Front Burner
Federal Data, Security Leaders Release Zero Trust Guide Ahead of White House Deadline
Fedscoop reports that last week, the Federal Chief Data Officers and Federal Chief Information Security Officers councils released the Federal Zero Trust Data Security Guide. The guide includes input from over 30 Federal agencies and provides “detailed Zero Trust principles aimed at informing decision-making and aligning with agency missions.”
Fed, Intel and Military Groups Warn Data Broker Practices May Threaten National Security
A letter submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on behalf of Federal employees and military service members warns that a forthcoming rule on the sale of certain U.S. personal and financial data fails to adequately address the national security risks associated with the collection, aggregation, and sale of this information, reports NextGov.
VA Breaks Records for Veterans Served Despite Slowing Hiring
GovExec reports that despite only growing its workforce by two percent, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) delivered record levels of care and benefits in fiscal year 2024, with a six percent increase in appointments, a 15 percent increase in benefits, and a 27 percent increase in disability benefits claims processed.
How Federal IT Officials are Navigating the Post-AI Executive Order ‘Hype Cycle’
Fedscoop reports that during a conference last week, Federal officials discussed their agencies’ experiences with artificial intelligence (AI) since the release of the White House’s executive order last year, as well as next steps for implementing the technology into their systems and operations.
OMB Issues Draft Memo, Toolkit to Increase Public Engagement
MeriTalk reports the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is seeking feedback on a draft memo and toolkit aimed at helping Federal agencies “increase opportunities for public participation and community engagement.”
Congressional Update
Disaster Aid Bill Seen More Likely Than Omnibus Spending Package Post-Election
Roll Call reports that following the election, Congress expects to pass an emergency disaster relief package. However, it is unlikely that an Omnibus spending bill to fund the government beyond the current December 20 deadline will pass, leading Congress to consider another continuing resolution to extend current funding levels through March.
Lawmakers Accuse VA Leaders of Exaggerating Budget Shortfall
According to Military Times, House Republicans sent a letter to the VA Secretary last Friday stating that the Veteran Affairs Department misinformed Congress and incited “panic among veterans about their benefits being delayed or cut” by overestimating budget shortfall issues.
New Bill Would Levy Penalties on Feds ‘Impeding’ Presidential Directives and Require New Training
GovExec reports that Representative August Pfluger (R-TX) introduced the Stop Resistance Activities by Federal Employees Act, a bill that would penalize Federal employees “if they impede or obstruct lawful orders from the next Presidential Administration.”
UN Cybercrime Convention will ‘Legitimize’ Authoritarian Nations’ Cyber Behavior, Senators Warn
According to NextGov, a letter from six Democratic Senators expressed concerns about U.S. participation in a United Nations cybercrime treaty vote, arguing that the treaty could “lend credibility to policies promoted by authoritarian regimes like China and Russia.”
Regulatory Tracker
The Coalition’s Regulatory Tracker
As a service to our members, the Coalition is also offering a Regulatory Tracker that lists open FAR and DFARS cases relevant to the Federal procurement community, including synopses and status descriptions. For questions or comments regarding the Tracker, please e-mail Joseph Snyderwine at JSnyderwine@thecgp.org.
Click here to download and view the Tracker.