Blogs

Hope everyone enjoyed August! With Congress is back in town, the Weekly WHAT is back from hiatus. Several agencies were active, so below you’ll find some key federal issues to welcome us back ...

Key Takeaway: NIST Gathering Data On Cyber Framework In Effort To Build Version 2.0

On August 26, the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) released a request for information (RFI) in an effort to capture information about the level of awareness throughout critical infrastructure organizations, and initial experiences with the Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (often referred to as the “Framework”). In addition, NIST is interested in receiving comments related to the Roadmap that accompanied publication of the Framework. States providing NIST and NASCIO with their experiences to date would be extremely helpful for both organizations.

When the Framework was released in February of 2014, NIST explained it hoped the framework would serve as a “living document” that would continue to be improved over time. They are seeking feedback from users’ experiences, they also want information on standards, guidelines, and technology that would assist with implementation and add value to future versions of the Framework.  Those who are interested in providing feedback can review the request for information here. A more general update from NIST on the framework is available here.  And, always feel free to e-mail NASCIO your thoughts, as well!

Other Buzz:

FirstNet Announces A Slew of New Board Members

Last week, Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker announced the appointment of five new members to the FirstNet Board of Directors. This is the first significant shift in the membership of the board, as last year all the members whose terms lapsed were reappointed. The new appointees are: Chris Burbank, Chief of Police, Salt Lake City Police Department; James H. Douglas, former Governor of Vermont; Annise Parker, Mayor, City of Houston, Texas; Frank Plastina, technology executive, North Carolina; Richard Stanek, Sheriff, Hennepin County, Minnesota.

Of particular note is former Governor of Vermont Jim Douglas, which gives additional focus to state interests on the board. Prior to today, the only member with a state government background was former state CIO Teri Takai, despite the crucial role states will play in collaboration and roll-out of the network. Mayor Parker is also notable for her cities' efforts to become an early adopter of FirstNet.

E-Rate Comments Due Next Week

A friendly reminder to NASCIO members and others that the FCC is asking for initial comments on its new E-rate Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking by September 15. The 176 page Order and FNPRM lays out numerous ways the FCC hopes to make the program more efficient and effective, including incentivizing “consortia” (cross-jurisdictional) applications, bulk purchasing, and a litany of other key issues. Check out the whole megillah here.

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