Emerging Tech

Military Pilots’ DNA May Hold Key to What’s Causing Their Prostate Cancers

Radars, magnetrons, and other toxic exposures may leave unique signatures on aviators’ cells, giving researchers the first evidence of cause.

Defense

Army Materiel Command looks to advanced manufacturing to improve readiness

Army Materiel Command is planning to implement advanced manufacturing techniques from the depots to the battlespace to help produce parts where needed.

People

OMB's Shalanda Young talks TMF, CX and improper payments

Young, who has been leading the Office of Management and Budget on an acting basis since March 2021 when Biden's original pick, Neera Tanden, withdrew from her nomination, is poised for confirmation to the top job.

Modernization

GAO Audit Again Shines Light on Problems in VA’s Health Records Rollout

The audit found that data quality and stakeholder engagement were two key issues with the rollout.

Cybersecurity

The U.S. is Working to Improve Ukraine’s Cyber Defenses in the Face of Russian Threat

The prospect of a cyberattack amid heightened regional tensions creates a stark contrast against delicate diplomatic efforts the U.S. is pursuing to thwart ransomware criminals officials say are operating out of Russia.

Cybersecurity

NAPA report backs shift in leadership for cyber workforce development

A new study from the National Academy of Public Administration recommends that the newly established Office of the National Cyber Director develop and implement a coordinated, multi-sector strategy for the cybersecurity workforce, which faces chronic workforce shortages.

Cybersecurity

Audit: Labor Department Information Security Program ‘Not Effective’

Auditors made 18 recommendations to remediate some of the agency’s longstanding issues.

Policy

EARN IT Act Reintroduced, Draws Criticism Over Encryption Implications

Sens. Graham and Rosenthal reintroduced 2020’s Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies Act, but advocacy groups fear it misses the target in restricting content.

Cybersecurity

Security Specialists: Microsoft’s Discounted Logging Offering Warrants Scrutiny 

The log management tool Microsoft is marketing as a way for agencies to fulfill administration requirements for network visibility could contribute to a risky ‘monoculture,’ according to cybersecurity professionals.

Modernization

Tribal Broadband Effort Gets $1.5 Million Federal Investment

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration issued another round of funding for indigenous communities with poor broadband infrastructure.

Digital Government

A Federal Pandemic Watchdog Says its Oversight Money Will Run Out in July

Brian Miller, special inspector general for pandemic recovery, wrote in a new report that $25 million in CARES Act start-up funds is not enough.

Modernization

Labor Department announces grants for states to expand UI access

The latest in a series of grants available to states for unemployment compensation programs focus on improving access to the benefit by partnering with community-based organizations for education about unemployment insurance.

Defense

DIU boasts more rapid acquisition agreements but fewer new programs in 2021

The Defense Innovation Unit awarded out 72 new prototype contracts, but transitioned out only eight technologies – a dip compared to 2020.

Policy

Lawmakers Request Continued Telehealth Expansion for Medicare

A letter signed by 45 members of Congress asked for continued federal funding for Medicare telehealth access as pending legislation aims to make it permanent. 

Cybersecurity

IG report points to weaknesses in the Commerce Department's infosec program

The Commerce Department has routinely failed to implement crucial security assessment measures and an effective continuous monitoring program, according to a new Inspector General report published this week.

Digital Government

US Spy Chief Warns Government Is Classifying Too Much Data

Emerging technologies have had a direct impact on how much data the government classifies.