The Wrap: National AI Strategy; IRS Tech; #StopRansomware
Welcome to The Wrap for Thursday, May 25
From the newsroom at MeriTalk, it’s the quickest read in Federal tech news. Here’s what you need to know today:
National AI Strategy
Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming National AI Strategy. A request for information issued this week by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is seeking insight into how Federal agencies could benefit from generative AI tools to help inform the upcoming National AI Strategy. OSTP wants to know how Federal agencies can leverage generative AI tools – like ChatGPT – to improve service delivery. OSTP also wants examples of the “highest priority and most cost-effective ways” to leverage AI and input on the “unique opportunities and risks” of agencies using generative AI tools. The RFI is one of three new efforts the Biden-Harris administration announced on Tuesday that aim to advance the research, development, and deployment of responsible AI. OSTP wants to hear from you by July 7.
IRS Makes Awards for $2.6B IT Contract
Tired of slow tax returns? The IRS is looking to change that. The IRS announced this week that it has awarded top spots to both Maximus and Accenture Federal Services on the agency’s $2.6 billion systems modernization blanket purchase agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will compete with each other – among others – for future task orders to support the IRS in creating new ways for taxpayers and tax professionals to interact with the agency. The Enterprise Development, Operations Services (EDOS) blanket purchase agreement has a performance period of seven years.
Federal agencies have published a new #StopRansomware Guide. The new guide comes from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), FBI, National Security Agency (NSA), and Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) with the intention to address some of the lessons learned from the last two years – since the last update to the ransomware guide. “With our FBI, NSA and MS-ISAC partners, we strongly encourage all organizations to review this guide and implement recommendations to prevent potential ransomware incidents,” said Eric Goldstein, executive assistant director for cybersecurity at CISA.
AI in Education
This week was a big one for AI. The Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology (OET) released a new report this week that summarizes the opportunities and risks for AI in teaching, learning, research, and assessment based on public input. The report is the first ever out of a Federal office on this topic and is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s ongoing effort to advance a cohesive and comprehensive approach to AI-related opportunities and risks. It addresses the clear need for sharing knowledge, engaging educators and communities, and refining technology plans and policies for AI use in education.
Government Watchdog
Speaking of reports, a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the Department of Energy (DoE) hasn’t fully implemented its Insider Threat Program – more than eight years after it established the program in 2014. DoE established its Insider Threat Program to integrate its policies, procedures, and resources to further protect against insider threats from employees, contractors, and trusted visitors. However, GAO said DoE’s program will continue to face significant challenges that preclude it from having an effective or fully operational program “without better integration of insider threat responsibilities between these offices.”
Once again, let’s “call IT a day,” but we'll bring you more tomorrow. Until then, please check the MeriTalk breaking news website throughout the day for the latest on government IT people, process, and policy.
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