Author Archive
Natalie Alms
Staff Reporter, Nextgov/FCW
Natalie Alms is a staff reporter at Nextgov/FCW covering federal technology policy, service delivery, customer experience and the government's tech workforce. She is a graduate of Wake Forest University and has written for the Salisbury (N.C.) Post. Connect with Natalie on Twitter at @AlmsNatalie.
Digital Government
The White House thinks better tech could speed up permitting
The White House’s Council on Environmental Quality says in a new, congressionally mandated report that better tech could help the permitting process, but it's unclear whether new efforts are in the offing.
- By Natalie Alms
Digital Government
OMB touts 'time tax' reductions for government services
Sam Berger, associate administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, spoke with Nextgov/FCW about progress made and what’s next.
- By Natalie Alms
Modernization
Treasury looks to help the financial sector move to the cloud
Among the potential risks: market concentration among cloud service providers.
- By Natalie Alms
Digital Government
As GSA turns 75, one of its leading technologists reflects on the agency's mission
Ann Lewis, director of the Technology Transformation Services, talks implementation, money and more.
- By Natalie Alms
Digital Government
Jobless aid programs get a facelift under a bipartisan Senate proposal
The bill responds to asks from the oversight community, in addition to instituting requirements for states administering the funds.
- By Natalie Alms
Artificial Intelligence
Trump pledges to ax Biden’s AI executive order
The newly adopted Republican platform calls the executive order “dangerous.”
- By Natalie Alms
Modernization
Transportation’s working capital fund is missing controls for cost recovery, IG warns
The watchdog’s findings include an accidental overbilling by upwards of $16,000.
- By Natalie Alms
People
TMF names new director
The fund’s current deputy executive director, Larry Bafundo, will be taking the helm of a program facing down budget and authorization challenges in the coming months.
- By Natalie Alms
People
DHS wants to go big with its hiring fair this week
The department says it's cutting red tape in government hiring by giving tentative job offers on the spot and starting vetting processes in person.
- By Natalie Alms
Acquisition
Federal buyers have a new 'co-pilot' to get good deals for government
The new Procurement Co-Pilot brings data together from across the government — something that’s historically been difficult to do.
- By Natalie Alms
Exclusive
People
Exit interview: OMB’s CX guru Amira Boland
Amira Boland was the first to take on the role of customer experience lead at the White House, and she sees great potential even beyond her departure.
- By Natalie Alms
Featured eBooks
Artificial Intelligence
Senate bill mandating agency chief AI officers gets House companion
The proposal would codify several aspects of AI guidance released by the Office of Management and Budget in guidance this spring.
- By Natalie Alms
Cybersecurity
Identity theft victims are waiting almost 2 years for help from the IRS
The tax agency needs to do more to bring down that wait time, the National Taxpayer Advocate says.
- By Natalie Alms
Digital Government
State Department launches limited online passport renewal
The department previously piloted online renewals in 2022.
- By Natalie Alms
Digital Government
What it will take to make Direct File permanent
The IRS will have to grapple with expanding access and capabilities — while also convincing skeptical lawmakers to maintain funding.
- By Natalie Alms
Digital Government
NIST, Beeck Center, CDT to collaborate on digital identity and public benefits
The National Institute of Standards and Technology will be working with the Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation’s Digital Benefits Network as well as the nonprofit Center for Democracy and Technology.
- By Natalie Alms
Digital Government
DOJ launches CX-focused initiative
The first project in the new push is focusing on improving the portals Americans use to report crimes to the Department of Justice.
- By Natalie Alms
People
Carnahan explains GSA's path to AI adoption
The General Services Administration currently has about 150 different AI pilots.
- By Natalie Alms
Digital Government
Tech sees steep cuts in House Republicans’ funding proposal
The Technology Modernization Fund would once again see zero contributions in FY25, though the U.S. Digital Service would get new authority to get reimbursements from agencies under the bill.
- By Natalie Alms
Digital Government
Agencies are on the clock to improve their digital accessibility — here’s how they’re doing so far
Guidance issued last fall set standards and benchmarks for agencies to improve their many public-facing websites.
- By Natalie Alms