Ideas
NDAA: Massive expansion of commercial solutions openings and other key takeaways for defense contractors
COMMENTARY | The past year brought major changes for defense acquisition.
Cybersecurity
UL Solutions withdraws as lead admin for FCC cyber label program amid probe into China ties
It’s not immediately clear who would administer the program, which was launched under Biden to help designate cyber-secure consumer electronic devices.
People
Fed 100 deadline extended to Jan. 14, 2026
There is still time to get nominations in for the people that went above and beyond in federal IT this past year.
Ideas
Microsegmentation: the unsung hero of cybersecurity (and why it should be your top priority)
COMMENTARY | We need to stop treating microsegmentation like an optional upgrade.
People
Report: Federal statistical system needs help to meet its ‘basic mission’ in the face of upheaval
Statistical agencies have lost scores of staff under the Trump administration, threatening their ability to meet their mission, according to a new report from the American Statistical Association.
Cybersecurity
Cyber experts pinpoint what to look out for in 2026
Expect significant innovations in AI-driven cyber tools and a closer convergence between cybersecurity and geopolitics, they said.
Modernization
Inside the Transportation Department’s technology transformation
The agency took a step in its digital transformation journey in September by striking a deal with Google, through the General Services Administration’s OneGov program.
Artificial Intelligence
2026 is set to be the year of agentic AI, industry predicts
Leaders from major technology companies said their clients are asking for more specific agentic AI solutions, and cloud computing and data transformation will pave the way.
People
Ed Forst sworn in as GSA administrator
Forst was sworn in on Christmas Eve in Florida while on jury duty.
Modernization
VA readies to restart EHR deployments in 2026, despite lingering lawmaker unease
VA and Oracle Health say the modernization project’s operational pause has allowed them to enhance the new software’s usability and effectiveness.
Ideas
When data defense becomes national defense
COMMENTARY | The next frontier of defense is not in the skies or at sea; it is in the cloud, in our data centers and in the invisible flows of information that keep our societies running.
Defense
Now you can train for the next drone war on simulated Ukrainian front lines
A newly-released, public version of the drone simulator used to train thousands of Ukrainian military pilots offers a terrifyingly accurate glimpse into modern warfare.
Digital Government
SSA phone wait times longer than publicly reported metrics, per OIG report
The agency’s “average speed of answer” metric masks longer call wait times, according to data in a recent OIG report.
Cybersecurity
Senate adjourns without confirming CISA director
Sean Plankey’s nomination faltered as lawmakers ran out the clock after a tumultuous year of workforce reductions. The cyberdefense agency enters the new year without a permanent leader as the White House finalizes a sweeping national cyber strategy.
Ideas
Three moves that can jumpstart cyber modernization — even wthout a full budget
COMMENTARY | You don’t need a billion-dollar overhaul to modernize cybersecurity. Lou Eichenbaum shares three quick wins and three long-term priorities that agencies can act on, even with limited budgets.
Digital Government
Agriculture focuses on SNAP fraud, while experts worry EBT theft will go unabated
“The most damaging form of fraud in SNAP is fraud where the low-income recipients are the victims, not the perpetrators,” a senior analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities argues.
Ideas
The cyberwarfare landscape is changing — here’s how to prepare
COMMENTARY | Entering 2026, cyberattack targets and tactics are poised to shift from perpetuating fraud and theft to societal disruption.
People
GSA backs off planned layoffs within its technology team after court order
The Technology Transformation Services has lost 67% of its staff since Jan. 25.
People
Senate confirms Ethan Klein to be fifth US CTO
In a sweeping nominee package, Klein was confirmed alongside Kirsten Davies to be DOD CIO and Pedro Allende to be DHS Undersecretary for Science and Technology.
Artificial Intelligence