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Continuous Improvement content

Modernizing RMF for Continuous, Evidence-Based Security

Modernizing RMF for Continuous, Evidence-Based...

The fastest way to move RMF away from compliance and into the mission space is to stop treating authorization as a milestone and start treating it as a continuous engineering…

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Navigating Climate Risks: Progress and Challenges in U.S. Insurance Sector Disclosures

Navigating Climate Risks: Progress and Challenges...

This report is the second annual analysis Ceres has conducted of major U.S. insurers’ climate risk strategies by examining the disclosures companies are making under the National Association of Insurance…

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Leading with Transparency: A Guide to Strengthening Climate Disclosure and Resilience in the Municipal Bond Market

Leading with Transparency: A Guide to...

As climate-related disasters become more frequent and costly, municipal governments are on the front lines—responsible for protecting communities, maintaining essential services, and investing in infrastructure that can withstand future risks.…

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Revolutionizing Enterprise Data Management with Data Mesh and Microsoft Fabric

Revolutionizing Enterprise Data Management with...

As enterprise data ecosystems grow in complexity, traditional centralized data architectures often fall short. This whitepaper explores how Data Mesh, a decentralized socio-technical approach, offers a transformative solution for managing…

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Primary Mitigations to Reduce Cyber Threats to Operational Technology

Primary Mitigations to Reduce Cyber Threats to...

Cyber threats targeting operational technology (OT) systems continue to pose a serious risk to U.S. critical infrastructure. In response, CISA, the FBI, EPA, and DOE have outlined key mitigations, including…

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Continuous Authorization to Operate (cATO) Implementation Playbook

Continuous Authorization to Operate (cATO)...

In today’s rapidly evolving cyber environment, obtaining an initial Authorization to Operate (ATO) under the Risk Management Framework (RMF) can take anywhere from 6 to 36 months. Given the complexity…

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Business Architecture: A Strategic Blueprint for State CIOs – Part 1

Business Architecture: A Strategic Blueprint for...

State CIOs are increasingly at the heart of government transformation—and business architecture is their blueprint for leading the way. This strategic framework helps align mission-driven goals with real-world capabilities, enabling…

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Passport Processing: State Department Should Identify Milestones and Resource Needs for Its Plans to Avoid Future Delays

Passport Processing: State Department Should...

Following a surge in passport applications in 2023, Americans faced significant delays—some missing trips entirely. The State Department has a long-term “Transformation Roadmap” to modernize passport services, but key milestones…

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Improper Payments: Information on Agencies’ Fiscal Year 2024 Estimates

Improper Payments: Information on Agencies’ Fiscal...

Improper payments remain a critical challenge for federal agencies, with an estimated $162 billion in improper payments reported for fiscal year 2024. While this marks a $74 billion decrease from…

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DHS: Fiscal Year 2025 President’s Budget Overview

DHS: Fiscal Year 2025 President’s Budget Overview

The Fiscal Year 2025 President’s Budget for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allocates $112.4 billion to safeguard national security, enhance disaster preparedness, and strengthen border protection. Key investments include…

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Using Business Impact Analysis to Inform Risk Prioritization and Response

Using Business Impact Analysis to Inform Risk...

Understanding risk starts with knowing how disruptions impact an organization. The Business Impact Analysis (BIA) goes beyond disaster recovery—it helps leaders identify which assets are most critical and vulnerable to…

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Irrigation Organizations: Water Measurement and Pricing

Irrigation Organizations: Water Measurement and...

Water is a critical resource in agriculture, and how it is measured and priced can significantly impact conservation efforts and efficiency. This report examines how irrigation organizations across the U.S.…

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Executive Order 14191: Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families

Executive Order 14191: Expanding Educational...

Expanding educational freedom empowers families with more choices in how their children learn. A new executive order promotes state-based K–12 scholarship programs, enabling parents to select the best educational setting,…

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National Nuclear Security Administration: Fully Incorporating Leading Practices for Agency Reform Would Benefit Enhanced Mission Delivery Initiative

National Nuclear Security Administration: Fully...

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is managing its largest workload since the Cold War, overseeing a $200 billion nuclear weapons modernization effort. To address operational challenges, the agency launched…

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Brain-Computer Interfaces: Applications, Challenges, and Policy Options

Brain-Computer Interfaces: Applications,...

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) hold incredible potential to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and enable hands-free control of devices in workplaces or even national defense. However, challenges…

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