Modernization
GSA doubles FedRAMP authorizations compared to last year
GSA overhauled FedRAMP in the spring to streamline the process and introduce more automation.
Digital Government
Trump is outpacing his first term in deleting environmental information
The restriction of language and removal of information makes it harder to address climate issues, say the authors of a new report on environmental information under Trump 2.0.
Digital Government
NIST releases final digital identity guidelines after years of drafts
The new guidelines remove mentions of equity that NIST had included in previous draft updates.
People
Thomas Shedd departs as Labor CIO
The longtime Tesla engineer appears to still be working at the General Services Administration, according to two employees, even as he leaves his post at the Labor Department.
People
Trump nominates financial executive to be GSA administrator
The nominee, Ed Forst, is a longtime Goldman Sachs alum.
Policy
Democrat asks agency watchdogs to tally the cost of DOGE
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is estimating that the efficiency project has racked up around $21.7 billion.
Digital Government
SSA to make planned ID checks for additional phone transactions ‘entirely optional’
In regulatory filings made earlier this month, SSA had estimated that the planned requirements would result in over three million field office visits.
Digital Government
Social Security plans new restrictions for its phone line, citing fraud
New identity proofing requirements for certain transactions, like changing an address, could especially impact people in rural areas, with transportation difficulties and with limited technology know-how.
People
DOGE and other day 1 Trump appointees head for the exits at multiple agencies
The Interior Department and General Services Administration are seeing significant turnover in the leadership ranks.
Artificial Intelligence
Trump’s order to remove ‘woke’ AI from government may have ‘downstream impacts,’ experts worry
Some experts and advocates warned that last week's executive order will have a chilling effect on free speech.
Digital Government
SSA watchdog to audit agency’s performance metrics
Getting better data is essential to continued oversight, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., told reporters Wednesday.
People
OMB wants to break down barriers for CIOs, White House official says
Republicans also included a line in their funding bill to reiterate that CIOs should be involved in agencies' tech budgets.
People
New OPM head plans to cement focus on efficiency
Scott Kupor said he won’t be taking orders from DOGE, though he’s “happy to partner with people” that are helpful to his overall goals for the agency.
Digital Government
Lawmakers introduce bill to digitize government permitting
Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., called the paper-based permitting process “an archaic waste of time.”
People
State Department deputy Michael Rigas tapped as acting GSA head
Stephen Ehikian, who has served as the acting GSA administrator since Trump took office, will be staying on as deputy. Some in the agency speculate the change is due to DOGE fallout.
Artificial Intelligence
Congress’ AI moratorium isn’t dead yet, Rep. McCormick says
A provision preventing states from enforcing AI regulations did not make it into the final reconciliation law, but advocates are still pushing for its passage.
Digital Government
Justice pushes agencies to use AI-assisted translations, when offering them at all
The July 14 memo encourages agencies to determine which services would be better operated exclusively in English and to make use of AI where translations are needed.
Exclusive
People
The U.S. DOGE Service is still hiring
The hires are intended to fill what used to be the U.S. Digital Service after many employees there left or were laid off.
Digital Government
Government is making moves on mobile drivers licenses, GSA administrator says
Login.gov is planning on adding mDLs by March of next year.
Digital Government