Technology
FBI removes Accenture contractor after missed security patch led to breach
The bureau’s cyber chief blamed a contractor’s failure to apply an available fix for an intrusion that may have exposed sensitive employee information.
US spy chief tapped as White House AI czar
A new task force led by Jay Clayton, the director of national intelligence, will have 120 days to analyze and report on AI’s risks and opportunities, amid growing global calls for AI safety measures.
Transportation works to ease fears about its new AI air traffic control tool
Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., who has expressed skepticism about Transportation’s rollout of an AI-powered tool at D.C.-area airports, said he had “a good conversation” with FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford about the new capability that helped to alleviate some of his worries.
GSA memo to set AI-specific acquisition rules
The language includes changes some industry groups have requested through a public comment period and will go into effect Oct. 19.
Tax chief pushes 'AI-first IRS' to get more out of agency's workforce
The IRS made more than 4,000 hires this year, but its headcount remains mostly unchanged after cutting more than a quarter of its workforce last year.
Updated
GSA is losing a key digital modernization leader
Michael Lynch joined the General Services Administration in January 2025 as a senior advisor and later became the agency’s deputy administrator.
White House launches AI-powered ‘America.gov’ digital front door
The president signed an executive order at the event requiring agencies to integrate many of their services with the new website.
Agencies withheld records needed to verify DOGE data safeguards, GAO says
A review of six agencies could not establish the full extent of DOGE’s system access or whether security rules were followed. Two agencies challenged the watchdog’s authority to investigate.
Updated
‘Nobody knows anything.’ Displaced IRS staff move from one project to another with few details why
IRS employees who completed a stint in taxpayer services are moving onto their next assignment, and some IT executives coming back from an extended period of paid administrative leave
VA watchdog uses AI to help compile healthcare facility audits
The Office of Inspector General has been using Copilot Chat “to review inspection data such as interview transcripts, documents, questionnaire responses, and physical observations.”
‘Digital employees’ are coming to the Defense Logistics Agency
Nearly 200 agentic-AI bots are already running autonomously as the combat support agency pushes ahead with AI-powered tools, CIO says.
Featured eBooks
25 years after 9/11, spy agencies face old lessons and new threats
Former intelligence officials describe a nation better equipped to disrupt terrorist plots, but still wrestling with the costs of its response and how to prevent the next crisis under escalating technology threats.
On 9/11’s 25th anniversary, modernizing government starts with remembering our past
COMMENTARY | Federal agencies still struggle to share information across organizational boundaries. The lessons of the post-9/11 reforms could help agency leaders build the data infrastructure needed for modern government and AI.
Trump signs veterans benefits order calling for improved data sharing
The order instructs the departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense to conduct a broad review of information technology-related contracts to ensure greater interoperability.
NSA looks to AI to help analysts sift through vast data troves
The tools can speed up work that takes days or weeks, the agency’s cybersecurity chief said.
The National Science Foundation is building out the government’s AI research infrastructure
A new center will help the agency expand access to the computing power and other resources researchers need to develop artificial intelligence.
National Archives says agencies’ AI use does not automatically create federal records
New guidance from the National Archives and Records Administration outlines when agencies should preserve AI-related materials as federal records and notes there is no “one size fits all” approach to doing so.
OPM memo pushes agencies to speed up hiring with AI
The federal human resources agency is exploring new AI tools for USA JOBS, USA Staffing and other USA hiring tools as agencies use AI in their hiring processes, according to the memo.
What AI’s workplace adoption means for government agencies
COMMENTARY | Census data shows how workers are using AI in their everyday jobs, while government leaders are testing ways to bring those same practical uses into the public sector.
House Democrats want answers on what CISA lost in workforce cuts
Lawmakers want Congress’ watchdog to assess what capabilities were lost after the cyber agency shed roughly one-third of its staff.
