Welcome to the Fed Mission Success News Round Up brought to you by Makpar. Each week, we will provide a summary of actionable news and insights to help aid in overall mission success for Federal agency IT decision-makers and influencers.
IRS Close to Getting New Leader
President Donald Trump’s permanent pick to run the IRS is one step closer to taking office with the Senate Finance Committee advancing the nomination of former Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.), according to Federal News Network.
Republican Legislators Voice Support for Public Funding in AI Research
Two Republican senators voiced support for continued government investment in artificial intelligence research efforts, citing its role in larger U.S. national security goals at the AI + Expo in Washington, D.C., according to NextGov.
Top Cyber Nominee Calls for Stronger Partnerships
President Donald Trump’s nominee for national cyber director said he would lead the Office of the National Cyber Director with “focus and direction,” while also backing a push from lawmakers and industry to streamline federal cyber regulations, according to Federal News Network.
Commerce Rebrands Its AI Safety Institute
Last week, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the former U.S. AI Safety Institute will be updated to focus more on commercial AI systems’ potential, while still working to evaluate system safety and vulnerabilities, according to NextGov.
Customs and Border Protection Taps ‘chatCBP’ to Assist Workforce
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is implementing an AI chatbot called “chatCBP” for its workforce, following in the footsteps of similar federal government creations like DHSChat and StateChat, according to FedScoop.
Salesforce’s AI Agents Receive FedRAMP High Authorization
Last week, Salesforce announced that its Agentforce artificial intelligence agent platform had achieved FedRAMP High authorization, enabling federal agencies to utilize the company’s tool to process and store highly sensitive data, according to NextGov.
HHS Names New Technology Policy, Health IT Leader
Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services disclosed that Thomas Keane has been tapped to serve as the agency’s top technology policy official and national coordinator for health IT, according to FedScoop.
