Emerging Tech

Pentagon Expanding 5G Efforts, DOD Official Says

The Pentagon will also be releasing guidance on securing the microelectronics supply chain, according to Defense Undersecretary for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord.

Modernization

Army Awards 10 Prototyping Contracts Under Small Business Pilot Program

The U.S. Army is using a special topics pilot program to shorten the life cycle of military technology development.

Artificial Intelligence

New JAIC Director Outlines AI Program's Planned Evolution

The Joint Common Foundation platform will begin delivering simple services in 2021, according to the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center’s new director.

Policy

DISA Factors COVID Into Refreshed Strategic Plan

The Defense Information Systems Agency’s Strategic Plan update adjusts for the consequences of COVID-19, DISA’s director said.

Cybersecurity

Government Reduces Representation Burdens for Supply Chain Rule Banning Some Chinese Equipment 

Contractors continue to question inconsistent language and push for the need for more clarity around Section 889 Part B.

Digital Government

DOD’s New Data Strategy Puts Decision-Makers in the Center, CDO Says

Dave Spirk, the Defense Department’s chief data officer, said the new strategy is a break from the past data landscape, which focused on networks and transports for moving data. 

Modernization

Pentagon Expects to Deploy New Telework Tool in June 2021

The Defense Department’s Commercial Virtual Remote Environment enabled the rapid shift to mass telework during the pandemic, but a solution to handle more sensitive data is on the way.

Modernization

Army G-6 Leader Outlines Priorities After Split from CIO

Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. John B. Morrison Jr. aims to use innovative hiring strategies to lure technical talent to his office.

Digital Government

Senators Urge Investigation After CBP Admits to Warrantless Cell Phone Surveillance

Customs and Border Protection, part of the Department of Homeland Security, told senators it uses a commercial database to conduct warrantless tracking of people inside the United States.

Digital Government

OMB Official Says Evidence Act Implementation Guidance May Come in Early 2021

Two Office of Management and Budget officials discussed the guidance at the first meeting of the Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence Building.

Cybersecurity

Pentagon Still Hammering Out Acquisition Strategies Needed to Enable DevSecOps, Officials Say

The Defense Department needs to educate its workforce on what DevSecOps means for them, the Pentagon’s Katie Arrington said.

Digital Government

DOD’s New Data Strategy ‘Critical to Our National Security,’ DDS Chief Says

Brett Goldstein, director of the Defense Digital Service, talked about how to make innovative projects reusable and sustainable for broad use across the Pentagon.  

Emerging Tech

Report: Establish CTOs in Every National Security Agency

A Center for American Progress report outlines what the next administration should do to improve foreign policy and national security in its first 100 days.

Modernization

Most Federal Workers Expect to Telework at Least Three Days per Week in the Future, Survey Says

But securing and managing the information technology that enables work from home is a top challenge during the pandemic, respondents indicated.

Emerging Tech

DHS Biometrics Proposal Represents ‘Unacceptable Escalation of Government Surveillance,’ Senators Say

Five senators sent a letter urging the Homeland Security Department to abandon a proposal to expand its biometrics program.

Digital Government

DISA’s Enterprise Identity Management Solution Targeted for Testing with Pilot Apps in January

The new enterprise identity, credential, and access management solution will support a shift to a zero trust architecture, Defense Information Systems Agency officials said.

Policy

CBP Launches Website to Promote Transparency Around Biometric Travel Program

Privacy advocates say they still want better privacy protections for the agency's Entry-Exit program.

Artificial Intelligence

AI Commission Recommends Powerful CTOs to Prep for Great Power Competition

The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence offers 66 recommendations for out-innovating China.

Digital Government

OMB Behind Schedule on Open Data Initiatives, GAO Says

The Office of Management and Budget missed the deadline for issuing governmentwide guidance for complying with the OPEN Government Data Act and is behind on reporting on agencies’ progress.