Emerging Tech

NASA’s new manned spacecraft estimated to ready by March, officials say

The agency is working with Boeing to remediate two issues with the Starliner spacecraft ahead of an anticipated crew flight test, but a specific launch date remains uncertain.

Acquisition

GSA considers changing the way it pays for cloud software

The agency is exploring how it can best align industry payment practices for software-as-a-service offerings on its own IT Multiple Award Schedule.

Artificial Intelligence

Proceed with caution: Industry advises a careful approach to generative AI

Government and industry tech executives are focused on the risks as well as the opportunities presented by the generative AI revolution.

Policy

Semiconductor industry group warns against new limits on chip exports to China

A spokesperson for the National Security Council told Nextgov/FCW that the Biden administration’s export controls “have been carefully tailored to focus on technology with national security implications.”

Cybersecurity

Experts warn of financial challenges and gaps in cyber implementation plan 

From a crucial lack of federal funding to longstanding issues with the cyber workforce, experts told Nextgov/FCW that the new cybersecurity implementation plan features major “financial potholes.”

Emerging Tech

Space Race 2.0: How the government is rapidly adopting next-gen space tech

From humankind’s first-ever lunar space station to an unmanned test-bed for emerging technologies that lives in space, the government is using innovative techniques to buy and build the next generation of space technology.

Modernization

VA official expects Oracle Cerner to deliver on $10B EHR contract despite layoffs

While lawmakers and officials expect work to continue as planned, an insider warned that layoffs at Oracle Cerner targeted a clinical team that worked to implement new electronic health record systems.

Artificial Intelligence

Biden to meet with AI experts to talk regulation and safety

Eight specialists in various sectors of artificial intelligence will join President Joe Biden in San Francisco, California today for more collaboration on risk mitigation.

Emerging Tech

Trade groups press White House to digitize forms of identification

Stronger digital identity solutions would curb future cyber attacks driven by identity and make stolen personal data less valuable, a coalition of 10 trade groups writes in a new letter.

Cybersecurity

Lawmaker advocates 'all-of-the-above' approach to fix cyber worker shortage

The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s cybersecurity panel said a greater focus on cyber education in K-12 schools could help fill the roughly 700,000 vacant cyber jobs across the country.

Digital Government

AWS unveils edge device for Defense customers in most extreme environments

The 80-pound AWS ‘Snowblade’ device provides cloud services to end users at all classification levels while meeting the military’s highest ruggedization standards.

Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft unveils OpenAI service for government customers

Microsoft is opening up its commercial generative AI technology to public sector customers and partners.

Digital Government

Worried that your TV is listening to you? IARPA wants to safeguard your voice

The intelligence community’s research agency wants to develop technology to anonymize voices recorded by electronic devices and help safeguard privacy.

Policy

New bill proposes 'made in China' tags for mobile apps

The legislation would require large online app stores — including Apple’s App Store and Google Play — to disclose the countries where their apps were developed and are currently owned.

Digital Government

FTC charges Ring over 'disregard' for customer data security

The Federal Trade Commission has proposed stronger security protocols for home video surveillance company Ring after years of mounting concern over data privacy.

Digital Government

10 Vendors Receive Over Half of VA's IT Contracts, Drawing Lawmaker Concern

A Government Accountability Office representative told House lawmakers that Veterans Affairs’ IT obligations have been “increasingly concentrated with a small group of vendors.”

Artificial Intelligence

FDA Announces Contract for Automation in Drug Performance Analyses

The Food and Drug Administration is asking for proposals for automated devices that can provide high-definition imaging and critical analyses of drug performance as the agency works to integrate more AI.

Emerging Tech

IBM to Partner with US and Japanese Universities on Quantum Supercomputer R&D

With funding from IBM, universities in both countries will collaborate to develop a quantum supercomputer to spur further innovation in the field.

Exclusive Artificial Intelligence

Meet Google Public Sector’s New Board of Directors

Dave Goldfein, retired general and former Air Force chief of staff, will serve as the board’s chairman, alongside professionals with backgrounds in defense and intelligence, technology, education, health care and state and local government.