Modernization

Homeland Security’s Biometrics Database Is on Its Way to the Amazon Cloud

The Office of Biometric Identity Management released a privacy impact assessment as the program begins moving the nation’s biometric database to Amazon’s GovCloud.

Cybersecurity

Government Absence Leaves Big Tech to Steer Privacy for Contact Tracing Apps

Agency CISOs will have to weigh the ramifications of apps that could combine health and location data of federal employees, a security professional said.

Digital Government

Senators Push for $26 Billion in the Next Stimulus Package to Support U.S. Researchers

The growing group hopes to help address the pandemic-induced challenges that research universities, academic medical centers, national labs and others are facing.

Emerging Tech

Energy Offers Advanced Computing Resources to Solve Domestic Manufacturing Challenges

The agency launched a new opportunity for industry and academic partners to tap into its top tech tools.

Artificial Intelligence

Sammie Finalists Highlight Outstanding Accomplishments of Federal Employees

Dr. Anthony Fauci is one of 27 career civil servants recognized in the Partnership for Public Service’s prestigious annual awards program.

Emerging Tech

The Army Wants a Wearable COVID-19 Detector

Due to the urgent need, the managing consortium has suspended some—but not all—of its members-only restrictions.

Digital Government

Defense Innovation Board Director Moves to Google

It’s another sign of the healing relationship between the Defense Department and big tech.

Ideas

3 Ways Technology Meets Empathy to Solve Overwhelmed Agency Phone Lines

Conversational technology can be an excellent way to deflect repetitive questions to AI that can act like a live FAQ around constantly changing information.

Cybersecurity

Citing Cyber Threats, Trump Orders Ban on Buying Energy Sector Equipment from Foreign Adversaries

Some stakeholders say Commerce Department rules to implement a similar order about telecommunications equipment from last May are “impossible” to comply with.   

Cybersecurity

Why We Adopt and Then Ditch Online Security Tips

“It can be challenging to follow through with a particular piece of advice, and sometimes experts conflict with each other in providing advice,” a researcher said.

Modernization

Labor Wants Feedback on Checklist for Modernizing State Unemployment Systems

The federal agency seeks input on the mandatory guidance it released to help states prevent service disruptions as they update their technology. 

Digital Government

House Lawmakers Press HHS Secretary for Details on Contact Tracing Programs

States are turning to smartphone apps and other digital tools that could compromise privacy, the lawmakers wrote. 

Emerging Tech

How the Justice Department is Permitted to Use Counter-Drone Technology

The guidance enables the agency and its subcomponents to intercept, damage or destroy threatening drones in some cases. 

Digital Government

Army Researchers Want Help Building Predictive COVID-19 Models For Use Across DOD

The research partner will be expected to immediately begin work on two modeling analyses and be agile enough to shift as priorities change.