Emerging Tech

FAA Wants to Protect First Responders from Drone Bombs

Under a new ruling, law enforcement officers would be able to identify drones from afar.

Modernization

Online Health Applications Increased 50 Percent After VA.gov Relaunch

The newly redesigned homepage makes it easier for vets to use self-service tools, which will save the government money, according to the agency’s digital services chief.

Policy

GAO Urges Congress to Start Moving on a Privacy Law

Researchers recommended lawmakers give regulators more power to write rules and punish the companies that break them.

Cybersecurity

DOJ Indicts Former Intel Officer For Helping Iran Hack Her Colleagues

Monica Witt, a former Air Force officer and intelligence community contractor, also allegedly disclosed information about a sensitive Pentagon program, according to Justice Department officials.

Emerging Tech

DHS Wants to Outfit Its Dogs With Wearable Tech

The agency is investing in a smart harness that would monitor the health of Border Patrol’s K-9 units.

Modernization

Apple Is Building an iPhone App for Vets' Medical Records

The tool, which connects directly to VA’s health record database, will roll out sometime this summer.

Artificial Intelligence

White House Unveils a National Artificial Intelligence Initiative

The executive order calls for agencies to focus on AI, but details and funds are sparse.

Digital Government

Lawmakers Propose a Rotational Program for Federal Cyber Workers

They also introduced bills to bolster counterterrorism efforts, stop robocallers and keep ZTE in check.

Artificial Intelligence

How the Pentagon is Bringing the Cloud Down to Earth

The Army Research Lab is funding tech that could put the computing power of the cloud in the hands of individual soldiers—and ultimately bring more artificial intelligence to the battlefield.

Cybersecurity

Report: State-Sponsored Hackers Are Getting Better at Hiding Their Identities

Security researchers also warn Iran might be gearing up to target U.S. companies with information warfare.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers Push for the State Department to Help Secure Foreign Elections

Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Dan Sullivan resurrected a bill that would allow the agency to share information on election threat with foreign countries.

Modernization

VA’s Health Record Overhaul Could Get Even More Expensive, Officials Say

The agency’s acting deputy secretary called the project’s $16 billion price-tag “an educated guess.”

Digital Government

GPO Has No Disaster Recovery Plan for Its Tech, Watchdog Says

If its IT infrastructure is taken offline, the agency could lose access to critical data.

Digital Government

Lawmakers Are Taking Another Crack At Security Clearance Reform

And they’re demanding answers about Facebook’s missteps and the shutdown’s impact on cybersecurity.

Modernization

GSA Wants On-Call Vendors for the Centers of Excellence

The agency is asking for feedback on a new contracting vehicle for the program.

Policy

Freshman Lawmaker Will Oversee VA’s Multibillion-dollar EHR Overhaul

Rep. Susie Lee will lead the House Veterans Affairs Technology Modernization subcommittee.

Digital Government

Census is Preparing to Fight Social Media Misinformation Campaigns

Bad actors could use 2016 election interference tactics to suppress response rates in the 2020 count, said Deputy Director Ron Jarmin.

Modernization

Poor Leadership Set Back VA Data Center Consolidation Efforts, Watchdog Says

The agency failed to report an estimated 860 data centers, which violates FITARA requirements, auditors said.