Modernization
OMB Prioritizes Cyber, COVID Tech For New TMF Payback Model
Officials urged agencies to pitch projects that focus on hack cleanup, COVID-19 response or economic recovery by June 2 for maximum repayment flexibility from the Technology Modernization Fund.
Emerging Tech
Intel Community Needs Next-Gen Microelectronics for Future of AI
IARPA wants “seedling” ideas that use a multidisciplinary approach that extends beyond traditional technological and scientific fields.
Modernization
GAO: Only 2 of the 10 Most Critical Legacy IT Systems Have Full Modernization Plans
The federal watchdog warned that eight of the most important mission-critical modernization efforts could fail without sufficient, documented plans.
Cybersecurity
In Wake of Recent Breaches, FAA Wants to Up Cybersecurity of National Airspace System
The agency aims to be "more aggressive" in searching for network protections.
Digital Government
GSA’s 10x Will Test 22 Innovative Ideas Suggested by Federal Employees
The government’s internal process and tech suggestion box received 250 project proposals.
Cybersecurity
Federal Agencies Detail Russian Tactics Used in Recent Cyber Intrusions
The FBI, Homeland Security Department and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued an alert on Russian government cyber tradecraft and mitigation techniques for targets.
Modernization
Commerce Watchdog Issues Alert on Major IT Modernization Project
In a management alert, the agency inspector general warned a 20-year, $341 million project is too focused on new technology instead of fixing business processes.
Digital Government
Design Changes Coming Soon to beta.SAM
While most of the changes will be cosmetic, the design update is the result of years of user feedback and adherence to relatively new digital services standards.
Artificial Intelligence
Regulators Want to Know How AI Should (and Shouldn’t) Be Used In Nuclear Power Plants
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission put out a call for feedback on using artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve the safety and reliability of the grid.
Podcasts
Critical Update: The Programmers of Public Service
Meet two federal software developers: One at the start of their career and the other nearing the end.
Digital Government
Social Security Wants Feedback on ‘Learning Agenda’ to Improve Data for Decision-Making
The agency is getting started on the data and policy improvement plan mandated under the Evidence Act.
Artificial Intelligence
National Archives Wants to Use AI to Improve ‘Unsophisticated Search’ and Create ‘Self-Describing Records’
The National Archives and Records Administration wants to automate its records management processes to limit manual metadata tagging while improving the search function.
Digital Government
Bill Would Prohibit Sale of Americans’ Personal Data to Adversarial Countries
The proposal would establish an interagency group to categorize data, then develop a list of countries banned from importing individuals’ data that could threaten national security.
Modernization
Congress Gave OMB $1B for IT Upgrades. Now It Wants to Know How It Will Be Spent
Lawmakers want to know which projects will get prioritized and which will be recused from repaying the fund.
Digital Government
DARPA Needs Help Securing Its Programs From Foreign Influence and Malicious Insiders
The agency works on the most advanced tech research on the planet, often with critical national security implications.
Modernization
Treasury’s $1B Cloud Contract Aimed at Single Cloud Broker
Contracting officials released a new clarification document as the department continues preliminary work on a broad cloud management contract.
Artificial Intelligence
Federal Shared Services Provider Needs a System to ID Bots in Its Data Center
One of the four central financial service providers wants to use more robotic process automation in its data centers but needs to be able to track those bots—and any potential malicious bots creeping in, as well.
Artificial Intelligence
Pilot IRS Will Shift Focus to Key Technologies in 2021 Solicitations
Forthcoming solicitations will center on digitizing paper and poor-quality documents, high-speed scanning and automation tools.
Emerging Tech
Army Wants to Automate Base Access With Facial Recognition at Drive-Thru Checkpoints
The proposed system uses a reliable form of facial biometric identification but would need to control for variables like weather and low light.
Modernization
State Department Floats $4B Vehicle to Consolidate Its IT Contracts
The new contract vehicle will also shift the agency’s strategy to focus on fixing problems instead of buying tech.
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