Artificial Intelligence
Safe AI pathfinding is essential for government adoption, officials say
GSA's architecture lead for AI services said standardized evaluation helps users identify the right models for their needs.
Digital Government
Trump’s anti-fraud task force poised to scrutinize benefits programs
The new White House task force will withhold government funding for state and local benefits programs if their anti-fraud controls are viewed as lacking.
Defense
Annual intelligence assessment doesn’t address foreign threats to US elections
In a hearing to discuss the assessment, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also offered mixed signals about Iran’s nuclear capabilities, with her written testimony differing from spoken remarks.
Ideas
Consolidation in a complex and aging enterprise IT environment
COMMENTARY | If you don’t pursue IT consolidation now, it may be forced upon you.
Artificial Intelligence
GSA, NIST partner to craft evaluation standards for AI tools in federal operations
Through the Center for AI Standards and Innovation, both agencies will help streamline the process to develop standards for artificial intelligence tools being used in government workflows.
Modernization
Governments’ website accessibility deadline is fast approaching
It’s still unclear how the federal government will enforce the rule for larger jurisdictions under the Americans with Disabilities Act, while small jurisdictions have another year to comply.
Exclusive
Digital Government
Inside DOGE’s early days of pressure campaigns, rule breaking and ‘chaos’
Twenty-three hours of court testimony offer a rare glimpse into the Trump cost-cutting group that officials say “felt more like a club” than the agencies they were breaking.
Cybersecurity
CISA, FBI have engaged with Stryker staff after cyberattack, official says
Industry groups are seeing a “steady state” of Iran-linked hacking activity but observers should still keep their eyes peeled, CISA’s Nick Andersen said.
Modernization
Energy opens applications for $293 million in research funding
A new RFA invites scientific researchers to apply for federal funding to solve pressing scientific and technological challenges and advance the Genesis Mission.
Defense
Golden Dome’s projected cost just jumped $10 billion. Experts fear that’s just for starters.
Three prime contractors have been named to build the project's command and control layer.
Cybersecurity
National cyber director doesn’t envision industry doing offensive hacking
Sean Cairncross wants the private sector to use its technical prowess to inform U.S. government offensive and defensive decisions.
People
Counterterrorism center head resigns over Iran war
Joe Kent said Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation” and he could not support the ongoing war.
Defense
Army, Anduril enter into new $20B enterprise agreement
Much like with Palantir, the Army is entering into this pact with the idea of establishing pre-negotiated prices so it can buy goods and services on an as-needed basis.
Digital Government
When disaster strikes, census data can help show who is in harm’s way
The agency’s updated OnTheMap for Emergency Management tool shows how population and workforce data can support rapid response and recovery operations during hurricanes, floods, wildfires and other natural disasters.
Modernization
Congress reauthorized the Technology Modernization Fund through the fiscal year. Why that matters and what’s next
COMMENTARY | Acting TMF Executive Director Jessie Posilkin argues that reauthorizing the fund lets agencies modernize key systems, save taxpayer dollars and deliver faster, more reliable services to the public.
Digital Government
Senate Democrats push Social Security on employee reassignments to phone line
The agency is directing employees who normally process benefits to answer phone lines instead.
Policy
Tech bills of the week: Improved biological data for research; Section 702 reform; and more
Legislation introduced this week looks to shore up standardization for biological research data, reauthorize and reform FISA Section 702, and offer more transparency into AI’s use in Medicare Advantage plans.
People
Lawmakers seek watchdog probe into former acting CISA chief’s polygraph failures
A letter penned by House Democrats indicates CISA’s former acting director failed a second polygraph examination during his tenure.
Cybersecurity
Stryker hack could set stage for more pro-Iran cyber sabotage
A top lawmaker said his team is in touch with the company.
People