Artificial Intelligence

Defense is Embracing Robotic Process Automation But It’s Not Yet Scaling It

Bot security and varying cloud infrastructure could make it tough for the Pentagon to spread RPA tools. 

Digital Government

Federal Spending on COVID-19 Doubles in Last 10 Days

The latest government spending data shows a major jump between April 13 and 23, up to $6.4 billion.

Modernization

Navy CIO: Future networks hinge on flexible acquisitions now

Navy CIO Aaron Weis wants to rebuild the service's network architecture to look and function more like industry, but acquisition culture and structure slow progress.

Artificial Intelligence

Critical Update: How the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Plans to Run ‘Better, Cheaper, Faster’ Tech

Chief Information Officer Jamie Holcombe and his team are stabilizing and modernizing IT to help meet growing demands in a changing marketplace.

Policy

Bill Proposes $2 Billion to Help Students Get Online During the Pandemic

The legislation would mandate the Federal Communications Commission to distribute funds for Wi-Fi hotspots and other devices for internet connectivity.

Emerging Tech

NIST Launches Innovation Contests in IoT, Augmented Reality to Boost Emergency Response

Potential contestants must register and submit their concepts by May 6.

Emerging Tech

COVID-19 Contact Tracing App Uses Bluetooth 'Garbage'

To work best, the app requires many people to use it, whether they have had COVID-19 or not.

Ideas

New Government Technology Could Herald Our New Normal

Perhaps we can get back to something akin to normal but in a safer way.

Modernization

Survey: Most Federal Officials Expect Cloud Service Providers to Secure Their Data

Report validates federal officials’ concerns about inaccurate assumptions in the new environment of “shared responsibility.”

Modernization

Marines to divest legacy weapons for tech-oriented future

The Marine Corps is willing to swap out tanks and cannons for a better, more agile, cloud based network available in the most remote environments.

Modernization

House Majority Leader backs remote voting

Downplaying security concerns, Rep. Steny Hoyer said conducting House business through video teleconference software was his "clear preference" to ensure continuity of Congress during the COVID-19 crisis.

Cybersecurity

Agencies That Bought Cloud Services in Response to COVID-19 Need to Review Security Duties, Officials Say

Officials should ensure the security roles of the agency and vendor are clearly spelled out. 

Modernization

VA and DOD Now Default to Sharing Patient Data with Private-Sector Providers

The joint electronic health records management office launched an information exchange program to make it easier to share patient data with thousands of “community partners.”

Digital Government

Deputy Defense CIO to Retire; Intelligence Community CIO to Step In

Essye Miller, who served temporarily as acting Defense CIO, plans to retire after 35 years supporting military technology.

Modernization

VA to Distribute Thousands of Facebook Portals to Vets and Caregivers in Isolation

The devices will be distributed in pairs to connect qualifying veterans and caregivers during the pandemic.

Ideas

We Need Mission-focused Risk Management Programs to Adapt to Changing Circumstances

In the midst of a global pandemic, it is more important than ever to know which systems are critical to our operations.   

Modernization

New App Uses QR Codes to Trace Coronavirus Exposure

A free, open-source smartphone app permits contact tracing for potential coronavirus infections while preserving privacy.

Modernization

Judge Grants Pentagon’s Request for Corrective Action on JEDI Cloud Contract

The Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure contract could be on hold for up to four months as the Pentagon reconsiders aspects of it.

Modernization

Judge gives DOD the chance for a second look at some aspects of the JEDI award

The Pentagon is getting the chance for a do-over of some aspects of its controversial $10 billion cloud award to Microsoft.

Emerging Tech

What’s Wrong With the Air Force’s ‘Connect Everything’ Project

In a new report, GAO watchdogs say officials can’t say how much it costs or if it’ll even work