Oversight

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.

Oversight

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.

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.

Workforce

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.

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.

Workforce

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.

Tech

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.

Tech

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.

Tech

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.

Tech

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.

Tech

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.

Tech

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.

Management

OMB adds metrics to digital experience oversight

The Office of Management and Budget is piloting new digital experience indicators based on recently released guidance for the 21st Century IDEA Act.

Workforce

OPM launches a cyber rotational program for feds

The new rotational program is an outgrowth of 2022 legislation backed by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., who chairs the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Tech

SSA restructures its tech shop to center on the CIO

Be on the lookout for a vacancy announcement for the SSA CIO position.

Management

Reorganizing government acquisition for the digital age

The General Services Administration recently reorganized its Federal Acquisition Service, eliminating its regional structure, a move its commissioner Sonny Hashmi says is already yielding positive results.

Tech

DHS aims to cut another 10M hours of paperwork

Within the newly formalized DHS Customer Experience Office, “our biggest challenge is that the demand far outstrips the supply,” said its leader, Dana Chisnell.

Workforce

The people problem behind the government’s AI ambitions

As agencies move to fulfill requirements laid out in Biden’s AI executive order, workforce gaps remain “one of the biggest barriers” according to a White House official.

Defense

The Biden administration announces its new acting cyber director, as nominee awaits Senate vote

Drenan Dudley, the deputy national cyber director for strategy and budget, will helm the ONCD until the Senate confirms a permanent leader.