Artificial Intelligence

Experts Explore the Need for a National Technology Strategy 

Defense and security thought leaders outlined problems and priority areas such a strategy would need to address to counter China and ensure U.S. prosperity. 

Digital Government

Pentagon Wants a Commercial Electronic Health Record System for Animal Servicemembers

The Defense Health Agency is looking for a cloud-based veterinary EHR to replace its government-built system.

Emerging Tech

IBM Announces Cloud Marketplace For Secure Chip Design

The marketplace was built as part of a recent Defense Department initiative aimed at advancing microelectronics technologies. 

Modernization

DOD Tracking COVID Vaccinations with New Electronic Health Record System

The military was already developing a digital vaccination tracking system before the COVID-19 outbreak.

Cybersecurity

DARPA Building Special Chips for Data Privacy Protection

Fully Homomorphic Encryption is considered the “holy grail” of encryption. But right now it takes too much compute power to be used widely.

Cybersecurity

Defense Task Force Will Focus on Legislative Solutions for Supply Chain Chokepoints

Reps. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., and Mike Gallagher, R-Wisc., are leading the three-month task force.

Cybersecurity

Splitting NSA, CyberCom Now Could Reduce Military Access to Intelligence, Milley Says

The Joint Chiefs chairman says the organizations have not yet worked out how to keep the data flowing after the long-awaited split.

Cybersecurity

Air Force Only Service to Develop Cybersecurity Requirements for Weapon Systems Contracts, GAO Says

The audit found the Defense Department has improved weapon systems cybersecurity in recent years, but detailed requirements must make it into contracts.

Podcasts

Critical Update: Let’s Talk About UFOs

What’s behind unidentified aerial phenomena observed by military officials? Are we alone in the universe? Nextgov asks some experts.

Cybersecurity

House Armed Services Chair Calls for Focus on Information Systems Over Arbitrary Metrics

Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., suggested a 500-ship Navy is inadequate if adversaries are able to disrupt command and control systems.

Cybersecurity

Biden’s Pick For Defense Policy Chief Outlines Cyber Deterrence Position

In a contentious nomination hearing, Colin Kahl called for a whole-of-government approach to technology.

Emerging Tech

DARPA, In-Q-Tel to Help 150 Research Teams Take Tech from Labs to Production Over the Next Five Years

The expansion of the Embedded Entrepreneurship Initiative also marks its transition to a formalized program. 

Cybersecurity

Lawmaker SolarWinds Concerns Spill Over in Week of Defense Hearings

In multiple hearings, lawmakers sought solutions to pressing technology-based security issues.

Emerging Tech

Defense Innovation Unit Initiated 35% More Projects in 2020

The group initiated 23 new projects and transitioned 11 capabilities to Defense Department partners last year, according to its annual report. 

Artificial Intelligence

U.S. Unprepared for AI Competition with China, Commission Finds

Retaining any edge will take White House leadership and a substantial investment, according to the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence.

Emerging Tech

Air Force Base Prepping for EMP Vulnerability Tests

In response to a Trump administration executive order, Joint Base San Antonio is getting ready to test its infrastructure against a simulated electromagnetic pulse attack.

Modernization

DISA Tech Programs Paved the Way for DOD Mass Telework

Two Defense Department officials pointed to culture as a key challenge counteracting innovation.