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Cost Estimating NewsBrief: May 12, 2023
NASA lack of standardized AI definition creates AI and cyber risks, watchdog finds
(FedScoop) NASA has three slightly differing definitions of what classifies as artificial intelligence technology, with the lack of singular designation making it more challenging for the agency to meet federal AI monitoring and cybersecurity requirements, a government watchdog reported last week. NASA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) found agency personnel had their own individual understanding of what the term AI means instead of a formal definition provided by the agency and this impairs NASA’s ability to accurately classify and track AI tools and expenditures as well as increases the risk of cyber threats. Read More
Industry skepticism about a Defense Department cybersecurity policy is only growing
(Federal News Network) Perhaps you have heard of CMMC, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program. Now in its 2.0 version, it is supposed to lay minimum cybersecurity standards on contractors doing business with the Defense Department. But it is like a storm on the horizon that never really arrives. Some company executives are skeptical. Federal Drive with Tom Temin spoke with one such skeptic: Matt Hodson, the Chief Information Officer of Valeo Networks. Read More
Agencies Opting for Bots See More Efficiency—And Resistance
(Route Fifty) Artificial intelligence could save agencies thousands of work hours if they automate processes and allow employees to focus on other tasks. Tennessee saves over 100,000 work hours each year across more than 15 executive agencies, Bob Pucci, Tennessee’s executive director of intelligent automation, said during the National Association of State Chief Information Officers’ mid-year meeting. The state plans to expand its automation initiative to the remaining eight agencies in the next couple of years, he said. Read More
DoD prioritizes IT user experience
(Federal News Network) For all of the Defense Department’s cutting edge technology, user experience continues to vex its IT users. The department’s chief information officer called the issue a top priority saying outdated technology handicaps the nation in dealing with adversaries as it continues to create morale problems. Defense Department CIO John Sherman said changes need to come in the form of both software and hardware, as well as from software development. He said those priorities will be reflected in the upcoming 2024 DoD IT budget. Read More
Discord leaks show classified vetting needs reform. Here’s what should happen.
(Breaking Defense) In the wake of a massive leak of government documents on the website Discord, multiple members of Congress have demanded answers to why the alleged suspect, a young Air National Guardsman, was able to access the data. In the op-ed below, Richard Phillips, a former trial attorney at the United States Department of Justice, writes that the answer lies in part with outdated vetting not designed for the digital age. Read More
The art of data: Empowering art institutions with data and analytics
(McKinsey & Company) Art institutions improve people’s lives and livelihoods in diverse ways. They enrich individuals by fostering education, health, creativity, and empathy. They also act as community catalysts by encouraging inclusion, contributing to tourism, improving quality of life, and growing economies. But many art organizations struggle to measure this impact. That difficulty makes it harder for them both to articulate their performance to boards and other stakeholders and to evolve their operating models strategically so that they can navigate current and future challenges. Read More
Reagan National Airport Launches Runway Rehab Project
(AINonline) Washington Reagan National Airport (KDCA) has embarked on a two-year, $94.4 million runway rehabilitation program funded by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) capitol construction program budget and federal grants. It will focus on 7,170-foot Runway 1/19 and 5,200-foot Runway 15/33 and will involve replacing the asphalt and base down to eight inches on both and changing all runway lighting to energy-efficient LED systems. According to the project engineers, the work will require 123,000 tons of asphalt on Runway 1/19 and 54,000 tons on 15/33. To accommodate this demand, a temporary asphalt plant is being set up at the airport. Read More
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