Digital Government

Commerce launches initial phase of its space traffic coordination system

The new system will provide conjunction data messages “for approximately 1,000 space objects six times a day” during phase 1.0.

Emerging Tech

Commerce shares financial goals for the US quantum industry

Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves offered insight into the burgeoning quantum information sciences industry in the U.S., focusing on financing and national security implications.

Cybersecurity

Commerce proposes ban on connected-car tech from China, Russia

The proposed ban stems from a 2019 executive order meant to bolster U.S. supply chains.

Artificial Intelligence

Commerce to propose rule requiring US industry to report on dual-use AI capabilities

The Industry and Security Bureau is set to publish a proposed rule that will ask U.S. companies for information on their AI capabilities per requirements under the Defense Production Act.

Exclusive Emerging Tech

U.S. quantum cryptography standards set for release next week

NIST’s flagship post-quantum cryptography guidance that would help protect against decryption capabilities enabled by quantum computers aimed for release the week of Aug. 12.

Cybersecurity

In reversal, AT&T says most FirstNet customers impacted in data breach disclosed last week

“We now believe the proportion of FirstNet numbers included in the data is similar to that of our broader customer base,” the company said in a statement.

Artificial Intelligence

Data can be a double-edged sword in generative AI, agency experts say

Though there are myriad federal use cases for generative AI applications, usability hinges on clean, organized input data.

Artificial Intelligence

Bill would require Commerce to launch AI public awareness campaign

The education campaign acts on a proposal included in the Bipartisan Senate AI Working Group’s framework that was released last month.

Cybersecurity

US blacklists sale of Russia-based Kaspersky products over ties to Kremlin

The Commerce Department says the company’s links to Russia’s government pose a national security risk, opening up systems using its software to cyber exploitation.

Artificial Intelligence

Commerce seeks insight on how to make its data more AI-friendly

A new request for information issued by the Department of Commerce asks for expert commentary on how the agency can better structure and disseminate its publicly available data.

Digital Government

Export control agency lacks funding and tech to manage its workload, official says 

The head of the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security gave lawmakers “an emphatic no” when asked if his office has the IT resources it needs to carry out its mission.

Policy

Chip manufacturers operational by 2030 will get priority in Commerce funding, secretary says

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said that the agency intends to “maximize our impact in this decade.”

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.

Artificial Intelligence

Commerce announces AI safety consortium

The new stakeholder group, based at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, will help drive AI safety standards.

Emerging Tech

Securing emerging tech requires export controls and international partnerships, officials say

During a House hearing on Wednesday, witnesses discussed how to ensure sensitive U.S. technologies and data stay away from Beijing.

People

André Mendes looks back and forward

The former top tech official at the Department of Commerce looks back on a career in federal IT and previews where he thinks the AI and quantum revolutions will take us.

Artificial Intelligence

Agencies have over 1,200 AI uses planned or in operation, watchdog finds

The massive GAO report found that some agencies — like NASA and the Department of Commerce — have made major investments in artificial intelligence, while others struggled to meet federal requirements.

People

Commerce CIO Mendes announces retirement

After more than 14 years in the federal government, André Mendes is returning to his home state of Texas for a county CIO post.

Artificial Intelligence

Commerce launches new safe AI center

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is slated to helm many of the new AI executive order’s guidance documents for safe and responsible development.

Modernization

Commerce updates semiconductor supply chain alert system

Commerce and the International Trade Administration encouraged public and private organizations to submit reports on disruptions in the microelectronics’ supply chain.