Modernization

Cruz, Peters introduce bill prodding agencies to share custom code

The lawmakers say that existing policies on sharing such code aren’t being implemented by agencies.

People

Uncle Sam wants you to help train government HR to hire tech talent

Several agencies are hosting a challenge with prize money meant to spur innovation in how the government hires techies.

Emerging Tech

Government needs to regulate facial recognition tech, says National Academies

A facial recognition risk management framework, new legislation and more are among the recommendations in a new report requested by the FBI and DHS.

Digital Government

Bureau of Prisons would issue IDs to released inmates under new bill

The bipartisan proposal would also require BOP to set up a system where ID cards issued by the bureau could be traded for state IDs.

Cybersecurity

White House looks to eliminate college degree requirements for cyber jobs with federal contractors

National Cyber Director Harry Coker also said Thursday that the federal government will be conducting a series of hiring sprints this year to fill seats.

Digital Government

IRS has ‘unconscionable delays’ in helping identity theft victims, taxpayer advocate says

The average wait time for taxpayers trying to resolve fraudulent returns, coupled with legitimate filers being mistakenly flagged as fraudulent, has become a top challenge for the IRS, according to a new report.

Artificial Intelligence

Improving government capacity is key for AI deployment, experts tell Congress

The chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Gary Peters, D-Mich., said he plans to zero in on procurement and AI, specifically.

Cybersecurity

Watchdog finds ‘sufficient’ cyber threat sharing at agencies, but barriers remain

The Intelligence Community Inspector General’s biennial update on cybersecurity information sharing noted that progress has been made over the past two years, but some agencies reported running up against roadblocks.

Artificial Intelligence

Agencies eye synthetic data to help train and test AI

The Department of Homeland Security and Chief Data Officers Council put out calls recently for products and insight on synthetic data generation.

Artificial Intelligence

OPM authorizes hiring flexibilities for AI

Government hiring tools like direct hire and Schedule A appointments are meant to help with an executive order-mandated AI talent surge into the government.

Digital Government

Many agencies fail to meet tech accessibility mandates, report finds

The congressionally mandated report from the General Services Administration follows first-in-a-decade guidance on Section 508 released in December.

People

Exit interview: Kemba Walden talks advancing cyber — and becoming a role model — in government

The former acting national cyber director highlighted federal enterprise cybersecurity, cyber workforce issues, her experience as a leader and what it was like being the first Black person and first woman to helm the White House office.

Digital Government

IRS direct file participants will have to use ID.me for identity verification

The agency still isn't ready to field the government-provided Login.gov for digital access to taxpayer services.

Artificial Intelligence

Experts warn that OMB’s AI guidance could slow federal adoption of the emerging tech

Commentators say proposed definitions of “rights-impacting” and “safety-impacting” use cases could wind up saddling low-impact AI programs up with high-impact controls.

Artificial Intelligence

AI is a rising priority for federal chief data officers

Nearly all CDOs surveyed by the Data Foundation reported thinking about adopting the emerging technology.

Digital Government

GSA launches text message service for government programs in four localities and states

Norfolk, Virginia has already been using the service to remind people about Medicaid recertification.

Digital Government

GSA is at a ‘critical juncture’ to salvage faith in TTS, agency watchdog warns

GSA’s inspector general says that it’s “trying to prevent the next Login.gov” — referencing a bombshell oversight report on GSA’s single sign-on service issued earlier this year.

Modernization

TMF’s planned cost savings have been ‘minimal’ in reality, GAO finds

The original intent of the revolving fund anticipated repayments on finished projects replenishing the pool for new ones. In reality, such repayments have been slow and slim.