Federal authorities seek advanced AI and technology innovations to enhance and expedite airport security checks
In the realm of cybersecurity, the federal government is making significant strides towards implementing Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued a mandate for U.S. civilian agencies to transition to a ZTA, which removes implicit trust and requires explicit verification, including rigorous access authentication and authorization[1]. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) supports this transition with its Zero Trust Maturity Model (ZTMM), emphasising the importance of identity security[2].
The Department of Defense (DoD) is also prioritising identity security, creating a Zero Trust Portfolio Management Office led by a Chief Zero Trust Officer to accelerate ZTA adoption[3]. Furthermore, the DoD is working on enhancing airport security and passenger experience by seeking private sector solutions[6].
Identity security is not the only focus for the federal government. Mental health support for federal employees is also a priority. A survey conducted by our platform revealed that nearly 95% of federal workers have experienced increased stress, anxiety, and depression as federal employees since January 2020[7]. In response, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued new guidance on religious expression for federal employees, allowing more leeway for religious clothing, memorabilia, and discussions[4].
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is also addressing employee needs, working on an update to its Integrated Data Retrieval System to make it easier for employees to retrieve taxpayer records and track federal refund checks[8].
The bipartisan FEMA Review Act aims to make FEMA a cabinet-level agency, streamline its disaster assistance processes, and lift it out of the Department of Homeland Security[9]. The House Small Business Committee has introduced a bill to extend the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs to 2028[10].
PCS Like a Pro has launched a new survey focused solely on PCS moves for military families[11]. Nearly 90% of federal employees who responded to the survey said mental health challenges have significantly affected their personal health and wellness[12].
Several dozen agencies and offices are setting a higher standard for customer experience in the federal government[13]. These initiatives highlight the government's commitment to improving the overall well-being of its employees and the services it provides to the public.
[1] OMB Memorandum M-22-09 [2] CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model [3] DoD Zero Trust Portfolio Management Office [4] OPM Guidance on Religious Expression [5] Federal AI Action Plans and Zero Trust Identity Controls [6] DoD Seeks Private Sector Solutions for Airport Security [7] Survey Reveals Increased Stress Among Federal Workers [8] IRS Updates Integrated Data Retrieval System [9] FEMA Review Act Aims to Make FEMA a Cabinet-Level Agency [10] House Small Business Committee Extends SBIR and STTR Programs [11] PCS Like a Pro Launches Survey for Military Families [12] Mental Health Challenges Affect Federal Employees [13] Agencies Set Higher Standard for Customer Experience
Science can play a crucial role in developing technologies that prioritize health-and-wellness, such as creating solutions for mental health support among federal employees based on the data gathered from surveys. The federal government's focus on the Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) in cybersecurity can also extend to the implementation of Zero Trust principles in health-and-wellness technologies, ensuring secure access to sensitive personal health information.
