Announcing the 2026 Federal 100
Announcing the 2026 Federal 100
These 100 people made exceptional contributions to the government IT ecosystem last year.
Cybersecurity
CISA to furlough most of its workforce under impending DHS shutdown
The shutdown would also slow ongoing revamps of a major cyber incident reporting rule that was signed into law in 2022, acting director Madhu Gottumukkala said this week.
Digital Government
Senators demand to know the IRS’ path forward following the end of Direct File
The IRS ended the online, direct-to-government filing program last fall and is doubling down on the free tax filing options it offers through tax prep companies in a partnership called Free File.
Modernization
VA takes initial steps to create a centralized database of veteran research info, official says
The department has created an internal working group to look at “developing a singular database where we can capture veteran enrollment data in real time,” according to Liza Catucci, VA’s acting director of health systems research.
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Policy
FBI gathered intelligence on reporters, religious orgs using ‘assessment’ authority, watchdog report says
The bureau also undercounts analysts’ non-compliance with assessment policies because it relies on self-reporting and infrequent audits, the sensitive GAO review adds.
Emerging Tech
When every second counts: government tech helps first responders’ lifesaving missions
For first responders facing unpredictable moments, tech that helps them safely navigate dangerous environments is critical.
Acquisition
Oracle books $88M Air Force Cloud One contract
This award follows a $581 million contract with Amazon Web Services as the Air Force continues to build out its multi-cloud infrastructure.
Artificial Intelligence
CMS built a waitlist for its AI chatbot — and that drove momentum — official says
The approach helped the agency get more targeted insights from those familiar with the emerging capabilities.
Policy
Senators to revive reform effort for controversial spying law
The proposed changes to Section 702 of FISA would mandate warrants for searches of U.S. person communications and revisit a 2024 provision that critics say widened the government’s surveillance reach.
Ideas
FPDS looks old and clunky but that only masks its power
With the Federal Procurement Data System set for decommissioning this month, market research guru Lisa Shea Mundt makes the case that we’ll miss FPDS and not just because we’ll feel nostalgic.
Sponsor Content
Zero Trust Architecture Starts with Modern ICAM
Building a Zero Trust Architecture starts with understanding the need for modern ICAM.
People
CISA’s acting chief says 70 staff were reassigned to other DHS offices in last year
The cyberdefense agency in turn received some 30 employees from other DHS components, while a “handful” of CISA staffers were transferred to ICE, Madhu Gottumukkala told lawmakers.
People
Dem lawmakers propose 4.1% raise for feds in 2027
The annual reintroduction of the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act aims to set a baseline for negotiations around federal employee compensation for the coming year.
Policy
White House will hold meeting to discuss renewal of controversial spying power
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is set to expire this spring unless renewed by lawmakers.
Digital Government
Trump’s nutrition website directs users to Elon Musk’s Grok
The inclusion of Elon Musk’s chatbot in the government website follows backlash over the chatbot creating millions of sexualized images of women and children.
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Ideas
Navigating FedRAMP 20x and the continuous compliance imperative
COMMENTARY | FedRAMP 20x is a great step forward, but there is still work to be done.
People
Gabbard’s expanded role in election security draws scrutiny
Since the start of the year, the White House chief of staff and DHS secretary have met multiple times to discuss election security, and DNI Tulsi Gabbard has been present in at least one of those meetings, according to a U.S. official.
Acquisition
CIA announces new acquisition framework to speed tech adoption
DARPA alum Efstathia Fragogiannis joined the agency as its new procurement chief in November and will be spearheading the effort, according to a CIA official.
People
Gabbard’s office denies wrongdoing amid scrutiny over whistleblower complaint
ODNI said she acted within her authority in response to reports describing an NSA-intercepted phone call tied to the case.
Policy
Tech bills of the week: Restricting biometric use; expanding the quantum workforce; and more
Congress avoided a second mini-shutdown and saw a return-to-normal influx of new tech bills.
Artificial Intelligence
VA’s latest AI inventory includes new suicide, EHR-focused use cases
Seventy-two of the AI use cases previously included in the department’s 2024 inventory were listed as retired, meaning that their “development and/or use has since been discontinued.”
