Acquisition
VHA, Labor Department tap Salesforce for critical modernization efforts
Both efforts center around the company’s agentic technology offerings.
New contract for background investigations raises concerns about scale and risk
COMMENTARY | As the government expands continuous vetting and increases workload demands, questions are emerging about whether the acquisition approach can support the mission without delays or performance issues.
Judge blocks DOD's ban on Anthropic, calls it First Amendment retaliation
The court finds the Pentagon's supply chain risk designation was punishment for public criticism, not a legitimate security threat.
Microsoft takes Anthropic's side in DOD fight, warns it sets a new precedent
In a court briefing, Microsoft argues the Defense Department is using a national security policy designed for foreign adversaries against a U.S. company over a contract dispute.
INDOPACOM was all in on Anthropic. Now it’s working to adjust
The administration’s government-wide ban on the company’s AI tools has forced the command to work faster to be “model-neutral.”
State offloads Claude as underpinning model in flagship StateChat
The agency moved its chatbot to operate on OpenAI’s GPT 4.1, internal document shows.
GSA proposes sweeping changes to Multiple Award Schedule program, including new AI terms and conditions
Refresh 31 would make transactional data reporting mandatory and introduce new AI contract terms.
Anthropic sues over a dozen federal agencies and government leaders
The company asserts that the administration’s actions to designate Anthropic as a supply chain risk and order its removal from all federal agencies are retaliatory and not based on risk to national security.
Private sector, former military leaders urge Congress intervene in Pentagon-Anthropic dispute
Over 30 former military officers and individuals working in tech sent a letter to congressional leadership expressing concern over the Pentagon-Anthropic dispute and asking for lawmakers to take action to reign in executive power and set AI guardrails.
SBA boots 628 more companies from 8(a) program
Total termination actions now represent 18% of the small business contracting program as the Trump administration's crackdown continues.
Agencies begin to shed Anthropic contracts following Trump’s directive
Officials from the departments of Treasury, State and Health and Human Services confirmed they would be acting to comply with the White House mandate.
Air Force Research Lab seeks more national approach for innovation
Lab officials give a first glimpse at how they want to expand on a pilot program for turning dual-use technology into operational capability.
Featured eBooks
Contract reviews continue at OMB, official says
Deputy Director for Management Eric Ueland emphasized the need for CIOs to be empowered “at the beginning of conversations” for IT contracts.
FAA launches competition to modernize aging IT portfolio
The Federal Aviation Administration is using a challenge-based acquisition strategy that will require vendors to demonstrate, not just describe, their approach.
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.
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.
Agencies are prioritizing flexibility and cost savings in AI purchases, GSA official says
GSA’s acting Assistant Commissioner Lawrence Hale from the General Services Administration said early demand has been focused on AI tools that support everyday work and productivity.
GSA quietly rolls out CMMC-like cybersecurity framework for contractors
The General Services Administration's new requirements for protecting controlled unclassified information apply immediately to new contracts, at the contracting officer's discretion.
Salesforce signs $5.5B contract with the Army
The vehicle will be open to the entire Defense Department and broadens access to the company’s artificial intelligence, data and cloud technologies over the next 10 years.
Treasury cancels all Booz Allen contracts
The cancellations are tied to a former Booz Allen employee, who admitted two years ago to leaking President Trump's tax information and tax data on other wealthy individuals.
