Digital Government
VA extends PACT Act filing deadline after website glitches
The Department of Veterans Affairs is giving eligible veterans an extra week to announce their intention to submit claims under a law that expands benefits for exposure to toxic substances.
Digital Government
NASA officials discuss plans for the pending launch of their new NASA+ streaming network
The agency will offer regular programs and shows, as well as lots of new and original content.
Ideas
High-speed train tech quickly spots airborne viruses
COMMENTARY | A technique known as magnetic levitation can be used to easily collect and concentrate airborne viruses to help prevent future outbreaks of respiratory disease, researchers report.
Emerging Tech
NATO creates 1B euro investment fund to target tech startups
NEWS ANALYSIS | The intergovernmental military alliance that connects Europe and North America also wants a big net to find and work with innovative companies, following a model already in use by the U.S. government.
Policy
Bill to alleviate federal pay compression introduced by House Dems
The Pay Compression Relief Act would effectively allow General Schedule employees to receive annual increases to both basic and locality pay, even if they have already hit the federal pay cap.
Defense
Future wars will turn on space-cyber-special operations triad: Army SOF chief
The success of information ops is “the most important lesson learned from Ukraine right now.”
Policy
Court ban on agency contact with social media lacks evidence, White House argues
The contact injunction is on pause pending an appeals court ruling.
Cybersecurity
Biden orders greater restrictions on emerging technology transactions with China
The new executive order updating the sanctions regime between U.S. citizens and China is a “national security action,” according to an administration official.
Digital Government
'High volume’ of last-minute PACT Act submissions caused tech glitches, VA says
Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough stressed that no veteran or survivor who received an error message “will miss out on a single day of benefits due to this issue.”
Cybersecurity
White House plan to secure schools from cyber threats ‘may not go far enough,’ experts say
As families across the country prepare for the back-to-school season, federal officials are preparing for increased cyberattacks targeting the nation’s education system.
Acquisition
DHA faces legal challenges to how it conducted $2.5B procurement
Protesters are alleging the Defense Health Agency used "phantom award restrictions" to limit the number of companies that could qualify for this global IT services contract.
Artificial Intelligence
White House and DARPA challenge innovators to bring AI tools to cyber defense
The AI Cyber Challenge asks leading companies to develop advanced AI systems that will contribute to critical infrastructure cybersecurity — with nearly $20 million available in prizes.
Defense
USAF wants its future robot wingmen to fly with sister services as well
And it wants them far more quickly than the typical acquisition program
Ideas
AI can help forecast air quality, but freak events like 2023’s summer of wildfire smoke require traditional methods too
COMMENTARY | When wildfire smoke turned New York City’s skies orange in early June 2023, emergency room visits for asthma doubled.
Acquisition
Space agencies are reforming acquisition to accelerate commercial tech integration
The nation’s space agencies are leveraging new procurement techniques to get their hands on critical emerging technologies and maintain U.S. competitiveness.
Emerging Tech
NASA’s new manned spacecraft estimated to ready by March, officials say
The agency is working with Boeing to remediate two issues with the Starliner spacecraft ahead of an anticipated crew flight test, but a specific launch date remains uncertain.
Digital Government
GAO: IRS must enhance cyber oversight of third-party vendors, modernize online services
The IRS continues to ignore GAO’s recommendation to streamline oversight of third-party tax vendors’ cyber practices, despite concerns about mitigating digital threats.
Cybersecurity
Updated NIST cyber framework focuses on on governance
The National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking public feedback on its revamped Cybersecurity Framework, which includes guidance on operationalizing cyber best practices.
Cybersecurity
White House cyber office makes new workforce-focused hire
Daniel “Rags” Ragsdale is joining the White House Office of the National Cyber Director, following work in the private sector, Defense Department and cyber research space.
Defense