Modernization
OPM retirement backlog hits six-year low for third time this year
The number of pending federal employee retirement claims fell under 16,000 for the second time since 2017 in November.
Artificial Intelligence
2024 NDAA eyes rapid ATOs for emerging tech
Artificial intelligence is also a hot topic within the annual defense policy bill.
Ideas
How feds can create their own mini Chat GPT AI assistants
COMMENTARY | Configuring a mini-GPT can be a highly effective way to harness the awesome power of this new technology while mitigating many of the risks associated with generative AI.
Acquisition
FBI to rethink troubled IT services contract
After several rounds of protests and amendments, the FBI is reworking parts of the solicitation for a group of blanket purchase agreements.
People
Looking for tech talent? Broaden your search, IC chief says
The nation’s 18 intelligence agencies should look beyond the nation’s capital if they want to get and keep the best cyber workers, said Adele Merritt.
Acquisition
The defense industrial base is 'in crisis,' expert tells Hill panel
The defense establishment is not equipped to develop, acquire and onboard emerging technologies at scale, according to a draft report from the Pentagon, and witnesses at a recent House hearing called for deeper, stronger ties between government and industry.
Digital Government
OMB adds metrics to digital experience oversight
The Office of Management and Budget is piloting new digital experience indicators based on recently released guidance for the 21st Century IDEA Act.
Cybersecurity
U.S., global partners, ask software companies to focus on memory-safe code
New guidance for software developers from Five Eyes countries implores software developers to patch memory safety vulnerabilities and rethink the use of risky programming languages.
Cybersecurity
20 federal agencies miss deadline for implementing cyber incident tracking requirements, watchdog says
The Government Accountability Office found that just three federal agencies were in compliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s advanced cyber event logging requirements.
Digital Government
Federal judge temporarily blocks Montana’s TikTok ban
U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy said in his preliminary injunction that the first-of-its-kind state law “likely” violates the First Amendment. A trial to review its legal authority could still reinstate the ban.
Cybersecurity
Hackers exploited out-of-support software to scan federal systems, CISA says
The cyber agency is once again asking agencies to update their software.
Defense
DOD offices see post-quantum cryptography as 'mission critical'
Offices within the Navy and Air Force are looking to both protect systems and harness benefits of quantum information sciences and computing
Emerging Tech
VA creates new monitoring system after glitch affects more than 120,000 veterans’ claims
Officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs said they’re creating a new system to notify officials “within 24 hours” of any issues affecting electronically filed claims.
Defense
Tuberville says he'll drop hold on most military promotions
Alabama senator says he will keep the brakes on some of the most senior officers’ nominations.
Cybersecurity
OMB takes aim at internet of things cybersecurity
The Office of Management and Budget’s recent FISMA guidance notes the importance of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s ability to scan agencies for vulnerabilities on an ongoing basis.
People
Commerce CIO Mendes announces retirement
After more than 14 years in the federal government, André Mendes is returning to his home state of Texas for a county CIO post.
Ideas
Taking open source risks seriously
COMMENTARY | Software bills of materials don't address what tech leaders should actually do to make sure open source components are safe to use.
Cybersecurity
House bill looks to shore up federal cyber workforce
The bill, a companion to a Senate bill introduced in July, looks to fortify the U.S.’s domestic cybersecurity workforce and training programs.
Artificial Intelligence
Human operators must be held accountable for AI’s use in conflicts, Air Force secretary says
The Pentagon needs “to find a way to hold people accountable” for what artificial intelligence technologies do in future conflicts, according to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall.
Cybersecurity