Ideas
Transforming federal IT: best practices for driving software innovation
Software development is accelerating.
Policy
NSF cancels over 400 grants covering disinformation, deepfakes and STEM education
Some $328 million worth of research grants to institutions was canned amid a broader restructuring of the National Science Foundation. Disinformation research and empowerment of underprivileged people in STEM fields were prime targets.
People
OPM proposes rule to formally revive Schedule F
The federal government’s dedicated HR agency estimates that 50,000 federal workers will be stripped of their civil service protections and become at-will employees.
Emerging Tech
Celebrating Citizen Science Month with new government-sponsored projects
NASA is contributing to the One Million Acts of Science event, which seeks to encourage people to participate in various scientific projects and rack up one million individual contributions by the end of the month.
People
CISA officials who led Secure by Design initiative resign
Bob Lord and Lauren Zabierek are the latest to depart the cyber agency, as DOGE-fueled cuts and broader Trump reduction plans have placed it in the crosshairs.
Policy
US urging allies to cease talks with Chinese satellite industry
Internal talking points also give State Department officials guidance on how to respond to allies’ concerns about SpaceX’s Starlink.
Policy
NSF begins terminating select grant funding
Research projects that are deemed to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion or that aim to combat mis- and disinformation will no longer receive funding from the National Science Foundation.
Digital Government
DOGE is building a ‘master database’ of sensitive information, top Oversight Democrat says
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., is calling on the Social Security Administration’s watchdog to investigate whistleblower claims that the efficiency team is compiling potentially sensitive data across several government agencies.
Breaking News
People
White House extends federal hiring freeze until July for most
The Trump administration’s halt on federal civilian hiring, which was supposed to be lifted Monday, will be extended through July, per a memo released late Thursday.
Cybersecurity
CISA warns threat hunting staff of end to Google, Censys contracts as agency cuts set in
“We understand the importance of these tools in our operations and are actively exploring alternative tools to ensure minimal disruption,” said the email sent to several hundred CISA cyber threat hunters.
Artificial Intelligence
SSA is rolling out a new chatbot for employees
The agency has said that it intends to use technology and AI to make up for workforce cuts.
Artificial Intelligence
House Dems demand DOGE ‘immediately terminate’ unauthorized AI use
Nearly 50 House lawmakers signed a letter to OMB asking for greater transparency into how the Trump administration has leveraged artificial intelligence systems.
Artificial Intelligence
Report: Veteran suicide prevention increasingly looks to use AI, digital capabilities
A report published by the RAND Corporation found that 17% of active veteran suicide prevention programs are already using AI, with 37% of proposed programs planning to do so.
Ideas
The president’s procurement order offers a real opportunity. Let’s not squander it
COMMENTARY | Real change in government procurement can happen, but it’s going to require learning from lessons of the past.
Cybersecurity
Chinese telcos provide backbone for US allies’ mobile traffic, raising espionage concerns
A report from iVerify and other researchers found that mobile networks in countries like Japan, South Korea and New Zealand route telecom traffic through Chinese state-backed infrastructure.
Cybersecurity
Former cyber official Chris Krebs to leave SentinelOne in bid to fight Trump pressure
“For those who know me, you know I don’t shy away from tough fights. But I also know this is one I need to take on fully — outside of SentinelOne,” Krebs said.
Digital Government
Trump ‘anti-fraud’ memo could allow SSA to stop paying some Americans’ earned benefits
The document’s publication comes just days after reports that DOGE operatives overruled career workers to falsely label thousands of immigrants as dead.
Digital Government
State-level DOGE work gathers speed
Oklahoma’s new government efficiency unit issued a report on what it has found to cut, while Iowa’s first-in-the-nation effort held its inaugural meeting. But experts say efficiency isn’t just about cutting spending.
Digital Government
Trump builds on Biden efforts to modernize permitting technology
While many praised the effort as common-sense, workforce cuts across government, as well as the administration’s deregulatory efforts, have raised questions about implementation.
Acquisition