The House of Representatives passed an IT reform bill that aims to save the federal government $2 billion annually by streamlining acquisition practices. In addition, NOAA is looking to enhance its data sharing capabilities, while DARPA is developing innovative ways for making sense of big data. Be sure to read about this and much more in this week’s Federal News Round Up.

Federal IT Reform Bill Passes House
Last week, the House of Representatives passed a bill that contains the most far-reaching changes to the federal IT procurement system in almost two decades. It could save the federal government as much as $2 billion annually by changing buying practices.

NOAA Looking to Enhance Data Sharing Capabilities
Since the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shares only about 10 percent of the 20 terabytes and 15 million weather forecast products it produces each day, it is looking to expand its overall data sharing capabilities.

DARPA Seeks Innovative Ways to Make Sense of Data
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is developing a system that both collects data, as well as helps aid in the understanding of causes and connections.

Army’s Move to Samsung Reflects a Flexible Mobile Strategy
The Army recently agreed to buy 7,000 Samsung Galaxy Note II smartphones to add to its Nett Warrior system, which many believe reflects a more flexible mobility strategy overall.

NIST Framework Could Improve Federal Agency Cybersecurity Programs
The cybersecurity framework released earlier this month by NIST has the potential to change federal agencies’ approach to cybersecurity as well as that of the original intended private sector audience, said a NIST official.

Air Force Unveils Secret Space Surveillance Satellites
The Air Force has pulled back the curtain on a formerly secret satellite program intended to keep tabs on other spacecraft and space debris in geosynchronous orbit.