Policy
OMB head 'not optimistic' about avoiding a government shutdown
Congress is back next week with a short clock to pass a 2024 budget or extend the existing stopgap measures funding the government.
Artificial Intelligence
Bill sets transparency standards for AI models, including use of copyrighted material
New House legislation would direct the Federal Trade Commission to establish standards for “making publicly available information about the training data and algorithms used in artificial intelligence foundation models.”
Artificial Intelligence
Senate's top tech official greenlights research use of generative AI
The chief information officer for the Senate Sergeant at Arms evaluated three popular AI platforms and offered members and staff instruction on how to leverage them safely.
Artificial Intelligence
House lawmakers press for transparency in NIST’s new AI grant funding
A bipartisan cadre of lawmakers is asking for details on the funding methods and oversight of NIST’s new Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute.
Cybersecurity
NDAA provision looks to close cybersecurity gaps in nuclear weapons systems
The requirement included in the fiscal year 2024 defense policy bill follows a 2022 GAO report that found the National Nuclear Security Administration did not fully implement “foundational cybersecurity risk practices.”
Emerging Tech
Government’s quantum efforts are shifting to a near-term strategy
As the National Quantum Initiative Act is set to advance to a House vote, one federal official described the technology as “the next thing” on the horizon.
Digital Government
GSA is at a ‘critical juncture’ to salvage faith in TTS, agency watchdog warns
GSA’s inspector general says that it’s “trying to prevent the next Login.gov” — referencing a bombshell oversight report on GSA’s single sign-on service issued earlier this year.
Acquisition
Senate bill would limit federal contracts with foreign-linked biotech firms
The legislation from Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., comes after he objected to a more focused provision in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act that sought to limit government contracts with one specific Chinese biotech company.
Modernization
TMF’s planned cost savings have been ‘minimal’ in reality, GAO finds
The original intent of the revolving fund anticipated repayments on finished projects replenishing the pool for new ones. In reality, such repayments have been slow and slim.
People
Coker confirmed as cyber director
On a bipartisan vote, the Senate confirmed Harry Coker to lead the Office of the National Cyber Director at the White House.
Artificial Intelligence
Senate Democrats seek to establish civil rights offices for AI
Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., is sponsoring legislation that would require all federal agencies that use artificial intelligence to set up offices “focused on bias, discrimination and other harms resulting from covered algorithms.”
Emerging Tech
Research institutions must better secure sensitive data from foreign adversaries, experts say
To prevent foreign nations from gaining access to sensitive research data, U.S. institutions need to “have a higher sense of internal security” when it comes to protecting critical information.
Modernization
NDAA includes bill backing new data center standards
The measure would require the General Services Administration to set new resiliency, cybersecurity, availability and sustainability expectations for federal data centers.
Artificial Intelligence
GAO to release landmark AI report
The report provides a baseline for the use of artificial intelligence across major non-defense federal agencies and how they are meeting existing requirements.
Artificial Intelligence
2024 NDAA eyes rapid ATOs for emerging tech
Artificial intelligence is also a hot topic within the annual defense policy bill.
Acquisition
The defense industrial base is 'in crisis,' expert tells Hill panel
The defense establishment is not equipped to develop, acquire and onboard emerging technologies at scale, according to a draft report from the Pentagon, and witnesses at a recent House hearing called for deeper, stronger ties between government and industry.
Emerging Tech
VA creates new monitoring system after glitch affects more than 120,000 veterans’ claims
Officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs said they’re creating a new system to notify officials “within 24 hours” of any issues affecting electronically filed claims.
Cybersecurity
House bill looks to shore up federal cyber workforce
The bill, a companion to a Senate bill introduced in July, looks to fortify the U.S.’s domestic cybersecurity workforce and training programs.
Cybersecurity
OPM launches cyber rotational program for feds
The new rotational program is an outgrowth of 2022 legislation backed by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., who chairs the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
People
Debate over federal telework fumes in House subcommittee
Agency HR officials defended their approach to workplace flexibilities and highlighted budgetary issues as bigger drivers of poor customer service.
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