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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.”
Modernization
Trump’s return-to-work mandate for feds helped drive MetTel’s GSA upgrades
The company said it completed the network revamp under the General Services Administration’s $50 billion Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions contract.
Modernization
VA deploys new EHR at 4 additional medical facilities
The latest round of go-lives comes as the Department of Veterans Affairs looks to speed up deployments of its new electronic health record system as part of an accelerated rollout schedule.
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People
VA CIO nominee vows to create program management office
Gary Shatswell, President Donald Trump’s pick to helm VA’s IT operations, told lawmakers creating the office is “one of the first tasks that I will be going after” if confirmed to the role.
Policy
Tech bills of the week: Regulating DOD uses of AI; Protecting the work of digital creators; and more
Legislative measures introduced this week touched on enhancing the tech fluency of the U.S. Foreign Service, offering legal recourse for recipients of illicit images and modernizing VA’s identity proofing and authentication systems.
Policy
EPA’s research efforts are swayed by administration priorities, official says
The Environmental Protection Agency’s formerly independent research office was replaced last year by a new unit housed within the agency’s Office of the Administrator.
Modernization
EHR modernization needs better cyber and privacy collaboration, GAO says
The Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization office needs to improve its interagency coordination to address potential privacy and security vulnerabilities in the new system, according to the watchdog.
Artificial Intelligence
US opposes global AI standards but sees value coordinating on ‘real-world harms,’ State official says
The White House wants to shape global AI norms by maintaining and advancing the nation’s tech superiority, but sees “potential benefits” in collaborating with international partners on some issues.
Policy
Tech bills of the week: FY27 NDAA tech and cyber measures; modernizing FAA aircraft repair forms; and more
Although Congress was in recess this week, lawmakers still introduced several bills looking to expand the use of new technologies.
Cybersecurity
Commercial location data is being used to target US servicemembers, lawmakers warn
U.S. Central Command said it “has received multiple threat reports concerning adversary exploitation of commercial location data to target or surveil U.S. personnel in theater.”
Digital Government
GSA joins White House’s fraud prevention task force
The agency said it will support the unit’s efforts by identifying waste, fraud and abuse across government contracting programs.
Policy
Tech bills of the week: Mitigating risks to critical infrastructure; incentivizing domestic high-tech manufacturing; and more
Tech- and cyber-focused bills rolled out this week include measures to develop a biotech-savvy workforce, support state and local tech modernization efforts and better understand the cyber needs of small businesses.
