USDA

Lawmakers want to expand USDA's Circuit Rider program to cover cyber

A new bill would allow small water utilities to obtain funds for cybersecurity consults. 

  • By Adam Mazmanian

Stakeholders wonder how to sustain CX momentum long-term

Is it time for a national strategy for customer experience?

  • By Natalie Alms

Improved data sharing between SSA, USDA could streamline benefits delivery

Online application pilots are on the horizon with a new data-sharing update between the Social Security Administration and Department of Agriculture.

  • By Natalie Alms

USDA pushes out funds to modernize key nutrition benefit

The Agriculture Department awarded over $50 million in grants last month for WIC modernization and outreach and is pursuing efforts to change regulations to permit online shopping in federally funded nutrition programs.

  • By Natalie Alms

States must plug into USDA antifraud system for SNAP delivery under new rule

The system, meant to help prevent duplicate participation in a key nutrition program, is expected to make enrollment and oversight easier for state workers who run SNAP and for people receiving benefits.

  • By Natalie Alms

The White House wants to make food assistance programs easier to use -- and tech plays a big part

Modernization and customer experience goals are folded into a new White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health that was released Tuesday.

  • By Natalie Alms

Bill aims to create one disaster recovery assistance application

Simplifying the application process would remove the burden on disaster survivors seeking federal assistance in the wake of hurricanes, floods, wildfires and more, lawmakers say.

  • By Chris Riotta

Streamlining delivery at USDA

Rebecca Piazza, former 18F acting executive director, is working at USDA on customer experience in food and nutrition benefits. The hope is that the work could increase participation in programs by taking away administrative burdens.

  • By Natalie Alms

How FITARA helps federal CIOs straddle IT and finance roles

Being an effective CIO means mastering multiple disciplines. Four CIOs new to their posts explain the demands of the role, and how new rules strengthen the CIO's hand in federal organizations.

  • By Mark Rockwell

USDA offers buyouts to CIO employees

The Agriculture Department is trying to reduce its headcount as its budget tightens.

  • By Matthew Weigelt

Videoconferencing slow to gain ground in government

Videoconferencing technology could save the federal government nearly $13 billion every year, according to at least one estimate, but agencies face hurdles in adopting it.

  • By Camille Tuutti

Rising Star: Christine Calvosa

Christine Calvosa, chief technology officer at the Agriculture Department's Natural Resources Conservation Service, developed and deployed the NRCS website only months after taking over the troubled project.

Can mobility escape the security snare?

Federal mobility efforts are advancing fast, but discussions keep coming back to unresolved security issues. ATF's Rick Holgate suggests that agencies are making progress.

  • By Camille Tuutti

Plain English, please

Plain language is the key to successful communication, but avoiding jargon and complex language remains a challenge for many agencies.

  • By Camille Tuutti
Featured eBooks

VA fails to communicate clearly; who gets a better grade?

A new report finds few agencies have made progress in meeting the requirements of the 2010 Plain Writing Act.

  • By Camille Tuutti

Solving virtualization's storage problem

Savings from server and desktop virtualization can disappear fast if storage isn't part of the plan

  • By John Zyskowski

Data analytics gains momentum in agencies

A new study by the Association of Government Accountants highlights federal agency use of data analytics, and suggests more gains are possible.

  • By Alice Lipowicz

GAO finds gaps in federal land management data

A recent study by a congressional watchdog agency found gaps in data collection regarding federal management of 650 million acres.

  • By Alice Lipowicz

Telework success comes from linking it to larger goals

At least one agency finds that telework provides new ways to accomplish its mission in trying times.

  • By Alice Lipowicz

Telework numbers add up

Feds comprised the majority of pledges during Telework Week.

  • By Camille Tuutti

White House discloses administrative costs for innovation contests

A progress report on innovation challenges released by the White House indicates that some federal agencies are paying for contractor assistance in administering the challenges.

  • By Alice Lipowicz