Ideas
Stop automating inefficiency and scale AI the right way
COMMENTARY | Four operational realities that agencies must address before AI can deliver mission impact at scale.
Artificial Intelligence
Agencies look to AI to improve hiring and build workforce skills
The chief human capital officers also emphasized the importance of improving the skillset of the mid-career workforce.
Emerging Tech
OMB issues instructions for agency migration to quantum-proof encryption
Agencies are expected to undertake two actions in service of enhanced security: execute a phased migration of cryptographic systems to prepare for quantum computing risk; and submit a PQC migration plan to OMB.
Cybersecurity
The hidden market turning home internet connections into cover for hackers
Researchers traced millions of household IP addresses through residential proxy networks, calling the illicit use of those connections the “blood diamonds of the digital age.”
People
ODNI deputy director pushed out amid Pulte cuts
An estimated 15 to 20 individuals who were assigned to the Mission Integration directorate from other intelligence community components are believed to have returned to their respective agencies.
Defense
DOD quantum strategy ‘a first step’ in preparing for the future, CIO says
Pentagon Chief Information Officer Kirsten Davies said the department’s new post-quantum cryptography strategy is only one component of ensuring its operations “are robust and ready in an increasingly unpredictable world.”
People
Sean Gallagher selected as NASA CIO
Having served as acting chief information officer since January, Gallagher’s permanent appointment is “effective immediately,” the agency said.
Emerging Tech
Senator plans to propose quantum initiative reauthorization as part of NDAA
Both the House and Senate are currently considering versions of the bill that would reauthorize and expand upon efforts to invest in U.S. quantum development.
People
Pulte’s early ODNI cuts include dozens sent back to home agencies
Senate Intelligence Chairman Tom Cotton said the acting director of national intelligence told him about 45 to 50 career officers are being returned to their home agencies, while a smaller number of front-office personnel are leaving federal service.
Exclusive
Policy
Top House cyber lawmaker plans to introduce DHS overhaul bill by next year
In an interview, Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., also said she plans to ask officials about how export control measures would affect government agencies’ access to advanced AI models.
Artificial Intelligence
Parts of NSA lose Mythos 5 access amid Anthropic supply chain dispute
The access issue comes as the Five Eyes alliance is warning that frontier AI could soon accelerate both cyberattacks and cyber defense.
Emerging Tech
Energy unveils plan to create scientifically-relevant quantum computer
The Energy Department aims to bring a fault-tolerant quantum computer to life via the new Quantum Genesis mission, with a focus on benefitting scientific research.
Ideas
More data, less clarity: Why federal research oversight needs to change
COMMENTARY | Most federal research oversight still follows a familiar model.
Acquisition
FAA awards software and AI contract as part of air traffic control modernization
The agency’s contract with Air Space Intelligence includes deployment of a system that it says will serve as “the new technological backbone” of a modernized Air Traffic Control System Command Center.
Modernization
NASA names 2,100 winners for SEWP VI
The $60 billion government-wide IT program expands the scope of what agencies can buy and how they can buy as the vehicle's proposed transition to the General Services Administration looms.
Emerging Tech
Trump signs 2 orders to prepare the US for a quantum future
The long-awaited executive actions aim to protect current infrastructure from a fault-tolerant quantum computer while accelerating U.S. scientific research with quantum technology capabilities.
Acquisition
Revolutionary FAR Overhaul moves to formal rulemaking with first batch of proposed rules
Four proposed rules covering 13 Federal Acquisition Regulation parts are to be published Tuesday. Small business rules and others are on the way.
People
Lawmakers warn acting DNI against using role for major workforce shakeups
Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., and Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., cited concerns about reported ODNI staff cuts while Bill Pulte temporarily leads the intelligence community.
Artificial Intelligence
Meet Mona, the AI Who Runs a Stockholm Coffee Shop
From the outside, Andon Cafe looks like any other coffee shop.
Exclusive
Emerging Tech