Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence Systems Will Need to Have Certification, CISA Official Says

A process for vetting algorithms and their input data is needed to build confidence in the tech but is still very far off.

Digital Government

OMB Official: We Need More Cross-Agency Collaboration Tools

Mass teleworking due to the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital government, including a lack of communication options for interagency collaboration.

Digital Government

House Committee Leader Wants Oversight of Pentagon’s Handling of Banned Chinese Gear

One observer says prospects look dim for contractors requesting an extension on compliance with provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act.

Digital Government

What the COVID-19 Pandemic Is Revealing to Federal Chief Data Officers

While some agencies have yet to reveal a chief data officer, others are spinning up new teams, tools and projects to address the global health crisis.

Cybersecurity

DHS, NSA Conclude Pilot of Automated Mobile App Security Vetting Tool

While the program still has a ways to go, the team says it now has a way to automate mobile app security testing.

Artificial Intelligence

Critical Update: How Veterans Shaped a Coronavirus Chatbot 

Chief Technology Officer Charles Worthington discusses how the agency rolled out new digital tools to help respond to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Emerging Tech

Senators Introduce Deepfake-Focused Amendment to Defense Authorization Act

The Deepfake Report Act would require the Homeland Security Department to study the threats posed by manipulated and synthetic media—including text. 

Ideas

When Automation Sets Government Agencies Up for Failure

It's important to take the time to design a better system and workflow. 

Emerging Tech

Industry Calls on Government to Invest Billions for Developing Secure 5G Networks 

Comments to the NTIA also say the administration shouldn’t choose winners and losers to compete with Chinese telecoms giant Huawei.

Emerging Tech

Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Ban Federal Use of Facial Recognition Tech

If passed, federal agencies would not be able to run, fund, purchase or otherwise use data from facial biometric systems without congressional authorization.

Artificial Intelligence

Space Satellite Data Reveals the Pandemic’s Effects on Earth

A new dashboard—created by NASA and international partners—enables users to see changes in air and water quality, greenhouse gases, city nightlights, economic indicators and agricultural production.

Digital Government

Intelligence Authorization Would Add to Due Process Rules for Security Clearance Reviews

Also new in the bill is a provision allowing the government to share negative information about contractors with their companies.

Modernization

GSA Ups Spending Limit for STARS Governmentwide Contract to $22B

The agency raises the ceiling again for the popular small business set-aside contract. 

Digital Government

Data Shows Significant Drop in IT Services Spending Post COVID-19

Global government spending data shows worldwide decline in IT spending this year, though the numbers tell a unique story for the U.S. government.

Emerging Tech

The Pentagon’s Research Chief and His Deputy Are Resigning

Michael Griffin, defense undersecretary for research and engineering, and his deputy announced their July 10 departure in an email to staff.

Ideas

Pandemic Reveals Need to Make Airwaves More Resilient

The spectrum's sweet spot—frequencies in the mid-range—can carry significant amounts of data while reaching many users but are reserved for the government.

Emerging Tech

How DHS Is Using Multicookers and Predictive Calculators Against the Coronavirus

The agency’s Science and Tech Directorate continues to focus its efforts on pandemic-fighting experiments. 

Digital Government

Defense Information Network to Host Data Repository for Contractors’ Cybersecurity Audits, Official Says

Applications are now available for aspiring assessor organizations, which will also need to have their security certified.