Digital Government

GSA issues a ‘roadmap’ for Login.gov’s future

The General Services Administration wants to improve Login.gov’s identity proofing rates, add more options for how users can be identity proofed and more.

Data

Get serious about data, US intelligence leaders tell agencies

ODNI’s new three-year plan aims to turn data-gathering from afterthought to key asset.

Modernization

State Department wants IT support for modernizing its consular systems

The department is conducting market research for modernization capabilities to help improve customer experience at passport agencies, its global queueing system and embassy and consulate waiting areas.

Ideas

Why people tend to believe UFOs are extraterrestrial

COMMENTARY | Photos claiming to be UFO evidence are often doctored or otherwise ambiguous.

Artificial Intelligence

What will the federal government do with generative AI?

Federal employees are going to see AI tools show up in cloud-based productivity suites sooner rather than later, but it's not clear yet how the trending tech will impact public-facing digital services.

Cybersecurity

White House announces new program to designate cyber-secure IoT devices

The Biden administration announced its Cyber Trust Mark labeling program to ensure commercial smart home devices have sufficient cybersecurity tech in place.

Digital Government

New bill aims to simplify federal grant applications, boost funding for underserved communities

The Streamlining Federal Grants Act was introduced by a bipartisan trio of senators to build upon a 2019 law.

Emerging Tech

NIST adds 40 potential quantum-resistant algorithms to growing roster

The standards agency’s work to identify and standardize post-quantum cryptographic encryption methods was highlighted as crucial to U.S. cybersecurity implementation plans.

Policy

Semiconductor industry group warns against new limits on chip exports to China

A spokesperson for the National Security Council told Nextgov/FCW that the Biden administration’s export controls “have been carefully tailored to focus on technology with national security implications.”

People

Sen. Kaine revives effort to ban Schedule F through the defense policy bill

This marks the second straight year that the Virginia Democrat has sought to attach a measure requiring congressional approval for new federal job classifications to the National Defense Authorization Act.

People

USDA CIO talks modernization, CX priorities

The Agriculture Department has made strides to modernize tech systems and improve service delivery, but there’s more work to do, according to Chief Information Officer Gary Washington.

Modernization

Lawmakers demand specific timeframe for deploying digital GI Bill platform

The Department of Veterans Affairs’ inability to provide a clear schedule for large-scale deployments of its new education benefits delivery system drew bipartisan concern from members of a House panel. 

Artificial Intelligence

Establishing international tech standards is ‘the issue of our time,’ lawmaker says

Sen. Mark Warner encouraged U.S. leadership to learn from previous “complete disaster” moments in technology regulation. 

Modernization

Senate Appropriations Committee looks to claw back TMF funding

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan. — an original backer of the law that created the Technology Modernization Fund — called the move a “mistake.”

Cybersecurity

Experts warn of financial challenges and gaps in cyber implementation plan 

From a crucial lack of federal funding to longstanding issues with the cyber workforce, experts told Nextgov/FCW that the new cybersecurity implementation plan features major “financial potholes.”

Ideas

Looking beyond the hype on AI

COMMENTARY | Generative AI can work in the public sector, but it's critical to address risks and limitations of the emerging technology.

Artificial Intelligence

How NIST is helping to guide the government conversation on AI

Industry, technologists, policymakers and members of Congress are watching what the U.S. standards-setting agency is doing to understand the risks of AI.

Modernization

VA opposed to new EHR requirements but open to more major acquisition review 

VA officials told lawmakers  Wednesday that they oppose proposed oversight standards for the department’s new electronic health record modernization program.

Cybersecurity

Bipartisan FISMA update looks to tweak cyber incident reporting rules for agencies

The legislation proposes new requirements for disclosing cyberattacks, assigns guidance for A.I.-enabled cyber, codifies the Federal CISO role and more.