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
DOGE officials face Hatch Act referrals for work with org aiming to ‘overturn election results’
DOGE employees also shared Social Security data using the third-party server Cloudflare, and according to new court documents, SSA still doesn’t know what data was shared and if its still on Cloudflare.
People
CISA budget bill would require agency to maintain ‘sufficient’ staffing levels
The congressional justification diverges from steps taken last year to curb the agency’s workforce and election security footprint.
Modernization
Funding bill extends TMF and cyber measures through September
The authorization for the Technology Modernization Fund had lapsed in December, leaving its leadership unable to make new investments.
Digital Government
GSA’s star mark logo gets a makeover for nation’s 250th
It’s the first time the General Services Administration’s logo has been modified in more than 25 years.
Policy
Tech Bills of the Week: Civil rights offices for AI; Expanding veterans' education; and Curtailing ICE’s biometric use
A trio of new bills focus on the positives and negatives of emerging capabilities.
People
Katie Arrington departs DOD to rejoin private sector
CMMC's standard bearer is joining quantum computing company IonQ as its chief information officer.
Cybersecurity
Lawmaker worries NSF program loophole enables Chinese institutions to access US-backed computing resources
Chinese entities are able to access a stockpile of high-performance computing tools funded by the U.S. government, creating potential technology transfer risks, Rep. John Moolenaar said in a letter sent this week.
People
Trump officials consider skipping premier cyber conference after Biden-era cyber leader named CEO
Jen Easterly, who led the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency under Biden, was named CEO of RSAC Conference Thursday.
People
Trump’s Tech Force hiring effort extends application deadline
Ethical questions remain about how managers from the approximately 30 industry partners involved in the program will work for the government without triggering conflicts of interest.
Artificial Intelligence