Artificial Intelligence

Commerce seeks insight on how to make its data more AI-friendly

A new request for information issued by the Department of Commerce asks for expert commentary on how the agency can better structure and disseminate its publicly available data.

Digital Government

Export control agency lacks funding and tech to manage its workload, official says 

The head of the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security gave lawmakers “an emphatic no” when asked if his office has the IT resources it needs to carry out its mission.

Policy

Chip manufacturers operational by 2030 will get priority in Commerce funding, secretary says

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said that the agency intends to “maximize our impact in this decade.”

Emerging Tech

Commerce advisory committee urges government to boost startup access to talent, funding

Congress should fully fund the Economic Development Administration’s regional technology and innovation hubs program to help the U.S. tech sector maintain its global leadership, according to the committee.

Artificial Intelligence

Commerce announces AI safety consortium

The new stakeholder group, based at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, will help drive AI safety standards.

Emerging Tech

Securing emerging tech requires export controls and international partnerships, officials say

During a House hearing on Wednesday, witnesses discussed how to ensure sensitive U.S. technologies and data stay away from Beijing.

People

André Mendes looks back and forward

The former top tech official at the Department of Commerce looks back on a career in federal IT and previews where he thinks the AI and quantum revolutions will take us.

Artificial Intelligence

Agencies have over 1,200 AI uses planned or in operation, watchdog finds

The massive GAO report found that some agencies — like NASA and the Department of Commerce — have made major investments in artificial intelligence, while others struggled to meet federal requirements.

People

Commerce CIO Mendes announces retirement

After more than 14 years in the federal government, André Mendes is returning to his home state of Texas for a county CIO post.

Artificial Intelligence

Commerce launches new safe AI center

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is slated to helm many of the new AI executive order’s guidance documents for safe and responsible development.

Modernization

Commerce updates semiconductor supply chain alert system

Commerce and the International Trade Administration encouraged public and private organizations to submit reports on disruptions in the microelectronics’ supply chain.

Artificial Intelligence

Commerce head envisions innovation pathways under the CHIPS Act

Over a year after the landmark CHIPS and Science Act was passed, Secretary Gina Raimondo said the U.S. needs to “embrace innovation” in semiconductor production.

Cybersecurity

Biden orders greater restrictions on emerging technology transactions with China 

The new executive order updating the sanctions regime between U.S. citizens and China is a “national security action,” according to an administration official.

Artificial Intelligence

Tech officials caution on data security in public sector AI applications

A group of tech policy leads across federal agencies discussed the current and future state of play of artificial intelligence in government systems.

Policy

Defense and Commerce team up to support semiconductor investments

The two federal agencies signed a memorandum of agreement to exchange information on programs outlined under the CHIPS for America Act.

Artificial Intelligence

First AI advisory committee report stresses getting regulatory balance right

Designing trustworthy AI systems with government regulatory help is a central theme in the NAIAC’s first report delivered to President Joe Biden.

Cybersecurity

NIST wants to help prevent a major cyberattack on the water sector

The National Institute of Standards and Technology aims to provide a practical guide to address unique cyber challenges impacting America’s complex water systems.

Cybersecurity

Report Estimates Trillions in Indirect Losses Would Follow Quantum Computer Hack

An analysis projects the hypothetical disruption a cyberattack from a quantum computer could have on global financial markets.

Cybersecurity

NIST Debuts New Cyber Guidance for Contractors Handling Sensitive Data

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is accepting comments on the revised document through July 14. 

Artificial Intelligence

Setting Emerging Tech’s Standards Dominates NIST’s 2024 Goals

NIST Director Laurie Locascio discussed her agency’s plans before a House hearing, revealing major focuses on critical and emerging technologies.