Defense

Pentagon CIO warns against pause in AI development

John Sherman warned that a pause in U.S. development of AI tools and research could potentially give overseas adversaries an upper hand.

Defense

DOD CIO touts a ‘pipeline’ of JWCC task orders and future zero trust options 

Pentagon CIO John Sherman said the new Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability contract will be part of a “choose your own adventure” strategy for zero trust adoption in the Defense Department. 

Acquisition

Space Force focusing on innovative procurement methods for commercial software

The Space Force is leaning on rapid prototyping and new software pathways to keep up with the commercial sector and its growing suite of software and services for space, according to a top official. 

Cybersecurity

FCW Insider Chat: Cybersecurity

CISA's Chief Information Officer Bob Costello and the Department of the Air Force's Venice Goodwine discuss how the federal government is working to bolster the nation's cybersecurity on this week's episode of the FCW Insider Chat.

People

DHS cyber talent management system boasts just 80 hires after nearly two years

Integrating the new hiring acquisition system across the Department of Homeland Security has “been a real project,” said the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

People

Welcome to FCW Insider Chat

Introducing a podcast series that explores the innovators working behind the scenes to transform the way the federal government operates.  

Cybersecurity

OMB, CISA set to release common form for software self-attestation

Federal CISO Chris DeRusha said the new standardized approach to collecting self-attestation forms from third-party software providers could be released as early as this week.

Defense

Space Force should look to the private sector to fill data gaps, watchdog says

The Space Force currently has blindspots in its understanding of objects in space that can potentially be resolved with the help of a growing commercial sector, a new report says.

People

Government Eagle Award

Laura J. Stanton has set a tone for excellent communication, partnership and leadership in the federal acquisition community.

Acquisition

Report highlights procurement innovation hubs that may help achieve White House equity goals

A new Partnership for Public Service report identified specific case studies across the federal procurement community that modeled collaboration and could advance White House policies on equity, sustainability and modernization.

Cybersecurity

AI/ML advancements outpacing federal policies, cyber experts warn

National security, emerging technology and cybersecurity experts told lawmakers Wednesday that the federal government must implement new guardrails to cope with recent advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Acquisition

GAO says Army procurement plans to replace aging helicopter fleet don’t have credible cost estimates

A new report highlights critical acquisition risks associated with the U.S. Army's plans to deploy next-generation helicopters, potentially threatening its plan to deliver the aircraft on schedule.

Modernization

Taxpayer data at risk due to cybersecurity deficiencies at IRS, report warns

An annual assessment of the IRS' information technology program alleges critical cybersecurity deficiencies in the agency's handling of taxpayer data privacy.

Cybersecurity

CISA releases updated guidance for zero trust security architectures

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is encouraging increased automation and enhanced security for access controls in its latest roadmap for agencies and organizations working to achieve zero trust.

Acquisition

VA paid for but didn't deploy an emergency communications system

Despite spending over $8.5 million on a new emergency communication system contract, a new report has revealed that the Veterans Health Administration failed to establish the network by a deadline that passed more than three years ago.

Cybersecurity

CISA director details plan to address security risks in open source software

From hiring an open source security lead to establishing new public-private sector initiatives, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is taking open source software security risks head on, according to Jen Easterly.

Modernization

OMB failing to set cross-agency IT management goals, report says

Administration officials disputed some of GAO's conclusions, noting that IT goals were embedded in other management agenda targets.

Artificial Intelligence

White House Touts Digital Training Programs to Bridge Gap in AI Procurement

Digital information technology development programs may be the key to countering traditional government procurement lags when it comes to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, a White House official said on Tuesday.

Acquisition

White House official touts digital training programs to bridge gap in AI procurement

Digital information technology development programs may be the key to countering traditional government procurement lags when it comes to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, a White House official said on Tuesday.

Cybersecurity

Trade group floats cyber national guard plan

A new report from the Intelligence and National Security Alliance recommends public-private partnerships and new cybersecurity teams on the frontlines of the digital battlefield.