Digital Government

NIH Explores New Digital Health Solutions to Trace and Fight COVID-19

Two of the agency’s institutes seek new technical tools and data to inform re-entry risks.

Digital Government

House Bills Seek to Stop Political Ad Microtargeting

A pair of bills seek to limit how political campaigns can use data to reach voters.

Emerging Tech

DARPA Funds Earthworm-Inspired Soft Robot to Rapidly Dig Military Tunnels 

As part of the Underminer program, General Electric’s innovation arm is perfecting a soft robot to boost battlefield operations.

Modernization

Federal CIO Sheds Light on What Agencies Are Learning in COVID-19 Response

U.S. tech chief Suzette Kent detailed how COVID-19 response efforts offer agencies a new vantage point into their past operations.

Emerging Tech

Federal Researchers Create 'Second Skin' to Shield Against Biological Threats

The material shields wearers from chemical and biological agents and could pave the way to smart uniforms for troops and first responders.

Emerging Tech

Argonne Gets New Supercomputing Cluster to Power Further COVID-19 Vaccine and Drug Research  

The national laboratory received NVIDIA nodes to boost performance as researchers work on new methods of testing, treating and monitoring coronavirus patients.

Policy

Senators Unveil Bill to Force Airlines to Provide Cash Back for Pandemic-Driven Flight Cancellations

If passed, the bill would also make cash reimbursements retroactive, enabling refunds for existing vouchers that date back to March 1.

Artificial Intelligence

Agencies Lean Into Automation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Robotic process automation is accelerating across the National Institutes of Health, Internal Revenue Service and Housing and Urban Development Department.

Artificial Intelligence

USPTO Adds Company to $50M Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Contract

General Dynamics Information Technology joins at least 12 companies on the Patent and Trademark Office’s future-facing blanket purchase agreement.

Artificial Intelligence

Pentagon Task Force Turns to Data to Shape COVID-19 Response

The group aims to determine potential risks to the Defense Department and mission readiness through quality data and models. 

Emerging Tech

VA Exploring Options for a Grand Challenge to Prevent Suicide

The agency is looking for a contractor to help run a possible multi-phase competition, including outreach and potentially raising private-sector funds for the prizes. 

Emerging Tech

National Lab Scientists Work to Reprogram Genes to Fight COVID-19

Using CRISPR, Sandia National Lab researchers are genetically engineering antiviral countermeasures to fight the coronavirus—and potentially future outbreaks.

Digital Government

Senators Push for $26 Billion in the Next Stimulus Package to Support U.S. Researchers

The growing group hopes to help address the pandemic-induced challenges that research universities, academic medical centers, national labs and others are facing.

Emerging Tech

Energy Offers Advanced Computing Resources to Solve Domestic Manufacturing Challenges

The agency launched a new opportunity for industry and academic partners to tap into its top tech tools.

Digital Government

CFPB Seeks Health Guidance for Bringing Employees Back to Offices

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is looking for advice on health protocols, personal protective equipment, and general guidance for a workforce “re-entry” plan.

Artificial Intelligence

Senator Wants Details on Clearview AI’s Contact Tracing Pitches

Sen. Ed Markey wrote a letter to the controversial startup asking about its plans to use facial recognition technology to track patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.