Digital Government
IRS hits key digitization goal months ahead of schedule
Although Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen plugged progress in IRS efforts to tame paper in the agency, she also emphasized that “playing politics with IRS funding is unacceptable.”
Cybersecurity
CISA sees ‘routine and standard’ security reports at beginning of Election Day
Working extensively with local jurisdictions, “it’s all about communication,” a Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency official noted.
People
Service member influencers are helping DOD recruit, Pentagon official says
Social media posts shared by “genuine service members on their own” are helping the Pentagon recruit more young Americans into the U.S. military, according to the deputy secretary of defense.
Digital Government
USDA hopes more data access will improve states’ SNAP delivery
The Agriculture Department is also working to help states address card skimming and other persistent problems in the SNAP program.
Ideas
Generative AI like ChatGPT could help boost democracy – if it overcomes key hurdles
COMMENTARY | New technology offers some interesting opportunities to improve democratic processes.
People
OPM: Federal workers’ morale, engagement rebounded in 2023
Preliminary data from the annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey indicates that federal agencies have improved on employees’ engagement, job satisfaction, as well as issues of diversity and inclusion.
Defense
AI can serve as ‘digital concierge’ for Pentagon personnel, DISA officials say
The acquisition of AI technologies and large language models across DOD will bolster the department’s cyber operations and analytical capabilities, officials with the Defense Information Systems Agency said.
Cybersecurity
Data on active-duty servicemembers is a available for purchase online, report says
A new study from Duke University sheds light on how easy it is to find U.S military personnel online for a price.
Ideas
The federal government is already using AI — it's time for a formal process to ensure the technology is safe
COMMENTARY | The rapid operationalization of AI will require federal agencies and industry to work together to achieve success.
People
Return-to-office policies may bring potential federal workforce challenges
Deltek posited in its contracting outlook for fiscal 2024 a potential talent crunch tied to the Biden administration’s return-to-office policies.
Cybersecurity
How the US aims to tackle the ‘collective action problem’ of ransomware
New efforts in the International Counter Ransomware Initiative intend to leverage automated systems to halt illicit financial transactions, according to a White House cyber official.
Defense
DOD’s new AI and data strategy aims to scale adoption of new technologies
The Pentagon’s new data, analytics and artificial intelligence adoption strategy establishes a “hierarchy of needs” to help the department utilize emerging technologies.
Cybersecurity
ICE’s ‘outdated and overly permissive’ device policy left the agency vulnerable, watchdog warns
A spring audit of agency mobile devices found several banned and outdated applications installed on personnel and contractor smartphones.
Ideas
Cybersecurity must be a priority in the event of a government shutdown
COMMENTARY | Bad actors will be aware of a government shutdown and work to exploit any new vulnerabilities, so it’s critical for the government to have a plan for damage control.
People
Cyber Director nominee talks AI, collaboration at confirmation hearing
Harry Coker, the Biden Administration's choice to lead the Office of the National Cyber Director, said he'll draw on his experience as a program manager to make sure agencies hit their milestones on implementing the government's cyber strategy.
Emerging Tech
NASA celebrates winners of second MarsXR virtual reality astronaut training competition
Most of the winning scenarios enabled players to be scored like in a video game based on their crew’s effectiveness in completing each challenge.
Digital Government
Election security threats require more federal resources, officials say
Facing growing cyber and physical threats, election administrators told lawmakers that more federal assistance is needed to safeguard voting systems and personnel.
Artificial Intelligence
New bill aims to codify NIST AI risk management in federal procurement
The Federal Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act is designed to give statutory support to many of the efforts outlined in the Biden administration's AI executive order.
Cybersecurity
Defense intelligence director voices support for a cyber-specific intel center
DIA Director Lt. Gen. Scott Berrier said his agency needs “to get our act together on intelligence support to cyber operations.”
Artificial Intelligence