Defense
US tech is still powering Russian weapons, experts warn
American components that have been found in the sanctioned country’s weaponry are “fueling and supporting the growing and gargantuan Russian war machine,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.
Artificial Intelligence
DOD’s generative AI task force looks for ‘blind spots’
The head of the Pentagon’s Task Force Lima initiative estimated that 60% of its use cases are for a chatbot.
Defense
A minimum viable CJADC2 is ‘real and ready,’ DOD official says
The initial version of the Pentagon’s effort to create an interoperable information-sharing network across all of its military domains is “low latency and extremely reliable,” according to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks.
Digital Government
Senate Dems call for an update on vote.gov improvements
More than a dozen Democratic senators signed a letter to the General Services Administration asking for an update on the agency’s work to modernize the government’s voting information platform.
Artificial Intelligence
DOD's AI strategy leans on high-quality data
Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer Craig Martell said private sector companies will play a crucial role in the Pentagon’s adoption of AI technologies and the pursuit of high-quality data.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers urge VA to tread carefully with AI
The Department of Veteran Affairs’ 2023 inventory of AI use cases listed over 100 instances where VA is working to use emerging technologies, with at least 40 of those examples in an operational phase.
Artificial Intelligence
Tech companies vow to fight deepfake election content
Some House and Senate lawmakers praised the voluntary commitments but want legislation to require labeling and disclosure.
Acquisition
VA pharmacy tech glitches put 250,000 veterans at risk, officials say
Data transmission errors in the VA's new commercial health record could potentially lead to providers missing important prescription information on patients who visit multiple agency facilities.
Defense
US reviews export controls in Britain, Australia for high-tech arms sales exemptions
A State Dept. official told a House panel that work to align AUKUS partners with U.S. export control requirements is ‘going very well'.
Digital Government
Senate bill proposes a public website for federal waterway data
New legislation from Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Angus King, I-Maine, would direct the Commerce Department to make “geographic information system data” on federal waterways available on a public website.
Emerging Tech
Commerce advisory committee urges government to boost startup access to talent, funding
Congress should fully fund the Economic Development Administration’s regional technology and innovation hubs program to help the U.S. tech sector maintain its global leadership, according to the committee.
People
How DHS is providing security tech, cyber support for Super Bowl LVIII
The Department of Homeland Security said it is “leveraging its significant technology assets and dedicated personnel” to protect the Feb. 11 matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Defense
US and allies test robotic vehicles in electronic warfare environments
A test conducted by the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia subjected robotic ground vehicles to electronic warfare attacks to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity
Senators want NIST to create cyber guidelines for agencies’ use of civilian drones
The new bipartisan bill would also require that every agency using civilian drones “implement policies and principles based on the NIST guidelines.”
Cybersecurity
AI escalates election cyber threats with the US as prime target, reports find
Election workers face increased concerns due to the potential for AI systems to help enable disinformation. Outside cyber threats aren’t helping, either.
Defense
Defense innovation Unit looks to scale up in new phase
The director of the Defense Innovation Unit said the new strategy places a greater focus on helping the Pentagon “leverage the best of commercial technology and innovation at speed and scale.”
Cybersecurity
Contracts featuring automation, built-in security can boost agencies’ cyber defenses, VA officials say
As the federal government looks to harden its cyber resilience, officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs said agencies should work to modernize outdated technologies and ensure that vendor contracts include more rigorous security standards.
Emerging Tech
Autonomous tech featured in Senate border and foreign aid bill
The Senate’s proposed $118 billion immigration and foreign aid package includes more than $260 million to deploy emerging technologies to secure the border.
Defense
Defense Innovation Board looks to lock data access in 'all vendor agreements'
A recent study from the advisory group said data access requirements in the Pentagon’s vendor agreements are “fragmented and inconsistent” and called for Congress to take action.
Digital Government