Author Archive
Alexandra Kelley
Staff Correspondent, Nextgov/FCW

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.
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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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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State Department seeks industry's input on space regulations
The U.S. government is continuing its regulatory efforts of outer space’s emerging usages.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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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.
- By Alexandra Kelley
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NIST to Release New Playbook for AI Best Practices
Researchers will stress a socio-technical approach—which examines the human impact on technology—to mitigate biases in artificial intelligence systems.
- By Alexandra Kelley