Acquisition
Veterans Affairs committee Dems offer bills to streamline VA operations
The two proposals would seek to consolidate business functions at the agency and independently verify and validate IT modernization efforts.
Digital Government
House Bill Wants Quantum-Powered Research To Support Agriculture, Medical Development
The Quantum in Practice Act was reintroduced this week, asserting quantum information systems’ power in scientific advancement.
Policy
Senators try again to advance software license bill
Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) have brought back the Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act with a few new changes after the proposal came up short last fall.
People
Consumer Product Safety Commission failed to complete mandated future of work plan, report says
The agency tasked with preventing unreasonable risks of injury and death from consumer products has not yet completed a required plan that considers post-pandemic office reentry and property management strategies, according to an inspector general's report.
Ideas
Fretting About Election Stress is Bad for Your Health
A new study indicates people report worse physical health around major elections.
Ideas
AI and Twitter Could Help Predict Opioid Deaths
Combined, the technologies can predict where opioid deaths are likely to occur.
Emerging Tech
US Needs Improved Regulation to Foster Drone R&D
Unmanned aircraft system innovation is hindered by the current regulatory framework, according to witnesses at a congressional hearing.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers Warn of Cyber Threat Posed by Beijing, Moscow to Energy Sector
Enhancing collaboration and information sharing with industry partners can help mitigate threats, but concerns remain about the extent to which foreign-made equipment is embedded within the U.S. electric grid.
Cybersecurity
Acting National Cyber Director Explains New Cybersecurity Strategy to Congress
Acting National Cyber Director Kemba Walden highlighted some the strategy's key elements in testimony Thursday.
Digital Government
Space Partnerships are Critical for U.S. Security, Defense Official Says
At AFCEA NOVA’s Space Force IT day, Col. Ted Hanger discussed the importance of working with allies and partners in space.
Digital Government
New federal website offers grants info and research to counter domestic terrorism
The Department of Homeland Security hopes a new website will serve as a one-stop shop for visitors aiming to prevent targeted violence and domestic terrorism with a slew of local and national federal resources.
Cybersecurity
Industry reps like CISA's public-private cybersecurity collaborative, but offer tips on how to scale it
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) noted in the hearing that CISA’s Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative lacks a charter or membership criteria and previewed a forthcoming bill to “clarify activities of the JCDC.”
Cybersecurity
Collaboration Over Self-Preservation Highlighted in Latest Guide to Cyber Oversight
CISA Director Jen Easterly said that the updated cyber-risk oversight handbook aligns with the agency’s goal of “advancing corporate cyber responsibility.”
Acquisition
FTC seeks info on cloud computing market’s influence
The Federal Trade Commission is asking for public feedback about the market power of cloud computing providers, among other information.
Defense
Soldiers can now steer robot dogs with brain signals
A small sensor tucked neatly behind the ear allowed soldiers to mentally guide robotic quadrupeds.
Artificial Intelligence
Soldiers Can Now Steer Robot Dogs With Brain Signals
A small sensor tucked neatly behind the ear allowed soldiers to mentally guide robotic quadrupeds.
Digital Government
IRS Taxpayer Advocate Says Congress Shortchanged IT Modernization Efforts
Lawmakers didn’t allocate the $80 billion provided to the IRS in the right way, claims National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins, adding that IT modernization and taxpayer services aren’t getting the money they need.
Digital Government
FTC Seeks Info on Cloud Computing Market’s Influence
The Federal Trade Commission is asking for public feedback about the market power of cloud computing providers, among other information.
People
Trump vows to ‘shatter the deep state,’ revive Schedule F and move more agencies out of D.C.
The former president also said that if reelected in 2024, he will crack down on whistleblowers.
Modernization