Digital Government
GAO: Workforce Planning Across Government Isn’t Going as Planned
A review showed most federal agencies are implementing parts of GAO’s workforce planning framework while others are ignored due to competing priorities and leadership turnover.
Modernization
Pentagon Tech Chief Defends Integrity of JEDI Award
The White House had no sway over the $10 billion JEDI cloud computing contract that the Defense Department awarded Microsoft, according to Chief Information Officer Dana Deasy.
Cybersecurity
Lawmaker Demands Answers on Exodus of White House Cyber Officials
Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., wants the White House to respond to reports that it’s forcing high-ranking officials in the Office of the Chief Information Security Officer to step down.
Digital Government
White House Tech Chiefs Preview 2020 Cyber Initiatives
Over the next year, agencies can expect to see a big push for identity management protocols, network monitoring tools and supply chain security policies.
Policy
White House Threatens to Veto House-Passed Election Security Bill
The SHIELD Act would require political campaigns to report offers of campaign assistance from foreign powers to the FBI.
Digital Government
How Donald Trump Turned to a Comics Titan to Shape the VA
Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin shares details about the interactions in his new book.
Emerging Tech
How the Government Helped Google Reach Quantum Supremacy
Insiders from both the tech giant and the government detailed how the breakthrough was made possible through public-private collaboration.
Artificial Intelligence
Trump Reestablishes Science and Tech Advisory Council
After lying dormant for almost three years, the president signed an executive order reestablishing the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and naming seven of 16 potential members.
Modernization
Technology Modernization Fund Tapped for Two More Projects
The latest batch of grants leaves the fund with only about $24 million, less than 20% of its total endowment.
Modernization
Federal CIO Outlines the Administration's 2020 Tech Priorities
Suzette Kent flagged priority data sets and a focus on supply chain security.
Artificial Intelligence
Building the Public’s Trust in AI Is Key to Coming Guidance, White House Official Says
The administration’s assistant director for artificial intelligence shared details about an in-the-works memo to modernize agencies’ regulatory approaches to the emerging tech.
Digital Government
Trump Signs Order Requiring Agencies to Offset Some New Spending
Researchers have suggested the Bush-era policy could hurt program management.
Digital Government
How Trump's Defiance of Impeachment Probe Could Leave Federal Employees Criminally Liable
As White House pledges no cooperation, experts say employees have options to remain on a legal path.
Digital Government
‘People Will Be Afraid’: How Trump’s Ukraine Call Could Chill Public Servants
Diplomats condemn Trump for "threatening" a foreign service officer and other civil servants.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers Urge New National Security Adviser to Restore White House Cyber Coordinator
John Bolton’s decision to eliminate the role in May 2018 “showed a lack of seriousness in tackling the immediate national security threats facing our country,” said Sen. Mark Warner.
Artificial Intelligence
Guidance on Federal AI Regulations Coming Shortly, Federal CTO Says
Current and former government tech leaders also stressed the need for high-level standards to ensure the global AI industry grows in line with democratic values
Digital Government
Trump’s Top Acquisition Official Outlines Priorities
Michael Wooten, the new administrator for the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, wants contracting professionals to meet 21st-century tech challenges head-on.
Artificial Intelligence
Administration Projects Agencies Will Spend $1 Billion on Artificial Intelligence Next Year
But industry experts warned it might not be enough.
Digital Government
Trump Administration Seeks to Quash Lawsuit Over OPM Hack
Government says feds are not entitled to damages as hackers intended to use the personal information they gathered for spying, not identity theft or fraud.
Emerging Tech