People
Biden nominates new DISA director
Maj. Gen. Paul Stanton, who currently leads the Army’s Cyber Center of Excellence, has been picked to replace Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner.
Ideas
How skills-based hiring enhances national security
COMMENTARY | A forthcoming policy promises to broaden the federal talent pool, alleviate talent shortages and improve employee retention, but there's more to be done right now.
Digital Government
House panel advances bill to study TSA’s embrace of digital IDs
Travelers from nine states can now use mobile driver’s licenses to verify their identities at 27 U.S. airports.
Cybersecurity
CISA, EAC release communications guide for state, local election offices
Amid growing distrust in democratic systems, the Biden administration is equipping governments with more resources to help keep their elections secure.
Artificial Intelligence
GSA announces 11 new Presidential Innovation Fellows to focus on AI
The second cohort of Presidential Innovation Fellows in 2024 will help agencies adopt AI while mitigating risks.
Policy
Feds are still slated for a 2% average pay raise in 2025 per House appropriations bill
The House Appropriations Committee advanced legislation Thursday that failed to override President Biden’s 2025 pay plan.
Defense
US Army, Navy reduce dependence on China for ‘critical technology’
But the Air Force and other Pentagon agencies are using even more Chinese suppliers, a report finds.
Cybersecurity
G7 nations tell China to ‘act responsibly’ in cyberspace
The nations have frequently pointed to China as a top cyber adversary.
Artificial Intelligence
Senate bill mandating agency chief AI officers gets House companion
The proposal would codify several aspects of AI guidance released by the Office of Management and Budget in guidance this spring.
Cybersecurity
CISA conducts AI-driven cyber tabletop exercise with government and industry
The Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative participated in a hypothetical AI-powered cyberattack drill to update information sharing protocols tailored to disruptions to automated systems.
Ideas
Meeting federal software supply chain mandates
COMMENTARY | The deadline for secure software attestations is looming. Here's what you need to know.
Acquisition
VA extends EHR contract with Oracle Cerner for 11 months
The agreement comes after Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough said the department plans to end its pause on deployments of the modernized electronic health record system during fiscal year 2025.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers question Microsoft president over security culture that enabled recent hacking incidents
Brad Smith took responsibility for the hacks as lawmakers said the tech giant will have to work to earn back the trust of its customers.
Cybersecurity
Identity theft victims are waiting almost 2 years for help from the IRS
The tax agency needs to do more to bring down that wait time, the National Taxpayer Advocate says.
Digital Government
State Department launches limited online passport renewal
The department previously piloted online renewals in 2022.
Cybersecurity
Decade-old cyber advice from GAO remains unimplemented, watchdog says
Reliance on legacy IT systems creates challenges for agencies looking to make use of the suggestions.
Cybersecurity
Microsoft Chose Profit Over Security and Left U.S. Government Vulnerable to Russian Hack, Whistleblower Says
Microsoft dismissed his warnings, telling him they would work on a long-term alternative — leaving cloud services around the globe vulnerable to attack in the meantime.
Artificial Intelligence
White House to host event showcasing AI’s potential
The Office of Science and Technology Policy will present seven projects that aim to facilitate various public sector operations, featuring collaborations from academia and private sector players.
Digital Government
What it will take to make Direct File permanent
The IRS will have to grapple with expanding access and capabilities — while also convincing skeptical lawmakers to maintain funding.
Emerging Tech