Artificial Intelligence

VA should establish an AI disclosure process, Republican lawmaker says

Though the Department of Veterans Affairs has already made “admirable” use of artificial intelligence, transparency “has got to be elevated to a top priority,” according to Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont.

Artificial Intelligence

Stop funding predictive policing tech without ‘evidence standards,’ lawmakers tell DOJ

Seven Democrats are urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to cease grant funding for predictive policing systems until DOJ ensures they are not having “a discriminatory impact.”

Emerging Tech

Senators take bipartisan shot at preventing space jams

Senate legislation seeks to make “basic-level” space data, analytics and other services available to help maintain U.S. dominance in the space sector.

Emerging Tech

TSA uses ‘minimum’ data to fine-tune its facial recognition, but some experts still worry

The Transportation Security Administration is planning to expand its facial recognition scanners to more than 400 airports, an agency official said.

Artificial Intelligence

DISA plots 'concierge AI' to help staffers

The agency is undertaking some early proof of concept initiatives, including a “concierge AI” tool, to see how emerging technologies can support its workforce.

Artificial Intelligence

Congress should create an agency to oversee digital platforms, senators write

A bipartisan group of lawmakers are pushing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to create the oversight body as part of an effort to craft an AI policy framework.

Artificial Intelligence

NTIA wants ‘the whole lifecycle of accountability’ to assess AI systems, agency head says

NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson said an agency report on artificial intelligence accountability “coming out this winter” will help outline an auditing process for the new tech.

Acquisition

Bipartisan bill strives for ‘more nimble and meaningful’ federal contracting

Legislation from Sens. Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, would “streamline procedures” for both solicitation and awards by slimming down the procurement process.

Cybersecurity

Pentagon’s cyber red teams get clearer roles, governance

A document released by DOD’s chief information officer attempts to “address gaps in existing guidance” when it comes to the activities of the department’s cyber red teams.

Digital Government

Enhanced analytics can make tech export controls more effective, experts say

Export controls designed to limit Beijing’s access to sensitive U.S. technologies can be strengthened further if officials leverage AI and data science to identify gaps and weaknesses.

Digital Government

VA’s compliance with accessibility requirements still lacking, watchdog says

The Department of Veterans Affairs “did not effectively manage website accessibility to ensure Section 508 compliance,” according to an audit conducted by the department’s Office of Inspector General.

Defense

Experts expect some support for small businesses facing CMMC compliance

The Pentagon’s draft CMMC rule doesn’t exempt small firms from the security standards for defense contractors and subcontractors, but that doesn’t mean they won’t receive any help meeting the requirements.

Digital Government

Senators call for Transportation to offer ‘accessible, mobile-friendly’ service animal form

Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., called the paperwork that disabled Americans need to complete before traveling with their service animals “poorly designed and needlessly difficult to complete.”

Cybersecurity

CISA needs better collaboration with the EPA and water sector, watchdog says

CISA had “inconsistent collaboration” with relevant stakeholders due to a lack of formal mechanisms, according to the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General.

Cybersecurity

State's cyber bureau has ‘raised the U.S. profile on cyber globally,’ watchdog says

The Government Accountability Office said the creation of the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy in 2022 has “helped to better position State to achieve its cyber diplomacy goals.”

Artificial Intelligence

House lawmakers join push for agencies to disclose public-impacting AI uses

A group of House members from both parties rolled out companion legislation to a Senate bill that would require agencies to notify individuals when they are engaging with AI tools.

Cybersecurity

Agencies’ FISMA implementation is still ‘mostly ineffective,’ watchdog says

The Government Accountability Office found that less than half of surveyed federal agencies had compliant security programs and called for improved performance metrics.

Defense

DOD’s AI adoption efforts are starting to pay off, Pentagon official says

The Defense Department considers emerging technologies at “the center of how we think about planning for what the future of the military should look,” according to the head of the Pentagon’s Force Development and Emerging Capabilities office.

Artificial Intelligence

New AI tools spawn fears of greater 2024 election threats, survey finds

State and local officials are increasingly concerned about the possibility for AI tools to spread disinformation and power phishing attacks during the 2024 election cycle.

Cybersecurity

Space Force is crafting in-house cyber teams but sees need for closer work with USCYBERCOM

U.S. Cyber Command has been “an incredible partner” to the Space Force but does not currently have any personnel from the military branch within its ranks, a top official said.