Digital Government

FCW Insider: July 19, 2021

The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.

Artificial Intelligence

Researchers Create Drone Swarms That Can Detect Gas Leaks, Other Threats

A new algorithm called “Sniffy Bug” shows how tiny drones will do dangerous work even in areas where they can’t use GPS.

Cybersecurity

NIST Outlines Security Measures for Software Use and Testing Under Executive Order

Eyes now turn to the Office of Management and Budget to issue requirements for federal agencies and contractors based on NIST’s work.

Ideas

Changing How App Stores Operate Could Have National Security Implications

As Congress considers how to increase competition for app stores run by Apple, Google and others, it also needs to consider potential cybersecurity threats.

Emerging Tech

Microsoft, Army Sign Cooperative Research Agreement for Storm Modeling

The Army Engineer Research and Development Center will demonstrate the scalability of its storm modeling system in Azure Government cloud.

Artificial Intelligence

Firm Offers Tips on Eliminating Bias and Other Risks When Deploying Analytics Models

Government leaders are “appropriately” wary of implementing models they don’t understand, a senior expert explained.

Policy

State Data Privacy Bills Growing More Widespread

Ohio lawmakers have introduced legislation to establish “data rights” for citizens. It follows Colorado, which passed a similar law last week.

Digital Government

Congress might not clear defense spending, policy bills until December

Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) said budget delays could mean a continuing resolution to start fiscal 2022.

Digital Government

GAO Issues Recommendations to White House Science and Tech Wing

This is the first time the Government Accountability Office has provided a priority recommendation letter to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Digital Government

Biden's executive order on federal workforce equity: What happens next

Here's what is due, and when, from President Joe Biden’s executive order on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the federal workforce. Data collection is a key first step, say DEIA government officials.

Digital Government

A procurement paradigm for digital government

By contracting with emerging technology companies that can create and deploy data-driven solutions, agencies can cut down on the number of government contracts and the associated red tape.

Digital Government

FCW Insider: July 16, 2021

The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.

Ideas

AI Teaches a Robot How to Learn to Walk

The system allows legged robots to adapt to their environment by exploring and interacting with the world.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers Look to Improve Cyber Workforce, Especially for Acquisitions

The effort is happening through major Department of Homeland Security reform legislation recently introduced in the House and a supply-chain bill that just cleared committee in the Senate.

Modernization

VA Secretary Outlines Structural Changes to EHR Rollout

The secretary updated Congress on three pivotal changes coming to the program, including shifting the schedule to focus on sites that are ready to handle the deployment.

Cybersecurity

OMB provides key guidance for TMF proposals amid surge in submissions

Deputy Federal CIO Maria Roat details what makes for a winning Technology Modernization Fund proposal as agencies continue to submit major IT projects for potential funding.

Cybersecurity

Agencies Unveil Plans to Fight Ransomware—Including Paying for Tips

The State Department’s Rewards for Justice program is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information about attackers targeting U.S. critical infrastructure.