The Wrap for Monday, August 17
Welcome to our daily roundup of federal technology news!
Here’s what’s happening today:
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently asked its employees what issues were preventing them from using artificial intelligence (AI) more in their work. The main concern they identified was time. In a conversation with Adam Starr, OPM’s chief information officer (CIO), he mentioned that while AI is being adopted widely, its true potential is realized only when employees devote time to reconsider how they work. OPM is actively creating more opportunities for this through initiatives like AI office hours, an ambassador program for AI, and rewards for staff who discover practical AI applications. Starr also highlighted the necessity for government to accept measured risks. “If you’re always focused on avoiding failure, you won’t take the necessary risks to innovate and impress the customer,” he noted. For more of Starr’s insights and practical tips, be sure to check out the full discussion.
NIST Focuses on People in Cybersecurity
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking public feedback by September 30 on its emerging plan for human-centered cybersecurity guidance. This guidance aims to prioritize people’s needs, abilities, and limitations within cybersecurity programs. NIST believes that existing guides don’t always go far enough beyond basic security awareness training, which can lead organizations to overlook the challenges employees face with complex processes and workplace culture. The agency’s draft document highlights barriers such as a tech-first approach and the lack of expertise in human-centered cybersecurity design. NIST is considering various methods to address these challenges, including integrating new guidance into existing materials or creating standalone resources that focus on cybersecurity culture and usability. The bottom line? Improving cybersecurity might begin with a better understanding of people. Your input is valuable!
New Opportunities for Industry Collaboration
The Department of Defense (DOD) is expanding its Golden Dome initiative by launching a new digital hub designed to connect industry professionals directly with program officials. This platform aims to foster collaboration among tech companies, investors, and researchers in the missile defense sector. The Golden Dome Ecosystem Hub will allow companies—both traditional and emerging—to share their ideas and solutions directly with decision-makers. It aims to improve competition, bolster the supply chain, and facilitate quicker production processes. With the total cost of the Golden Dome program now projected at $185 billion and expected completion by 2035, industries now have greater access and opportunity.
Additionally, five companies are set to share $60 million in funding from the United States Space Force to enhance space networking capabilities for its planned Space Data Network. Companies like Amazon Leo for Government, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman will each receive $10 million fixed-price contracts along with other transaction agreements. The initiative aims to create standardized interfaces that allow various satellite systems to connect, reducing the need for costly redesign. Space Force leaders are eager to break the mold of long-standing contracts with single-source vendors. In the realm of space networking, having multiple partners could lead to better outcomes.
That’s all for now! We’ll keep you updated with more news tomorrow. In the meantime, be sure to visit the MeriTalk breaking news site for the latest updates on government IT-related topics.
If you have any news tips or insights to share, feel free to reach out at newsstaff@meritalk.com.
