Modernization
State Department restores passport processing to pre-pandemic levels
A hiring surge and mandatory overtime has brought passport processing down to its lowest level in years.
Artificial Intelligence
Who is an AI worker? The Pentagon needs a better definition, GAO says
The Pentagon “can't fully identify who is part of its AI workforce or which positions require personnel with AI skills,” according to a new congressional watchdog report.
Artificial Intelligence
House lawmakers press for transparency in NIST’s new AI grant funding
A bipartisan cadre of lawmakers is asking for details on the funding methods and oversight of NIST’s new Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute.
Digital Government
GSA launches text message service for government programs in four localities and states
Norfolk, Virginia has already been using the service to remind people about Medicaid recertification.
Cybersecurity
NDAA provision looks to close cybersecurity gaps in nuclear weapons systems
The requirement included in the fiscal year 2024 defense policy bill follows a 2022 GAO report that found the National Nuclear Security Administration did not fully implement “foundational cybersecurity risk practices.”
Emerging Tech
Government’s quantum efforts are shifting to a near-term strategy
As the National Quantum Initiative Act is set to advance to a House vote, one federal official described the technology as “the next thing” on the horizon.
Defense
The Army’s network is changing. But it still ‘needs work’
The service’s modernization chief said future war will be a conflict of systems where command and control will be central.
Artificial Intelligence
Priming the workforce is key to future AI efforts, federal IT leaders say
One agency tech leader is urging IT workers inside government and out to "get into the shallow end of the AI swimming pool" and experiment with the new tools.
Ideas
When authoritative sources hold onto bad data
COMMENTARY | A legal scholar explains the need for government databases to retract information.
Digital Government
GSA is at a ‘critical juncture’ to salvage faith in TTS, agency watchdog warns
GSA’s inspector general says that it’s “trying to prevent the next Login.gov” — referencing a bombshell oversight report on GSA’s single sign-on service issued earlier this year.
Defense
The military’s zero-trust plans are about to face a big test
An INDOPACOM exercise will test the military’s data-centric security strategy.
Cybersecurity
NIST issues guidance on a mathematical approach to data privacy
The draft document provides a system for adopting a differential privacy framework, and the agency is currently seeking feedback to ensure quality.
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