Digital Government

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.

People

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.

Digital Government

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.

Artificial Intelligence

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.

Artificial Intelligence

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.

Digital Government

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.

Digital Government

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.

Modernization

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.

Modernization

NDAA includes bill backing new data center standards

The measure would require the General Services Administration to set new resiliency, cybersecurity, availability and sustainability expectations for federal data centers.

Digital Government

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.

Cybersecurity

OMB takes aim at internet of things cybersecurity

The Office of Management and Budget’s recent FISMA guidance notes the importance of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s ability to scan agencies for vulnerabilities on an ongoing basis.

Cybersecurity

OPM launches 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.

Digital Government

Digital park passes could become reality under a new legislative proposal

The new, bipartisan recreation-focused package is aimed at cutting red tape around national parks and public land, its backers say.

Modernization

SSA restructures tech shop to center on the CIO

Be on the lookout for a vacancy announcement for the SSA CIO position.

Acquisition

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.

People

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.

Artificial Intelligence

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.

People

White House announces 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.

People

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.