Emerging Tech

The Defense Department IG Outlined the Pentagon’s Top Challenges. Here’s Where Tech Fits In.

Two new challenges added this year focus on technological dominance and data as a strategic asset. Tech like hypersonics, microelectronics, AI, 5G and biotechnology were also highlighted.

Artificial Intelligence

Pentagon Teams with Howard University to Steer Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence

The work will hone in on military-centered machine learning application development, research into trustworthy AI tech—and could help boost DOD’s talent pipeline.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers Pressure FCC to Move Forward With Unfunded Supply Chain Security Order

A list of covered items that would be barred from receipt of federal subsidies is due in March and will draw from a variety of other federal efforts.

Emerging Tech

Lawmakers, Experts Split on CBP's Proposed Biometric System Advancement

Some experts see Customs and Border Protection’s proposed rulemaking expanding biometric entry-exit as the culmination of more than a decade of careful work. Others say the technology poses privacy concerns.

Ideas

Mask Mandates Boost Spending with Saving Lives

While social distancing reduces consumer spending, mask mandates have the opposite effect.

Digital Government

Election Disinformation Fears Came True for State Officials

Some state and local Republican officials are refusing to concede elections and claiming voter fraud.

Cybersecurity

Agency Cybersecurity Waivers Would Face New Time Limits, Oversight Under New Bill

The proposal would require approval from the Office of Management and Budget for skipping encryption and multifactor authentication.

Digital Government

Experts to Biden: Don’t Slow Government Customer Experience Momentum

Government management experts offered advice to the incoming presidential administration regarding how to continue customer experience progress.

Cybersecurity

OPM Offers New Guidance for Cybersecurity Rotational Programs 

The personnel office also explains how participants may proceed with pending clearance investigations.

Artificial Intelligence

Bill to Codify GSA’s Centers of Excellence Awaits President’s Signature

The legislation would ensure the General Services Administration’s IT modernization initiative continues to the next administration.

Emerging Tech

CBP Proposes Eliminating Age Restrictions and Opt-Out Policies for Non-Citizen Biometric Data Collection

The new rule enables Customs and Border Protection to expand its biometric entry-exit program and changes other regulations along the way.

Digital Government

Lawmakers Want to Know Why a Controversial Immigration Figure Was Appointed to a High-Level NIST Job

The pair asked Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for details about the creation of a deputy undersecretary position and why Congress was not informed. 

Digital Government

VA Plans for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced partnerships with other agencies Tuesday in an effort to prep for a possible COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

Modernization

Trump Administration to Name OPM’s Basil Parker as Federal CIO  

The chief of staff and IT and cybersecurity workforce adviser will be appointed to the top IT position in the federal government, according to the White House.

Cybersecurity

CISA Needs More Resources to Avoid ‘Whack-a-Mole’ Operation, Lawmaker Says

The agency shelved routine work protecting federal networks to turn its attention to pressing pandemic and election issues. 

Modernization

Customer Experience CAP Leaders Leave ‘CX Cookbook’ for Agencies

The cookbook is meant to serve as a resource for CX practitioners across government.