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.
Contracts
Bipartisan quantum funding bill advances from committee
The Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2024 will head to the Senate floor as part of a push to continue federal investment into quantum computing research and development.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Companies
Microsoft and Atom Computing unveil 24-qubit quantum machine
The companies bet on neutral atoms and logical qubits to enable near-term, hybrid quantum computing.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Contracts
Potential year-end cyber executive order may hinge on election results, people familiar say
The pending order will focus heavily on federal cyber standards and emerging tech threats, but remains in limbo amid the presidential election.
- By Alexandra Kelley, Natalie Alms and David DiMolfetta
Contracts
Success of the AI national security memo ‘will be in the implementation,’ industry says
Industry leaders aren’t shying away from more AI guardrails, but note oversight into the memo’s execution is important.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Companies
Microsoft and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory bring AI to quantum chemistry research
An updated version of Microsoft’s Azure Quantum Elements that combines artificial intelligence and chemistry-specific software tools will be available on Github.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Companies
Google announces AI offering for classified environments
A “large percentage” of U.S. military and intelligence agencies briefed on the upcoming Gemini version expressed interest in the tool, a Google executive said.
- By Alexandra Kelley and David DiMolfetta
Contracts
Energy Dept. eyes hyperscalers as future leaders in carbon-free energy adoption
Leadership from the Department of Energy spoke on Wednesday about its ongoing discussions with leading data computing companies to continue grid decarbonization efforts amid artificial intelligence acceleration.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Contracts
OMB releases AI procurement guidelines
Interagency collaboration and risk mitigation are the two big themes included in the White House budget office's artificial intelligence software procurement guidance.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Companies
Commerce shares financial goals for the US quantum industry
Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves offered insight into the burgeoning quantum information sciences industry in the U.S., focusing on financing and national security implications.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Companies
White House leads public-private commitment to curb AI-based sexually abusive material
Leading private sector companies signed voluntary agreements with the White House to train and monitor their AI models to avoid such misuse.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Companies
Microsoft unveils new quantum computing hybrid solution in Azure
Azure Quantum combines cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and logical qubits to bring quantum computing strength to scientific challenges.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Companies
Microsoft, Palantir partner to expand AI offerings to defense and intelligence agencies
The new suite of offerings will be available on Microsoft’s Azure Government and Azure Government Secret and Top Secret clouds.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Companies
Major tech companies pledge efforts to monitor AI-based content ahead of 2024 election
Senate Intel Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., received responses from 19 tech companies pledging actions like content moderation, airtight watermarking and strict licensing practices.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Contracts
Biden looks to preserve tech, cyber legacy with veto threat
Experts see continuity in tech policy from the Biden administration to a possible Kamala Harris presidency, with possible divergence on some national security and antitrust issues.
- By Alexandra Kelley, Adam Mazmanian, Edward Graham and David DiMolfetta
Contracts
DHS selects 6 digital wallet startups for identity security contracts
The Homeland Security Department aims to facilitate more ways to comply with travel document requirements while safeguarding U.S. citizen privacy.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Companies
Lawmaker set to introduce bill to standardize AI system testing
The proposed legislation would focus on standardizing how AI systems are tested for fairness and safety, with the National Institute of Standards and Technology at the forefront.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Contracts
Army plans multiple AI industry partnerships
Leadership from the military branch is interested in incorporating third party-generated algorithms for its operations, and is asking industry players for help.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Contracts
CISA conducts AI-driven cyber tabletop exercise with government and industry
The Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative participated in a hypothetical AI-powered cyberattack drill to update information sharing protocols tailored to disruptions to automated systems.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Contracts
Senators look to mitigate risks in AI procurement
Sens. Gary Peters and Thom Tillis introduced new legislation that would codify safety measures in government contracts for artificial intelligence products and services.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Contracts
DHS sets its research sights on 8 emerging technologies
The Department of Homeland Security’s Innovation, Research and Development Strategic Plan focuses its investments over the next seven years on AI, cybersecurity, biotech and more.
- By Alexandra Kelley