Tech

Contracts featuring automation and built-in security can boost agencies’ cyber defenses, VA officials say

As the federal government looks to harden its cyber resilience, officials from the Veterans Affairs Department said agencies should work to modernize outdated technologies and ensure that vendor contracts include more rigorous security standards.

Tech

Proposed contractor cyber reporting rule sets a ‘significantly problematic’ bar, industry groups say

The groups, which represent tech and cybersecurity companies sometimes contracted by the government, say the proposals are too rigorous and inconsistent.

Tech

Autonomous tech featured in Senate border and foreign aid bill 

The Senate’s proposed $118 billion immigration and foreign aid package includes more than $260 million to deploy emerging technologies to secure the border.

Tech

Who should be in charge of protecting our water systems from cyber threats?

Federal officials don’t agree. Recent hacks on water systems exposed their vulnerabilities. But while some want the EPA to play a stronger role, others emphasized that local systems are best suited to defend themselves.

Tech

Vet centers need better systems, data to enhance support services

Watchdog officials warned lawmakers that the community-based counseling centers for returning veterans use a platform for identifying those at high risk of suicide that is “neither effectively nor consistently utilized.”

Tech

National Cyber Strategy needs better implementation measures, GAO argues

The White House Office of the National Cyber Director can improve on performance measures and cost estimations, the U.S. federal oversight agency said in a Thursday analysis.

Tech

Agencies must disconnect all exposed Ivanti products by Friday, cyber officials say

The directive follows a related warning issued last month about cybersecurity flaws in Ivanti systems.

Tech

Agencies are on track with AI executive order deadlines, White House says

At the 90-day mark since President Joe Biden’s sweeping artificial intelligence executive order, agencies have met mandated timelines, with some initiatives ahead of schedule.

Tech

Why AI can’t replace air traffic controllers

Humans are likely to remain a necessary central component of air traffic control for a long time to come.

Tech

DISA pilots 'concierge AI' to help staffers

The agency is undertaking some early proof of concept initiatives, including a “concierge AI” tool, to see how emerging technologies can support its workforce.

Tech

IRS gears up to launch Direct File pilot

The pilot will only be available on a limited basis to certain taxpayers.

Tech

Senate duo advocates for a new federal office to study the global tech landscape

Sens. Michael Bennet and Todd Young said the proposed executive branch office is needed to analyze technology advancement in a geopolitical context.

Tech

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.

Tech

Capturing AI’s potential needs a ‘two-way street’ between the feds and states, cities

A senior White House official said all levels of government need to work together on artificial intelligence to “move faster” to tackle big problems.

Tech

Senators call for Transportation to offer ‘accessible, mobile-friendly’ service animal form

Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., called the paperwork that disabled Americans need to complete before traveling with their service animals “poorly designed and needlessly difficult to complete.”

Tech

CISA needs better collaboration with the EPA and water sector, watchdog says

CISA had “inconsistent collaboration” with relevant stakeholders due to a lack of formal mechanisms, according to the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General.

Tech

House lawmakers join push for agencies to disclose public-impacting AI uses

A group of House members from both parties rolled out companion legislation to a Senate bill that would require agencies to notify individuals when they are engaging with AI tools.

Tech

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.

Tech

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.