CBO systems accessed in ‘security incident’ possibly tied to foreign hackers
CBO systems accessed in ‘security incident’ possibly tied to foreign hackers
Emerging Tech
NASA wants you to help kick some tires — on the moon
The Rock and Roll with NASA Challenge offers $155,000 in prizes for top designs that can handle the punishing surface of the moon.
Digital Government
IRS returns to relying on tax prep companies for free filing options without Direct File
A new report from the tax agency that was requested by congressional Republicans said that dropping Direct File “is in the best interests of American taxpayers and the IRS.”
Acquisition
Contractors quantify shutdown damage as stoppages spread across missions
The Professional Services Council’s new shutdown tracker details program stoppages from Head Start to missile defense, naming contracts and counting affected workers.
Sponsor Content
Government AI hits a data roadblock but synthetic data could be the fix
When federal researchers tried to build an AI model to detect fraud in disability claims, they ran into a roadblock: they couldn’t use real claimant data. The workaround wasn’t a weaker model — it was synthetic data, an approach designed to mirror real-world information without exposing sensitive details.
Modernization
Experts see promise, risk in Pentagon’s draft acquisition reforms
A draft memo is circulating ahead of SecDef Hegseth’s Friday speech.
People
DHS says shutdown layoffs at CISA will proceed despite court injunction
The cybersecurity agency says it has complied with the court’s order because the firing of 54 people in its Stakeholder Engagement Division was planned beforehand and doesn’t affect unionized employees.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers propose requiring agencies, major firms to report AI’s job impact
A new bill from Sens. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., and Josh Hawley, R-Mo., would direct covered entities to provide quarterly reports to the Labor Department detailing layoffs and workforce displacements caused by uses of AI.
Policy
‘We’re closer to the end': Lawmakers signal some progress in bipartisan talks to end shutdown
The funding lapse is set to reach record levels but senators in both parties voice mild hope of progress.
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Digital Government
Direct File won’t happen in 2026, IRS tells states
The free service that allowed taxpayers to file online directly with the IRS was used by hundreds of thousands of taxpayers in 2024 and 2025, who gave it high marks — although tax prep companies and Republicans have sought its end.
Emerging Tech
Energy allocates $625M for national labs’ quantum research
Funding for research centers at five national laboratories is intended to support U.S. advancements in quantum information sciences and technology.
Sponsor Content
Rethinking security as a driver of efficiency
Federal agencies are turning security into a modernization driver—leveraging FedRAMP, zero trust, and data resilience to advance mission success.
People
Threats against public servants increased over 35 times what they were a decade ago, according to new research
Threats and violence against public servants hurt the ability of the government to deliver, say the groups behind a new map showing threats against public sector employees.
People
A leadership vacuum and staff cuts threaten NSA morale, operational strength
The signals intelligence giant has halted recruitment for its Legal Honors Program, two people familiar say, slowing inflow of top legal talent. Other long-term capabilities are at risk.
People
OPM to pursue ‘mass deferment’ of deadlines for CyberCorps students
The extensions would occur once the government shutdown ends, the government’s personnel agency said. An exact deferment length was not given.
Policy
DHS proposes biometrics expansion for immigrants, dropping age restrictions and requiring biometrics from some US citizens
A new DHS regulatory proposal would allow CBP and ICE to collect biometrics from children under the age of 14.
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Policy
House Republican questions government stake in tech companies
Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick disputed the Trump administration’s approach to investing in the private sector while aligning with its broader low-regulatory regime.
Ideas
The hidden debt slowing America’s AI future
Government modernization must be driven by a single goal: eliminating the readiness debt.
Acquisition
Contractors fear retaliation if they try to recover shutdown costs
Legal rights do exist for companies to recoup their losses, but attorneys say fears of Trump administration reprisal loom over industry.
Emerging Tech
D-Wave makes its quantum annealers available for national security work
Quantum computing company D-Wave has installed one of its quantum annealers alongside Davidson Technologies for federal customers to access.
People
Employees are receiving renewed furlough notices as shutdown enters second month, this time without back pay guarantees
The shutdown is heading into November, sparking new, altered furlough notices to 650,000 employees.
Cybersecurity
FCC to vote on reversing telecom security rulemakings next month
The initial measures proposed at the end of the Biden administration came in response to the Salt Typhoon telecom hacks carried out by China.
