Modernization

Air Force Chief Software Office Prepares ‘Big Questions’ for Next CSO

A bit has unfolded since the branch's first chief software officer, Nic Chaillan, left the government earlier this year.

People

Bill to train acquisition workforce on AI clears Senate

The bill will help the U.S. stay afloat in global competition on artificial intelligence, its sponsors on the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee say.

Digital Government

There’s No Way Americans Will Cancel Their Travel Plans

Many people are gathering for the holidays no matter what. Here’s how to do that as safely as possible.

Ideas

A Multi-Cloud Roadmap for Federal Agencies

A good multi-cloud strategy provides a single set of management tools.

Artificial Intelligence

White House AI Initiative Launches Public Research Support Tools

The National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office opened a new page dedicated to providing AI researchers with sophisticated tools to bolster research projects.

Acquisition

USAID plans new ‘Digital Front Door’ portal for contractors

The U.S. Agency for International Development is seeking public feedback on a plan to streamline data reporting requirements for contractors by establishing a single portal for all digital information.

Modernization

Dev[SecAudCom]Ops—Not Really, But Don’t Overlook Audit and Compliance as Part of Security

The acronym for integrating security and agile development cycles may have gotten out of hand, officials say, but the core values are key to producing good software.

Digital Government

More funding needed for Biden’s CX order, says industry group

The Alliance for Digital Innovation said that “current funding levels will not be enough to provide an on-going, modern, and customer-centric digital experience,” called for in the customer experience executive order, and urged the administration to replenish the Technology Modernization Fund and the Federal Citizen Services Fund to support improved CX.

Ideas

How Open Data and Open-Source Approaches Can Help Federal Agencies Save Time and Lives

Open-data and open-source approaches are also the most efficient way to ensure data is up to date and freely shared in today’s world.

Artificial Intelligence

AI Workforce Training Bill Clears Senate

The bipartisan legislation aims to strengthen federal employees’ AI knowledge, with a focus on procurement professionals.

Ideas

Can Biden Deliver Better ‘Customer Experience’ for Americans Than His Predecessors?

He is now the fifth president since Bill Clinton to announce a new customer focus for federal services.

Modernization

Build Back Better setback imperils TMF boost, other tech funding

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) said on Sunday that he was a no vote on the Build Back Better legislation, potentially scuttling a $1.75 trillion legislative package that includes climate funding, social safety net expansion and multiple technology investments.

People

NDAA requires DOD to report on prospects for a ‘cyber academy’

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) says these reports could inform potential legislation to establish an academy to educate cyber workers for government modeled after military service academies.

Cybersecurity

Agencies Under New Deadlines to Address ‘log4j’ Flaws with Emergency Directive

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency order comes as a prominent firm says nation states are exploiting the vulnerabilities.

Modernization

How the Army is embracing telework-friendly tech

The Army is expanding its use of bring-your-own devices through a pilot program that’s expected to initially focus on National Guard and Reserve components as it rolls out Microsoft 365.

Emerging Tech

Using the Hard Lessons of the Pandemic to Shape the Government's Bioeconomy Policies

A rethinking the government’s approach to the various bioscientific fields may be necessary, experts argue.

Digital Government

U.S., Australian Law Enforcement Enter Into Partnership Against Cybercrimes

The U.S. and Australian government partnered under the CLOUD Act, which facilitates electronic communication and data sharing between nations to investigate various crimes.

Digital Government

Leader of SAM Transition Is Leaving Government

Judith Zawatsky will retire from public service after 15 years to take on a new role in the private sector.

Digital Government

Senate Confirms John Sherman as Pentagon’s Tech Chief

He’s poised to steer the Pentagon through a maze of cybersecurity, AI and data challenges.