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
UK ‘agreed to drop’ backdoor encryption demand for Apple, DNI says
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said the United Kingdom has abandoned its effort to require that Apple provide its law enforcement and intelligence personnel with “blanket capability” to access customers’ encrypted files.
Digital Government
Veterans Experience Office codified under new law
The office was created in 2015 to gather feedback from veterans and their families that would help VA improve its services, although it was never formally established within the department.
Digital Government
White House launches digital health initiative backed by leading tech firms
President Trump said the effort to create a more robust digital health ecosystem will give providers and patients more streamlined access to health information.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers, former officials press Commerce over NVIDIA’s chip sales to China
A NVIDIA spokesperson said criticisms of the company’s resumption of H20 chip sales to China “are misguided and inconsistent with the Administration's AI Action Plan.”
Artificial Intelligence
TSA seeks private sector input to enhance airport security
The agency is seeking solutions that “leverage innovative technology” to improve the security screening experience for both travelers and TSA personnel.
Policy
California lawmakers urge Trump admin to halt cuts to national labs
Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, along with Rep. Zoe Lofgren, said budget cuts to national laboratories have already led to layoffs, with some other labs warning that “they may need to start laying off thousands of scientists and technical staff in the near future.”
Acquisition
Pentagon halts $15B Advana recompete draft solicitation
DOD was previously looking to bring in new vendors to support its Advana data-analytics platform through a potential 10-year, $15 billion Advancing Artificial Intelligence Multiple Award Contract.
Artificial Intelligence
Resuming NVIDIA’s AI chip sales to China could weaken US leadership, lawmaker says
House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar, R-Mich., said Beijing-focused export controls should be designed to keep China’s military “from leapfrogging ahead with U.S. hardware.”
Digital Government
GSA plans to optimize operations following cost-cutting, agency head says
GSA’s acting head Stephen Ehikian said “phase two” of the agency’s approach will prioritize becoming “much more efficient, much more effective and [with] much more of an eye towards our stakeholders, which is the American taxpayer.”
Artificial Intelligence