Emerging Tech
New Mexico unveils quantum telecom network
State officials have been positioning New Mexico as a leader in quantum sciences and technologies through private sector help and federal partnerships.
Acquisition
GSA, Perplexity ink first direct-to-government OneGov deal
Under a new agreement, federal agencies can access Perplexity Enterprise Pro for Government through a direct contract on the General Services Administration’s Multiple-Award Schedule.
Policy
Trump administration resumes funding for inspectors general hub after previously blocking it
OMB’s move to restore CIGIE funding until Jan. 30 comes as the president has already fired or replaced more than 20 agency inspectors general.
Cybersecurity
Senators expect 10-year extension of cyber data-sharing law in future budget package
The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 got a temporary reprieve after the government reopened this month, but it risks lapsing again at the end of January.
Cybersecurity
House votes to reup cyber grant program
Lawmakers approved a measure to reauthorize the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program for 10 years. It now moves to the Senate.
Digital Government
Satisfaction with government services rises, despite recent layoffs and turmoil
The Trump administration has touted some service delivery projects and launched a design initiative, but it has also fired and pushed out thousands of civil servants.
Cybersecurity
National cyber strategy coming ‘as quickly as possible,’ official says
“It’s going to be a short statement of intent and policy, and then it will be paired very quickly with action items and deliverables under that,” National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross explained.
People
Trump administration’s FAA chief clears normal operations in the skies post-shutdown
The FAA’s safety team recommended ending the restrictions following the end of the 43-day government shutdown.
People
Latest FEMA acting administrator steps down, with no permanent chief tapped by Trump
Current agency chief of staff Karen Evans will become the Trump administration's third acting head of the emergency management agency on Dec. 1.
People
Virginia lawmakers glad National Science Foundation headquarters to remain in state
The General Services Administration announcement about NSF's new building did not address when the Housing and Urban Development Department would move into the science agency's current headquarters.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers signal support for using AI to prevent veteran suicides in FY26 VA funding bill reports
“There is a significant need to improve early suicide indicators and detection using artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies that improve operational efficiency and effectiveness throughout veteran service delivery,” according to a House Appropriations panel report.
Ideas
The overlooked risk in government health IT modernization: protecting the legal medical record
COMMENTARY | Modernization, interoperability and AI will shape the future of government healthcare IT. But ambition must be matched with responsibility.
Modernization
How government leaders can balance the pros and cons of data center development
Policy and partnerships with tech companies can give state and local leaders a lever to ensure data centers are developed responsibly and sustainable, experts said during a recent webinar.
Modernization
One-stop shopping for counter-drone gear is aim of joint task force
The Army-led effort is also working on policy for buying and deploying C-UAS systems stateside.
Modernization
Government spending package includes money for House modernization efforts
Funding earmarked for the House of Representatives’ Modernization Initiatives Account can be used to accelerate the development of innovative constituent-focused tools.
Emerging Tech
Learning to fly: how Reentry simulates NASA’s most daring missions
A digital and fun way to walk in the footsteps of early NASA heroes.
Cybersecurity
Dem lawmakers renew calls for release of delayed telecom security report
In a letter to DHS and ODNI, Sens. Ron Wyden of Oregon and Mark Warner of Virginia said the release of a 2022 report detailing cyber vulnerabilities in the U.S. telecommunications sector is “critically important to U.S. national security.”
Digital Government
DHS expanding citizenship system for voter verification, despite concerns about potential disenfranchisement
Twenty-six states are in line to use a revamped DHS system to check their voter rolls for non-citizens, although the network has raised concerns about privacy and accuracy — including if it could kick eligible voters off the rolls.
People
Trump admin says feds should get at least most backpay by Nov. 19
GSA and OPM workers will be the first to see the first month’s work of pay—belayed by the 43-day government shutdown—with what the White House is calling a “super check” that should be delivered on Saturday.
Artificial Intelligence