FCW Insider: June 18
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
A look at how the IC is getting back to work
The coronavirus pandemic has pushed workers who are used to top-secret networks home. But as intel agencies begin bringing more personnel back, they'll have to contend with lingering anxieties.
DOD plans new JEDI amendment
The Pentagon says it expect to be able to finish its revisions and make a new award decision by Aug. 17.
Congress targets COVID cyber fraud
Pending bills would boost information sharing efforts, pay subsidies to affected states and individuals and move the Secret Service back to the Department of Treasury.
NIH creates central database for COVID-19
The centralized database could provide sharper insight into coronavirus patients' needs.
DOD wants to overhaul its software development by 2025
The Defense Department wants virtually all of its new software initiatives to use modern software development methodologies, such as agile and DevSecOps, by 2025.
Quick Hits
*** Reps. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) and Elisa Stefanik (R-N.Y.), the chairman and ranking member of Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, are introducing legislation to establish a pathway to permanent residency for non-American students who have expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and information sciences that support the U.S. military and other defense efforts.
The National Security Innovation Pathway Act would provide a way for students of advanced technology to continue research at universities or in the private sector. Former Google chairman and Pentagon advisor Eric Schmidt said in a statement that the "legislation is a necessary first step for the United States to maintain its leadership in STEM talent."
*** Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) wants more information from Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos about the company's plans to suspend sales of facial recognition software to law enforcement agencies, which the company announced last week in a short blog post.
In a June 17 letter, Gomez is seeking answers to previously submitted questions about Amazon's Rekognition system as well as details about the specifics of what state, local and federal agencies are affected by the self-imposed moratorium.