Cloud First” strategy, to GSA’s Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), the government is following commercial best practices to leverage the cloud.

Cloud capabilities can be provided over the public Internet or through connections over private networks -- and government does both. Some agencies establish private clouds due to perceived risks of making data available over public channels. At the same time, they are moving toward greater use of the open Internet, including public clouds.

The DATA Act and Transparency: 4 Ways that Industry Will Benefit

Submitted by on Tue, 01/23/2018 - 22:20

Late last week, the President signed into law the Digital Accountability and Transparency (DATA) Act.  As summarized by the Administration’s release statement, the DATA Act will

Weekly Round-up: May 16, 2014

Submitted by on Tue, 01/23/2018 - 19:40

Gadi Ben-Yehuda

How to Embed Quality into Your Organization's Culture

Submitted by on Tue, 01/23/2018 - 18:58

A recent study concludes: “A company with a highly developed culture of quality spends, on average, $350 million less annually fixing mistakes than a company with a poorly developed one.”  The study, by the CEB (formerly the Corporate Executive Board), of more than 60 multinational companies, examined the benefits of embedding quality into a company’s culture and identified the key attr

Weekly Round-up: May 23, 2014

Submitted by on Tue, 01/23/2018 - 18:56

Gadi Ben-Yehuda

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