Cybersecurity
OPM launches cyber rotational program for feds
The new rotational program is an outgrowth of 2022 legislation backed by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., who chairs the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
People
Debate over federal telework fumes in House subcommittee
Agency HR officials defended their approach to workplace flexibilities and highlighted budgetary issues as bigger drivers of poor customer service.
Acquisition
Protest over OASIS+ pricing data access falls short
ANALYSIS | Boston Consulting Group claimed it did not need to provide that information on certain items in its bid for the government-wide professional services vehicle.
Artificial Intelligence
Why NIST is prioritizing creating a dictionary of AI development
An official from the National Institute of Standards and Technology explained the need for a consensus on language as a means of developing common standards for AI.
Defense
Lawmakers seek to bolster JADC2 initiative with ‘transformative’ objectives
The legislation would give specific Pentagon officials new responsibilities in the department’s development of an interoperable network across its disparate military domains, with particular focus on the Indo-Pacific region.
Digital Government
Digital park passes could become reality under a new legislative proposal
The new, bipartisan recreation-focused package is aimed at cutting red tape around national parks and public land, its backers say.
Ideas
Can improving CX help restore trust in government?
COMMENTARY | To protect benefit programs from abuse while delivering a cohesive CX, agencies need to take an omnichannel approach that harmonizes online, mobile, call center and in-person contacts and incorporates robust remote identity proofing.
Emerging Tech
Senators move to ban TSA’s facial recognition screenings
The bipartisan proposal cited concerns about the government’s collection of biometric data.
Cybersecurity
Congress takes up software supply chain security
The FITARA scorecard could become a vehicle for measuring agency progress against the administration's software security goals.
Digital Government
USDA unveils new data strategy
The Department of Agriculture’s new guidance builds on previous agency plans, and looks to improve data sharing and incorporate artificial intelligence into analytics operations.
Modernization
SSA restructures tech shop to center on the CIO
Be on the lookout for a vacancy announcement for the SSA CIO position.
Modernization
How a push to the cloud helped a Ukrainian bank keep faith with customers amid war
Ukraine’s largest bank preserved economic stability for 20 million customers amid an ongoing war with Russia.
Emerging Tech
House committee unanimously approves quantum reauthorization bill
The reauthorization of 2018’s landmark quantum information sciences legislation is set to move to a full House vote, though a companion has not yet been introduced in the Senate.
Defense
Lawmakers raise concerns over Chinese-made LiDAR tech
Members of a House panel focused on China's growing global influence voiced concern over U.S. technology being used in adversaries’ LiDAR systems and the possibility that China-made LiDAR products are embedded in critical U.S. applications.
Cybersecurity
Okta breach includes theft of data on nearly all help desk users, including some feds
The company revised its earlier reporting on the scope of the breach, but said that data on users of high-impact federal and DOD systems was not compromised.
Artificial Intelligence
DARPA’s massive defensive AI challenge begins in December
The original announcement of the AIxCC challenge — and its millions in prize money — made waves at Black Hat 2023.
Artificial Intelligence
DHS aims to lead in defense against ‘adversarial’ AI
The agency’s secretary noted artificial intelligence has proven useful for DHS operations in many ways, but also cautioned that the technology can be used for more nefarious purposes.
Artificial Intelligence
AI’s military use is limited by maturity concerns, CENTCOM official says
A U.S. Central Command official noted that “performance is still quite up and down” with AI, even as officials continue to experiment with the emerging technologies.
Acquisition
Reorganizing government acquisition for the digital age
The General Services Administration recently reorganized its Federal Acquisition Service, eliminating its regional structure, a move its commissioner Sonny Hashmi says is already yielding positive results.
Cybersecurity