Emerging Tech

DOD Releases Prime Airwaves for Commercial 5G Networks

Amid criticism, officials said 100 megahertz of federal midband spectrum will be transferred to commercial users at an unprecedented pace.

Modernization

Agencies Off-Pace to Switch to New Telecom Contract Before Cutoff Date, GAO Says

The latest FITARA scorecard showed what percentage of operations have moved off old infrastructure contracts—and the numbers aren’t good. 

Emerging Tech

White House Council Seeks Input on Plan to Invest in Alternatives to GPS

The request for information flows from an executive order on the responsible use of positioning, navigation and timing services.

Digital Government

Bill Calls for ‘Mile-by-Mile’ Assessment of Tech Needs at the Southern Border

Rep. Xochitl Small Torres on Wednesday introduced the Southwest Border Security Technology Improvement Act in the House, a bipartisan bill that’s already moving through the Senate.

Artificial Intelligence

Report Recommends Doubling Federal Funding for AI Research

A new report from Reps. Will Hurd, R-Texas, and Robin Kelly, D-Ill., calls for increased funding and stronger federal leadership on artificial intelligence development.

Emerging Tech

COVID-19 Will Spur New Robot 'Friends' and Helpers

Socially assistive robots interact with people and can perform household chores, accomplish health care tasks, and offer emotional support.

Emerging Tech

TSA’s Looking to Rapidly Verify Passengers Without Biometrics or Physical IDs

Prior to the pandemic, hundreds of travelers would attempt to pass through security checkpoints each day without identification.

Modernization

How CBP Plans to Spend—and Repay—Its $15M Modernization Fund Loan

Agency officials already completed the first phase of modernizing the nation’s second-largest revenue collection system but needed an infusion of cash to keep the momentum going.

Cybersecurity

CISA Director Identifies Main Targets of Russian Adversaries in Election Security Efforts

Appeals made to the information security community apply just as much to the average voter—the last line of defense is a patient voter.

Ideas

How to Update Agency Security Operations Centers

Evolving IT environments require officials to plan for the next-generation SOCs.

Digital Government

IRS Floats Experimental Contract Vehicle to Help Administration Meet Procurement CAP Goals

The tax agency is using Pilot IRS—an iterative funding vehicle—to work on a governmentwide acquisition initiative.

Cybersecurity

NTIA to Host Proof-of-Concept Summit in Software Transparency Effort

More agencies are starting to ask suppliers for a software bill of materials in building a foundation for better, faster cybersecurity.

Ideas

How 5G Could Change Government’s Pandemic Response

The main benefit of 5G, especially for public sector applications, is the enablement of machine-to-machine communications.

Emerging Tech

State Department Brings Financing Partners to Help Fund Huawei Alternatives

The State Department is working with financial institutions to help close deals for Western technology providers around the globe, an official says.

Modernization

Senate Passes Veterans Affairs IT Reform Act

The bill would require annual reports on projects that cost more than $25 million and affirm CIO authority in planning.