Defense
Defense tech office cuts staff down to 40
The cuts to the Defense Technical Information Center are intended to refocus it on “its core statutory mission” according to a Pentagon spokesperson.
Management
Former NSF heads criticize funding and staff cuts at science agency
Former National Science Foundation and National Science Board leads sent a letter to congressional leadership saying the cuts to the agency run contrary to the Trump administration’s priorities.
Tech
Here are the tech takeaways from Trump’s budget proposal
The White House has suggested sweeping reductions to many civilian agencies, though it promises to maintain investments in emerging technologies.
Management
NSF director resigns
Sethuraman Panchanathan confirmed his resignation to NSF employees and the public in two separate statements.
Tech
Transportation consolidates IT personnel and decision-making
Two memos document a new organizational structure that establishes the CIO as the point person for all IT activity across the agency’s various subcomponents.
Workforce
CISA to make comprehensive staff cuts in coming days, people familiar say
The nation’s premier cybersecurity agency, which sits in the Department of Homeland Security, has been in the Trump administration’s crosshairs for some time.
Workforce
168 employees fired at the National Science Foundation
“Panch has been conveniently absent throughout this whole time,” said an internal email an NSF worker sent to fellow colleagues, referring to Sethuraman Panchanathan, NSF’s director.
Workforce
National Labs have seen mixed impacts from Trump spending freeze
During a House hearing, four directors of different U.S. national laboratories offered insight into how federal funding interruptions have shaped their work.
Tech
DHS releases guidance for AI in critical infrastructure
The Homeland Security Department worked with its diverse AI Safety and Security Board to develop a holistic approach for securing critical infrastructure that leverages AI technologies.
Management
CISA Director Jen Easterly to depart on Inauguration Day
Easterly and Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan are set to leave as an administration change casts doubt on the agency’s future.
Tech
HHS looks to balance use of clinical data in AI with safety, bias considerations
The agency’s acting chief artificial intelligence officer discussed the future of AI in healthcare delivery.
Tech
Senate Dems ask OMB for more regulations, support to mitigate algorithm bias
Sens. Ed Markey and Chuck Schumer are seeking updated guidance and organizational structures to prevent artificial intelligence from discrimination.
Tech
White House leads public-private commitment to curb AI-based sexually abusive material
Leading private sector companies signed voluntary agreements with the White House to train and monitor their AI models to avoid such misuse.
Tech
NSF launches AI-driven biotech research program
The National Science Foundation is funding five projects within its new BioFoundries program, which aims to use artificial intelligence to accelerate research in biosciences.
Tech
Energy Department unveils its green resource hub for AI-based grid demand
The new online resource is the latest step Energy has taken to match the pace of green energy transitions with growing electricity needs from artificial intelligence applications.
Tech
CISA, FBI assert election infrastructure’s fortitude despite ransomware threat
Both organizations aim to instill confidence in U.S. voting infrastructure ahead of the 2024 elections.
Management
White House roadmap looks to guide emerging tech standardization
The Biden administration unveiled a to-do list for federal agencies developing standards for cutting-edge technologies, focusing on external communications.
Tech
Biden to receive AI national security memo outlining forbidden uses, opportunities for innovation
The memorandum expected to be delivered Friday to President Joe Biden will build upon existing artificial intelligence guidance while highlighting workforce needs and prohibited use scenarios.
Tech
Biden looks to preserve his tech and cyber legacy with veto threat
Experts see continuity in tech policy from the Biden administration to a possible Kamala Harris presidency, with possible divergence on some national security and antitrust issues.
Tech