Modernization

Energy CIO clarifies role of AI in modernization agenda

The agency’s CIO Ann Dunkin said she wants people to be able to “use AI in the best way possible to support operations.”

Modernization

Cruz, Peters introduce bill prodding agencies to share custom code

The lawmakers say that existing policies on sharing such code aren’t being implemented by agencies.

Acquisition

Bipartisan bill strives for ‘more nimble and meaningful’ federal contracting

Legislation from Sens. Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, would “streamline procedures” for both solicitation and awards by slimming down the procurement process.

Cybersecurity

Feds to compete for cyber glory at fifth annual President's Cup

CISA officials describe the positive impact the annual cybersecurity game aims to have across the federal workforce.

Artificial Intelligence

Capturing AI’s potential needs a ‘two-way street’ between the feds and states, cities

A senior White House official said all levels of government need to work together on artificial intelligence to “move faster” to tackle big problems.

Cybersecurity

CISA directs agencies to mitigate widespread VPN bugs

Two unpatched flaws in Ivanti's Connect Secure VPN are being exploited by hackers in the wild.

People

Uncle Sam wants you to help train government HR to hire tech talent

Several agencies are hosting a challenge with prize money meant to spur innovation in how the government hires techies.

Cybersecurity

Pentagon’s cyber red teams get clearer roles, governance

A document released by DOD’s chief information officer attempts to “address gaps in existing guidance” when it comes to the activities of the department’s cyber red teams.

Modernization

At VA, cloud is still emerging tech

The agency's CIO said that "cloud still has huge potential for us." 

Updated Policy

Congress averts shutdown, punts funding debate into March

Both the Senate and House approved a six-week stopgap on Thursday, just one day before a shutdown deadline.

Digital Government

Enhanced analytics can make tech export controls more effective, experts say

Export controls designed to limit Beijing’s access to sensitive U.S. technologies can be strengthened further if officials leverage AI and data science to identify gaps and weaknesses.

Modernization

GSA, OMB lag on FedRAMP improvements, GAO finds

The congressional watchdog wants agencies to streamline the cloud approval process.

Emerging Tech

Securing emerging tech requires export controls and international partnerships, officials say

During a House hearing on Wednesday, witnesses discussed how to ensure sensitive U.S. technologies and data stay away from Beijing.

Digital Government

VA’s compliance with accessibility requirements still lacking, watchdog says

The Department of Veterans Affairs “did not effectively manage website accessibility to ensure Section 508 compliance,” according to an audit conducted by the department’s Office of Inspector General.

Ideas

Connecting researchers and legislators can lead to policies that reflect scientific evidence

COMMENTARY | Legislators make policy based on the information at hand, which isn’t always the latest scientific findings.

Defense

Experts expect some support for small businesses facing CMMC compliance

The Pentagon’s draft CMMC rule doesn’t exempt small firms from the security standards for defense contractors and subcontractors, but that doesn’t mean they won’t receive any help meeting the requirements.

Emerging Tech

Government needs to regulate facial recognition tech, says National Academies

A facial recognition risk management framework, new legislation and more are among the recommendations in a new report requested by the FBI and DHS.

Cybersecurity

CISA, FBI warn on risks of China-made drones

The new guidance is meant to alert critical infrastructure operators to potential security risks, including data exfiltration and cybersecurity risks, posed by unmanned aircraft systems manufactured in China.

Digital Government

Senators call for Transportation to offer ‘accessible, mobile-friendly’ service animal form

Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., called the paperwork that disabled Americans need to complete before traveling with their service animals “poorly designed and needlessly difficult to complete.”

Ideas

Reining in AI means figuring out which regulation options are feasible, both technically and economically

COMMENTARY | One form of regulating AI is watermarking its output – the equivalent of AI signing its work.