People
Trump watchdog nominees draw congressional scrutiny for political histories
Labor inspector general nominee and former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, R-N.Y., praised President Donald Trump during his confirmation hearing, while Veterans Affairs IG nominee Cheryl Mason, who was a senior advisor to VA Secretary Doug Collins, said she wasn’t involved in any decisions at the department.
Emerging Tech
Microsoft announces advancement in quantum error correction
The company said it is able to reduce error rates in its quantum computing capabilities by 1,000-fold thanks to four-dimensional geometric codes.
Digital Government
Lawmakers propose digital delivery option for GI Bill documents
Bipartisan legislation seeks to provide veterans and their beneficiaries with the ability to receive electronic correspondence about their GI Bill education benefits.
Emerging Tech
G7 nations commit to advancing AI and quantum
The seven member nations agreed to collaborate on both artificial intelligence and quantum technology research and policy.
Emerging Tech
Estonia begins laying the keystone for a great Baltic Drone Wall
The ultimate goal is to fully cover hundreds of miles of the border with Russia so that no drone can pass over the wall without being detected and possibly destroyed.
Modernization
Democrats press Palantir about reported creation of IRS ‘mega-database’
The possible creation of a shareable, governmentwide database of Americans’ personal information would be a “surveillance nightmare,” 10 House and Senate Democrats wrote in a letter to the tech company.
Artificial Intelligence
USPTO touts success in AI applications
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has initiated several programs — such as the Scout chatbot assistant and PE2E search tool — in an effort to streamline the work done by human employees.
Artificial Intelligence
OpenAI awarded $200M DOD prototype contract
The Defense Department is eyeing administrative operations, health care and cyber as areas with potential use cases for the company's technology.
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