Q4: The Federal Fiscal Year End Countdown
You read that title correctly; here we are near the end of another federal fiscal year. If you’re thinking it feels like Congress just passed the fiscal year 2024 (FY24) budget, you’re correct. Half of FY24 was spent in a state of continuing resolutions, with the passage of a final budget a whopping six months into the year, in March 2024. Federal agencies have had effectively half the time they would be allotted in an ideal fiscal year timeframe to spend less, the same, or in some cases more money.
GenAI in Action with the Air Force
In a contest this year of “Most Popular IT Market Trends” it’s highly likely artificial intelligence (AI) would win first place. Federal agencies have released troves of related guidance in the past year, including an executive order, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memos, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) protocols, and the Department of Defense’ (DoD) AI Strategy. So much of the discussion around AI up until very recently though has been just that: discussion.
Sledding to the Finish Line: Seizing Opportunities in SLED FYE
The 2024 fiscal year-end is coming to a close for 46 states, which means that it’s time to put on those running shoes and take advantage of any last minute, end-of-year opportunities. State, local and education (SLED) organizations are already game planning where to funnel resources and dollars in next year’s budget, highlighting the top priorities and challenges that will shape future downstream requirements.
Key points to keep in mind:
The Intelligence Community’s Roadmap to Success
Recently the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) released a roadmap entitled Vision for the IC Information Environment to outline a vision to protect the nation from adversaries and maintain a “strategic advantage" over those intending to harm its information infrastructure. The roadmap contains recommendations from a collaboration of more than one hundred technical leaders from the intelligence community (IC).
New Digital Accessibility Mandates Open Opportunities in SLED Markets
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently released its Final Rule on Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In doing so, they created numerous new requirements state and local governments need to adhere to in designing their digital offerings including adding video narration options, making websites compatible with assistive technologies and making web page labels descriptive.
AI on the Move: Recent Federal Funding and Emerging Sales in Transportation
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are all the rage as of late, and one sector where they can provide innumerable benefits deserves special attention – transportation.
Maternal Health Matters: Tackling Challenges With Health IT
Maternal and child health (MCH) has become a top concern nationwide, particularly in disadvantaged, underserved and rural communities. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the United States is experiencing a maternal health crisis nationwide, as it has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income nations; increasing rates of complications from pregnancy or childbirth; and persistent disparities in such outcomes.
DoD’s Giant Leap: The Commercial Space Integration Strategy
Federal officials have released a first of its kind Strategy focused on the security of the government’s space-based platforms and infrastructure, and the impact commercial solutions may have on supporting the continued need in this space; pun intended. According to the document, the 2024 Department of Defense (DoD) Commercial Space Integration Strategy is a first for the Department of Defense, and “provides a vision for prioritizing and aligning efforts to integrate commercial solutions into our national security space architecture.”
What’s this for?
ICYMI: NASCIO’s Midyear Conference Rundown
The 2024 National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) Midyear Conference took place in National Harbor, Maryland last week where state leaders shared insights into their top technology priorities, challenges, and lessons learned. Some of the key focus areas included artificial intelligence (AI) with emphasis on generative AI, data management, accessibility, and governance, cybersecurity and risk management, and modernization and the digital customer experience.
Artificial Intelligence
Navigating Naval Data: Insights and Strategies for Modernization
For the United States Navy, data has become a cornerstone of its operations, guiding the course of missions, and ensuring the safety of personnel. Every facet of maritime endeavors, from intelligence gathering, to navigation and logistics, relies on a steady stream of accurate and timely data. Harnessing and making the best use of that data, though, comes with its own challenges. These can include limited bandwidth, stringent security protocols, and the sheer volume of information generated across a host of platforms.