Policy
FBI to move headquarters into Reagan Building, seemingly resolving decades-long fight
Officials did not immediately respond to questions about the timeline for the move or if it would displace the Reagan Building’s current tenants.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
DHS plans to shed most of its intel office workforce
The Office of Intelligence and Analysis plans to reduce hundreds of its staff, per people with knowledge of recent plans communicated to employees. It’s faced scrutiny over past domestic surveillance abuses.
Digital Government
VA is overlooking accessibility requirements when procuring IT, watchdog says
VA’s Office of Inspector General said the agency “did not establish a control environment that makes accessibility a priority” when it acquires new systems.
Artificial Intelligence
Senate overwhelmingly passes amendment removing state AI moratorium
After attempting to negotiate a shorter moratorium timeframe, a bipartisan team of senators succeeded in striking the provision that would have prevented states from enforcing AI regulations from the Big Beautiful Bill.
Digital Government
Portal of federal employment metrics to get a facelift, OPM announces
The announcement comes months after the removal of race and ethnicity data from the statistics about federal employees.
Exclusive
Artificial Intelligence
Senate Democrats want more information on SSA’s use of AI on its phone lines
A new letter sent to the SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano follows Nextgov/FCW reporting that an anti-fraud check installed on the agency’s phone lines found very little likely fraud.
People
Senate panel advances Trump’s national cyber director nominee
Sean Cairncross now faces a vote in the full Senate. He was widely expected to advance out of committee.
Cybersecurity
US unveils multiple operations to shutter North Korean IT worker schemes
At least one U.S. government contractor was hoovered up by the illicit worker operations, a senior FBI official said. The fraud has cost victims millions of dollars.
Defense
Secure comms with allies is hard. The Pentagon wants to change that
The department is working on an effort to streamline a complex set of classified networks they use with allies and partners.
Cybersecurity
Iran-backed hackers may target US defense companies tied to Israel, agencies warn
“Despite a declared ceasefire and ongoing negotiations towards a permanent solution, Iranian-affiliated cyber actors and hacktivist groups may still conduct malicious cyber activity,” a government advisory says.
Digital Government
Mass layoffs likely to remain blocked, for now, thanks to a Supreme Court footnote
The Trump administration is cheering a SCOTUS ruling and its impact on the federal workforce, but attorneys on a key reduction-in-force case say its impact on feds is currently limited.
Acquisition
GSA adds third set of companies to consulting contract review
The General Services Administration is asking six “traditional strategy consulting firms” for much of the same information it has previously asked of other companies: a breakdown of their federal businesses and ideas for savings.
People
Cyber Command executive director departs for expected role in private sector
Morgan Adamski’s place as the top civilian lead in the combatant command will be filled by NSA official Patrick Ware, amid vast leadership changes at the nation’s top hacking unit.
Digital Government
SSA head wants to beef up agency tech as it sheds thousands of staff
Some experts are skeptical that technology can make up for staffing losses in critical parts of the agency.
Artificial Intelligence
AI companies see openings to improve federal, defense operations
Executives at OpenAI and Anthropic have both championed artificial intelligence as the future of government workflows.
Defense
Fresh evidence shows Iran’s nuclear program was ‘severely damaged,’ CIA director says
The claim follows reports of a DIA assessment that had determined the program was set back by only a few months.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
Former Biden cyber chief defends Cyber Trust Mark in the face of FCC review
Anne Neuberger told Nextgov/FCW the Cyber Trust Mark, as it stands, is the most effective path to labeling secure devices and reducing reliance on insecure tech from China.
People
State Dept. further prepares for mass layoffs even as court block remains
A judge specified last month that State, like most major agencies, cannot yet move forward with RIFs.
People
HUD to move into the National Science Foundation headquarters, no current plan on where to relocate NSF employees
The Department of Housing and Urban Development had previously announced its intention to sell its current headquarters, which requires more than $500 million in maintenance repairs.
People