Modernization

Commerce Gives Over $277 million In Grants To Build Out Broadband

Millions were dispersed across 12 states and territories to develop stronger internet infrastructure, a key mission in the Biden administration agenda.

Policy

Lawmakers Call for Free Access to Publicly Funded Scientific Research

Two senators asked the Office of Science and Technology Policy to help make federally-funded research free. 

Emerging Tech

DOE Gets Fresh Funding For Clean Energy Research

The Department of Energy could see up to $150 million for further research into clean energy sources. 

Modernization

Scarce Radio Frequency Spectrum Requires More Modern IT, Watchdog Finds

A new report documents the information technology upgrades that need to be addressed within federal agencies to support radio-frequency usage and sharing.

Modernization

U.S. Biothreat Monitoring Improved But Needs Technological Upgrades

The improvements hinge on better data and enhanced technology, according to testimony given before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. 

Digital Government

Government Has 'Failed to Construct a Coherent Political Vision' for Data Protection, Experts Say

House lawmakers discussed the need for better data privacy laws and procedures during a hearing, emphasizing the Government Publishing Office as an example of progress.

Digital Government

NOAA Prioritizing Data Architecture For Space Monitoring Technologies

A new request for information asks for software to collect data on commercial space situational awareness programs. 

Digital Government

Upcoming Department of Energy Playbook Aims to Guide Innovation 'in Big Ways'

Energy CIO Anne Dunkin discussed the agency’s vision for a broadly-applicable modernization playbook to help federal organizations strategically upgrade outdated technology. 

Emerging Tech

Senators Call for Removal of Facial Recognition Tech in Unemployment Services

The lawmakers asked the Department of Labor to help state unemployment agencies remove facial recognition technology from application forms. 

Digital Government

Senate Democrats Introduce Bill To Retain Foreign STEM Talent

A companion bill aims to help immigrant STEM students stay and work in the U.S. to improve the nation’s standing in advanced technological fields.

Digital Government

DOD Needs Streamlined Processes, More Data In Congressional Reports

Congress’ watchdog issued several recommendations for the Department of Defense and its congressional reporting procedures, hinging on internal communications and improved data. 

Digital Government

CBP Revitalizes Biometric Data Collection At Border

Customs and Border Protection jumpstarted a DNA collection program in fall of 2021 to verify family relations, but will not store data it in the FBI's Combined DNA Index System.

Artificial Intelligence

Agencies Look To Expand Both Automation Tech and AI Workforce

Leaders at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and CISA describe use cases where automation thrives, but still requires human oversight.

Modernization

VA Leadership to Be ‘Very Transparent’ on Healthcare and Other IT Initiatives

Assistant secretary for Information and Technology Kurt DelBene discussed upcoming projections and goals within Veterans’ Affairs. 

Emerging Tech

Cryptocurrencies Facilitate an Already Murky Human Trafficking Problem

A House committee hearing spotlit the problematic combination of the usage of virtual currencies and a lack of data surrounding human trafficking in the U.S.

Modernization

USDA, Justice Launch Website To Report Anticompetitive Behavior in Agriculture

The new portal will allow farmers and ranchers to report unfair behavior from other producers in the industry. 

Artificial Intelligence

FDA’s Modernization to Focus on Agency Mission and People

The agency's acting CTO Sohail Chaudhry said FDA plans to implement machine learning tools that require minimal training. 

Emerging Tech

Aviation Official: 5G and Air Travel Can 'Safely Coexist'

FAA Administrator Steve Dickson testified that improved information and new altimeters are two components of safeguarding air travel amid 5G C-band deployment. 

Digital Government

Democratic Lawmakers Take Aim at Discriminatory Private Sector Algorithms

The Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2022 would require companies that use algorithms in select business operations to report on how they work and what data they use.