Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
National Science Foundation: Using Machine Learning to Speed Up Discovery for Drug Delivery and Disease Treatment
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The National Science Foundation issued the following news release:
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Using machine learning to speed up discovery for drug delivery and disease treatment
New computational tools are speeding up scientists' ability to determine the structure of complex RNA molecules
A new computational tool developed with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation could greatly speed up determining the 3D structure of RNAs, a critical step in developing new RNA-based drugs, identifying drug-binding sites and using RNAs in other biotechnology and biomedicine applications.
The
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WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The National Science Foundation issued the following news release:
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Using machine learning to speed up discovery for drug delivery and disease treatment
New computational tools are speeding up scientists' ability to determine the structure of complex RNA molecules
A new computational tool developed with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation could greatly speed up determining the 3D structure of RNAs, a critical step in developing new RNA-based drugs, identifying drug-binding sites and using RNAs in other biotechnology and biomedicine applications.
Thetool, NuFold, leverages state-of-the-art machine learning techniques to predict the structure of a wide variety of RNA molecules from their sequences. This new capability will allow researchers to visualize what a given RNA structure could look like based on its sequence and identify its potential use in drug delivery, disease treatment and other applications. The research leading to NuFold was published in Nature Communications.
RNAs are critical biological molecules -- encoding information, like DNA, and performing cellular functions, like proteins -- but relatively few RNA structures have been determined through experimentation thus far, which severely limits understanding of their functions. For example, RNAs in the NSF-funded Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB) represent only about 3% of total entries. Experimentally determining RNA structures is often time-consuming and costly. By providing a path to reliably predicting RNA structure from sequence, NuFold could greatly expedite the discovery of RNA function and enable quicker development of RNA-based therapeutics and technologies.
These therapeutics and technologies could help address a range of diseases and conditions. For example, information on the structure of small interfering RNAs could aid in limiting gene overexpression that can play a role in cancer, neurological disorders and kidney stones. Knowing the structure of RNAs also could help enhance food security by protecting plants from viruses.
NuFold leverages state-of-the-art machine learning techniques to predict the structure of a range of RNA molecules from their sequences. The system architecture for NuFold is based on the artificial intelligence-based protein structure prediction tool AlphaFold2, which was trained on the RCSB PDB and whose developers were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in chemistry. The source code for NuFold is openly available for use by the broad computational biology research community and other researchers interested in RNA structures.
The machine-learning-enabled 3D RNA structures can be realized through novel 3D nanomanufacturing approaches.
Learn more about NSF support for biotechnology.
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Original text here: https://www.nsf.gov/news/using-machine-learning-speed-discovery-drug-delivery-disease
National Science Foundation: 4 Planets Discovered Around Barnard's Star, One of the Closest Stars to Earth
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The National Science Foundation issued the following news release:
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4 planets discovered around Barnard's star, one of the closest stars to Earth
Astronomers confirm the existence of small, hot and likely rocky planets by observing the subtle gravitational wobbles of the star they orbit
Researchers supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation have discovered four tiny exoplanets orbiting Barnard's star, a red dwarf at the center of the nearest single-star system to Earth. Using a specialized instrument mounted on the NSF-supported Gemini North Telescope in Hawaii,
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WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The National Science Foundation issued the following news release:
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4 planets discovered around Barnard's star, one of the closest stars to Earth
Astronomers confirm the existence of small, hot and likely rocky planets by observing the subtle gravitational wobbles of the star they orbit
Researchers supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation have discovered four tiny exoplanets orbiting Barnard's star, a red dwarf at the center of the nearest single-star system to Earth. Using a specialized instrument mounted on the NSF-supported Gemini North Telescope in Hawaii,the team detected "wobbles" in the motion of Barnard's star by observing subtle shifts in the color of its light, indicating the gravitational pull from nearby exoplanets. The planets' surfaces are too hot to support life as we know it.
The researchers made their discovery using the M-dwarf Advanced Radial velocity Observer Of Neighboring eXoplanets (MAROON-X) spectrometer, which is designed to detect exoplanets. Their results were published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters and show promise for finding and confirming more small planets around other red dwarf stars, which are numerous in the universe.
"The U.S. National Science Foundation is collaborating with the astronomy community on an adventure to look deeper into the universe to detect planets with environments that might resemble Earth's," says Martin Still, NSF program director for the International Gemini Observatory. "The planet discoveries provided by MAROON-X mounted on Gemini North provide a significant step along that journey."
Most of the planets previously discovered in the Milky Way galaxy are much larger than Earth, making detecting these relatively tiny planets a fundamental step towards a more complete understanding of planet populations. Each of the four planets are only 20 to 30% the mass of Earth, and their proximity to Barnard's star causes them to orbit around it in just a matter of days. The fourth planet is the smallest exoplanet ever detected using the radial velocity technique, opening new opportunities for discovering such small planets elsewhere.
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Original text here: https://www.nsf.gov/news/4-planets-discovered-around-barnards-star-one-closest-stars
Historic Visit by IDB President Showcases Support for Haiti's Recovery and Private-Sector Jobs
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Historic Visit by IDB President Showcases Support for Haiti's Recovery and Private-Sector Jobs
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) President Ilan Goldfajn is in Cap-Haitien at the invitation of the Haitian government through Economy and Finance Minister Alfred Mettelus, marking the first visit by a multilateral development bank president in many years. During the trip, he reaffirmed the IDB's strong commitment to Haiti. His agenda includes meetings with Haitian government leaders and private sector
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WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Historic Visit by IDB President Showcases Support for Haiti's Recovery and Private-Sector Jobs
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) President Ilan Goldfajn is in Cap-Haitien at the invitation of the Haitian government through Economy and Finance Minister Alfred Mettelus, marking the first visit by a multilateral development bank president in many years. During the trip, he reaffirmed the IDB's strong commitment to Haiti. His agenda includes meetings with Haitian government leaders and private sectorrepresentatives, as well as visits to industrial parks and IDB-supported projects. The visit comes as the IDB steps up efforts to support Haiti through a medium-term recovery plan and a focus on private sector growth.
President Goldfajn also met with several Cabinet ministers to discuss how ongoing and upcoming IDB operations can support government priorities across health, education, infrastructure, and economic recovery.
At the Government's request, the IDB is leading the coordination of the Medium-Term Recovery and Development Plan (2025-2030), together with the UN, EU, and World Bank. The Plan focuses on three pillars: (1) economic recovery and private-sector-led growth, (2) basic services and human capital, and (3) institutions, justice, and security. The Plan uses a regional, phased approach--starting in the Great North--to map opportunities and bottlenecks and align investments with on-the-ground realities.
"We're committed to Haiti's recovery and the future of the people of Haiti," said President Goldfajn. "We are working hand in hand with Haitian authorities to align resources, investments, and implementation on the ground."
During the visit, the IDB and the Government also signed a revised $125 million Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Project for Haiti's Grand North Region. The project will expand water access to over 130,000 households, while supporting service providers in a fragile environment.
Private sector engagement is a top priority. The visit will also include a roundtable with Haitian business leaders to discuss how to mobilize investment and create jobs now - not wait for ideal conditions.
"Fostering private sector jobs and income is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty and violence," President Goldfajn said. "That's why we're investing in energy, infrastructure, and skills--and we want to deepen partnerships with Haitian firms and entrepreneurs."
The IDB supports private companies through IDB Invest and IDB Lab, including in the Caracol and CODEVI industrial parks, both of which the delegation will visit. The mission will also include a meeting to explore the expansion of Cap-Haitien Airport, as well as site visits to Hospital Justinien and Ecole Mere Anne Marie.
Over the last five years, the IDB has mobilized more than $670 million, including $200 million in the past year, to support critical investments in education, health, water, sanitation, and the private sector in Haiti. Building on this momentum, the Bank has proposed $243 million in new grant resources for 2025-2026. As part of this effort, $140 million in projects is under preparation, including a youth skills program aimed at reducing gang recruitment and the rehabilitation of the emergency room and surgical ward at Hospital Justinien.
Press contact:
Javier Salgado at javiers@iadb.org
About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the IDB works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries. Visit our website www.iadb.org/en.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/historic-visit-idb-president-showcases-support-haitis-recovery-and-private-sector-jobs
National Science Foundation: Leopard Spots and Protein Nanoclusters - How Pattern Rules Could Advance Muscular Dystrophy Treatment
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The National Science Foundation issued the following news release:
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Leopard spots and protein nanoclusters: How pattern rules could advance muscular dystrophy treatment
Although a leopard cannot change its spots, new research funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation uses the principles that govern patterns like leopard spots to understand biological processes at the nanoscale. The research, which combines physics, biology and theories first suggested by famed code breaker Alan Turing, increases knowledge of protein nanocluster formation and could enhance understanding
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WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The National Science Foundation issued the following news release:
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Leopard spots and protein nanoclusters: How pattern rules could advance muscular dystrophy treatment
Although a leopard cannot change its spots, new research funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation uses the principles that govern patterns like leopard spots to understand biological processes at the nanoscale. The research, which combines physics, biology and theories first suggested by famed code breaker Alan Turing, increases knowledge of protein nanocluster formation and could enhance understandingof the causes of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) and lead to possible treatments.
The project probes the formation of nanoclusters made of a protein called emerin, which plays a role in the structure and function of the membrane around a cell's nucleus. These clusters are extremely important in mechanotransduction, the process by which cells respond to mechanical forces like stretching or pressure. When mechanotransduction fails, it can lead to diseases like EDMD and other forms of muscular dystrophy. Understanding how emerin molecules form nanoclusters will aid in deciphering how the process can be disrupted and how disruptions can lead to disease.
While the way in which proteins come together has been studied for some time, the new research uses biophysical concepts to understand the biological processes. Specifically, the researchers used rules that control the formation of patterns proposed by Turing. Turing's work provided mathematical rules that govern the formation of nanoclusters, working at a vastly different scale than leopard spots or zebra stripes.
The research was led by Fabien Pinaud, associate professor of biological sciences and physics and astronomy at the University of Southern California Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and Christoph Haselwandter, professor of physics and astronomy and quantitative and computational biology at USC Dornsife.
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Original text here: https://www.nsf.gov/news/leopard-spots-protein-nanoclusters-how-pattern-rules-could
GSA, OMB, NASA, DoD Launch Revolutionary FAR Overhaul Website
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release on May 6, 2025:
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GSA, OMB, NASA, DoD Launch Revolutionary FAR Overhaul Website
WASHINGTON -- In a historic move to rein in government inefficiency and protect taxpayer dollars, President Trump launched the most significant update to federal purchasing rules in over four decades. Today, GSA is proud to publish the new Revolutionary FAR Overhaul Page at Acquisition.gov.
The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) will modernize the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the rulebook agencies follow when buying
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WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release on May 6, 2025:
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GSA, OMB, NASA, DoD Launch Revolutionary FAR Overhaul Website
WASHINGTON -- In a historic move to rein in government inefficiency and protect taxpayer dollars, President Trump launched the most significant update to federal purchasing rules in over four decades. Today, GSA is proud to publish the new Revolutionary FAR Overhaul Page at Acquisition.gov.
The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) will modernize the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the rulebook agencies follow when buyingeverything from software to military equipment.
This effort, directed under Executive Order, is being led by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) in partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as members of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Council.
"This RFO website release aligns with the Trump Administration's goal of transparency in the deregulation process," said OMB Senior Advisor Dr. Kevin Rhodes. "Stakeholders across industry and government alike will see how we are reducing bureaucracy to accelerate procurement, reduce costs, and increase competition."
The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul Initiative reflects a smart approach to government by eliminating unnecessary regulations, speeding up procurement, and enabling agencies to deliver better results with fewer resources. The overhaul will:
* Eliminate non-statutory and duplicative regulations.
* Remove DEI and wokeness.
* Remove burdensome requirements and adopt straightforward buyer guides.
"This is about permanent change in how the government partners with the private sector to accelerate innovation and promote competition," said GSA Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian. "We're cutting the outdated red tape and focusing on value for American taxpayers."
By focusing only on what's legally required--and trimming excess--this reform puts taxpayer value front and center.
Rolling Out Smarter, Simpler Rules
To support immediate progress, the FAR Council will issue streamlined versions of the FAR--to help agencies start buying smarter right away. These simplified rules will be published on the new FAR Overhaul Page at Acquisition.gov.
"This overhaul is a game-changer for industry," said FAS Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum. "By cutting red tape and making the rules clearer and more flexible, we're opening the door for more innovation and faster partnerships. GSA and our industry partners are excited for a competitive and responsive federal marketplace."
Better Buying Decisions, Better Outcomes
In addition to regulatory reform, the initiative includes the development of buying guides--practical, category-specific resources that help agencies make better purchasing decisions in areas like technology, infrastructure, and national defense. The first guide will focus on Software as a Service (SaaS), with more to follow.
"The Defense Department greatly appreciates this opportunity, in collaboration with our OMB, GSA, and NASA partners, to seize on this once-in-a-generation opportunity to meaningfully revamp the FAR," said DoD Principal Director John M. Tenaglia. " This Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, coupled with our overhaul of the DFARS, will significantly streamline business practices enabling DoD to timely deliver capabilities and lethality for our nation's warfighters. I'm incredibly proud of our team of professionals who will play an integral role in fulfilling President Trump's vision to restore common sense to federal procurement."
These resources are being built with feedback from the acquisition workforce and will evolve into interactive tools that deliver real-time guidance and insights.
Transparency and Accountability
The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul Initiative invites public input. Everyone will be able to track updates and offer feedback through Acquisition.gov, ensuring the process remains transparent and accountable. Feedback will help shape formal rule changes and ensure the final system works in practice--not just on paper.
"NASA looks forward to its work on the FAR Council to reduce regulations and implement the Trump Administration's vision of a common sense approach to formulate simpler, straightforward procurement guidance that will shorten cycle times, promote innovation and result in overall cost efficiency for the U.S. taxpayer," said NASA Senior Procurement Executive Karla Jackson.
For more information and ongoing updates, visit: acquisition.gov/far-overhaul.
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of over 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $110 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA's mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.
Contact
press@gsa.gov
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Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-omb-nasa-dod-launch-revolutionary-far-overhaul-website-05062025
Fannie Mae Publishes April 2025 National Housing Survey Results
WASHINGTON, May 7 (TNSrep) -- Fannie Mae issued the following news release:
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Fannie Mae Publishes April 2025 National Housing Survey Results
WASHINGTON, DC - Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) today published the results of its April 2025 National Housing Survey (r) (NHS), which includes the Home Purchase Sentiment Index (r) (HPSI), a measure of consumer sentiment toward housing. Month over month, the HPSI increased 1.1 points to 69.2. Year over year, the HPSI is down 2.7 points. For more information, access the latest data release (https://www.fanniemae.com/media/document/pdf/nhs-monthly-data-042025)
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WASHINGTON, May 7 (TNSrep) -- Fannie Mae issued the following news release:
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Fannie Mae Publishes April 2025 National Housing Survey Results
WASHINGTON, DC - Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) today published the results of its April 2025 National Housing Survey (r) (NHS), which includes the Home Purchase Sentiment Index (r) (HPSI), a measure of consumer sentiment toward housing. Month over month, the HPSI increased 1.1 points to 69.2. Year over year, the HPSI is down 2.7 points. For more information, access the latest data release (https://www.fanniemae.com/media/document/pdf/nhs-monthly-data-042025)or the key indicator data file (https://www.fanniemae.com/media/document/xlsx/nhs-monthly-indicator-data-042025).
About the ESR Group
Fannie Mae's Economic and Strategic Research Group, led by Chief Economist Mark Palim, studies current data, analyzes historical and emerging trends, and conducts surveys of consumer and mortgage lenders to inform forecasts and analyses on the economy, housing, and mortgage markets.
Follow Fannie Mae
fanniemae.com
Media Contact
Matthew Classick
202-752-3662
Fannie Mae Newsroom
https://www.fanniemae.com/news
Photo of Fannie Mae
https://www.fanniemae.com/resources/img/about-fm/fm-building.tif
Fannie Mae Resource Center
1-800-2FANNIE
Opinions, analyses, estimates, forecasts and other views of Fannie Mae's Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Group included in these materials should not be construed as indicating Fannie Mae's business prospects or expected results, are based on a number of assumptions, and are subject to change without notice. How this information affects Fannie Mae will depend on many factors. Although the ESR Group bases its opinions, analyses, estimates, forecasts and other views on information it considers reliable, it does not guarantee that the information provided in these materials is accurate, current or suitable for any particular purpose. Changes in the assumptions or the information underlying these views, including assumptions about the duration and magnitude of shutdowns and social distancing, could produce materially different results. The analyses, opinions, estimates, forecasts and other views published by the ESR Group represent the views of that group as of the date indicated and do not necessarily represent the views of Fannie Mae or its management.
TOPICS
* Fannie Mae Corporate
* Data and Insights
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Original text here: https://www.fanniemae.com/newsroom/fannie-mae-news/fannie-mae-publishes-april-2025-national-housing-survey-results
Amtrak Board of Directors to Hold Public Meeting
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak Board of Directors to Hold Public Meeting
Amtrak Board of Directors will hold a board meeting open to public viewing on Thursday, May 22, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. ET. To watch a livestream of the meeting, members of the public must register in advance. Note: In-person public attendance cannot be accommodated.
Expected topics during the public meeting will include reports from Amtrak Finance and Commercial divisions, a National Network strategy update, a Capital Project Delivery review, and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak Board of Directors to Hold Public Meeting
Amtrak Board of Directors will hold a board meeting open to public viewing on Thursday, May 22, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. ET. To watch a livestream of the meeting, members of the public must register in advance. Note: In-person public attendance cannot be accommodated.
Expected topics during the public meeting will include reports from Amtrak Finance and Commercial divisions, a National Network strategy update, a Capital Project Delivery review, andan update on NJ Service Area/Summer 2025 preparations.
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2025/05/amtrak-board-of-directors-to-hold-public-meeting-2/
