Tag Archives: VA

How Government is Acquiring AI

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Just as cloud computing upended how government buys technology, agencies are now having to adapt to acquire fast-evolving artificial intelligence (AI) technology. AI is proving to be a key tool in helping government improve the efficiency and connection of its workforce and deliver improved service to citizens, but the promises of this new technology come with risks. To ensure AI solutions are secure and ethically designed, agencies are implementing a number of guardrails to ensure the safe and effective use of powerful technology.

How to Use AI

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) developed a policy document to harness the benefits and mitigate the risks of AI for Federal agencies. This guidance provides details on how to use AI securely and effectively with a focus on five key areas: risk management, transparency, responsible innovation, workforce, and governance. Continue reading →

Next Gen Tech Needs Next Gen Acquisition

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The speed at which technology evolves presents many challenges for the federal government, the first being the actual acquisition of solutions. Government procurement processes and policies have had to adjust and evolve to enable agencies to buy and implement the emerging technologies that support their mission.

Utilizing Existing Platforms

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) may be the largest and most visible example of this evolution, allowing agencies to securely acquire cloud solutions. The program is being used as a platform to ensure that other transformative technologies, like the cloud, can securely make their way into government systems. The Emerging Technology Prioritization Framework provides guidance on how cloud service providers can request their emerging tech-powered products be prioritized and then implemented. The initial focus will be on artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, focusing on chat interfaces, code generators and debugging tools, image generators, and associated application program interfaces. Continue reading →

Quantum Computing Brings Promise and Risk

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Now that we've all got our heads wrapped around the idea that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now a reality and is helping us be more productive (rather than taking over the world), in comes quantum computing.

Quantum computing is based on the principles of quantum mechanics, which examines the properties and behaviors of the smallest particles that make up everything around us. When applied to computing, this means utilizing aspects of computer science, physics, and mathematics to solve complex problems faster than on classical computers. To date, no machine has achieved this feat, but experts agree that quantum computing will become a reality for the workforce within the next five years. Continue reading →

Building Blockchain in Government

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Use of blockchain is steadily rising across government as a secure, transparent, and cost-effective way to track the movement of goods, services, and data. From 2020 to 2023, government spending on blockchain more than doubled. In fact, spending may be even higher as blockchain may be used as part of other solutions, like the cloud, so spending on it is buried in larger technology procurements. Additionally, more and more procurements are specifying the need for blockchain expertise.

Blockchain in Government Today

Blockchain is being used to meet a wide variety of key government challenges, from combating fraud to reducing spending waste to improving the transparency of government services. The IRS is using blockchain data analytics to track down transactions and confirm their legitimacy. The Air Force is looking at it as a key component to drive predictive maintenance. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency is exploring how blockchain can secure systems against quantum computing threats to modern encryption. Continue reading →

Building a Resilient Supply Chain Domestically and Globally

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While the supply chain issues of the pandemic (remember the lengths we went to, to get toilet paper?) may seem like ancient history, the fragility of global supply chains remains a reality that our government needs to address for long-term economic stability. The Biden Administration has issued a number of orders and goals around shoring up supply chain practices for physical goods as well as software. In June, a new executive order formalized the role of a White House counsel on supply chain resilience.

Defining Resilience

A resilient supply chain is defined as one that can "easily adapt, rebound, or recover when faced with economic shocks." Creating a resilient environment requires boosting domestic manufacturing, supporting research and development, fostering innovation, strengthening critical infrastructure, and recruiting high-quality talent. The White House Council on Supply Chain was first convened in November 2023 to discuss these very measures, and this latest order has specific action items to deliver before the end of 2024. Continue reading →