Modernization
Democrats, civic tech orgs back IRS plans to pilot e-filing service
But support of the forthcoming pilot isn’t universal.
Modernization
VA secretary: Automation will help agency ‘make better, faster, more informed decisions’
VA Secretary Denis McDonough said the department is poised “to deliver a completely new, fully integrated experience” for veterans as officials expect a further increase in PACT Act claims.
Ideas
We like to think we are best at digital, but maybe not
COMMENTARY: Steve Kelman thinks the United States could learn a few things about technology-enhanced infrastructure from Europe and China.
Emerging Tech
US and Sweden to partner on emerging energy research
Strengthening basic research for critical scientific areas, including nuclear fusion, is the focus of a renewed partnership between the two countries.
Cybersecurity
Critical cyber threats persist on federal networks despite recent directives
Hundreds of devices on federal networks remain in apparent violation of a recent Binding Operational Directive from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, according to a new report.
Policy
Congress must use budget power to move tech firms out of Beijing’s orbit, former lawmaker says
Former congressman and Under Secretary of the Army Patrick Murphy said lawmakers need to be focused “like a bulldog on a bone” when ensuring the U.S. is positioned to compete with China’s tech ambitions.
Cybersecurity
White House unveils fiscal 2025 cybersecurity investment priorities
The administration is urging agencies to align their fiscal 2025 budget requests with recent guidance that prioritizes strengthening federal networks and systems against cyber intrusions.
Ideas
The federal government must lead on infrastructure cybersecurity
COMMENTARY | Federal leaders must take lessons learned from network protection efforts to empower state and local governments and critical infrastructure operators.
Emerging Tech
Multiagency plan aims to boost biotechnology workforce
A new national strategy to grow the U.S.’s biotechnology sector focuses on workforce training and curriculum development.
Policy
House, Senate China hawks concerned White House will let TikTok stay in the US
Key Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate warned that tweaked language in a new Commerce Department rule could lay the groundwork for TikTok’s proposal to store U.S. users’ data in the country.
Cybersecurity
CISA to launch new cyber supply chain resource hub
The new resource center will allow federal agencies and industry stakeholders to get their hands on practical tools to help meet new cyber supply chain risk management.
Emerging Tech
DHS looks to invest in digital credentialing
The department’s Silicon Valley Innovation Program issued a new solicitation looking for privacy-preserving digital credential wallets and verifiers.
Digital Government
Caller ID woes contributed to SSA disability backlog
Disability determinations at the Social Security Administration slowed during the worst days of the pandemic, and a hitch in a mobile device service played a part.
Ideas
The digital future may rely on ultrafast optical electronics and computers
COMMENTARY | About a decade ago, scientific efforts hit the speed limit of semiconductor-based transistors.
Modernization
Inside DHS’ quest to streamline customer experience and ease public burden
The Department of Homeland Security’s CIO detailed how his agency saved the public 20 million hours accessing agency services in a move that signals a major culture change.
Emerging Tech
Legislation would expand and extend government’s counterdrone authority
Bipartisan legislation in the House and Senate would extend DHS and DOJ’s authority to mitigate the threat posed by unmanned aircraft systems, while also providing state and local law enforcement with enhanced counter-detection capabilities.
Digital Government
Is government culture stifling CX innovation?
Risk aversion among government managers is blocking needed improvements to key programs, according to a recent white paper.
Modernization
Government tech – What’s sustainability got to do with it?
As it turns out, a lot, according to a recent best practices guide for agency CIO’s, and to Energy Department CIO Ann Dunkin.
Ideas
For IRS Direct File, let the evidence guide the way
COMMENTARY | A randomized, controlled trial is the best way to find out if using a government system to file taxes directly with the IRS will improve tax collection while reducing burden on taxpayers.
Modernization