Acquisition

Federal buyers have a new 'co-pilot' to get good deals for government

The new Procurement Co-Pilot brings data together from across the government — something that’s historically been difficult to do.

Ideas

How enforceable are software licenses?

COMMENTARY | An ongoing federal court case suggests the ubiquitous practice of "pass-through" licensing for software sold by resellers may not have a solid legal foundation.

Cybersecurity

CISA, FBI warn on risks of China-made drones

The new guidance is meant to alert critical infrastructure operators to potential security risks, including data exfiltration and cybersecurity risks, posed by unmanned aircraft systems manufactured in China.

Artificial Intelligence

Improving government capacity is key for AI deployment, experts tell Congress

The chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Gary Peters, D-Mich., said he plans to zero in on procurement and AI, specifically.

Modernization

OPM puts data at the center of human capital modernization

Contractors should focus on data standards as they develop solutions, a senior Office of Personnel Management official says.

Ideas

Keep the focus in procurement on best value products and services for the government

Commentary | Steve Kelman argues that the current cornerstone of Part 1 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation is the right one for taxpayers and agencies.

Emerging Tech

Interior Wants a Fleet of Drones ‘On Call’ to Help With Wildfires, Other Emergencies

The department is awarding multiple spots on a $7.2 million contract for unmanned aerial systems-as-a-service.

Cybersecurity

DHS Procurement Cyber Reporting Requirement Needs Clarifying, Watchdog Finds

The Government Accountability Office noted that several major acquisition programs at DHS didn’t think the requirement applied to them.

Emerging Tech

DHS Seeks Solutions to ‘Dark Swarms’ of Drones

The Department of Homeland Security wants to continue countering illicit drone activity, particularly among unmanned aerial devices that are difficult to spot.

Modernization

Treasury Seeks Automated Software Testing and Lifecycle Management Tools

The agency is looking to move away from manual testing and instead use automated testing for reusable scripts and to track tests.

Artificial Intelligence

White House Touts Digital Training Programs to Bridge Gap in AI Procurement

Digital information technology development programs may be the key to countering traditional government procurement lags when it comes to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, a White House official said on Tuesday.

Digital Government

Senators Try Again to Advance Software License Bill

Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) have brought back the Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act with a few new changes after the proposal came up short last fall.

Digital Government

Industry Voices Complaints Over Short Response Window for $60B VA Recompete

Contractors had only four business days to weigh in on the draft solicitation for the next version of the Veterans Affairs Department's T4NG IT solutions vehicle.

Emerging Tech

Treasury Looks for New Tech to Prove Physical Money is Legit

The counterfeit detection methods could include both device assisted and non-device assisted features.

Defense

DISA wants cloud platform to modernize its global service desk

DISA's help desk provides the Defense Department with a single point of entry for IT service support.

Emerging Tech

NASA Test New Robotic Arm System Functional in Minus 280 Degrees Fahrenheit

The new technology will allow it to operate without a heat source in “extreme cryogenic environments.”

Digital Government

State Department unveils $10B enterprise IT services solicitation

The contract known as "Evolve" seeks technology modernization services in support of diplomatic goals.

Digital Government

GDIT Receives $84 Million Contract to Support Traumatic Brain Injury Research

The research and support contract, awarded by the Defense Health Agency, has an eight-month base period with three option years.