The Wrap for Thursday, July 16
Welcome to today’s edition of The Wrap, your go-to source for the latest in federal tech news. Here’s a quick update on what’s happening:
Barbaccia’s Final Tech Recommendations
As he prepares to step down from his role as Federal Chief Information Officer on August 31, Greg Barbaccia has handed Congress an important list of tech initiatives that need attention. He highlighted his biggest achievement as improving collaboration between the Office of Management and Budget and agency technology leaders. By fostering a more open dialogue rather than working in isolation, the Federal CIO Council has been able to address common challenges more effectively. Barbaccia believes that many tech issues in government stem from cultural factors rather than just technical ones. He also emphasized the necessity of updating outdated laws, particularly the Paperwork Reduction Act and Privacy Act, to keep pace with advancements in technology, especially in artificial intelligence. While Barbaccia hasn’t shared his future plans, he has mentioned he will continue to engage with Congress in a private capacity.
DOE’s AI Savings
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is making great strides with its two artificial intelligence platforms, projecting annual savings of $74 million without even counting all their applications yet. DOE’s Joulix generative AI tool is currently utilized by 21,000 users across the department, aiding in tasks like position descriptions and contract summaries. Additionally, another AI tool named Quanta has helped streamline vast amounts of data. When faced with nearly one billion documents, Quanta reduced a massive 200 gigabytes of data to just four gigabytes in 12 minutes. This tool is now operational in 44 offices and is set to be rolled out across the entire department by the end of the fiscal year.
DOD Reaches Funding Milestone
The Department of Defense (DOD) has marked a big achievement in its innovation efforts, surpassing $2 billion in APFIT awards since the program began in fiscal year 2022. The latest round of funding, which provides between $10 million and $50 million to selected projects, focuses on technologies that are ready for use, including autonomous systems and resilient communications. The program now also includes software-only capabilities, enabling quick updates as operational needs change. By fast-tracking technology deployment, DOD aims to enhance the effectiveness of its operations.
DIU Invites Industry Participation
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is on the hunt for industry partners to explore the concept of transmitting power through space within the next two years. This innovative approach could allow electricity to be sent wirelessly, similar to a power cord without the physical connection. Potential applications include satellite operations and unmanned systems. The agency seeks to develop complete transmission solutions while also creating smaller, easier-to-manufacture components. Initial lab testing is expected in the next 6 to 12 months, with possible real-world tests in 24 months and a goal for operational capabilities by FY 2030. Interested parties should submit their proposals by July 22.
As we wrap up today’s news, we’ll be back tomorrow with more updates. For the latest information on government IT, feel free to check the MeriTalk breaking news website. If you have news tips or feedback, please reach out at newsstaff@meritalk.com.
