Modernization
EHR restart was ‘phenomenal’ despite persistent challenges at initial sites, VA secretary says
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins told lawmakers the department has rectified issues with its electronic health record modernization project moving forward and is “going to go back” and address problems at its initial deployment sites.
Emerging Tech
Commerce commits to funding incentives with 9 companies to spur quantum development
The letters of intent provide over $2 billion in funding from the CHIPS and Science Act to spur research and development in fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Breaking News
Artificial Intelligence
White House postpones signing of AI executive order
The order is expected to establish a voluntary framework for the government to view AI models ahead of release.
Acquisition
GSA inks latest OneGov agreement with Snowflake
Under the deal, federal agencies will potentially be eligible “for higher-tier discounts of up to 50% reduced consumption cost on compute, as overall usage increases.”
Policy
Export-Import Bank set to consider framework backing US AI exports
The proposal would use federal export financing tools to support sales of American AI systems abroad, as the Trump administration weighs broader debates over advanced chip sales.
Acquisition
OneGov’s discounted deals are ‘a first step’ to longer-term contracts, officials say
The General Services Administration has asked some companies to re-up their temporary price cuts while it continues to talk with them about becoming direct contractors on its Multiple Award Schedule.
Digital Government
DOGE is about making government services easier to access, its head says
In a rare public speaking appearance in which DOGE was discussed, its acting administrator Amy Gleason painted a different vision of its work than that pursued during the government-slashing efforts last year.
Cybersecurity
Draft executive order would set deadlines for digital signature and key quantum encryption
The developing order on post-quantum cryptography sets rigid deadlines for quantum-resistant cryptography updates, underscoring that contractors need to migrate to certain standards by 2030.
Cybersecurity
House Homeland Dems request CISA briefing amid report of leaked agency credentials
Independent journalist Brian Krebs reported Monday that researchers found a publicly accessible GitHub repository connected to a government contractor that exposed CISA data.
Artificial Intelligence
Anticipated executive order could give NSA a role in voluntary AI model testing
The order, which is expected this week, comes as the Trump administration grapples with the national security implications of advanced cyber-focused AI models like Anthropic’s Mythos.
Artificial Intelligence
Virtualitics targets public sector customers with OpenAI partnership
Virtualitics is the latest company to partner with a frontier AI firm to enhance its existing software suite.
Artificial Intelligence
USDA is using AI — but doesn’t have required controls to manage risks, watchdog finds
The Agriculture inspector general noted the agency has prioritized making use of the technology over setting up controls.
Cybersecurity
Telecom firms form new cyber information-sharing group
AT&T, Verizon, Comcast and others are among members of the C2 ISAC that aims to boost cybersecurity of the telecommunications sector, a prime target for foreign hackers.
Cybersecurity
Microsoft disrupts cybercrime service offering malware disguised as legitimate software
The downstream impact of that service’s operations “has resulted in attacks against a broad range of industry sectors” in the U.S. and other nations, the company said.
Artificial Intelligence
Advanced AI models bring government to ‘reflection point,’ CIA official says
New technologies may bring risk and opportunity for the federal government, cyber experts explained.
Ideas
Federal agencies are rushing into AI without cleaning house first
COMMENTARY | The agencies that prepare their digital house first will get the productivity gains.
Digital Government
Senators ask watchdog to probe IRS Free File program
The IRS is relying on the Free File partnership with tax prep companies to offer most Americans a free way to file online after cancelling Direct File, a government-run alternative.
Digital Government
Advocates pledge action to restore digital equity grants
One year after President Donald Trump rescinded the funds, various groups and lawmakers have kicked off a month of action to push for their restoration.
People
HHS to start Schedule P/C conversions while withholding details on new RIFs
Hundreds of GS-15s are being converted to the controversial job classification that strips civil service protections.
Artificial Intelligence