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Weekly WHAT: Holiday Edition, with Broadband, E911, FedRAMP, OMB Guidance, and more!

By Mitch Herckis posted Dec 19,2014 11:17 AM

  

Happy Holidays from the NASCIO team to you and yours! We hope you were able to check out our blog posting earlier this week on the cybersecurity actions taken by Congress before departing. Even so, Washington has a bundle of other news that is of interest to states. Here’s a quick overview of everything going on to last you through the New Year:

Key Takeaway: FCC Takes Action on Broadband, Seeks Input on E911
As expected, the FCC took action to expand funding for E-rate connections at its December 11 meeting, increasing the spending cap from the current $2.4 to $3.9 billion a year. However, perhaps most notable for states, is the order incentivizing state support of “last-mile broadband facilities through a match from E-rate of up to 10 percent of the cost of construction.” The order also allows:

  • Applicants to seek funding for large, up-front construction costs in a one-time lump sum, while paying back their share of construction over multiple years.
  • Schools and libraries to build out high-speed broadband facilities themselves when it is proven the most cost effective model.
  • Equal treatment in purchasing both dark and lit fiber in applications.

More info available on the FCC website, including a press release and statements from all the commissioners.

In addition to its action on broadband for schools and libraries, the FCC also is seeking input on a “Roadmap for Improving E911 Location Accuracy.”  The goal is to more precisely and accurately identify the location of individuals calling 911 from cell phones, particularly within building structures.  There is a clear split between various associations and private industries as to the approach that should be taken—whether to seek very specific accuracy markers harnessing technologies that have not been proven in the current market; or, attempt to harness existing technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with new standards that triangulate an individuals’ location when they call 911. More info available in this blog post. Reply comments are due Christmas Eve (bah humbug!).


Other Buzz
Plan To Evolve FedRAMP Announced
On December 17, the General Services Administration (GSA) rolled out “FedRAMP Forward,” a two-year plan to improve awareness and engagement, expedite the provider approval process, and adapt to the evolving cybersecurity landscape. NASCIO intends to engage with GSA to ensure states, many of which utilize FedRAMP, are both aware of the process and included as a collaborator.

OMB Grant Guidance Reform Completed, 2015 Roll-Out Begins
The Office of Management and Budget announced the finalization and implementation of the OMB guidance on grant-making for Federal agencies.  This marks the completion of years of collaborative work with NASCIO and other allies that should ultimately make grant funding in line with modern IT practices and provide more flexibility in harnessing grant funds for shared infrastructure.  The action implements the Uniform Guidance across Federal grant-making agencies through an interim final rule, which will allow for additional feedback on the rule during a 60-day public comment period. The interim final rule will be effective for new awards made on or after December 26, 2014.

FirstNet IG Report Highlights Lapses
The Department of Commerce Inspector General released a final report on December 5 showing lapses in FirstNet financial disclosures and concerns about how contracts were distributed and monitored.  Much of the concerns with the report have been remedied with the expansion of permanent staff providing oversight and control, as well as changes in the board of directors and leadership.  It will, however, likely increase congressional interest in oversight in 2015.  Here’s the IG Report, and the FirstNet Board’s reaction.

Defense Authorization Bill Cancels E-Voting Demo
Politico’s Morning Cybersecurity, which I highly recommend, reported Tuesday that the Defense authorization bill eliminated its online voting demonstration.  The post quotes Susan Greenhalgh, an elections specialist with Verified Voting, claiming this effort was being followed closely by several states interested in online voting.


Techbytes

NASCIO looks at cross-jurisdiction collaboration

Allison officially named Florida’s CIO

NY Gov Cuomo Appoints Maggie Miller Chief Information Officer

California CIO Discusses State's Cloud First Policy

The Story Behind Connecticut’s Dramatic IT Improvement

Why the Massachusetts Open-Cloud Project Is a Big Deal

White House Weighs Options for Advancing Cybersecurity

NORAD's Santa Tracker Began With A Typo And A Good Sport

U.S. Weighs “Proportional Response” to Sony Cyberattack

The market for stolen identities is thriving

IT leaders forecast security staff salary increase in 2015

AR CTO Bailey Moves to Compuware

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