FCW Insider: Sept. 4

VA reboots health record rollout

Leaders of the VA's $16 billion health record modernization plan look to jumpstart their implementation schedule.

National Guard plans all-virtual cyber exercise

The National Guard is taking its annual Cyber Shield training exercise virtual due to COVID-19 with a spotlight on information operations.

Civic tech intern discovers that human-centered design is happening at the IRS

Steve Kelman checks in on the Coding It Forward initiative.

Quick Hits

*** The Public Buildings Service did not consistently receive or share notice of COVID-19 cases among building occupants, according to an Sept. 3 alert memo from the Office of Inspector General at the General Services Administration. In a survey of notification procedures at seven GSA-owned buildings, auditors found multiple instances of PBS failing to notify occupants of COVID-19 cases – in one case 16 days had passed before tenants received notification.

"It is unconscionable that more than two weeks could pass between learning of a positive coronavirus case and sharing that with building occupants," Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) said in a statement. "This alert memorandum demonstrates the risk of this administration's failure to have a coherent and universal plan for reopening the federal government."

*** Perryn Ashmore took over as acting CIO of the Department of Health and Human Services on Aug. 28, agency Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan announced in a statement. Ashmore is principal deputy CIO of the department. Former CIO Jose Arrieta resigned abruptly last month.