Artificial Intelligence
Congress’s week of AI
Tech titans, developers and executives descended on Capitol Hill this week for a series of meetings exploring crucial safeguards for AI research and development.
Artificial Intelligence
Agency leaders see data analytics and customer service uses for AI
Tech officials told lawmakers they are focused on a socio-technical approach to AI use cases in the government, saying it is not “one size fits all.”
Digital Government
Civic hackers explore ways to streamline government operations
Lawmakers and technologists united for a day of civic hacking on Capitol Hill as part of an effort to modernize government services and make government operations more efficient.
Artificial Intelligence
Guardrails in government AI purchasing are ‘more important than ever,’ senator says
“Right now, [contracting officers] are set up for failure,” when it comes to buying AI applications, one witness told lawmakers at a Senate hearing.
Artificial Intelligence
DHS creates new chief of AI and unveils safety policies
The Department of Homeland Security is advancing its use of artificial intelligence technologies with new leadership and guidance.
Modernization
VA's health record 'reset' will extend into 2024
There's one deployment of the new, multibillion dollar EHR on the books for next April and officials expect the rollouts to pick up in the summer.
Emerging Tech
Energy focused on emerging technology R&D to combat climate change
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized the agency’s goals in areas like fusion energy and AI in testimony before the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.
Ideas
Why humans can’t trust AI
COMMENTARY | You don’t know how it works, what it’s going to do or whether it’ll serve your interests.
Digital Government
$212B in suspicious activity reports to FinCENin 2021 concerned identity, officials report
Industry experts tied improved federal identity efforts to better security in financial and other private sector industries.
Cybersecurity
New Pentagon cyber strategy emphasizes industry and global partnerships
A top Defense Department official described the private sector as “absolutely essential” in implementing the agency’s new cyber strategy.
Defense
Space Force needs more cyber operators for weapons systems, chief says
Protecting weapons platforms is a primary concern for Space Operations Command, says its vice commander.
Artificial Intelligence
Industry leaders urge Congress to enact responsible AI regulations
Some tech observers have suggested hitting pause on generative artificial intelligence development, but industry leaders told lawmakers that the tech could benefit from legislation that builds trust in AI.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers grapple with AI’s potential as they consider future regulations
In a week packed with artificial intelligence hearings and events, lawmakers are focused on bipartisan unity and threading the needle between further advancement and regulation.
People
Who are your rising stars?
Nominations are open for the 2023 Rising Stars program. We're looking to spotlight innovators across federal, state and local governments and up-and-coming talent at contracting firms.
Cybersecurity
DOE unveils $39 million for electric grid cybersecurity projects
Nine national labs will split $39 million in new federal investment, with projects leveraging cloud-based software and AI systems in cybersecurity for U.S. utility companies.
Digital Government
Pandemic unemployment fraud as high as $135B, watchdog says
The Government Accountability Office's new estimate underscores the urgency of modernizing state-based unemployment insurance systems.
People
Senate confirms deputy secretary at VA
Tanya Bradsher takes over as the top official tasked with managing the Department of Veterans Affairs’ troubled electronic health record project.
Policy
Path to averting a shutdown remains elusive as Senate looks to pass first FY24 spending bills
The upper chamber has bipartisan support for many of its funding measures and will look to put pressure on the divided House.
Ideas
Quantum information science is rarely taught in high school – here’s why that matters
COMMENTARY | Many students attend high schools that don’t offer physics.
Cybersecurity