Artificial Intelligence
National Weather Service’s AI translation project lacks long-term plan, watchdog says
A new report from the Government Accountability Office warned that the weather agency “has not developed a long-term plan for the AI translation project because of current uncertainty on how the project will fit into broader NWS efforts.”
Acquisition
Salesforce signs $5.5B contract with the Army
The vehicle will be open to the entire Defense Department and broadens access to the company’s artificial intelligence, data and cloud technologies over the next 10 years.
Cybersecurity
OMB reverses Biden-era software attestation order
A new executive branch memorandum instead allows agencies to lean on software bills of materials, or SBOMs, in lieu of a universal attestation framework.
Acquisition
Treasury cancels all Booz Allen contracts
The cancellations are tied to a former Booz Allen employee, who admitted two years ago to leaking President Trump's tax information and tax data on other wealthy individuals.
People
Man fatally shot by Border Patrol agents was a federal employee at VA
The intensive care unit nurse was 37. His death could have widespread implications for federal operations.
Cybersecurity
CISA to cease participation at RSAC conference after Biden-era cyber leader named CEO
The decision, which has been in motion over the last week, highlights the Trump administration’s push to strictly control how current officials participate in industry events linked to former senior leaders now under White House scrutiny.
Modernization
VA watchdog lists EHR modernization as a major management challenge
VA’s Office of Inspector General said “there remain 32 OIG recommendations that are not fully implemented” as the department moves to resume deployments of its new EHR system in April.
Policy
Tech Bills of the Week: Expanding AI education via NSF; Commerce public awareness campaign; and more
With the Senate out, House lawmakers were busy introducing — and advancing — AI legislation.
Emerging Tech
Getting quantum tech from research to commercialization requires partnership, federal experts say
Federal experts working in quantum information sciences and technology mapped out commercialization paths for quantum technologies, specifically quantum computing, at a Thursday hearing.
Acquisition
SBA suspends 1,000 8(a) contractors for missing data submission deadline
These companies now have until Feb. 19 to submit financial records, but their reinstatement remains uncertain.
Digital Government
Agriculture’s failure to force SNAP card upgrades is causing $555M in lost benefits, watchdog says
The Trump administration’s imperative to combat fraud has largely focused on recipients scamming the system, rather than becoming victims of fraudsters themselves.
Digital Government
Biometrics are now a ‘bedrock’ of traveler identification, CBP official says
Federal agencies are increasingly relying on facial recognition to verify the identities of U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, with Customs and Border Protection poised to expand use of its Mobile Passport Control app so travelers can help streamline the verification process.
Artificial Intelligence
Trump policies are helping ensure the US leads in global AI revolution, White House economic advisers argue
A new report from the White House Council of Economic Advisers highlights several metrics that could forecast AI’s impact on the economy, and advocates for President Donald Trump’s AI policy stances as important to American success.
Acquisition
GSA wants answers from resellers about markups and equipment maker relationships
A new sources sought notice includes a set of questions about pricing and services, plus explanations on the fees charged by value-added resellers.
Acquisition
Pentagon launches wide 8(a) review, targeting billions in awards
Secretary Pete Hegseth said only contracts that can pass a "lethality" test will survive.
Cybersecurity
Democrats press CISA’s acting chief over major staffing cuts
Madhu Gottumukkala also faced questions about a reported failed polygraph exam and attempts to reassign the agency’s chief information officer.
Ideas
Long before TikTok, the clock Was ticking on standards for foreign-owned apps
COMMENTARY | If the U.S. lacks consistent standards for protecting user data, other nations can develop algorithms and technologies that advance their own interests.
Acquisition
GSA reaches latest OneGov agreement with Broadcom
“By partnering directly with Broadcom, we’re expanding access to commercial-grade AI and cybersecurity capabilities — while reducing cost and complexity for agencies,” Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum said in a statement.
People
Michael Lynch becomes GSA deputy administrator again
Lynch previously held the deputy administrator’s responsibilities from March to July 2025 under then-GSA acting administrator Stephen Ehikian.
Digital Government