Policy

Biden looks to preserve tech, cyber legacy with veto threat

Experts see continuity in tech policy from the Biden administration to a possible Kamala Harris presidency, with possible divergence on some national security and antitrust issues.

Exclusive Artificial Intelligence

Los Alamos charts a new path on AI research with Venado launch

Staff at the New Mexico laboratory took Nextgov/FCW inside their newest supercomputer installation and its potential to support artificial intelligence applications for both public and classified research.

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

Senators seek to advance AI capabilities at national labs

Proposed legislation looks to give the U.S. national laboratories a strong artificial intelligence infrastructure while acknowledging associated risks.

Cybersecurity

NIST will fire the ‘starting gun’ in the race to quantum encryption

Experts in the public and private sectors highlighted how to proactively transition networks to quantum-resilient standards.

Digital Government

DHS selects 6 digital wallet startups for identity security contracts

The agency aims to facilitate more ways to comply with travel document requirements while safeguarding U.S. citizen privacy.

Acquisition

FedRAMP unveils new framework for prioritizing emerging tech

The cloud security program’s new Emerging Technology Prioritization Framework spells out new processes and guidance for cloud services providers specifically offering AI-based capabilities.

Artificial Intelligence

Lawmaker set to introduce bill to standardize AI system testing

The proposed legislation would focus on standardizing how AI systems are tested for fairness and safety, with the National Institute of Standards and Technology at the forefront.

Artificial Intelligence

Blinken spotlights role of AI in diplomacy

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other State Department leaders explained how AI use cases such as data analysis and translation are already taking hold at the department.

Defense

Army plans multiple AI industry partnerships

Leadership from the military branch is interested in incorporating third party-generated algorithms for its operations, and is asking industry players for help.

Digital Government

House pivots on data privacy bill, removing algorithmic discrimination coverage

The intended final draft of the American Privacy Rights Act includes new language on biometric data and data on minors, but notably removes civil rights protections sought by privacy advocates.

Artificial Intelligence

DHS report details AI’s potential to amplify biological, chemical threats

As artificial intelligence and machine learning continue to intersect with sensitive research efforts, the Department of Homeland Security recommended increased communication and guidance to mitigate dangerous outcomes.

Cybersecurity

DHS highlights AI as a threat and asset to critical infrastructure in new priority guidance

The agency’s 2024-2025 Strategic Guidance and National Priorities for Critical Infrastructure highlights continued need to monitor AI’s interplay with cybersecurity.

Modernization

Lawmakers look to amend CHIPS Act to cover manufacturing gear

A bipartisan bill would add new language to the landmark CHIPS and Science Act to eliminate materials made by “foreign entities of concern” from semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S.

Artificial Intelligence

GSA announces 11 new Presidential Innovation Fellows to focus on AI

The second cohort of Presidential Innovation Fellows in 2024 will help agencies adopt AI while mitigating risks.

Cybersecurity

CISA conducts AI-driven cyber tabletop exercise with government and industry

The Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative participated in a hypothetical AI-powered cyberattack drill to update information sharing protocols tailored to disruptions to automated systems.

Artificial Intelligence

White House to host event showcasing AI’s potential

The Office of Science and Technology Policy will present seven projects that aim to facilitate various public sector operations, featuring collaborations from academia and private sector players.

Artificial Intelligence

Senators look to mitigate risks in AI procurement

Sens. Gary Peters and Thom Tillis introduced new legislation that would codify safety measures in government contracts for artificial intelligence products and services.

Digital Government

Bipartisan House bill offers NIST help

The Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act would create a separate organization dedicated to helping NIST with its mission objectives.

Emerging Tech

Quantum sensors show how physics-based tech is yielding federal advances

True quantum computers are a long way off. But their lesser known cousins — quantum sensors — are already paying dividends in the federal scientific communities.