Digital Government
Hawaii’s wildfires led to fast tracking federal identity tools for unemployment claims
Hawaii is the second state after Arkansas to employ Login.gov and U.S. Postal Service identity proofing options in its unemployment insurance system.
Modernization
OPM has a plan to take its tech 'from the Flintstones to the Jetsons'
The personnel agency recently released its first IT strategic plan in nearly a decade.
Digital Government
Biden administration inches ahead on 'life experiences' projects
The White House shared updates on cross-agency projects designed to improve and streamline government service delivery.
Digital Government
TSA proposes allowing federal acceptance of digital IDs while future requirements are crafted
The coming rulemaking would waive REAL ID Act requirements so that federal agencies can still accept mobile driver's licenses when the law’s implementation starts in 2025.
Digital Government
Taxpayer advocate highlights challenges for legit taxpayers tagged as fraudsters by the IRS
The only online remediation option for people whose tax returns have been flagged as potential identity theft is through vendor ID.me.
Modernization
NBIS says it will deliver continuous monitoring for all customers by December
The National Background Investigation Services system was initially scheduled to be up and running in 2019.
People
Former CMS data chief Niall Brennan rejoins government
Brennan will be working as a senior advisor to the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with a focus on the agency’s data modernization push.
Artificial Intelligence
Agriculture Department is taking a ‘cautious’ approach to generative AI
The agency’s data “also needs to be in a condition… to support those kinds of tools,” according to USDA chief data officer and responsible AI officer, Chris Alvares.
Digital Government
TMF adds guidance for IDEA Act proposals
Agencies have until Sept. 22 to send in submissions for funding.
People
CISA director touts hiring progress
The agency’s culture has been key to its hiring successes, Jen Easterly says.
Digital Government
GSA is looking for participants for its facial recognition study
Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Sonny Hashmi said the study will help determine how to move forward with Login.gov.
Acquisition
Government proposes a sustainability update for contracting regulations
Although the White House said the proposed update to the Federal Acquisition Regulation will help the government meet its zero-emissions goals, some stakeholders want it to go further.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmaker pushes AI companies for more safety and security commitments
Companies need to take on practices that prevent things like social-scoring, real-time facial recognition and more, according to Sen. Mark Warner.
Digital Government
Senators seek details on SSA’s plan to modernize and simplify disability benefits applications
Three Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee asked the Social Security Administration for details on improvements to the Supplemental Security Income application.
Cybersecurity
White House cyber office has its eye on workforce data
Data on the cybersecurity workforce is fragmented and inconsistent. A top White House official is looking to change that.
Digital Government
How the IRS accidentally tagged thousands of taxpayers as dead
The IRS confirmed that 6,821 tax accounts were marked as deceased and locked — meaning that the agency wouldn’t process the tax returns associated with it — when the person was, in fact, alive.
Cybersecurity
White House cyber office makes new workforce-focused hire
Daniel “Rags” Ragsdale is joining the White House Office of the National Cyber Director, following work in the private sector, Defense Department and cyber research space.
Modernization
The ‘future is at risk’ for government’s biggest civilian payroll provider, study finds
The National Finance Center — a part of the Agriculture Department — provides payroll services for over 170 agencies, but a lot of them aren’t happy with the services they’re getting.
Cybersecurity
White House releases strategy to expand the U.S. cyber workforce
The plan includes measures for improving cybersecurity knowledge at all levels of education and improving how the federal government attracts, hires and pays cybersecurity workers.
Digital Government