Sat.Aug 03, 2024 - Fri.Aug 09, 2024

article thumbnail

Federal Agencies Experiment with Generative AI While Incorporating Safeguards

FedTech Magazine

The Air Force has embraced artificial intelligence for years, from using analytics to perform predictive maintenance on aircraft to testing and developing autonomous fighter jets. Now, with generative AI bursting onto the scene, it’s no wonder the Air Force is exploring ways to benefit from the emerging technology. The military service branch is piloting an AI-powered chatbot that allows Guardians, Airmen, civilian employees and contractors to experiment with generative AI.

article thumbnail

Does Political Decentralization Improve Urban Governance? Balancing Efficacy and Representation in Rajasthan’s Small Towns

The City Fix

“Hum faltu hai [in English, “We are useless”] …I don’t even know what the budget of the council is. Nobody tells me about the procurement process [or] the number of tenders that have gone public…I don’t have enough knowledge about.

Budgeting 143
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

How One Library Marketer Transformed a Library Website: See the Stunning Before and After!

Super Library Marketing

Photo courtesy Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library Some of Megan Bratton ’s favorite memories were made at the Forsyth County Public Library in Winston Salem, North Carolina. “I went to a new concept charter school in downtown Winston Salem that was housed in the basement of an office building,” explains Megan. “The school didn’t have many amenities, like a gym or library.

article thumbnail

Cloud Optimization Must Remain a Top Priority for State and Local Governments

State Tech Magazine

The cloud is a mainstay in the public sector. Most agencies have stood up some sort of cloud instance, whether it’s public, private or hybrid. Agencies at the local level are aggressively scaling their cloud footprint, as bids pertaining to cloud scaling were up by 39% in fiscal year 2023 among state and local governments. As agencies consider throwing more money at the cloud, they also need to make sure what they already have is working as powerfully, and as cost-effectively, as possible.

article thumbnail

A Look Inside the Minds of Government’s Most Innovative Leaders

Successful partnerships start with knowing what public sector leaders care about. This report spotlights global innovators shaping the future of public service by tackling real-world challenges across AI, digital identity, citizen experience, and data strategy. Their work reveals the priorities, pain points, and investment areas that are driving transformation.

article thumbnail

The Navy and Coast Guard Face a Rising Tide of Issues in Shipbuilding

GAO (US Government Accountability Office)

Rapidly growing maritime threats compel the Navy to deliver ships faster. And the Coast Guard needs to replace its outdated fleet to avoid gaps in its ability to carry out critical missions, like search and rescue. But both the Navy’s and Coast Guard.

299
299
article thumbnail

Introducing the Amazon Trusted AI Challenge

AWS Public Sector Blog

Amazon has launched the Amazon Trusted AI Challenge , a global university competition to drive secure innovation in generative artificial intelligence (generative AI) technology. This year’s challenge focuses on responsible AI and specifically on large language model (LLM) coding security. University students will compete in a tournament-style challenge as either model developer teams or red teams to enhance the AI user experience, prevent misuse, and enable users to build more secure code.

Security 334

More Trending

article thumbnail

Q&A: New Orleans CIO Kimberly LaGrue Discusses Cyber Resilience

State Tech Magazine

Kimberly LaGrue is CIO of New Orleans and president of the Cities Today Institute North America Cities Leadership Forum on Digitalization. She began her IT career with New Orleans in telecommunications. Mayor Mitch Landrieu appointed her as acting CIO in 2017, and Mayor LaToya Cantrell made her appointment to CIO permanent in 2018. Shortly before Christmas in 2019, New Orleans suffered a significant ransomware attack, and LaGrue led the city’s recovery and subsequent IT modernization efforts.

article thumbnail

There Are Options for Reforming Social Security, But Action is Needed Now

GAO (US Government Accountability Office)

Generations of Americans have relied on Social Security as a key source of retirement income. But the entitlement program faces serious financial challenges that, if left unaddressed, could leave it unable to pay scheduled benefits in full starting.

Security 282
article thumbnail

National framework for AI assurance in Australian government: Guidance when building with AWS AI/ML solutions

AWS Public Sector Blog

As Australia moves forward with its National framework for the assurance of artificial intelligence in government , Amazon Web Services (AWS) is committed to helping our customers implement AI solutions that align with Australia’s AI Ethics Principles. Mechanisms to help businesses and organisations identify and managed risks for the design and implementation of AI solutions are being introduced globally, including a variety of international standards ( ISO 42001 , ISO 23894 , and NIST RMF ), le

article thumbnail

The loneliest job? How top CEOs manage dilemmas and vulnerability

McKinsey Public & Social Sector Insights

This article consolidates insights from around 100 senior leaders on five common dilemmas that complicate their ability to lead in the face of competing priorities.

article thumbnail

Local Government Tax Guide: 6 Benefits Businesses Will Buy Into for Compliance

In a survey of U.S. business owners, more than 64% indicated their local government’s online tax portal needs improvement. It’s clear that while business owners want to work with their local government to stay in compliance, many online tax systems do not enable them to do so effectively.

article thumbnail

Los Angeles Identifies and Targets Critical Vulnerabilities with Splunk

State Tech Magazine

Cybersecurity leaders face a constant onslaught of attacks. So, it was fitting when Daniel Clark Lee, security operations center manager for the city of Los Angeles, flashed a quote from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War on screen during his presentation at the.conf24 Splunk user conference in Las Vegas: “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.

article thumbnail

What Went Wrong with the Launch of Thrift Savings Plan’s New Online System?

GAO (US Government Accountability Office)

Just over two years ago, the Thrift Savings Plan launched a new online system meant to modernize and improve users’ access to their federal retirement savings. But almost immediately after the system launched, users reported widespread problems.

269
269
article thumbnail

The AWS approach to accelerating innovation and procurement with state agencies

AWS Public Sector Blog

Despite a common misconception about government, state agencies regularly innovate on behalf of their constituents. In this post, we share examples of innovation from New Mexico and North Carolina. We also provide tips for accelerating procurement and maintaining visibility over rapidly implemented workloads. In an earlier post, we highlighted how New Mexico delivered customer-obsessed human services programs powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS).

article thumbnail

LLM to ROI: How to scale gen AI in retail

McKinsey Public & Social Sector Insights

Retailers continue to experiment with generative AI and are seeing that the technology holds great promise for reigniting growth—if they move quickly to seize the opportunity.

141
141
article thumbnail

Municipal Maintenance Guide: Inspections

Get this municipal maintenance guide that provides municipalities with a detailed and structured approach to maintaining city infrastructure. This guide outlines systematic inspection procedures and best practices, ensuring the safety, longevity, and operational efficiency of municipal assets. From roadways and bridges to public buildings and utilities, the guide covers all aspects of municipal maintenance.

article thumbnail

Good Cyber Hygiene Keeps State and Local Agencies a Step Ahead

State Tech Magazine

Cyber resilience is the capability of any organization to weather and recover from a cyberattack with the goal of minimum disruption to daily business. Government agencies often face funding challenges to obtaining a desirable level of cyber resilience, but all organizations may experience similar budget crunches. In fact, in a recent propriety research report, CDW concludes that cybersecurity challenges look very similar in the public and private sectors.

Budgeting 167
article thumbnail

Virginia is for Procurement Lovers: Understanding the Updated Virginia Public Procurement Act

OpenGov

Big things are happening for procurement in 2025. The Code of Virginia is bringing game-changing updates to the purchasing community through Section 2.2-4303. Starting January 1, 2025, all local public […] The post Virginia is for Procurement Lovers: Understanding the Updated Virginia Public Procurement Act appeared first on OpenGov.

article thumbnail

4 ways AWS can help states transform healthcare for incarcerated individuals

AWS Public Sector Blog

The cycle of recidivism in the US is a serious and costly problem. According to the Harvard Political Review , two out of three former prisoners are rearrested within three years of release , with more than half returning to jail. The American Action Forum calculates the total cost to society as a whopping $1.2 trillion. Why do so many former prisoners return to jail?

article thumbnail

Building an engineering culture and resilient technology

McKinsey Public & Social Sector Insights

Successful technology leaders partner closely with the business on IT strategy, gen AI use, and product development.

article thumbnail

Empower Digital Government: Strategic Workbook for Modern Transformation

Digital transformation is reshaping government interactions, bringing agencies closer to the communities they serve. However, while many have adopted new digital tools, few have implemented comprehensive strategies to maximize their benefits. Our Strategic Workbook for Modern Government offers a step-by-step guide to developing a sustainable digital strategy.

article thumbnail

How the NSA Ensures Technology Remains Accessible and Usable for All Employees

FedTech Magazine

There is strength in diversity; that’s one of the messages delivered in the 2023 National Intelligence Strategy, which provides strategic guidance to the U.S. intelligence community. Among the major goals listed in the document are recruiting, developing and retaining a talented and diverse workforce across the entirety of the IC. The guidance aligns with efforts already taking place at the National Security Agency, which recently touted its unprecedented hiring efforts in 2023.

Security 121
article thumbnail

AN OPEN LETTER TO ELECTED OFFICIALS

Barrett & Greene

Good day, Last week we were talking to an inquisitive person who is rising in the local public sector world. The conversation turned to performance management (one of our favorite topics) and the question was posed to us: “What do you think are the biggest impediments to more widespread use of that discipline? A few answers quickly sprang to our minds, including limited resources and difficulties hiring staff with the necessary skills.

article thumbnail

Highlights from the 2024 AWS Public Sector Symposium Canberra

AWS Public Sector Blog

Today’s Amazon Web Services (AWS) Worldwide Public Sector Symposium Canberra keynote explored generative artificial intelligence (AI) innovation in Australia and New Zealand. Iain Rouse, AWS director and country leader for Australia and New Zealand, kicked off the keynote with opening remarks. Dave Levy , vice president of Worldwide Public Sector at Amazon Web Services (AWS), followed Rouse on stage and delivered the keynote speech.

article thumbnail

Delivering on construction productivity is no longer optional

McKinsey Public & Social Sector Insights

Why the construction industry must climb out of its productivity rut—and why it hasn’t yet.

article thumbnail

7 Signs Your Local Government ERP Is Holding You Back: A Guide for Small Municipalities

Local governments and municipalities serving populations under 200,000 face distinctive challenges in delivering efficient and effective services to their communities. To overcome these challenges, many rely on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems tailored to their specific needs. Not all ERP systems are created equal, and some may hinder progress rather than support it.

article thumbnail

EPA Leads Government’s Shift to Softphones

FedTech Magazine

It’s been more than two years since workers returned to their offices at the Washington, D.C., headquarters of the Environmental Protection Agency following the COVID-19 pandemic. But something’s different about office life now: The desk phones for the EPA’s roughly 20,000 employees sit largely unused. “The phones barely ring,” says Tiffany McNeill, director of the agency’s office of IT operations.

article thumbnail

NHS software provider faces £6M fine after cyber attack exposes thousands of medical records

Open Access Government - Technology News

The NHS software provider Advanced Computer Software Group is facing a substantial fine of £6 million following a cyber attack in August 2022 The breach compromised the personal data of nearly 83,000 individuals, including sensitive medical records, prompting an investigation by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). THe NHS cyber attack, August 2022 The attack carried out through a ransomware scheme, exploited a vulnerability in Advanced’s systems by accessing a customer accou

Security 108
article thumbnail

Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Efforts Translate to Enhanced Community Impact 

NLC (National League of Cities)

The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program funded by the Inflation Reduction Action (IRA) and administered by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provided $5 billion in formula grants to requesting states, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) for regional municipal coordination, tribes and territories to develop and implement plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

article thumbnail

Start spreading the news: New York City travel and tourism are back

McKinsey Public & Social Sector Insights

The Big Apple’s travel and tourism sector has rebounded from its pandemic lull. But today’s New York City visitors are arriving with new agendas.

135
135
article thumbnail

How Gilbert, AZ Prepares for the Future While Protecting What Makes It Great

A top-rated place to live, Gilbert, AZ struggled with outdated short-term rental management—low compliance, lost revenue, and growing administrative strain. By adopting the GovOS Tax & Compliance suite, the Town: Increased compliance from 40% to 90% Generated over $85K in new revenue Has a single digital system to manage tasks more efficiently With a centralized hub for short-term rental registration and enforcement, Gilbert balances tourism and community needs.

article thumbnail

Thinking Through Your Modernization Journey

GovLoop

Modernization can improve your agency’s service delivery, but while you upgrade your tech and processes, you can’t forget about security. As you make your services more accessible online for your constituents, unfortunately, it can also open the door to cyber criminals. That means you must implement security measures that protects sensitive data from unauthorized access.

article thumbnail

How can UK Government become more effective?

Paul Cairney

This post summarises a new article by PoPP on the prospects of more effective government in the UK.

article thumbnail

Securing Digital Infrastructure Helps Departments of Transportation Deliver Equitable Service

Government Technology Insider

Renewed investment and interest in transportation infrastructure has empowered state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to modernize not only roads and bridges, but digital infrastructure such as data and information systems. As transportation systems become more connected, the vast amount of information they possess can provide new levels of intelligence to enhance operations and constituent service.

article thumbnail

Generative AI: How will it affect the future of work in Australia?

McKinsey Public & Social Sector Insights

Generative AI is already affecting the working world. But, with this technology’s continual, rapid evolution, what does the future of work look like? Two McKinsey experts give their opinions.

133
133
article thumbnail

Municipal Maintenance: Ready, Set, Inspect!

Speaker: Noratek

Maintaining municipal operations is no small task, especially when budgets are tight and public expectations are high. In this webinar, we’ll explore how local governments can streamline their maintenance operations while ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency. What You’ll Gain: Proven strategies for effective inspection management Insight into leveraging digital tools Practical tips for addressing common maintenance challenges Examples of municipalities that have achieved success.