Government IT News for VARs — January 14, 2015
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
In news this week, the GSA is implementing the Agile Delivery Services Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) expected to improve flexibility for the software services procurement process. Also, the FCC Chairman is throwing down the gauntlet in the net neutrality duel, and the USDOT released its ITS Strategic Plan. Also, Michigan is piloting a new outsourced authentication system, and an article explores how data analytics can be a game-changer for state agencies.
GSA’s BPA Will Improve Flexibility For Software Services Procurement Process
According to Fed Tech Magazine, the GSA team is planning to launch an Agile Delivery Services BPA in both an alpha and a beta version to improve the flexibility of software services procurement in the agencies. In a Jan. 8 blog post, Chris Cairns and Greg Godbout of 18F wrote, “To shift the software procurement paradigm, 18F is partnering with GSA’s Office of Integrated Technology Services to establish a government-wide blanket purchase agreement (BPA) featuring vendors specializing in agile delivery services (e.g., user-centered design, agile software development, DevOps).”
FCC Chairman Wheeler Suggests He Will Propose Changes In Net Neutrality Rules
According to Government Technology, FCC Chairman Thomas E. Wheeler has implied that he will propose new rules to treat broadband Internet service providers as utilities subject to increased regulation. This is setting the stage for one of the most heated battles in Washington, as the FCC tries to replace the neutrality rules negated by a federal appeals court last year. The FCC vote on a new set of net neutrality rules is anticipated for Feb. 26.
U. S. Department of Transportation Unveils Its ITS Strategic Plan 2015-2019
The U.S. Department of Transportation has unveiled its new strategic five year plan for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) research, according to Government Technology. The plan focuses on two key priorities: realizing connected vehicle implementation and advancing automation. The ITS Strategic plan also includes program categories to create and support infrastructure and research of connected vehicles, automation, emerging capabilities, enterprise data, interoperability, and accelerating deployment.
Michigan Pilots New Authentication System Designed To Reduce Fraud
Michigan has begun testing a new online identification tool developed by NIST and LexisNexis to help fight fraud by simplifying how individuals apply for benefits and other government services. The move is an effort to streamline authentication and save money, and the system went live on December 20. Meanwhile, skeptics argue that this is the beginning of a “true driver’s license for the Internet, a government-issued document that would be required to use online services, exploited by politicians to discriminate against or track users,” according to Government Technology.
Data-Driven Innovation: The Case For Multipurpose Analytics Platforms At the State Agency Level
This article from Government Technology examines how state agencies nationwide are turning to data to improve performance across the board. From controlling fraud to encouraging competition between vendors, this article demonstrates how government agencies can leverage data analytics to improve performance, reduce costs, and better serve their customers.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Government IT Resource Center.