Tech

NASA Team’s Plan to Decode UFO Sightings Hinges on Better Data

The space agency is convening an independent panel to publish a report later this summer featuring best practices for data collection on unidentified anomalous phenomena.

GAO Identifies New Information Security Deficiencies in IRS System Controls

The watchdog's annual audit of the agency turned up new recommendations on system access controls and security configurations, alongside a limited release report and previous recommendations.

White House Releases New AI National Frameworks, Educator Recommendations

The Biden administration unveiled a docket full of more artificial intelligence regulatory efforts to promote responsible development, adoption and usage of increasingly smart systems.

The IRS Will Test a Government-Run Free File System in 2024

The move could presage the large-scale deployment of free, government-furnished online tax prep services.

Senate Bill Looks to Train AI-Ready Workforce, Focus on Risk Mitigation

The bipartisan legislation, introduced last week, aims to help public sector employees catch up with advancing AI technologies.

Proposed Law Would Create Responsible Emerging Tech Leaders at Agencies

The bill would require a senior official at each relevant agency to oversee technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum and biotechnology to ensure responsible usage.

TSA Says Its Drone Program Won’t Collect Much Info on the Public

The agency is going to use drones to conduct security assessments at airports, transportation incidents and large security events.

Inter-Agency Effort Targets the Half of Veterans Who Never Engage With VA

The resource hub out of the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs is part of a larger White House initiative to better respond to the life experiences of Americans.

The White House Has Questions About AI Surveillance in the Workplace

The request for information is the latest in the administration's work on AI. Last week, four enforcement agencies released a joint letter pledging to enforce anti-discrimination laws in the AI arena.

Customer Service, Life Experiences and Technology

Nextgov's Aaron Boyd joins the podcast to discuss his series on CX in government.

Survey: 1 in 3 Government Workers Say Agencies Aren’t Fostering Employee Connection

The survey suggests increased emphasis on connection-building could increase talent retention efforts.

Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Keep AI from Going Nuclear

This week, lawmakers reignited the legislative charge into investigating and regulating how automated and artificial intelligence systems will be implemented in crucial operations.

Accelerated FAA Modernization Will Suffer Under Stopgap Funding, Says Agency Head

A full year continuing resolution would hamper needed tech upgrades, according to the FAA's top official.

As Federal Emergency Declaration Expires, the Picture of the Pandemic Grows Fuzzier

"The pandemic gave federal officials expanded power to access crucial data about the spread of COVID-19, but that authority will change when the public health emergency sunsets in May. That, along with the end of popular COVID trackers, will make it harder for policymakers and the public to keep an eye on COVID and other threats.

The Homeland Security Department Announces Its First-Ever AI Task Force

The department will look to better understand artificial intelligence and deploy it in security operations.

House Lawmakers Coalesce Around Bipartisan Fixes to VA’s Electronic Health Records System

The top Democrat and Republican on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee have started bipartisan negotiations to address the Veterans Affairs Department’s troubled rollout of its new electronic health record system.