Acquisition
Meta offers agencies access to its open source AI models through OneGov deal
The agreement will allow government customers to use Meta’s Llama models, which are already publicly available, with the assurance that they meet federal requirements.
Policy
Lawmakers look to restart suicide lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth service
Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate are looking to restart the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program after the Trump administration shut down the dedicated line on July 17.
Artificial Intelligence
AI-based suicide prevention efforts at VA always have human involvement, official says
“We do not currently have any plans that I'm aware of to use AI as a treatment device instead of providers,” Evan Carey, acting director of VA’s National Artificial Intelligence Institute, told lawmakers.
Digital Government
US needs an agency to call ‘balls and strikes’ on digital IDs, lawmaker says
Rep. Bill Foster, D-Ill., said Congress needs to create a federal body capable of auditing identity verification technologies to lay the groundwork for a broad embrace of digital IDs.
People
Federal deputy CIO leaving government for private sector role
OMB did not respond to a request for comment about who will replace Drew Myklegard at the agency.
Emerging Tech
In-home clinical uses of immersive tech will raise data privacy questions, VA official says
VA has over 40 use cases of augmented reality and virtual reality tools for patients and department staff.
Cybersecurity
White House cyber office calls for ‘whole of nation’ effort to deter nation-state hackers
Newly-confirmed ONCD director Sean Cairncross wants to work with the private sector to develop a toolkit for stopping foreign hackers and boosting U.S. cyberdefenses.
Acquisition
Perplexity announces new government-focused services
The AI company said its new “Perplexity for Government” initiative will automatically identify federal networks to provide tailored search and security services.
Policy
HHS promises 'an active enforcement stance' against health data blocking
The department said it plans to hold providers and IT developers accountable for limiting the use and exchange of electronic health information.
Modernization
Change Healthcare attack delayed EHR testing at Chicago site, VA watchdog says
A joint VA-DOD rollout of a new Oracle Health electronic health record system occurred around the same time that UnitedHealth Group subsidiary Change Healthcare was targeted by a ransomware attack in February 2024.
Emerging Tech
US risks losing space dominance to China without NASA support, experts say
Continuing the space agency’s programs “is a matter of national security,” Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said during a congressional hearing.
People
VA's suicide prevention lead departs government
Dr. Matthew Miller, the executive director for VA Suicide Prevention, has overseen efforts to explore the use of innovative solutions during his tenure.
People
NIH CIO Adele Merritt departs for DOD-affiliated research role
Meritt’s exit comes after serving in the role for just over eight months.
Artificial Intelligence
CMS launches ‘chili cook-off competition’ to source AI that can detect fraud
The agency said it is looking for innovative solutions that can “uncover unusual patterns, anomalies, or trends that may signal fraudulent activity” in Medicare claims data.
Cybersecurity
Zero trust requires workforce buy-in, federal officials say
The Interior Department’s acting CISO, Louis Eichenbaum, said it’s important for agencies’ workforces to understand “the concepts of zero trust and how you incorporate it into your daily activities.”
Emerging Tech
TSA, CLEAR rolling out biometric eGates at 3 U.S. airports ahead of broader deployment
“Once identity and clearance are confirmed, passengers proceed directly to physical screening, bypassing the TSA podium while still undergoing all security screening,” CLEAR said about its new biometric electronic gates.
People
Navy CIO Jane Rathbun announces departure from civil service
Rathbun told Nextgov/FCW earlier this year that one of her priorities as CIO was transforming the U.S. Navy into a more data-centric organization.
People
Lawmakers look to ease educational requirements for federal cyber workforce
New legislation from Reps. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, attempts to expand the U.S. government’s pool of cyber talent by promoting skills-based hiring.
People
US spy chief announces plans to shrink ODNI
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said the agency will shrink by over 40% as part of a 2.0 restructuring that includes a focus on “ending the weaponization of intelligence.”
Cybersecurity