Author Archive

Natalie Alms

Staff Reporter, Nextgov/FCW

Natalie Alms
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.

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.

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.

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.

Artificial Intelligence

Trump pledges to ax Biden’s AI executive order

The newly adopted Republican platform calls the executive order “dangerous.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

People

Carnahan explains GSA's path to AI adoption

The General Services Administration currently has about 150 different AI pilots.

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.