Exclusive Digital Government

VA Can’t Locate $700K Worth of Satellite Phones

For decades, Veterans Affairs employees have had trouble finding emergency communications devices when they’re needed most.

Modernization

Federal CIO: Diversity, Accessibility Are Key to Improving Customer Experience

A diverse workforce and focus on accessibility will be central to administration’s efforts to improve customer experience.

Digital Government

Postal Service Law Enforcement Isn’t Fully Tracking Inspectors’ Use of Cryptocurrencies

Investigators reported using cryptocurrencies in nine closed cases. Auditors found another 1,064 that might not have been properly recorded.

Emerging Tech

Air Force Looks to Kaiju for Advanced Anti-Aircraft Countermeasures

Project Kaiju—expected in January—will include nine efforts named after famous giant monsters.

Digital Government

Education Department Updates Rules and Criminal Penalties for Accessing Agency Data

A new filing updates the department’s policies on who can access IT systems and data, as well as the fines and prison terms for unauthorized access or failing to secure data.

Artificial Intelligence

Postal Service Will Focus on Big Data, Digital Platforms Over Next 10 Years

As the Postal Service looks at the next 10 years, the agency inspector general looked back at the last decade of technology innovation to see what’s worked and what hasn’t.

Cybersecurity

Biden Administration Releases Draft Zero-Trust Guidance

The documents form a roadmap for agencies to deploy the cybersecurity architectures by the end of fiscal 2024.

Podcasts

Critical Update: Cryptocurrencies to Save the Day?

After activists turned out to kill an amendment that would have set back the cryptocurrency industry, Nextgov decided to look at how the volatile technology can be used as a force for good.

Emerging Tech

Army Wants to Install Facial Recognition, Video Analytics at Child Development Centers

The branch plans to pilot a new facial recognition system at the daycare facility at Fort Jackson.

Emerging Tech

Facial Recognition Tech Use Increasing Among Federal Agencies

Use cases included criminal investigations, building security and access to digital assets like smartphones and security agency websites.

Digital Government

CDC Center Wants Data Science Training For Everyone, Including New Data Science Team

The contract will include a monthly seminar series for those new to data science and more advanced training for the Data Science Team.

Digital Government

IG: State Office of the Science and Tech Adviser Needs Stable Leadership and a Formal Strategy

The 10-year-old office has done good work, the inspector general found, but suffers from staff turnover and a lack of strategic vision.

Cybersecurity

IG: 5 Things USAID Needs to Do to Better Protect Personally Identifiable Information

A recent audit showed gaps remain in the agency’s policies despite progress over the last seven years.

Cybersecurity

FDIC’s Temporary Wi-Fi Network Tool Doesn’t Have Needed Security Authorizations

The program is in limbo while the tool awaits an ATO, prompting the inspector general’s office to express its “concerns.”

Cybersecurity

Background Check Agency Wants a Social Media Search Tool

The Defense Department office charged with investigating potential insider threats wants to use social media to add context to allegations.

Artificial Intelligence

AI Research Infrastructure Task Force Needs Input on ‘Democratizing’ Resources

The group is developing an implementation plan for how the U.S. could increase access to artificial intelligence research resources.

Modernization

Agriculture Launching New IT System to Manage Discrimination Complaints

The new Civil Rights Management System will live in a USDA-owned and operated cloud environment.

Modernization

GSA, Executive Councils Seek Vendor to Improve Transparency in IT Acquisition

The new Governmentwide IT Transparency Professional Support Services contract will assist a wide swath of GSA’s tech-focused offices, as well as all the federal executive councils.

Modernization

State Department Still Struggling With 5-Year-Old Recommendations to Fix IT Management Issues

The agency is doing better about reporting through its internal system but six of seven outstanding issues remain a concern for the inspector general.

Digital Government

Social Security Needs Help with Internal Workplace and Domestic Violence Threats

The consultant will conduct initial interviews and develop reports in support of the agency’s Crisis Advisory Teams.