Digital Government

Quick Hits

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Artificial Intelligence

China Is ‘Danger Close’ to US in AI Race, DOD AI Chief Says

JAIC leader stresses that AI ethics guidelines don’t slow down the United States. In fact, they are essential.

People

OPM official: No going back to pre-COVID status quo

The Office of Personnel Management wants to use upcoming guidance on telework to offer a new vision for federal work, an agency official said Wednesday.

Cybersecurity

Energy Launches Supply Chain Program As Watchdog Called for More Action 

The Energy Department has been focused on securing the generation and transmission of power, but distribution processes are also increasingly vulnerable.

Emerging Tech

Republican Lawmakers Push for Billions in Boosts to Science Agency Budgets

Their re-introduced bill also calls for a national S&T strategy—and new requirements, including a supply chain-tracking database.

Ideas

People Gave Up on Flu Pandemic Measures a Century Ago When They Tired of Them – and Paid a Price

If we have anything to learn from the history of the 1918 influenza pandemic, it is that a premature return to pre-pandemic life risks more cases and more deaths.

People

What's at stake with Biden's Pentagon vacancies?

The Biden administration has several Defense Department vacancies to fill in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and military departments. But what does that mean for personnel and the 2022 budget?

Digital Government

IRS Needs Help Managing and Upgrading Legacy Criminal Investigations Systems

The two main IT systems that manage the tax agency’s investigations efforts are 10 and 15 years old, and users want new capabilities.

Digital Government

Senate Bill Would Force Companies to Safeguard Consumer Data

The bill outlines “reasonable” duties of care, loyalty and confidentiality for companies to follow or face fines.

Ideas

Program Lets Users Design Their Own Quantum Computers

This is the first time that most people will be able to “touch” quantum computing.

Digital Government

Industry groups call for TMF reforms following funding boost

The groups' call for changes to how the government operates the modernization fund echoes concerns that multiple former CIOs voiced to FCW this month in interviews.

Modernization

The FCC Wants Your Feedback to Improve Broadband Access

In an effort to create more accurate maps detailing broadband connections and service, the Federal Communications Commission is collecting first-hand accounts from users.

Digital Government

Quick Hits

None

Digital Government

FCW Insider: March 24, 2021

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

Cybersecurity

New Software Vendor Standards Coming Within Weeks, CISA Head Says 

The White House is leading an interagency effort focused on software development that will determine federal procurement of information technology.

Modernization

Deputy Federal CIO on Fate of Trump-era IT Policies

The Office of American Innovation, Cloud Smart and the Federal Reskilling Academy are some of Trump-era tech policies left behind. Now the Biden team must decide what to do with them. 

Digital Government

Dems press on federal role in UI tech modernization

The Labor Department recently got $2 billion for the administrative costs of unemployment insurance delivery. Democratic Lawmakers have a plan for how the agency should use it.

Modernization

How DISA Is Shifting to DEOS Cloud Tools as Interim Telework Solutions Sunset

DISA’s program director for the enterprisewide collaboration tools contract said the agency is creating a guide for other components to ease migration, including navigating security levels.

Modernization

GAO warns on cyber risks to power grid

The country's electrical systems are increasingly susceptible to cyberattacks, according to government auditors, and there is uncertainty about the extent to which a localized attack might cascade through power distribution systems.

Digital Government

Fight over defense dollars looms in House

The House Armed Services Committee's top Republican, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), is pushing for a 3% to 5% increase in the topline 2022 defense budget and wants education and training for cybersecurity and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to top the panel's agenda.