In very non-tech news, it’s the U.S. Postal Service’s birthday! Congress is looking to pass wide-reaching changes to the postal service over the coming year, perhaps some of the most substantial in its 238 year history. Why? I think this says it all: send us your questions or comments at swenger@amrms.com and mherckis@amrms.com. Here’s your Weekly Washington Headlines And Tech News:
Key Takeaway:
Feds say data hub will be ready for Obamacare: In a House hearing, federal agencies confidently asserted that CMS, IRS, SSA and other partner agencies will be ready to share data with state exchanges by the October 1 deadline, and the communication would be quick and seamless for citizens. Also highlighted: a GAO report that raised red flags about readiness. Federal agencies said interagency testing was near complete, while testing with the states would continue through the end of August. FCW has more here. Let us know if you have feedback from testing with the data hub.
Other Buzz:
Oversight of Executive Order on Cyber in House: Key Administration officials testified regarding the status of the Executive Order 13636 and the Cybersecurity Framework before the House Homeland Committee last week. The agencies stressed that the framework would be flexible and be based on voluntary participation, with incentives pushing businesses to make ‘rational decisions’ to adopt the framework. There was some concern that federal agencies would be able to mandate participation. What was agreed by all sides is the need for Congress to act to provide incentives and legislative backing for key cyber efforts. More from Bloomberg here.
NASCIO Members Chat with FirstNet regarding RFIs: On Monday, NASCIO’s Public Safety Broadband Working Group hosted FirstNet Board Member Craig Farrill to discuss the 15 RFIs the authority released. These RFIs are seeking private sector input--although other stakeholders are not barred from participating--to provide the board with market research to assist them in planning the network. It was referred to as ‘secondary’ research to the ‘primary’ relationship, coordination and collaboration with the states. A summary of the call will be available soon to the working group and members.
Techbytes:
McAfee's Schneck likely choice for DHS cybersecurity chief
Only 35 percent of CIOs plan to hire new IT graduates in 2013
NextGov on why the E-Rate changes could be important
Big Data Jobs Proliferate