Weekly Roundup: January 2-6, 2017

Michael J. Keegan

Does HealthCare.gov have a future? HealthCare.gov is the web-based marketplace where users shop for health plans. It includes a data hub that transmits eligibility information across federal agencies and an identity management system that handles user registration and updates and pings insurance issuers and the exchanges in states that manage their own systems.

Repealing ACA would eliminate the federal role in providing federal subsidies for private insurance plans and end the need for a government-sponsored insurance marketplace.

Procurement policy and the transition sweepstakes. While would-be Trump officials are lobbying for jobs, Steve Kelman makes the case for some fundamental policy priorities.

Changes to protest rules could shift contracting preferences. The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act signed by President Barack Obama on Dec. 23 establishes thresholds for protests of task orders cut against large civilian and military indefinite-delivery contracts, which could push some defense contracts away from civilian agency contracting vehicles, according to a contracting expert.

DHS to discuss emergency radio jamming threat. The Science and Technology Directorate announced plans for the 2017 First Responder Electronic Jamming Exercise.

Skeptics still doubt intelligence on Russia hacking. In future cases where the private sector isn't providing conclusive attribution evidence, the IC will need to declassify more information and be willing to potentially burn sources and methods, said the former official.

Exit Interview: Trevor Rudolph.  The former Office of Management and Budget lead on CyberStat and other civilian agency cybersecurity issues sounds off on Congress, the fabled sprint and the new federal CISO role.

John Kamensky

DHS Innovation Badges. According to Federal News Radio: “The Homeland Security Department is certifying employees who are innovative. . . . A new program awards “digi-badges” to those employees who are putting into practice what they are learning about using digital services to improve DHS’ mission.”

Exit Memos.  The Washington Post reports: “Plenty of President Obama’s predecessors have delivered farewell addresses, but on Thursday he sought to cement his administration’s record in an avalanche of paper: more than two dozen “Cabinet Exit Memos.” . . . Every major department, as well as a raft of other agencies and bodies. . . released a lengthy accounting of the individual accomplishments.”

Innovation To-Do List.  The Office of Science and Technology’s “exit memo” concludes with a 10-point to-do list to maintain momentum in federal innovation. 

NASA’s Transition Book.  What does an agency’s transition book for incoming political appointees look like?  NASA decided to post its on-line (caution: 91MB download!).

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The Business of Government Radio Show: Kevin McAleenan, Deputy Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. What are the key strategic priorities for the US Customs and Border Protection? What is CBP doing to be more efficient and effectively in meeting its mission? How is CBP pursuing innovative security strategies? Join host Michael Keegan as he explores these questions and more with Kevin McAleenan, Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection on the next The Business of Government Hour. Here’s a sneak peek!

Broadcast Schedule: The show airs Monday at 11 a.m., and Friday at 1 p.m. on Federal News Radio 1500AM WFED