Emerging Tech
T-Mobile is using 5G, drones and AI to help first responders
The provider’s T-Priority 5G network slicing solution aims to give first responders enhanced connectivity services in disaster zones.
Modernization
VA official touts progress on EHR modernization project
The agency is undertaking “a no-fail mission to deliver a Federal EHR at every VA medical center by 2031,” VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence said.
People
Former USAID official, three contractors plead guilty in $550M bribery scheme
Their decades-long conspiracy involved rigged contracts, NBA tickets, mortgage payments, securities fraud and cash.
People
Georgetown leverages ex-fed tech experts with new fellowship program
Tech policy experts and U.S. Digital Service alums will join an inaugural program that aims to advance civic technology, while offering experience and insights to public service-focused students.
Digital Government
IRS isn’t sufficiently checking the performance of its identity proofing vendor
The identity validation service, ID.me, is the only option for taxpayers looking to access the more sensitive online services offered by the IRS.
Artificial Intelligence
House bill would task NSA with developing AI security playbook to counter China
Lawmakers want the NSA to develop guidance to help companies better protect the development of their advanced AI technologies from threat actors.
Cybersecurity
Secure by Design is just the start, CISA official says
A program manager for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said ongoing threat vigilance is needed post-implementation of the agency’s Secure by Design framework.
Modernization
Workforce cuts could complicate IRS goal to modernize in the next two years
Agency leaders say they want to complete the “vast majority” of its modernization efforts within the next couple of years.
Modernization
Draft proposal looks to put EHR reform measures back on the table
Draft legislation put forward by GOP members of the House Veterans’ Affairs panel reconsiders EHR oversight and governance proposals that were removed from the Dole Act before it was signed into law in January.
Artificial Intelligence
Industry calls for more research funding, public-private partnerships in the National AI Strategy
AI heavy hitters cited robust research funding, participation in standards development, and public, private and academia collaboration in comments sent to policymakers.
Acquisition
The onus is on industry to explain commercial best practices
Assuming government leaders know what those practices are and how they work is not a good idea, according to the General Services Administration's chief acquisition officer.
Modernization
Omni Federal awarded $427M background check IT modernization contract
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency sought a managed service provider amid ongoing efforts to enroll all federal employees in continuous vetting.
Artificial Intelligence
AWS GovCloud gets high-level security approvals for Anthropic and Meta AI models
Select versions of the Claude and Llama foundation models will be available for public sector customers via the AWS GovCloud.
Digital Government
Civic tech leaders worry DOGE is ‘tarnishing’ its tools to improve government
USDS, the White House team DOGE took over in January, was a flagship civic tech organization. Six months later, civic tech is figuring out what’s next.
Cybersecurity
CISA’s executive director is leaving the agency
Bridget Bean had been with CISA for over three years, during which time she also briefly served as the acting director of the cyber agency.
Artificial Intelligence
Democrats raise alarm over AI-driven contract cuts at VA
Connecticut Democrat Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said DOGE’s use of an AI tool resulted in the “wholesale slashing” of VA contracts.
Artificial Intelligence
Senate reconciliation bill text tweaks state AI regulation ban
The Senate Commerce Committee would block some funding from states that want to regulate the technology. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers have said any moratorium should be dropped altogether.
Artificial Intelligence
Trump’s AI and Crypto Czar touts AI policy that prioritizes U.S. proliferation and innovation
David Sacks called for removing regulatory red tape that is getting in the way of broader AI innovation and adoption.
Acquisition
US spy chief wants intel community to get away from building its own tech
Speaking at the AWS Summit in D.C., Tulsi Gabbard pushed for industry to provide the U.S. spy community with tech tools, and said AI systems have already been helping analysts with major tasks like document declassification.
Acquisition