Modernization

VA plans to restart EHR deployments before the end of FY25, secretary says

Despite VA’s fiscal year 2025 budget request not allocating any money toward the deployment of its new EHR at additional medical facilities, VA Secretary Denis McDonough said it has “existing money” that will be made available to resume system rollouts.

Cybersecurity

Russian hackers accessed U.S. government emails in Microsoft breach, CISA says

The alert comes a week after Microsoft was faulted in a DHS report for fostering a security culture that enabled a similar China-backed cyberattack last year.

Exclusive Cybersecurity

Some Volt Typhoon victims ‘won’t know they’re impacted,’ Mandiant CEO says

The efforts of the Beijing-linked Volt Typhoon hacking group represent the “natural progression” of Chinese espionage, according to Kevin Mandia.

Digital Government

GSA to pilot face matching technology this summer for Login

The agency is also rolling out a new pricing model for agencies that want to use in-house single sign-on.

Cybersecurity

CISA alerts Sisense breach that possibly exposed customer data

An internal company note appears to show some firm info may have been exfiltrated.

Artificial Intelligence

USPTO says existing rules apply to AI-crafted submissions

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office reaffirmed its existing regulations will apply to AI-assisted applications and filings.

Modernization

VA not sharing details on supply chain upgrade, Republican lawmaker says

Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., who heads a House subcommittee focused on tech at Veterans Affairs, said “there does not seem to be any approved budget” for the new supply chain system, which the department estimates to cost between $9 billion and $15 billion.

Emerging Tech

How TSA’s opt-outs for biometric screenings informed White House AI policy

The Office of Management and Budget’s recent guidance on the government’s responsible use of AI elevates TSA's practice of allowing travelers to decline biometric scans at airport security to national policy.

Emerging Tech

New bill would greatly expand Defense Department quantum efforts

Proposed legislation would establish a quantum advisor and a new center of excellence.

Ideas

How enforceable are software licenses?

COMMENTARY | An ongoing federal court case suggests the ubiquitous practice of "pass-through" licensing for software sold by resellers may not have a solid legal foundation.

Digital Government

White House, Senate Democrats tout new $1.4B anti-fraud proposal

Among the efforts that would see funding under the sweeping proposal are a new “early warning system” for fraud in government benefits.

Artificial Intelligence

State Dept. seeks employee volunteers to test AI chatbot

The State Department is piloting an internal chatbot backed by artificial intelligence technology, and will leverage internal sensitive but unclassified data.

Acquisition

When can US spies buy your personal data? New guidelines are coming

Certain missions require government acquisition of personal information collected by data brokers, and appropriate safeguards need to be put in place, the official said at a Cyber Command-hosted event.

Exclusive Acquisition

Mace sponsors bill to ban educational requirements for government contractors

The bill tracks with ongoing bipartisan efforts to push the government towards skills-based hiring.

Emerging Tech

FTC names winners in AI voice authentication challenge

Winners came from the private sector and academia as the agency continues its crackdown on AI-generated voice cloning.

Modernization

TMF doles out $47.8 million to NASA, Labor for modernization projects

The fund was zeroed out in the last appropriations round and will expire in 2025 without new legislation.

Acquisition

Google is now authorized to host classified data in the cloud

The security milestone puts Google in a position to compete for classified business at DOD and U.S. intelligence agencies.

Artificial Intelligence

5 agencies join Justice in pledge to protect civil rights against AI-fueled discrimination

The agencies pledged to use their existing enforcement authorities to tackle cases where artificial intelligence may impact Americans’ civil rights.