Acquisition
New rule cements sustainability mandate for federal buyers
A new update to the Federal Acquisition Regulation is meant to help the government meet goals for net-zero procurement by 2050.
Modernization
DOD’s new EHR faces low user satisfaction and integration challenges, watchdog finds
A GAO report found that “integration opportunities remain” at the joint DOD and VA rollout of their modernized EHR systems at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center last month.
Policy
Biden signs extension of controversial spying program into 2026
The Section 702 authorities were reauthorized without the addition of a warrant requirement to review the communications of Americans caught up in foreign surveillance.
Artificial Intelligence
IRS commissioner indicates AI will play growing role in future tax collection
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel opined about the agency’s current and future use of AI just days after Tax Day.
Defense
How Army special operators use deepfakes and drones to train for information warfare
One soldier helped create a voice-cloning program using off-the-shelf AI.
Modernization
DHA looks to contract a ‘digital front door’ to modernize its health system
A DHA spokesperson said the agency is looking to build “a new healthcare model that places the administrative aspects of healthcare in the background.”
Digital Government
Federal CIO defends Login security after health agency dropped it from grantee system
Clare Martorana doubled down on Login’s capabilities, saying the government “needs to continue to rely” on the tool.
Emerging Tech
Decoding distinctions in biometrics
Though some developers describe facial recognition and analysis as “completely different technologies,” privacy advocates argue they remain the same in the kinds of dangers they pose.
Artificial Intelligence
Senate bill aims to bring more private sector participation to federal AI innovation
The latest piece of AI-focused legislation seeks to make private sector collaboration a top priority for several agencies.
People
Bipartisan bill seeks to expand workers’ access to digital skills training programs
House and Senate lawmakers are seeking to modify current law to create a “digital skills at work grant program” for those accessing government-funded career services.
Digital Government
Foreign adversaries using AI to push disinformation, crumble election process, US warns
The documented reports and research of foreign propaganda campaigns align with new private sector analysis about recent efforts to flatline U.S. election confidence.
Cybersecurity
House passes bill barring spy agencies, law enforcement from buying Americans’ personal data
The measure doesn’t have support from the Biden administration, which argues it threatens national security and worsens Americans’ privacy protections.
Acquisition
Google Public Sector ‘hitting our stride’ in government market, CEO says
Nextgov/FCW caught up with Google Public Sector Chief Executive Officer Karen Dahut at Google Cloud NEXT.
Artificial Intelligence
House committee introduces 5 guardrails for internal AI use
The Committee on House Administration released its April AI Flash Report reviewing past and present agenda items to implement AI systems in legislative operations.
Artificial Intelligence
TSA looks to AI to enhance x-ray screenings of travelers’ luggage
The Transportation Security Administration is already using facial recognition to verify the identity of travelers but wants to improve its scanners to detect more prohibited items.
Cybersecurity
Russian hackers breached, sabotaged Texas water treatment plant, cyber firm says
If confirmed by U.S. officials, it would add Moscow to the list of American adversaries that have infiltrated water infrastructure in the past year.
Exclusive
Digital Government
30,000 died in fiscal 2023 waiting for disability decisions from Social Security
SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley sat down with Nextgov/FCW recently to talk through the agency’s biggest challenges, including how it delivers disability assistance.
Digital Government
Feds move to make gov websites more accessible to people with disabilities
It’s the first time the federal government has ever issued rules clarifying how the more than 30-year-old Americans with Disabilities Act applies online. But the new rules come with a hefty price tag for state and local governments.
Artificial Intelligence
NIST adds 5 new members to its AI Safety Institute
The new members will focus on AI objectives related to national security, standards development and more.
Modernization
VA cautiously optimistic that ‘very positive’ March EHR rollout shows reset is working
VA Secretary Denis McDonough said the department plans to restart deployments of its new health records system in FY25.
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