Digital Government

Dr. Anthony Fauci Says Americans Should Trust Credibility of COVID-19 Vaccine Process

Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, blamed “mixed messages that have come out of Washington” for waning public trust.

Artificial Intelligence

Congressional Report Spotlights AI, Emerging Technologies as Future of National Security

The House Armed Services Committee’s Future of Defense Task Force released its final report advocating for a revolution in how the U.S. approaches national security. 

Digital Government

Federal Government to Conclude Fiscal 2020 With Record Spending

Even without data from the month of September, the Treasury Department reports total federal spending exceeded $6 trillion for the first time.

Cybersecurity

Foreign Hackers Cripple Texas County’s Email System, Raising Election Security Concerns

The malware attack, which sent fake email replies to voters and businesses, spotlights an overlooked vulnerability in counties that don’t follow best practices for computer security.

Cybersecurity

Industry Groups Ask Lawmakers to Remove Core Cybersecurity Provisions from NDAA 

The trade associations for various government contractors are also opposing a range of oversight proposals in the annual defense bill, including ones aimed at enhancing procurement value and reducing unfair labor practices.

Digital Government

COVID-19 Exposes Need to Modernize U.S. Public Health Data System, Experts Say 

Federal agencies should develop clear standards for data sharing on cross-cutting issues in order to understand the pandemic better.

Digital Government

OPM Updates Job Qualifications Following Hiring Executive Order

The Office of Personnel Management is asking agencies for feedback on a draft list of the qualifications required for federal jobs as part of the implementation of a recent executive order emphasizing applicants’ skills and experience, rather simply education.

Digital Government

Lawmakers: Did DHS Surveil Portland Protesters’ Phones?

Lawmakers want to know if federal agencies intercepted messages or collected cellphone data—including through commercial sources—during Portland protests.

Emerging Tech

U.S., Greece Formally Agree to Collaborate on Science and Technology

The nations hope to promote research and development activities across their collective agencies, universities, institutions, and private sector businesses.

Emerging Tech

Lawmakers Propose $1M to Examine How Mis- And Disinformation Impacted COVID-19 Response

In particular, they’d like to know more about foreign and domestic sources propagating false information.

Digital Government

Federal Chief Data Officers Need More Resources, Well-Defined Role, Survey Says

The Foundations for Evidence Based Policymaking Act required agencies to install chief data officers. But what exactly that role should look like remains an open question. 

Digital Government

How the Government Shifted Its Onboarding Strategy During the Pandemic

Despite a largely remote workforce, the government hasn’t stopped hiring employees, especially those performing critical mission functions.

Digital Government

Senate Still Divided on Comprehensive Data Privacy Legislation

Though recent bills are similar, lawmakers have yet to resolve two polarizing issues: preemption and private right to action.

Cybersecurity

Watchdog Highlights Need for Better Cyber Coordination Across Government

A pair of reports point to confusion about the State Department’s new cyber bureau and the vacuum left behind by the eliminated White House cyber coordinator position.

Cybersecurity

FERC Asks Energy Sector to Report Huawei, ZTE Usage

Amid fears over having to replace equipment, Energy official noted no set timeline for implementing next steps on a related executive order.

Artificial Intelligence

Agencies Should Consider the Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence

Officials pushed agencies to examine the trade-offs—both positive and negative—as they adopt emerging technologies.