Modernization
VA must ‘put onus back on Oracle’ to right EHR deployment, secretary says
VA Secretary Doug Collins told lawmakers he’s focused on addressing internal problems “that really caused the initial problems in the rollout.”
Modernization
VA tech panel’s top Democrat worries layoffs will harm EHR rollout
Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Ill., is concerned that staffing vacancies, coupled with the department’s reduction in force plans, will put “more pressure onto the VA to execute on an expedited calendar for implementation” of its new EHR system.
Cybersecurity
Salt Typhoon hacks ‘a wake up call’ to secure telecom services, lawmakers say
The Cyber Safety Review Board was in the middle of investigating the Salt Typhoon hacks when it was disbanded in January. Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif., said the board’s termination “leaves in limbo” the government’s probe into the breach.
People
Homeland Security CTO announces departure
David Larrimore, the agency’s chief technology officer and chief AI officer, said that April 25 was his last official day with the department.
People
Air Force’s acting CTO officially assumes permanent position
Scott Heitmann has been serving in the acting role since former Air Force CTO Jay Bondi departed the military branch in October.
Artificial Intelligence
Report: Veteran suicide prevention increasingly looks to use AI, digital capabilities
A report published by the RAND Corporation found that 17% of active veteran suicide prevention programs are already using AI, with 37% of proposed programs planning to do so.
Acquisition
National Gallery of Art selects Oracle’s cloud-based financial management platform
Implementing Oracle Cloud Federal Financials “brings the best-in-class cloud [Enterprise Resource Planning] that is used by most of the Fortune 500 companies to the U.S. government for the first time,” said gallery Treasurer William McClure.
Digital Government
How cyber vulnerabilities and workforce cuts threaten the crisis lifeline program
A bipartisan, bicameral measure is hoping to prevent cyber incidents from limiting access to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline after a 2022 attack on a system operator disrupted calls to the hotline.
Artificial Intelligence
Bipartisan bill calls for NOAA to use AI to forecast wildfires and extreme weather
The bill’s introduction comes amid Trump administration efforts to scale back the agency’s workforce and operations.
Digital Government
Experts suggest AI could address FOIA backlogs, even as public records staff are terminated
The number of FOIA requests filed in fiscal year 2024 surpassed 1.5 million, which represented a 25% increase from FY 2023.
Artificial Intelligence
US needs to fast-track AI to counter China, DOD’s former AI lead says
When it comes to continued U.S. leadership in the AI space, former Pentagon chief digital and artificial intelligence officer Radha Plumb said “I worry sometimes that it’s passing us by.”
Digital Government
Spending and workforce cuts will harm VA’s modernization work, Democrats say
Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., said cuts across VA are forcing the department “to decide between keeping staff on the floor, and investing in expensive equipment that may sit idle without enough personnel to operate it.”
Artificial Intelligence
Top oversight Dem files resolution to demand answers from DOGE on AI use
The resolution of inquiry from Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., would make the White House provide Congress with further information about DOGE’s use of federal data and AI.
People
House Dems ‘extremely concerned’ VA workforce cuts will further hit researchers
Ten members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee are calling for VA Secretary Doug Collins to provide additional information about how term-limited researchers are being affected by workforce reduction efforts.
People
CX lead at DHS announces departure from government
Dana Chisnell, the first DHS executive director for customer experience, said March 28 was her last day with the department and “my last official day working for the federal government.”
Modernization
VA names 9 medical facilities that will receive new EHR in 2026
The department said it plans to deploy the modernized electronic health record at a total of 13 sites next year following a pause on most rollouts of the software that was instituted in April 2023.
Defense
DOD cuts $580M in programs, contracts and grants
The latest round of Pentagon spending cuts — which include a delayed HR software program — brings the department’s running total of eliminated programs to $800 million since the start of the Trump administration.
Artificial Intelligence
USPS plans to use AI to enhance customer service
USPS Vice President for Customer Experience Marc McCrery said the agency is looking to switch its call center platform to a cloud-based application this summer, which he said will be “the start of our AI journey.”
People
Air Force CIO announces retirement
Venice Goodwine is stepping down after more than 30 years of federal service.
Policy