The government’s ability to deliver value to its citizens is critically dependent on the holistic integration and alignment of its policies, goals, and objectives to its portfolios, programs, and projects. However, in its current state, there appears to be a pervasive misalignment and lack of coordination of roles and responsibilities across the Federal Performance Framework. The implementation of crucial legislations such as Evidence Ac...

This Session Covers An Overview of FERS & CSRS Survivor Benefits Differences between the two retirement systems’ survivor benefits Qualifying relatives Cost of electing survivor benefits What forms should be filled out to ensure qualifying relatives receive the survivorship Other Information for FERS & CSRS Annuitants Spousal Survivor annuities (including former spouses) Cost to give an insurable interest survivor annuity Informa...

In today’s interconnected digital landscape, application programming interfaces (APIs) play a pivotal role in facilitating seamless communication and data exchange between various applications and systems. However, with this increased connectivity comes heightened security risks, particularly concerning the protection of sensitive data in those APIs. One of the most notorious examples of API risk is the Cambridge Analytica scandal in the...

Unleashing Small Business Innovations: A Path to Growth and ProsperityPART 2 of 2 SPONSORED CONTENT Webinar is Complimentary & Recorded Kari Palmetier, Palmetier Law The role of small businesses in driving innovation in the federal government has never been more crucial. This two-part webinar explores the basis and requirements of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs and the ways...

In today’s rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, Zero Trust has emerged as a critical strategy to defend organizational assets against persistent cyber threats. However, the presence of mobile devices in enterprise environments poses significant challenges to traditional Zero Trust implementations. As government agencies increasingly rely on mobile devices to conduct business and communicate, ensuring the security of these endpoints...

Election security is top of mind across the United States, from concern about malign foreign interference, to DDoS attacks against election websites, to the security of voting machines and their software, to insider and third-party threats, even to “swatting” of local election officials, to name just a few. At the heart of all these threats is the intent to change the outcome of political races. Outcomes, in the end, are determined...

Strategies for Teaming To Win With Five Agreements PROGRAM MATERIALS: To Promote Training, Attendees Will Receive The Following Sample Standard Forms: A Nondisclosure Agreement A Teaming Agreement A ID/IQ Subcontract Agreement A SBA Joint Venture Operating Agreement A Contractor Teaming Arrangement Agreement (“CTA”) Due to demand, early-bird prices are subject to substantial increase. Register now! OVERVIEW: Small businesses utili...

An Overview of FERS & Different Types of Retirement Types of service used for determining eligibility to retire under FERS Employee and agency contributions to FERS Military service and temporary time The FERS annuity computation Minimum age and service requirements Early retirement Deferred retirement and “postponed” retirement Understanding the Annuity Computation Amount of an annuity Length of service and unused sick leave H...

All the elements of the U.S. healthcare system are under siege by hackers. A recent article in Modern Healthcare reported that “[o]ver the past five years, there’s been a 256% increase in large breaches reported to [the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services] involving hacking and a 264% increase in ransomware.” Federal health agencies face the same risks – and private-sector attacks ripple through the agencies, a...

Christian Lowry is the Emerging Risks Branch Chief in the National Risk Management Center, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Christian leads a team of analysts assessing risks to critical infrastructure from emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Christian has also led NRMC’s analysis efforts related to the Information...