Quick Hits

*** The technology trade association ITI released released a set of policy recommendations to the presidential campaigns on Aug. 18. The group's tech platform mostly focuses on private sector policies, but ITI is also seeking accelerated IT modernization and "data-driven approaches that improve the delivery, efficiency, and security of government services for Americans" for the public sector, as well as improvements in recruitment and retention of talented tech workers.

*** Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross appointed Robert Tipton "Tip" Osterthaler as chair of the 15-member First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) Board, that oversees the national radio communications network for first responders. Osterthaler has been on the board for two years, serving as the chair of the organization's Finance Committee and as a member of its Governance and Personnel Committee.

Osterthaler will replace current Board Chair Edward Horowitz on Aug. 19., said the statement. Horowitz plans to remain on the board until his term expires next August, it said. First appointed to the board in 2015, Horowitz saw some of the organization’s landmark development, including the 2017 award of a five-year contract to AT&T to build the nationwide public safety network, as well as the launch of the FirstNet Authority Roadmap.