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White House unveils latest plan to fix government technology

December 28, 2017 By Andrew Smith

The White House has announced its first IT modernization center of excellence that will combine top federal talent with industry partners to bring the government’s old, outdated systems to the modern day.

The Agriculture Department will serve as the test-bed with the goal of creating “the most effective, efficient, customer-focused department in all the federal government,” said Stephen Censky, the department’s deputy secretary.

“Our ultimate goal is to enable the department to transition into a customer-focused organization,” said Censky, speaking at an industry day event held on White House grounds. “The opportunity for IT to add value across the USDA is significant.”

Keep reading this article at: http://www.nextgov.com/it-modernization/2017/12/white-house-unveils-it-modernization-center-excellence/144572/

Filed Under: Contracting News Tagged With: FAS, GSA, IT, modernization, technology, USDA, White House

New background check agency will affect contractors

February 9, 2016 By Andrew Smith

Contractors often complaint that the background check process is slow, while contractors and their employee alike worry about information security in the wake of a sensitive OPM data breach that leaked the personal information of millions of government workers and contractors. Now, a change to the background check process is coming.

White House sealThe White House announced last week that a new government agency would be taking charge of conducting background checks on all federal employees, Armed Services members, and civilian contractors. The government hopes the change will speed up background checks on contractors, many of whom have to wait months before a background check is completed, while also maintaining security over personal information. Of course, as with any government roll-out of a new initiative, it remains to be seen whether the new agency will live up to expectations.

Keep reading this article at: http://smallgovcon.com/statutes-and-regulations/new-background-check-agency-will-affect-contractors/

Filed Under: Contracting News Tagged With: background check, DoD, Federal Investigative Services, National Background Investigations Bureau, NBIB, OPM, White House

Georgia Tech students receive presidential pep talk

March 11, 2015 By ei2admin

President Barack Obama gave shout-outs to George P. Burdell, the Ramblin’ Wreck, and even thermodynamics homework when he came to Georgia Tech on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 to announce his Student Aid Bill of Rights.

The President of the United States visited Georgia Tech on March 10th to encourage the pursuit of higher education and how he hopes to make it more affordable and accessible.
The President of the United States visited Georgia Tech on March 10th to encourage the pursuit of higher education and discuss how he hopes to make it more affordable and accessible.

“It’s great to be at one of the finest technical institutes in the world,” Obama said. “You’ve got to be if the Ramblin’ Wreck is still running after all these years.”

Nearly 10,000 students, faculty, staff, and guests gathered in McCamish Pavilion to hear from the president, who spent about 30 minutes encouraging students in the pursuit of higher education and talking about ways he hopes to make it more affordable and accessible.

He outlined steps his administration has already taken, such as tax credit expansion, additional Pell Grant funds, and an income-based repayment program.

The President stated he believes higher education is the best investment one can make in themselves and in their country — particularly at Georgia Tech.
The President stated he believes higher education is the best investment one can make in themselves and in their country — particularly at Georgia Tech.

He also asked for support from the crowd for a new declaration of values he called the Student Aid Bill of Rights. The set of four principles complements a memorandum calling for the Department of Education and other federal agencies to do more to help borrowers afford their loan payments.

“It was really relevant because I’m applying to medical school for next year and didn’t have to take out loans for my undergrad, but I’m going to have to take them out for grad school,” said Deeti Pithadia, a biochemistry major who attended the speech.

‘One of the best bargains around’

President Obama encouraged students to keep up their long nights studying complex material, saying it would be worth it, as he believes higher education is the best investment they can make in themselves and in their country — particularly at Georgia Tech.

“It’s been established time and time again that Georgia Tech is one of the best bargains around — which is one of the reasons I’m here,” he said.

He commended Tech for its collaboration with the White House on promoting advanced manufacturing, unlocking the mysteries of the brain, and helping more students become entrepreneurs. He cited Georgia Tech’s Online Master in Computer Science program as an innovative way to increase value and use technology to expand access to higher education.

Obama also took the time to acknowledge other politicians and leaders in the audience, including Georgia Tech’s own President G.P. “Bud” Peterson, whose shout-out was met with raucous applause.

“You’ve got a high approval rating,” Obama said.

‘Such an honor’

President Obama encouraged students to not only persevere in their studies, but also to “mobilize” to help make college more affordable for themselves and others.

“Young people typically lead the path with new ideas, initiatives, focus, and vision,” he said. “Don’t stop engaging this issue, even after you graduate. In the meantime, study hard, work hard, have fun, make new discoveries, inspire us, lead us.”

Obama made a slow exit from McCamish, taking time to shake hands with many students as he passed.

Vett Vandiver, a graduate student in public policy, had the chance to shake Obama’s hand and tell him he was her hero.

“As a grad student planning to start my career in public service, I’ve dreamed of meeting President Obama since he first started his campaign,” she said. “It was such an honor to witness his remarks and meet him. I’m eternally grateful that Georgia Tech made this experience possible.”

Tiffany Davis, an aerospace engineering major, had the privilege of introducing the president (in place of George P. Burdell, he mentioned). Davis had written a letter to President Obama about college affordability one night last year while taking a study break. To her surprise, she received a letter back. He commiserated that it had once been a struggle for him to afford college as well.

“She didn’t mention that her letter was also to procrastinate from doing thermodynamics homework,” Obama said.

Jen Abrams, a public policy major, led the crowd in the pledge of allegiance, and Maggie Bridges, a business administration major who also is the current Miss Georgia, sang the national anthem prior to the president’s arrival. While students waited, the Yellow Jacket Marching Band entertained. The landing of Air Force One was aired live from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and students cheered as they caught a glimpse of President Obama before the final leg of his trip to meet them.

Excitement building up to the president’s visit began last Friday when lines of students snaked through campus waiting to procure a ticket for the event. Students waited up to three hours then, with some waiting another six hours Tuesday morning to be the first in line to see the president. They passed the time playing cards and games, reading, and studying.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Sonika Fitch, a computer engineering major. “I don’t know why anyone would be anywhere else today.”

Filed Under: Georgia Tech News Tagged With: education, George P. Burdell, Georgia Tech, POTUS, White House

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