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
OMB releases ‘broad’ accessibility guidance for government tech
This is the first new guidance on Section 508 in a decade.
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.
Management
Biden’s cyber director nominee clears Senate committee
As Biden’s pick for national cyber director — Harry Coker — makes his way through the Senate, the current acting director nears her last day.
Oversight