Ideas
Tech Trends Transforming the Public Sector
COMMENTARY | Emerging technologies like generative AI are already transforming public sector services.
Artificial Intelligence
Inside OpenAI’s wishlist for the House AI-Energy working group
Comments submitted by OpenAI leadership to a House group dedicated to AI and energy reiterated the need for broad infrastructure investments.
Cybersecurity
‘I do not have confidence’ that US infrastructure is cyber-secure, former NSC official says
At the AI Expo for National Competitiveness, Anne Neuberger told audiences that artificial intelligence tools are an enhancement opportunity for U.S. cyber defenses and intelligence collection.
Artificial Intelligence
FDA unveils ‘Elsa’ generative AI tool for staff
Following a successful pilot, the Food and Drug Administration unveiled its in-house large language model designed to help agency staff in drug clinical evaluations and reviews.
Defense
For DOD, the future of large language models is smaller
Everyone loves big AI, but “maybe there is a smaller-parameter model that could run on a laptop.”
People
New SSA chief praises DOGE for ‘making things better’
Frank Bisignano said he has no current plans to institute further reductions in force and hopes to use AI to make the historically sluggish Social Security disability determination processes move faster.
Artificial Intelligence
House budget bill would put 10-year pause on state AI regulation
The bill before the House Energy and Commerce Committee under the budget reconciliation process would prevent states from enforcing “any law or regulation” for AI models. It may run afoul of Senate rules.
Modernization
Sandia labs to undertake $5B construction effort over next decade
Sandia National Laboratories is growing its physical infrastructure to help advance its core national security research efforts, notably radiation environment testing and power source capabilities.
Emerging Tech
Companies announce billions in investments to support emerging tech
The new corporate investments pledged to U.S. manufacturing aim to support the country’s growing artificial intelligence innovation ecosystem, among others.
Cybersecurity
Salt Typhoon hacks to influence final round of DARPA’s AI-cyber competition
This summer, seven teams will compete to craft a best-case model that uses AI to detect and fix open-source vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Recently discovered Chinese telecom hacks will help shape the final round, a top DARPA official said.
Cybersecurity
Forthcoming NIST profile to address growing AI-cyber challenges
The Cyber AI Profile, currently in development, could help firms better prepare for hackers that use AI tools to enhance their cyberattacks, a top NIST official said at the RSAC Conference.
Emerging Tech
NVIDIA announces plans for fully US-manufactured AI supercomputers
The computer manufacturing company announced a new industry-wide effort to spearhead domestic semiconductor production, as the administration hails it as part of the broader “Trump effect” on industry.
Digital Government
Experts suggest AI could address FOIA backlogs, even as public records staff are terminated
The number of FOIA requests filed in fiscal year 2024 surpassed 1.5 million, which represented a 25% increase from FY 2023.
Artificial Intelligence
Energy selects 16 sites for AI data center construction, new energy development
The Department of Energy identified 16 locations on its own land to build the new infrastructure.
Ideas
Three ways agencies can prepare before AI costs skyrocket
These three steps might save you some heartburn.
Artificial Intelligence
Partnership for Public Service launches AI Center for Government
The good-government nonprofit said the center will focus on developing AI leaders, building talent and allowing agencies at all levels of government to share information and best practices.
Acquisition
GSA to ‘quadruple' in size to centralize procurement across the government
The head of GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service told employees at a Thursday meeting that the agency will “do about $400 billion” in procurement management under this effort.
People
CISA's chief AI officer resigned last month
The departure of Lisa Einstein at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency raises questions about the future of artificial intelligence within the agency.
Cybersecurity
NIST’s vulnerability database logjam is still growing despite attempts to clear it
Vulnerability submissions increased 32% in 2024, NIST said. The agency is considering machine learning to automate certain vulnerability analysis tasks.
Digital Government