People
NASA struggles to improve workforce diversity
The space agency has been trying to improve diversity and inclusion for over a decade, according to a new inspector general report, but its workforce still lags the federal government in employment of women and minorities.
Digital Government
NIST sets sights on implementing identity provisions from the CHIPS Act
According to a recent roadmap, NIST is looking to issue guidance on how federal, state and local governments can offer attribute validation services.
People
Catalyst Award
Longtime federal technology leader Maria Roat says she relishes the challenges.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity still 'high risk' in GAO’s book after over 25 years
The management of the government’s IT acquisitions and operations is also on the Government Accountability Office’s biennial high risk list update this year, as it has been since 2015.
Policy
House Democrats bring back customer experience bill targeting student loan, passport updates
A bill reintroduced Tuesday aims to codify parts of the White House’s 2021 executive order on making government services more user-friendly.
Digital Government
GSA unveils new USA.gov websites
The new versions of USA.gov and USA.Gov en Español come after beta testing by the agency to make the sites more user-friendly.
Digital Government
USDA aims to build in-house tech talent, CX expertise with new digital services team
The department's own digital services team will be modeled after other “tour-of-duty” style models in government like the USDS.
Digital Government
Some states may be barring the door to unemployment benefits
Despite Labor Department guidelines, nine states are requiring UI applicants to verify their identity before submitting applications.
Digital Government
Stakeholders wonder how to sustain CX momentum long-term
Is it time for a national strategy for customer experience?
People
ARPA-H nets data, design experts in new Presidential Innovation Fellows cohort
Thirteen agencies will host 20 private sector fellows to help develop innovative ways to deliver public service.
Digital Government
National Park Service considers a digital park pass
Making a digital option for the American the Beautiful pass series that would live on mobile phone wallets is a goal shared by Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Angus King (I-Maine), who introduced a bill that would require digital passes in February.
Digital Government
IRS outlines tech modernization, CX plans as part of $80 billion overhaul
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel told reporters on Thursday that technology will be key to achieving the agency’s intentions to transform customer service at the agency and shrink the tax gap.
Emerging Tech
Labor Dept. Watchdog Urges 'Extreme Caution' on Facial Recognition
Since the start of the pandemic and an upswing in fraudulent claims in the jobless aid systems, the use of facial recognition in identity checks has spread across states, raising OIG concerns about access and privacy.
Digital Government
Labor Dept. watchdog urges 'extreme caution' on facial recognition
Since the start of the pandemic and an upswing in fraudulent claims in the jobless aid systems, the use of facial recognition in identity checks has spread across states, raising OIG concerns about access and privacy.
Digital Government
New guide looks to slash 'time tax' on benefits applications
The project is one example of a Biden administration push to rework intake forms for government programs to be more user-friendly and less time consuming.
Acquisition
Report: 39% of VA IT contract awards didn't have CIO approval
A new Government Accountability Office report found that the Department of Veterans Affairs isn’t always including its CIO in tech procurements, as required by the FITARA.
Digital Government
GSA Makes a Case for Login.gov on Capitol Hill After Scathing Report
General Services Administration officials addressed allegations that the agency misrepresented identity proofing standards of Login.gov at a hearing Wednesday, as lawmakers pondered the potential for fraudsters in the system.
Acquisition
GSA releases new 5G acquisition guidance for agencies
The new guidance is meant to help agencies acquire 5G while navigating tech, cybersecurity and acquisition considerations, agency officials said.
Policy
GSA makes a case for Login.gov on Capitol Hill following scathing report
General Services Administration officials addressed allegations that the agency misrepresented identity proofing standards of Login.gov at a hearing Wednesday, as lawmakers pondered the potential for fraudsters in the system.
Policy