Defense
Pentagon lags on software buying reforms, GAO says
A GAO report has found that DOD has yet to implement several recommendations from advisory boards towards achieving its modernization goals.
Cybersecurity
Cyber Strategy Aims to Ensure Secure US Tech Design, Set International Example
Federal cybersecurity experts cited the importance of international and domestic partnerships in implementing cybersecurity standards and protocols.
Modernization
VA Again Delays Rollout of New Electronic Health Record System
The Department of Veterans Affairs, which announced last October it was pausing rollouts of its new EHR system until June 2023, said it “is not yet ready” to move forward with the software’s scheduled deployment at the VA Saginaw Healthcare System.
Cybersecurity
CISA director details plan to address security risks in open source software
From hiring an open source security lead to establishing new public-private sector initiatives, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is taking open source software security risks head on, according to Jen Easterly.
Emerging Tech
NASA Makes 6 Awards to Help Advance Air and Space Exploration
The concepts include quantum radar technology and using bacteria to make on-demand drugs in space.
Digital Government
IRS outlines tech modernization, CX plans as part of $80 billion overhaul
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel told reporters on Thursday that technology will be key to achieving the agency’s intentions to transform customer service at the agency and shrink the tax gap.
Ideas
It Takes a Body to Understand the World
Why ChatGPT and other language AIs don’t know what they’re saying.
Emerging Tech
Labor Dept. Watchdog Urges 'Extreme Caution' on Facial Recognition
Since the start of the pandemic and an upswing in fraudulent claims in the jobless aid systems, the use of facial recognition in identity checks has spread across states, raising OIG concerns about access and privacy.
Digital Government
Satellite Ground Stations Are Vulnerable, US Warns
The Space Development Agency is beefing up satellite constellations—but keeping an eye on terrestrial attacks.
Digital Government
Labor Dept. watchdog urges 'extreme caution' on facial recognition
Since the start of the pandemic and an upswing in fraudulent claims in the jobless aid systems, the use of facial recognition in identity checks has spread across states, raising OIG concerns about access and privacy.
Digital Government
Republican Lawmakers Want to Know Where $50B CHIPS Funding is Going
Several Republican leaders sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo asking for details about the funding.
Cybersecurity
Genesis Black Market Dismantled, But Experts Warn of Potential Vacuum
A major coordinated effort took down the black market for stolen data, but experts warn the fight to secure data is ongoing.
Modernization
OMB failing to set cross-agency IT management goals, report says
Administration officials disputed some of GAO's conclusions, noting that IT goals were embedded in other management agenda targets.
Artificial Intelligence
White House Touts Digital Training Programs to Bridge Gap in AI Procurement
Digital information technology development programs may be the key to countering traditional government procurement lags when it comes to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, a White House official said on Tuesday.
Digital Government
Apple VP Named New Director of Defense Innovation Unit
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also announced that the Defense Innovation Unit director will report directly to him as part of a leadership “realignment.”
Policy
Paradigm Shift: Recruiting for Lifelong Careers or Public Service Stints
Both long- and short-term public servants can be beneficial for the government in technology and beyond.
Defense
DOD wants innovation to counter drone swarms
The Defense Department is planning a July outreach event to find new solutions from industry that can counter AI-enabled drone swarms over land, sea and air.
Acquisition
White House official touts digital training programs to bridge gap in AI procurement
Digital information technology development programs may be the key to countering traditional government procurement lags when it comes to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, a White House official said on Tuesday.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers Move to Elevate Leadership of Energy’s Cyber Office
Citing the threat posed by foreign adversaries, four Republican senators are pushing for a Senate-confirmed assistant secretary to helm Energy’s office tasked with cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity