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.
Emerging Tech
Military Kicks Off Deployment of 5G Testbeds for Augmented and Virtual Reality
It’s one part of a $600 million initiative announced last October.
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.
Modernization
'Democratizing data' and the promise of JADC2
Lt. Gen. S. Clinton Hinote, the deputy chief of staff for strategy, integration and requirements for the Air Force, said the global shift to make data readily available could have a profound impact on military operations.
Digital Government
Biden Nominee for Pentagon’s Acquisition Chief Withdraws
Michael Brown to remain at DIU for now, Pentagon says.
People
Labor Department seeks funding for staffing surges
During testimony on the hill this week, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh also gave lawmakers insight into the department’s work to combat unemployment insurance fraud.
Digital Government
Lawmakers Encourage Allied Countries to Set Security Standards for International Tech Research
Heads of the State and Energy departments, OSTP, and others would contribute to their making.
Digital Government
FCW Insider: July 15, 2021
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Digital Government
Federal Diversity Officers Stress Importance of Data
OPM, State Department, FBI and Office of the Director of National Intelligence officials speak about Biden’s recent executive order and what they’ve already been doing.
Artificial Intelligence
Billions in AI Investments and a New Deterrence Strategy Coming, SecDef Says
The Defense Secretary committed $1.5 billion over five years to the Pentagon’s artificial intelligence hub.
Digital Government
Bipartisan Calls to Regulate Facial Recognition Tech Grow Louder
Lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle have concerns about increased use of biometric technology.
Digital Government
Brace for debates on legacy systems, acquisition reform in NDAA, lawmaker says
Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) said the defense budget debate could be “pretty contentious” when it comes to convincing congress members to divest of legacy systems that heavily involve their districts.
Emerging Tech
NIST Turns to Technology in its Technical Investigation of the Florida Condo Collapse
Drones, 3D scanners, a data portal and more are supporting scientists in the disaster’s aftermath.
People
OPM grapples with questions about travel reimbursements for remote workers
Officials at the Office of Personnel Management are mulling the potential impacts of an increasingly dispersed federal workforce. One is the question of who foots the bill for remote workers occasionally required to come back to the office.
People
Michael Brown withdraws nomination for DOD's top acquisition role
The Defense Innovation Unit's director has requested his name be withdrawn from consideration to be the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, citing delays caused by an ongoing Office of the Inspector General investigation.
Digital Government
GSA Needs Users to Test Upcoming Improvements to SAM.gov
The Integrated Award Environment has plans for specific improvements to roll out in the next year and a half.
Ideas