Digital Government
SSA needs to enhance its data verification systems, watchdog finds
Improving matches between agency and external data could reduce improper payments, inaccurate records and manual work for federal employees the agency’s inspector general found.
Policy
Democrats urge consumer product agency halt public health modernization project
The lawmakers say the project is particularly concerning as the Trump administration has a “broader pattern” of “seeking unprecedented access to Americans’ private data.”
Digital Government
14 organizations are looking to join federal electronic health record program
The office tasked with helping agencies deploy the federal EHR is looking to move toward cloud infrastructure, enhance interoperability and scale an artificial intelligence technology.
Acquisition
Industry offers government a playbook for handling OneGov expirations
Some deals offering federal agencies significantly discounted access to software are set to expire at the end of the month.
Digital Government
White House mandates agencies use Login.gov for public-facing websites
The Trump administration will still allow agencies to use commercial credential service providers in addition to the in-house capability, but it is strongly encouraging them to promote Login.gov.
Digital Government
CDC releases overdose prevention data hub
The agency “wants to ensure maximum transparency to empower patients, providers and other stakeholders as we continue our battle against the opioid epidemic,” said CDC Director Erica Schwartz.
Artificial Intelligence
OPM memo pushes agencies to speed up hiring with AI
The federal human resources department is exploring new AI tools for USA JOBS, USA Staffing and other USA hiring tools as agencies use AI in their hiring processes, according to the memo.
Modernization
TMF will have $200M to spend next year without appropriations, official says
The federal government plans to announce new projects receiving modernization dollars at the end of next month, ahead of a possible expiration for the fund.
Artificial Intelligence
Contractor may have used AI to falsify payment dispute financial documents, appeals board finds
A legal expert told Nextgov/FCW the possibility underscores how the federal government is “fully unprepared for how bad” AI-driven procurement fraud is going to get.
People
GSA to reinstate FedRAMP director, taps Treasury CIO for 3 roles
The General Services Administration is seeing a string of personnel changes leading up to the federal chief information officer’s departure from government at the end of the month.
Acquisition
GSA says it’s uncovered ‘record-setting’ $13B in suspected procurement fraud
The White House added General Services Administration fraud estimates to its website that serves as a ledger for suspected fraud across the federal government.
Exclusive
Policy
Trump administration softens demand for hospitals to share emergency room medical records
A consumer safety agency is assuring hospitals that participation in an injury surveillance system overhaul is voluntary despite earlier correspondence obtained by Nextgov/FCW claiming they are required to join.
Artificial Intelligence
FDA considers doctor-like ‘competency-based’ tests for medical generative AI
The Trump administration released ideas for regulating large language models used in health care as companies roll out chatbots to help patients manage mental health, diabetes and other medical conditions.
Digital Government
Social Security expands electronic health record sharing to speed up disability claims adjudication
A health data sharing superhighway “allows SSA to access complete, structured medical records within seconds or minutes for claimants, helping to significantly reduce disability claim processing times,” an agency official told Nextgov/FCW.
People
National crisis and support hotline operations remained consistent despite staffing cuts, watchdog found
Some staff operating mental health support hotlines at the departments of Health and Human Services and Veterans Affairs were subject to reductions in force last year and have not yet been replaced.
Digital Government
Blue states seek to stop DHS from accessing commercial driver's license database
In a court filing, a coalition of Democrat-led states says the Department of Homeland Security’s demand for trucker data is part of a broader effort to create a “nationwide surveillance system.”
Acquisition
OneGov savings balloon to over $1.6B as agencies weigh future of AI in contracting
The General Services Administration has already agreed to extend some OneGov deals and is working on brokering new ones, according to an official.
Cybersecurity
Trump admin empowers private US firms to go after transnational cybercriminals
“By partnering with vetted United States companies subject to the direction and oversight of the Federal Government, we will enhance our ability to counter [transnational criminal organizations’] threats and combat transnational cybercrime, fraud, and other predatory schemes against American citizens,” the memo said.
Digital Government
Trump admin delays TANF data sharing plan opposed by blue states
Democrat-led states are concerned the administration will share cash assistance recipients’ sensitive information with immigration enforcement and other federal agencies.
Digital Government