Modernization

FCW Insider Chat: The top winners of the Fed100

The fifth and final episode of the FCW Insider Chat podcast highlights the work of the top three winners of this year’s Federal 100, the original and most prestigious awards program for the federal IT community. 

Cybersecurity

Report Estimates Trillions in Indirect Losses Would Follow Quantum Computer Hack

An analysis projects the hypothetical disruption a cyberattack from a quantum computer could have on global financial markets.

People

FBI and CIA combat cyber talent shortage with new hiring methods

Officials at the intelligence and law enforcement agencies say they’re facing the national cyber talent shortage head-on, from implementing a new approach to hiring top cyber talent to new training programs and incentives.

Policy

Carper says he won’t run for fifth Senate term

The Delaware senator has been active in the federal tech space for years, earning a Fed 100 award in the process.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers Want DHS to Assess National Security Risks of Doxing 

Proposed legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security to “evaluate risks posed to national security and civilian privacy” by the online release of individuals’ personal information.

Ideas

From Harvard to Ukraine

Steve Kelman catches up with a former student whose work has taken him to the front lines of U.S. efforts to curb nuclear proliferation.

Modernization

VA Lacks Goals to Assess Satisfaction With New EHR, Watchdog Finds

The report from the Government Accountability Office found that the absence of such goals has limited the agency’s ability to “objectively measure progress toward improving EHRM users’ satisfaction.”

Digital Government

Vehicle Data Tool Could Help Agencies Switch to Electric Fleets

The General Services Administration’s new tool enables agencies to match their current fleet to equivalent zero-emission vehicles.

Digital Government

Lawmakers have questions about online passport renewal

Members of Congress are hearing it from constituents on long waits to renew passports and want more info about an online option.

Cybersecurity

Energy Department officials eye 2027 date to stand-up cyber intelligence center

Officials from the department's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response told House members Tuesday that work within the threat-sharing pilot program has already shown progress and could use more resources from Congress.

Defense

Pentagon outlines upcoming contractor cybersecurity plan

Expect the congressionally mandated strategy by year’s end, DOD CISO says.

Artificial Intelligence

Senators Introduce Bill to Create Digital and AI Oversight Agency

The legislative proposal would establish a so-called Federal Digital Platform Commission to regulate online services, including those that offer content “primarily generated by algorithmic processes.”

Emerging Tech

IBM to Partner with US and Japanese Universities on Quantum Supercomputer R&D

With funding from IBM, universities in both countries will collaborate to develop a quantum supercomputer to spur further innovation in the field.

Acquisition

GDIT launches tech strategy focused on 'accelerators'

The company is investing in its labs, employees and partnerships as it focuses on technologies such as zero trust, automation, cloud, software, 5G and artificial intelligence.

Emerging Tech

Cost and Schedule Overruns Plague NASA's Electrified Flight Efforts, IG Finds

The agency’s Inspector General noted that, despite progress made in advancing electrified aircraft propulsion system technology, NASA is experiencing cost and scheduling challenges that it should address.

Emerging Tech

Air Force Research Lab Tests Tech That Blasts Drones Down With Microwaves

The lab is testing this new technology to combat swarms of drones and to be able to do so from a greater distance than existing counter-drone technologies.

Modernization

Four federal departments have not fully implemented cloud security practices, GAO says

The departments of Agriculture, Homeland Security, Labor and Treasury have made varying amounts of progress in applying crucial cloud security practices, but remain far from fully executing them, the watchdog found.

People

EEOC alerts employers to AI discrimination risks

The agency explains how existing civil rights protections apply to artificial intelligence applications in the workplace.

Policy

Bill to cut software costs advances in Senate

A Senate committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve a bill designed to help agencies get a handle on software licensing with an eye to cutting costs.

Cybersecurity

‘Continuing Significant Deficiencies’ Hamper VA’s Information Security Controls, Audit Finds

An audit released by the VA Office of Inspector General found that the department “needs to implement improved controls” to address persistent gaps in its information security program.