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

SSI to move core disability program application online

The initial rollout will be available to adults who have never married and are applying for Supplemental Security Income for the first time.

Digital Government

NIST releases new draft of digital identity proofing guidelines

Among the changes is a new identity proofing option that doesn’t use biometrics like facial recognition.

Digital Government

ICE struggles to track unaccompanied minors, oversight report says

The agency lacks automated systems to chart the path of underage migrants through the immigration system.

Digital Government

Energy Department wants to use AI to speed up permitting

The hope is that helping feds dive into historical environmental documents creates efficiencies and better outcomes.

Emerging Tech

DOD unveils new biodefense-focused supercomputer 

The new system is part of a collaboration with the Department of Energy-sponsored Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Digital Government

SSA has a plan, but wants more funding to get it done

The 2024 agenda’s top priorities for the remainder of the year stem from over 5,000 recommendations from employees.

Modernization

IRS is flying blind without plans to modernize legacy tech, watchdog says

This isn’t the first time the IRS has been called out by oversight officials for a lack of detailed technology planning.

Updated Digital Government

Benefits.gov to shutter in September

The Labor Department’s benefits-focused website dates back to 2002.

Modernization

Senate panel outpaces House in tech spending plans, including TMF

The Senate's General Government and Financial Services appropriation includes a $25 million plus-up for the nearly depleted Technology Modernization Fund.

Digital Government

Senate Democrats push an accessibility refresh

A new bill would revamp the decades old law requiring the government be accessible online, where many agencies are still falling short

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.