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GSA’s Tech Radar: Navigating the Future of Federal Tech
Ever wondered how the government keeps up with the latest tech trends? Well, the General Services Administration (GSA) has a cool new tool to help them do just that! It’s called the Emerging Technology Radar.
What is the Tech Radar?
Think of it as a map that tracks the progress of cutting-edge technologies like AI and quantum computing. By monitoring these technologies, the GSA can make sure the government is ready to use them as soon as they’re ready for prime time.
How Does it Work?
The Tech Radar has four main phases:
- Initial Research: This is where it all starts. The GSA and its partners, like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA),1 start to learn about new technologies.
- Business Value Assessment: Next, they figure out how these technologies can be used to improve government services.
- Commercial Sector Analysis: They look at what businesses are doing with these technologies.
- Federal Pilot Programs: Finally, they test these technologies in real-world government settings.
Why is this important?
By using the Tech Radar, the GSA can make sure that the government has contracts in place with the right vendors before a new technology becomes widely available. This means that the government can quickly adopt new technologies and improve the way it serves the public.
A Helping Hand
To make sure the government is making the best decisions about AI, the GSA has also created an AI Acquisition Advisory Committee. This committee will provide expert advice on how to acquire and use AI technologies.
So, next time you wonder how the government is keeping up with the times, remember the GSA’s Tech Radar! It’s a powerful tool that’s helping to shape the future of government technology.
