Digital Government

Ashton Carter, Innovative DOD Secretary, Dies at 68

As secretary of defense during the Obama administration he pushed policies to modernize how DOD buys technology as well as opening the door to women and transgender people to serve in the military more fully.

People

How Ash Carter changed the Pentagon’s weapons buying

Over decades, the physicist-turned-defense leader worked to speed up and streamline arms procurement.

People

OPM's Ahuja gets an earful from agencies over enhanced pay for cyber talent

The Director of the Office of Personnel Management is navigating the intense competition among federal agencies for in-demand cybersecurity workers.

Cybersecurity

CISA Seeks Feedback on Baseline Measures to Secure Cloud Configuration

Initial baselines address Microsoft services, and baselines for configuring rival services from Google are up next. 

Digital Government

Drew Myklegard Named Permanent Deputy Federal CIO

Myklegard had been serving in the role on an acting basis after the departure of Maria Roat at the end of March.

Policy

Lawmakers Question Revolving Door Between Government and Crypto Industry

A group of Democratic lawmakers issued letters to several financial regulatory agencies in a bid to examine the growing trend of former public servants working for digital asset companies.

Cybersecurity

NDAA Amendment Would Establish Veteran-Focused Cyber Training Program

A provision included in House and Senate legislation authorizing Defense Department spending for fiscal year 2023 would allow veterans and military spouses to receive cyber training “at no cost.”

Emerging Tech

How Government Might Work Up to 3D-Printed Buildings

Panelists at the Imagine Nation ELC Conference noted that for some emerging technologies—like large-scale 3D printing and augmented reality—agencies may have to “start with smaller.”

Ideas

A national digital strategy for transforming government

It’s time to rethink the focus on customer experience to reimagine government operations from the ground up

People

Drew Myklegard named permanent deputy federal CIO

Myklegard had been serving in the role on an acting basis after the departure of Maria Roat at the end of March.

Defense

After 5 full-throttle years, Kessel Run is settling in for the long haul

The new leader of the Air Force “software factory” wants data and architecture standards that stand the tests of time.

People

FCW co-founder Anne Armstrong honored with ACT-IAC award

ACT-IAC honored several federal IT notables at their annual executive leadership conference this week.

Ideas

AI is Changing Scientists’ Understanding of Language Learning – And Raising Questions About an Innate Grammar

Is living in a language-rich world enough to teach a child grammatical language?

Defense

How is the Air Force doing at cyber?

To answer the question, a new task force is working to map the service’s networks.

Digital Government

OMB to extend digital records deadlines by 18 months

Federal Chief Records Officer Laurence Brewer said an 18-month extension was being finalized to shift the completion of the governmentwide transition to electronic records to June 2024.

Emerging Tech

NIST Announces New Internet of Things Advisory Board

A total of 16 professionals, mainly from the private sector, will advise the federal IoT Working Group on opportunities and hindrances for the technology’s development.

Digital Government

Russia Likely to Experience 'Technological Regress' Due to Sanctions, Experts Predict

A think tank report warned that the resulting sense of vulnerability could lead Russia to “double down” on nuclear capabilities.

Digital Government

Justice Reveals Use of a Double Agent in Complaint Against Chinese Spies

The spies were charged with obstruction of justice during the prosecution of a Chinese telecommunications firm in one of three indictments the department uncovered related to China’s quest for technological superiority and global standing, officials said.