Emerging Tech
Roper Makes His Pitch To Biden Team: ‘I Want to Be Part of the China Fight’
The Air Force acquisition chief says he keeps politics out of his work at the Pentagon — and that the U.S. will lose against China without agility.
Modernization
Biden-Harris Admin Proposes $10B in New IT and Cyber Funding for Federal Agencies
The administration wants to add $9 billion to the Technology Modernization Fund and give CISA a boost.
Cybersecurity
Highway Safety Agency Wants Car Makers to Know What’s in Their Software
The agency is seeking comment on a software-heavy update of its cybersecurity best practices.
Artificial Intelligence
HHS Names First Ever Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer
It marks the agency’s recognition of the emerging technology’s importance.
Modernization
Indian Health Service Seeks Input on Modernization Plan
The agency’s current IT work is guided by a strategic planning document that dates back to 2016.
Cybersecurity
CISA Warns of Vulnerabilities in Cloud Use, Shares Solutions List
Basic cyber hygiene isn’t so basic when it comes to remote environments.
Digital Government
Synthetic Data Engine to Support NIH’s COVID-19 Research-Driving Effort
It’s all part of a new partnership the agency is embarking on with Syntegra, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Artificial Intelligence
GSA Awards $800M Contract to Support Internal Use of Emerging Tech
While the General Services Administration usually works on helping other agencies buy emerging technologies, the new DIGIT contract looks to support internal modernization efforts.
Ideas
Americans Have Unrealistic Expectations for a COVID-19 Vaccine
Americans are most likely to intend to vaccinate when a vaccine is made in the U.S., administered in a single dose, over 90% effective and carrying a less than 1 in 100 chance of experiencing minor side effects.
Ideas
Monkeys Stick with Stuff that Isn't Working Too
In humans, this is called the “sunk costs” phenomenon.
Ideas
Consumer Electronics Have Changed a Lot in 20 Years—Systems for Managing E-Waste Aren't Keeping Up
Some innovations that are slimming down the e-waste stream are also making products harder to repair and recycle.
Cybersecurity
Biden Team Snatches NSA Cyber Chief for White House Role
Anne Neuberger aimed to share more information about cybersecurity vulnerabilities with the public.
Cybersecurity
It's Harder to Boot Right-Wing Extremists from Social Media Than ISIS
There are various reasons why. But studies suggest it’s still worth the effort.
Ideas
How the Biden Administration Can Restore Trust in Government
Governments can use technology to meet people where they are, serve people better in their real lives, and make successes visible to demonstrate the value of effective governing.
Cybersecurity
Counter Intelligence Chief Calls for Zero-Trust Software Supply Chain Policy
The official also said there’s a need for the fusion of responsibilities assigned to a trilogy of government agencies.
Cybersecurity
The Hack Roundup: SolarWinds Shares Details on How Attackers Inserted Backdoor
Here are the news and updates you may have missed.
Cybersecurity
GSA to Remove Almost All Drones from Contract Offerings Over China Concerns
By Feb. 1, all but five unmanned aerial vehicles will be removed from the General Services Administration’s offerings.
Artificial Intelligence
White House Launches ‘Central Hub’ for Artificial Intelligence Research and Policymaking
The establishment of the new office is in accordance with the recently passed defense authorization act.
Ideas
What The CES All Digital Show Says About the Future
Even in a virtual format, CES offered quite a few interesting nuggets that might hint at future government technology.
Cybersecurity