Legal Challenges Mount Against Tax Cut Prohibition in Covid Relief Law
Confusion over the tax mandate embedded in the $350 billion direct aid program for states and localities led Kentucky and Tennessee to file suit.
Single Sign-in For Government Services Expands to States, Localities
The federal government is looking to partner with state and local governments to grow its Login.gov service, which it says is secure and user friendly.
GOP Governors Take Action to Block Covid ‘Vaccine Passports’
The Biden administration is making clear it is not planning to pursue a federal proof-of-vaccination program.
Nextgov
NASA’s Martian Helicopter Readies for Inaugural Flight on Earth’s Neighbor
The agency provided updates on milestones met—and a glimpse at what’s to come.
‘SALT’ Saga Flares as Governors Push to Repeal $10,000 Limit
The latest efforts to restore a federal break for state and local tax payments come as the White House proposes tax policy changes to help fund President Biden's infrastructure package.
Nextgov
DOD’s Vulnerability Disclosure Program for Contractors Is in Demand
The Defense Cyber Crime Center launched a pilot with “a few dozen” companies participating.
Nextgov
Pilot IRS Will Shift Focus to Key Technologies in 2021 Solicitations
Forthcoming solicitations will center on digitizing paper and poor-quality documents, high-speed scanning and automation tools.
Biden Infrastructure Plan Offers $213 Billion ‘Sweeping Investment’ in Affordable Housing
The president’s proposal calls for $40 billion to improve existing public housing, as well as funding for grants and tax credit programs to build and preserve affordable units.
Public Sector Jobs Up in March, But Still Far Below Pre-Covid Levels
Education employment in particular saw strong growth.
Officials Aim to Diversify the U.S. Quantum Workforce Early On
As experts unleash efforts to attract the future workforce, they are also being deliberate about ensuring the budding field is inclusive from the start.
Nextgov
Why the Army Elevated Its Enterprise Cloud Office to Agency Status
Director Paul Puckett explained the move is a recognition that cloud computing is not a temporary project.
Nextgov
CISA Orders Agencies to Conduct Fresh Scans of Microsoft Exchange Servers
The agency issued supplemental guidance requiring new tests with Microsoft-provided tools and measures to harden the attractive target.
Nextgov
Microsoft to Produce Augmented Reality Headsets Under $21B Army Contract
The Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation system headset is based on Microsoft’s HoloLens gaming device.
How Two States Resolved Problems with PrepMod’s Vaccine Management System
Virginia and Maryland both experienced issues with vaccine appointment link sharing. Virginia opted to develop its own vaccine management platform, while Maryland worked with the vendor.
The Wide Gaps Between Minority and White Business Ownership in America’s Cities
A new data tool offers ways to gauge the disparities with businesses in the nation’s largest metro areas. It also includes information on women-owned firms.
Mayors Want Vaccines Distributed Directly to Cities
The proposal, pitched to the White House on Monday, would mean bypassing states. It’s likely to be a tough sell given the added complications it would involve.
How Local Governments Can Deal with Recycling Scofflaws
Education is often cited as the key to improving recycling rates and reducing contamination. But a new report suggests cities might be better served by cutting off problem households.
Nextgov
Watchdog to Review How Postal Inspectors Handle Cryptocurrency
Digital currencies have already been seized by the law enforcement arm in previous investigations.
Buttigieg Emphasizes Commitment to Working Directly with Local Governments
“States don't always see things from that critically important local perspective,” the former mayor told county officials.
Nextgov