Acquisition
First CHIPS Act award signals start of U.S. semiconductor push
The Commerce Department chose a major defense hardware maker as recipient number one of CHIPS For America grant money, which certainly will go across multiple industries that are of importance to public sector.
Ideas
How QR codes work and what makes them dangerous – a computer scientist explains
COMMENTARY | QR codes are visual patterns that store data smartphones can read.
Cybersecurity
The 2024 defense policy bill has a lot of cyber
Other provisions touch on diplomacy and nuclear command and control, among other things.
Acquisition
Senate bill would limit federal contracts with foreign-linked biotech firms
The legislation from Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., comes after he objected to a more focused provision in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act that sought to limit government contracts with one specific Chinese biotech company.
Modernization
TMF’s planned cost savings have been ‘minimal’ in reality, GAO finds
The original intent of the revolving fund anticipated repayments on finished projects replenishing the pool for new ones. In reality, such repayments have been slow and slim.
People
Coker confirmed as cyber director
On a bipartisan vote, the Senate confirmed Harry Coker to lead the Office of the National Cyber Director at the White House.
Artificial Intelligence
Senate Democrats seek to establish civil rights offices for AI
Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., is sponsoring legislation that would require all federal agencies that use artificial intelligence to set up offices “focused on bias, discrimination and other harms resulting from covered algorithms.”
People
Get to know the 2023 Rising Stars
This year's class of Rising Stars has been selected both for their accomplishments over the past year and for their leadership potential.
Artificial Intelligence
Agencies have over 1,200 AI uses planned or in operation, watchdog finds
The massive GAO report found that some agencies — like NASA and the Department of Commerce — have made major investments in artificial intelligence, while others struggled to meet federal requirements.
Defense
USAF cracks down on ‘need to know’ violations in wake of Discord leaks
Wing commander fired, 14 more disciplined after hundreds of documents were posted to a chat platform.
Emerging Tech
Research institutions must better secure sensitive data from foreign adversaries, experts say
To prevent foreign nations from gaining access to sensitive research data, U.S. institutions need to “have a higher sense of internal security” when it comes to protecting critical information.
Modernization
NDAA includes bill backing new data center standards
The measure would require the General Services Administration to set new resiliency, cybersecurity, availability and sustainability expectations for federal data centers.
Artificial Intelligence
GAO to release landmark AI report
The report provides a baseline for the use of artificial intelligence across major non-defense federal agencies and how they are meeting existing requirements.
People
Sonny Hashmi to depart GSA
The head of the Federal Acquisition Service is leaving just before the close of 2023.
Acquisition
Veterans Affairs sheds more light on $14B transformation recompete
The department's main health care agency announces its decision on which companies will be eligible and reveals more on how teams can be structured.
Modernization
OPM retirement backlog hits six-year low for third time this year
The number of pending federal employee retirement claims fell under 16,000 for the second time since 2017 in November.
Artificial Intelligence
2024 NDAA eyes rapid ATOs for emerging tech
Artificial intelligence is also a hot topic within the annual defense policy bill.
Ideas
How feds can create their own mini Chat GPT AI assistants
COMMENTARY | Configuring a mini-GPT can be a highly effective way to harness the awesome power of this new technology while mitigating many of the risks associated with generative AI.
Acquisition