Digital Government
Space Force Has a Major Satellite Oversight Problem, GAO Says
The government’s network of land-based satellite antennas is facing growing usage demands, but Space Force has not updated the system’s support operations plan since it took over control of the program in 2019.
Digital Government
Inside The Neverending Race To Update The Pentagon’s IT
The Joint Service Provider, charged with handling the defense secretary’s IT, is laser-focused on improving security and making sure infrastructure doesn’t obstruct the mission.
Digital Government
Ball Aerospace, Loft Federal and Microsoft to Team on Space Development Agency Program
The companies are supporting the Space Development Agency’s National Defense Space Architecture Experimental Testbed program, which will begin launching satellites in 2024.
Acquisition
DHA preps for MHS Genesis follow-on contract
The Defense Health Agency is conducting market research on a sustainment contract for the military's $5.5 billion electronic health records program.
Ideas
Don’t Bet with ChatGPT—Study Shows Language AIs Often Make Irrational Decisions
ChatGPT can cost you money.
Acquisition
VA paid for but didn't deploy an emergency communications system
Despite spending over $8.5 million on a new emergency communication system contract, a new report has revealed that the Veterans Health Administration failed to establish the network by a deadline that passed more than three years ago.
People
ARPA-H nets data, design experts in new Presidential Innovation Fellows cohort
Thirteen agencies will host 20 private sector fellows to help develop innovative ways to deliver public service.
Modernization
DOD’s IT Modernization Efforts Need Data Analytics, Workforce Upskilling
The latest report from the Government Accountability underscores Defense’s ongoing need to leverage resources, personnel, and performance markers to successfully modernize its IT infrastructure.
Modernization
VHA's $8.5M Emergency Comms System Largely Inoperable, OIG Finds
An audit conducted by VA’s Office of Inspector General found that an estimated 80% of the emergency communications systems deployed at 184 VA medical facilities are “not fully operational.”
Modernization
Treasury Seeks Automated Software Testing and Lifecycle Management Tools
The agency is looking to move away from manual testing and instead use automated testing for reusable scripts and to track tests.
Ideas
Artificial Intelligence and Drone Tactics Maneuver into Advanced Military Simulations
The war in Ukraine has made drones a powerful frontline weapon, more user-friendly AIs have been created, and the quality of computer graphics has also improved.
Digital Government
National Park Service considers a digital park pass
Making a digital option for the American the Beautiful pass series that would live on mobile phone wallets is a goal shared by Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Angus King (I-Maine), who introduced a bill that would require digital passes in February.
Digital Government
New FCC Rule Aims to Kill Spam Texts at the Source
Additional proposals would give consumers more options, such as adding text messages to the Do-Not-Call registry.
Artificial Intelligence
FDA Wants to use AI to Assess Pharmaceuticals
The agency is looking for a small business to provide the service to help examine freeze-dried pharmaceuticals and complex generic drug products.
Ideas
Buzz on Hard-right Social Media Makes for Civil Unrest
Researchers found an increase in hard-right social media activity correlates with an increased number of hard-right civil unrest events during the following month.
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