The Defense Innovation Unit wants to make an Uber-like app for talent management. DIU is calling the platform Gig Eagle. “We are creating a gig economy for the Department of Defense,” Sarah Pearson, commercial artificial intelligence program manager for DIU, said during an AI Week SNG Live panel. “You could think about it almost like an Uber but for the DOD.” More from Jackson Barnett

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House members propose $500 million in state and local cyber grants

A bipartisan group of U.S. House members last week introduced legislation that would create a grant program for state and local cybersecurity operations, something that is more needed than ever amid a rising tide of ransomware attacks against governments and schools nationwide. The State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act, a version of which passed the House during Congress’ last session but failed to advance in the Senate, would launch a $500 million annual grant program to be administered by the Department of Homeland Security. It would also give several new roles to DHS’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency for its relationships with state and local governments. Ben Freed has the scoop.

North Dakota IT's shrinking footprint

North Dakota's IT office space is set to shrink by as much a 80% since the pandemic has shifted mindsets on remote work, the state's CIO said. Shawn Riley estimated his department can get by with about 20% of the office space it used previously, only keeping on-site staff to support functions that need to be in-person, like corrections and health care agencies or the state’s cybersecurity forensics labs. Colin Wood has this.

Confusion over DOD cyber roles

Congressional lawmakers want more clarity into the DOD's cybersecurity leadership roles. During a recent hearing, lawmakers expressed a willingness to reorganize the civilian leadership chart to elevate cyber’s importance within the military. Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., questioned why the traditional domains of warfare have service secretaries but cyber’s top-ranking civilian is four-rungs bellow a service secretary. “Candidly, it’s frustrating that the people in this room both members and witnesses seem to be fighting an uphill battle to put cyber front-and-center in the department,” Langevin said. More from Jackson.

Job of the Day

Principal Director to the DoD Chief Information Officer (Information Enterprise) |DOD

The Principal Director (PD) to the DCIO Information Enterprise (IE) serves as the principal advisor to the DCIO (IE) providing expertise in IT. The incumbent provides technical support and professional advice on IT trends, innovation and solutions. The PD manages a diverse staff providing broad guidance on policy, programmatic and technical issues. In the absence of the DCIO (IE), the Principal Director performs the duties of the DCIO (IE). See this job and others here.