Government IT News For VARs — April 16, 2014

By Megan Williams, contributing writer

In the news, the GSA is requesting feedback on its plans for the next government-wide contract vehicle for telecommunications and related services. Also an AGA study lists lack of funding, the employees skills gap, and lack of buy-in as the top three reasons for the slow pace of federal IT innovation.

GSA Seeks Vendor Feedback On Government-Wide Contract Vehicle

The General Services Administration’s IT contracting office is asking for feedback from industry professionals on its plans for the next government-wide contract vehicle for telecommunications and related services. The request for information was posted on April 8. The bid solicitation begins in fiscal year 2015 for solutions providers interested in being a part of the NS2020 contract vehicle.

AGA Study Reveals Need For VAR Patience With Government

Research conducted by the Association of Government Accountants and Accenture Federal Services, revealed lack of funding, employee skill gaps, and lack of organizational buy-in as the top three reasons for the slow pace of federal IT innovation. The story from ECommerceTimes relates other frustrations expressed by vendors, including being stifled by federal regulation and shortages of available funds.

FedRAMP Security Deadline Looms

The deadline for federal agencies to meet new baseline cloud security standards remains at June 5. Nextgov reports that the deadline has already sped up action in the FedRAMP pipeline. Non-compliant agencies risk drawing the attention of oversight bodies like the inspectors general or the Government Accountability Office.

Indiana Looks To Big Data To Solve Problems

The Indiana state government has announced the launch of its Management and Performance Hub — a project aimed at the enhancement of effective policy development and public management through data collaboration and analytics. According to Indiana Public Media, the project aims to address state issues, one of the most pressing being Indiana’s high infant mortality rates (the state ranks 47th in the nation).

Government IT Talking Points

An amended version of the DATA Act was passed unanimously on Thursday by the Senate. The act would require that all federal agencies use a standardized format for financial reporting. InformationWeek reports that the new legislation would provide access to complete accounting of an agency's spending by appropriation, federal agency, program activity, and object class. The act is hailed by both parties as a positive step in cutting government waste.

Silicon Valley has recently been vocal in speaking out against government monitoring of personal data, but RT asks the question…is it only to protect their own monitoring activities?

CMS Wire reports on 10 technological innovations that make for a smarter and more efficient government. They include:

• Mobile engagement
• Open data
• Citizen data
• Gamification
• Cloud technologies

For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Government IT Resource Center.