Author Archive

Alexandra Kelley

Staff Correspondent, Nextgov/FCW

Alexandra Kelley
Alexandra Kelley reports on emerging technology for Nextgov/FCW. Her most recent post was covering breaking news for The Hill where she focused on a variety of quantitative subjects, including Big Tech and the economy, in addition to covering the coronavirus pandemic since late 2019. She graduated from Kenyon College in 2017.
Contracts

Why NIST is prioritizing creating a dictionary of AI development

An official from the National Institute of Standards and Technology explained the need for a consensus on language as a means of developing common standards for AI.

Contracts

Inside DARPA’s search for an 'autonomous scientist' to support its researchers

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is on the hunt for foundational AI models that can aid in the scientific discovery process.

Companies

NIST plans new risk evaluation methods and standards tracking for AI

The associate director for emerging technology at the National Institute of Standards and Technology said the evaluations are designed to identify potential harms from AI systems before they are deployed.

Contracts

NIST to issue cyber updates, introduce new security controls

The changes, which are open to public comment, focus on user identity management and protecting cryptographic keys, among other security protocols.

Contracts

White House to issue 'broad' executive order addressing AI risks and standards

Top science advisor Arati Prabhakar said the forthcoming executive order will address a wide swath of potential AI dangers.

Companies

DHS looks to harmonize cyber reporting for critical industry

In a new congressionally mandated report, DHS acknowledges the problems faced by critical industry sectors of overlap and duplication in cyber incident reporting.

Contracts

NOAA upgrades weather forecasting supercomputers

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will be able to make more accurate weather forecasts with upgrades to computer systems deployed in Virginia and Arizona. 

Contracts

Defense and Commerce team up to support semiconductor investments

The two federal agencies signed a memorandum of agreement to exchange information on programs outlined under the CHIPS for America Act.

Companies

7 tech companies agree to White House’s new trustworthy AI commitments

While the Biden administration is working to engage in voluntary commitments with Silicon Valley, a planned executive order will codify next steps in securing the emerging technology. 

Companies

White House seeks public insight to harmonize ‘inconsistent’ cyber regulations

The Biden administration wants to use public feedback to shape baseline cybersecurity regulations that function across industries and sectors. 

Contracts

FDA announces contract for automation in drug performance analyses

The Food and Drug Administration is asking for proposals for automated devices that can provide high-definition imaging and critical analyses of drug performance as the agency works to integrate more AI.

Companies

IBM partners with U.S. and Japanese universities on quantum supercomputer R&D

With funding from IBM, universities in both countries will collaborate to develop a quantum supercomputer to spur further innovation in the field.

Contracts

National Science Foundation spearheads new funding to improve diversity in AI workforce

In collaboration with six other federal groups, the NSF will focus on expanding minority-serving university offerings in artificial intelligence and machine learning education.

Companies

State Department seeks industry's input on space regulations

The U.S. government is continuing its regulatory efforts of outer space’s emerging usages.

Companies

Historic fusion ignition promises innovation in clean energy, national security

The breakthrough fusion experiment conducted last week at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory stands to change the U.S.’ national security posture and sustainable energy development.

Contracts

DOE wants to bridge their 'Valley of Death'

Energy officials envision a cross-disciplinary team to bring advanced research topics focused on emerging technologies to life.

Companies

Lawmakers question revolving door between government and crypto industry

A group of Democratic lawmakers issued letters to several financial regulatory agencies in a bid to examine the growing trend of former public servants working for digital asset companies.

Contracts

A look into proposed tech amendments for the 2023 NDAA

Hot topics proposed as add-ons to the defense budget bill included expanded artificial intelligence investment and supply chain independence.

Companies

NIST, Google announce chip R&D partnership

The public-private sector collaboration will make industry standard chips available to smaller research entities to encourage semiconductor manufacturing.

Contracts

White House team unveils new recommendations for U.S. semiconductor industry growth

The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology introduced new advice to help successfully implement the CHIPS Act and develop an advanced U.S. semiconductor market.