Quick Hits

*** The Office of Management and Budget is spinning up a second cohort for its new training program aimed at developing cybersecurity skills for existing government employees.

The Cyber Reskilling Academy, first announced in November with an April 15 start date, received about 1,500 applications for its originally planned 25 slots, prompting OMB to expand the skills training to more federal employees.

"With over 1,500 applications to the first cohort, there clearly is an interest for cyber security within the federal government," said Federal CIO Suzette Kent. "We fight the cyber battle every day and the Federal Cybersecurity Reskilling Academy is an investment in our federal workforce and our country."

Kent has also said that data- and technology-focused pilots are an administration management priority for 2019. The second cohort will begin its eight weeks of training July 8. And unlike the first round, which was only open to federal employees who did not in IT, the second is open to all executive branch employees.

Applications for the second cohort for the academy will be accepted through May 15. Those applying will be required to complete two online assessments by May 22, and those selected will be notified by June 10.

*** The Professional Services Council is calling on Congress to raise budget caps under the Budget Control Act for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. "Budget cap levels set eight years ago do not reflect current federal agency mission needs or national priorities," David Berteau, PSC president and CEO said in a statement. PSC sent a letter to congressional leaders on April 19 urging higher caps.