Policy
VA budget bill maintains EHR funding but imposes additional ‘reset’ oversight
The bipartisan FY24 budget package allocates over $1.3 billion for the agency’s new electronic health record system but makes 25% of that funding contingent on enhanced transparency around VA’s ongoing EHR “program reset.”
Cybersecurity
CISA is coordinating with election security partners for Super Tuesday voting
The principal agency responsible for election security is asking public and private sector election administrators to share potential threat information as voters go to the polls.
Artificial Intelligence
AI could help clear food stamp backlogs plaguing some states
States are increasingly seeing it as a way to better process public benefit programs amid workforce shortages and outdated technology issues. But change can be incremental amid policy and money concerns.
Emerging Tech
NSF announces $40 million for AI-powered protein design applications
The National Science Foundation wants researchers across disciplines to develop applications for artificial intelligence that boost researchers’ advancements in protein design.
Acquisition
State is taking an ‘important step’ for planned EHR, as key lawmaker moves to speed it up
State’s Bureau of Medical Services has been working for more than a decade to replace its current paper-based medical record system with an electronic solution to better meet the healthcare needs of its diplomatic corps.
Digital Government
IRS Direct File to be fully available March 12
The tool is a new way for eligible taxpayers to file directly with the IRS online for free.
Cybersecurity
Biden’s new data security order leaves industry officials, privacy advocates scratching their heads
Implementing the executive order will involve crafting new legal mechanisms for data transfers while assuaging ongoing privacy concerns.
Cybersecurity
FCC staff targeted in phishing attack that cloned agency login site
A cybercriminal group built a duplicate webpage used by employees to validate their login credentials.
Emerging Tech
Warner, Blackburn team up to reestablish U.S. leadership in international tech standards
New bipartisan legislation would ask NIST to help the U.S. establish a stronger international presence in setting emerging technology standards.
Acquisition
GSA officials have ‘fundamental disagreements’ with OIG in legality of Chinese camera purchases, per House committee
The agency’s procurement of Owl Labs cameras as part of a pilot program came under scrutiny in January.
Artificial Intelligence
Senate committees to start marking up AI bills soon, senator says
One of the Republican members of the bipartisan AI working group estimated that major Senate committees will begin marking up AI-related legislation “in March or April.”
Artificial Intelligence
Congressional Black Caucus launches AI Policy Series spotlighting discrimination
The new series of discussions hosted by the House’s Congressional Black Caucus will focus on ensuring AI systems are working for, not against, Black communities.
Policy
Biden admin to seek surveillance court blessing to renew Section 702 program through next year
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court will receive the White House filing next month.
Acquisition
Biden administration waives certain ‘Build America’ requirements for broadband
Even with the waiver, though, the administration estimates that roughly 90% of funding for equipment will still be used to purchase U.S.-made products.
Policy
Congress reaches fiscal 2024 funding deal, new stopgaps in hopes of averting shutdown
Lawmakers must act in a hastened and united fashion to pass the new CR before funding expires this week.
Policy
Civil liberties groups urge Congress to keep 702 measures out of upcoming funding votes
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is set to expire on April 19 unless reauthorized by Congress.
People
SSA taps White House tech official for CIO post
Marcela Escobar-Alava will be starting as the CIO of the Social Security Administration on Monday.
Artificial Intelligence
IBM calls for stricter regulatory posture on deepfakes
The multinational tech company supported legislation that outlaws synthetic AI-generated content
Artificial Intelligence
Using AI to fight fraud is paying off, Treasury says
The tech has helped recover over $375 million since Treasury began using it over a year ago.
Digital Government