Author Archive
Artificial Intelligence
Transportation looks to AI to accelerate its modernization initiatives
Steven Bradbury, the agency’s deputy secretary, said AI has helped Transportation slash its software production timeline from 18 months down to 18 weeks.
Acquisition
IARPA launches new acquisition marketplace
The IARPA Solutions Marketplace is designed to help the intelligence community more rapidly procure innovative products from industry.
People
Pentagon closes cyber apprenticeship applications early after receiving over 15,000
A Pentagon official told Nextgov/FCW that the agency is “rolling out additional apprenticeship positions over the next few weeks.”
Acquisition
GSA is eyeing OneGov savings beyond software and tech, official says
GSA Deputy Administrator Mike Lynch noted that many of the roughly two dozen firms participating in the OneGov initiative “offer multiple products to federal government,” meaning that the strategy can ultimately lead to a broader range of cost savings.
Digital Government
VA wants more input on proposals to streamline benefits application forms
The Department of Veterans Affairs is sourcing feedback on two proposals to shorten the length of benefits forms but has thus far only received a total of nine comments since the recommendations were posted last month.
Policy
Tech Bills of the Week: Leveraging AI for cancer research; Securing chatbots for underage users; and more
Congress’ latest bills look to apply AI for both public benefit and enhanced federal operations, namely safeguarding AI chatbots, helping the government strengthen pediatric cancer research and securing the U.S.-Mexico border.
Exclusive
People
HUD CIO tapped to lead Interior tech shop, people familiar say
Eric Sidle has a background in the EV industry, having worked with firms like NIO and ChargePoint.
Cybersecurity
Pentagon opens applications for cyber apprenticeship program
DOD Chief Information Officer Kirsten Davies said last month that the apprenticeship had “already generated more than 70,000 inquiries” since it was first announced in late April.
Defense
Seizing the digital advantage at DOD
Defense Department CIO Kirsten Davies said her office is shifting away from its traditional role as a backend policy shop to become a forward-leaning strategic unit.
People
Pentagon launches ‘War Force’ initiative to onboard tech talent
The new recruitment effort was started in partnership with the Office of Personnel Management and operates under that agency’s larger Tech Force program.
People
Lawmaker warns of administration’s ‘fetishization’ of Silicon Valley startups
Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., discussed his plans to scrutinize Trump-era contracting practices, revive federal IT oversight and push for AI policy.
Featured eBooks
Policy
Tech bills of the week: Labeling AI-generated content; AI standards for private sector companies; and more
This week’s proposals include a measure to create a reporting process for dangerous AI systems and legislation to collect data on AI’s impact on the U.S. workforce.
Artificial Intelligence
AI has helped to slash nuclear licensing review times, NRC official says
Some reviews that once took four years to complete are done in nine months, NRC Chief Data Officer and Deputy Chief AI Officer Basia Sall said on Thursday.
Defense
DOD quantum strategy ‘a first step’ in preparing for the future, CIO says
Pentagon Chief Information Officer Kirsten Davies said the department’s new post-quantum cryptography strategy is only one component of ensuring its operations “are robust and ready in an increasingly unpredictable world.”
Acquisition
FAA awards software and AI contract as part of air traffic control modernization
The agency’s contract with Air Space Intelligence includes deployment of a system that it says will serve as “the new technological backbone” of a modernized Air Traffic Control System Command Center.
People
VA redesignates LGBTQ+ care coordinators and limits further ‘gender-ideology’ services
VA gave officials 14 days to comply with a June 12 memo that calls for facilities to take additional steps in response to previous executive orders on gender and diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
People
FBI taps Karl Robert Schumann as new CIO
Schumann has been at the FBI for more than 20 years, rising from special agent to the agency's IT head.
Acquisition
SBA partners with Perplexity to launch $25M Main Street AI Accelerator
Administration officials have stressed the importance of supporting small businesses amid the global AI race between the U.S. and China.
Artificial Intelligence
VA’s AI chatbots not designated high-impact, despite clinical use, watchdog says
VA’s Inspector General noted that the agency’s two internal chatbots “are not designed specifically for clinical use,” although they have been deployed for such purposes.
Artificial Intelligence
GSA’s AI adoption is driving significant time savings, officials say
GSA Deputy Administrator Michael Lynch said 70% of the agency’s workforce now regularly uses AI, which equates to “about 400,000 hours of just automation we've been able to unlock with technology.”
