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People
Court filing reveals which offices at 17 agencies the Trump administration had slated for layoffs
Some plans have changed, but the document shows new details on RIF plans.
Acquisition
Pentagon halts $15B Advana recompete draft solicitation
DOD was previously looking to bring in new vendors to support its Advana data-analytics platform through a potential 10-year, $15 billion Advancing Artificial Intelligence Multiple Award Contract.
Cybersecurity
Basic cybersecurity lapses are leaving US infrastructure exposed, top experts warn
To make U.S. networks more “toxic” to adversaries, “we need to have an ability for authentication to have some meaning,” former NSA director Gen. Paul Nakasone said.
Cybersecurity
Pentagon not impacted by Microsoft Sharepoint hack, tech chief says
The department has been holding daily calls with Microsoft since the zero-day was discovered, the DOD CIO said at an event Thursday.
Cybersecurity
Trump’s CISA nominee is confident he can get funding to cyber agency where needed
Sean Plankey, a former Energy Department cyber official, tussled with Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., over 2020 election security during his confirmation hearing. He also committed to the renewal of a key cyber information-sharing law before it soon expires.
Artificial Intelligence
Trump signs 3 executive orders to advance AI
The orders mirror tenets outlined in the administration’s National AI Action Plan released earlier that day.
Cybersecurity
DHS impacted in hack of Microsoft SharePoint products, people familiar say
The zero-day vulnerability — which was first disclosed late Saturday — has been exploited by several Chinese state-aligned groups, according to Microsoft.
Digital Government
SSA watchdog to audit agency’s performance metrics
Getting better data is essential to continued oversight, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., told reporters Wednesday.
Artificial Intelligence
White House unveils AI action plan targeting regulation and ‘ideological bias’
The Trump administration’s goal is to make the U.S. a pro-AI innovation economy, relying on less bureaucratic barriers and open-source models to help win the global tech race.
People
OMB wants to break down barriers for CIOs, White House official says
Republicans also included a line in their funding bill to reiterate that CIOs should be involved in agencies' tech budgets.
Cybersecurity
Chinese hackers are exploiting SharePoint vulnerabilities, Microsoft says
The bugs affecting on-premises builds of SharePoint deployments are officially being exploited by at least two major Chinese nation-state hacking units, the company said. Patches have been issued for all affected versions of SharePoint.
Artificial Intelligence
Resuming NVIDIA’s AI chip sales to China could weaken US leadership, lawmaker says
House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar, R-Mich., said Beijing-focused export controls should be designed to keep China’s military “from leapfrogging ahead with U.S. hardware.”
Cybersecurity
Operational tech is ‘underprioritized’ in cyberdefense, experts tell Congress
Witnesses' calls for better investment in securing such systems come just two months before a key cybersecurity information-sharing law is set to expire.
Ideas
Let’s ditch the government’s ‘tech for tech’s sake’ approach
COMMENTARY | Agency leaders need to consider key questions before rushing to adopt AI.
Acquisition
New OMB memo lays out GSA's plan to consolidate contracts
New rules that are coming will require agencies to use existing government-wide vehicles and best-in-class contracts before creating new ones.
People
VA launches a departmentwide 'review of its mission' as it seeks changes to its operations
Veterans Affairs is no longer planning mass layoffs, but major changes still expected.
People
New OPM head plans to cement focus on efficiency
Scott Kupor said he won’t be taking orders from DOGE, though he’s “happy to partner with people” that are helpful to his overall goals for the agency.
Artificial Intelligence
Trump to unveil 3 AI executive orders in lead-up to sweeping action plan
A deluge of executive actions on artificial intelligence are set to be released this week, each underscoring the pro-innovation, America-first Trump administration posture toward AI, people familiar say.
Digital Government
Lawmakers introduce bill to digitize government permitting
Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., called the paper-based permitting process “an archaic waste of time.”
People