Artificial Intelligence
Pentagon Risks ‘Paralyzing Ourselves’ as Tech Priorities Keep Shifting
That’s what the outgoing HASC ranking member says, and he’s not alone.
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.
Cybersecurity
Bill to Secure Federal Government’s Connected Devices Heads to the President’s Desk
The bill excludes broad waivers that had concerned some cybersecurity professionals.
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.
Digital Government
Pentagon Expects to Fail Another Audit, But Says Progress Made
Officials say they’re on pace to pass an audit…in 2027.
Ideas
A Record Number of Women Will Serve in the 117th Congress, Including at Least 51 Women of Color
The freshman class in the House of Representatives will include at least 26 women serving their first term.
Podcasts
Critical Update: The Government’s Cloud Anxiety
As more federal agencies shift to cloud computing, officials are reexamining the responsibilities customers and service providers must bear to secure data.
Digital Government
Acting Federal CIO Has Been in the Job for Months, OMB Confirms
Even some federal IT officials who work closely with the Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer weren’t aware that Michael Rigas has been serving as acting Federal CIO for months.
Policy
Major Changes to Internet Regulation Unlikely Under Biden Administration
A split Congress makes major internet policy changes even more unlikely.
Ideas
5 Ways to Improve Emergency Preparedness for Next Time
A permanent team that is focused solely on national preparation and ensuring that the relevant federal agencies are all on the same page should coordinate all five of these components.
Cybersecurity
Zoom Settles with FTC On False Claims About End-to-end Encryption
Dissent to the agreement shows how the Federal Trade Commission could change under the incoming administration.
Emerging Tech
Advisory Committee Recommends DHS Perform Better Outreach Regarding Biometrics Programs
The Homeland Security Advisory Council also said its request to review a controversial biometrics rule was never fulfilled.
Cybersecurity
Myths About Vote Tampering Could Persist For Years, Say Experts
The huge follower counts of dedicated misinformers appear to outweigh efforts by journalists, government officials, and the social media platforms themselves.
Digital Government
Coronavirus Cases Are Spiking at Federal Agencies
More than 100,000 federal personnel have now tested positive for COVID-19, with some agencies experiencing acute upticks.
Policy