Author Archive

Alexandra Kelley

Alexandra Kelley

Staff Correspondent, Nextgov/FCW

Alexandra Kelley reports on emerging technology for Nextgov/FCW. Her most recent post was covering breaking news for The Hill where she focused on a variety of quantitative subjects, including Big Tech and the economy, in addition to covering the coronavirus pandemic since late 2019. She graduated from Kenyon College in 2017.
Alexandra Kelley reports on emerging technology for Nextgov/FCW. Her most recent post was covering breaking news for The Hill where she focused on a variety of quantitative subjects, including Big Tech and the economy, in addition to covering the coronavirus pandemic since late 2019. She graduated from Kenyon College in 2017.
Tech

FDA's draft plan calls for AI, other emerging tech in modernization efforts

The Food and Drug Administration is accepting comments on its Data and Technology Strategic Plan, which outlines the agency’s goals to leverage AI in its analytical processes.

Tech

Agency leaders see data analytics and customer service uses for AI

Tech officials told lawmakers they are focused on a socio-technical approach to AI use cases in the government, saying it is not “one size fits all.”

Tech

Emerging tech is an SBA priority for both internal systems and external assistance

The Small Business Administration is leading the charge to democratize access to emerging technologies — particularly AI — across U.S. companies.

Oversight

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau helms multi-agency effort to scrutinize sale of Americans’ data

The CFPB and the Federal Trade Commission are teaming up to investigate long-awaited regulatory steps into the sale of Americans’ data by third-party companies. 

Oversight

New bill aims to address private sector cyber risks to FEMA operations

A proposed amendment to the Homeland Security Act would task FEMA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to work with private entities to ensure digital risks to agency operations are mitigated. 

Tech

IRS needs better documentation for its cyber threat hunts, watchdog says

A new report noted that a lack of “established policies and procedures” could prevent the tax agency from meeting federal requirements.

Workforce

Where agencies are turning to automation to augment human work

Tech policy leadership discussed ongoing federal use cases for automated systems, emphasizing responsible implementation and agency-specific training. 

Tech

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.

Tech

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.

Tech

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.

Tech

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.

Defense

21-Year-Old Air Force IT Specialist Charged With Leaking Classified Security Documents

A team of Justice and FBI agents arrested 21-year-old Jack Teixeira in Massachusetts in connection with the widespread intel leak.

Tech

Proposed HIPAA Rule Would Restrict Law Enforcement Access to Abortion, Reproductive Health Data Across State Lines

The HHS published a proposed modification to HIPAA’s privacy rule, giving new protections to personal health information related to reproductive care history in the wake of Dobbs and the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Tech

DIA's New China Mission Group Will Track the Threat Posed by AI Development

The Defense Intelligence Agency’s China Mission Group will be monitoring the country’s use of AI software and other technologies in a national security context.

Workforce

National Science Foundation Spearheads New Funding to Improve Diversity in AI Workforce

In collaboration with six other federal groups, the NSF will focus on expanding minority-serving university offerings in artificial intelligence and machine learning education.

Tech

Electric Vehicles and Building Emissions Are Among Biden’s Sustainable Energy Priorities

Public and private sector leaders discussed the first steps to overhauling the nation’s infrastructure in pursuit of a sustainable future.

Tech

New ‘More Flexible’ TSA Screening Systems Debut in Las Vegas

A collaboration between the TSA and Homeland’s Science & Technology Directorate yields compact baggage screening.

Tech

Paper-Based Government Forms Cost Federal Agencies $37.8 Billion

A report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce underscored the environmental and consumer need for a digital government services modernization.

Tech

A Report Finds That Identity Fraud Is Up 167% In USPS Change Of Address Requests

The USPS Office of the Inspector General recommends stricter identity verification controls online, while management disagrees.

Tech

VA Begins Deploying Its New Electronic Healthcare System In Washington

After years of bureaucratic backlog, the VA is working to stand up the EHR system in two hospital clinics by the end of April.