Cybersecurity
IBM contract for overseas cyber assistance canned amid USAID shutdown
The foreign aid agency — a prime target of President Donald Trump’s agenda to eliminate perceived government waste — declared cybersecurity an economic development issue in 2021.
Breaking News
Acquisition
Trump administration asks agencies to cull consultants
A memo dated Wednesday asks agencies to review their contracts with 10 of the “highest paid” companies.
Digital Government
DOGE employee had “read-only access” to two Federal Student Aid systems, Education Department says
In a response to a letter from Democrat senators, an Education official said the DOGE employee’s access to the FSA systems “has since been revoked.”
Cybersecurity
US spy chief directs legal review of UK’s Apple backdoor demand
Tulsi Gabbard called the order, which demands Apple permit the United Kingdom backdoor access into global users’ iCloud backups, a “clear and egregious” violation of Americans’ privacy.
Cybersecurity
Democrats open investigation into DOGE access to national security information
Multiple media reports have indicated DOGE has accessed classified or highly sensitive data across the government.
People
Agencies to deliver large-scale RIF plans in two weeks
The Trump administration is directing federal agencies to move swiftly to lay off broad swaths of their workforces.
Emerging Tech
AWS unveils its quantum chip prototype, Ocelot
The company joins the ranks of IBM, Google and Microsoft in launching an early stage chip designed to further quantum computing needs.
Breaking News
People
Top Social Security deputies leave amid rumored staff cuts
At least five of the eight regional heads have decided to leave as the mid-level worker-turned-acting commissioner is said to mull workforce reduction.
Digital Government
Trump DOGE order directs agencies to build tech to track government spending
The executive order directs agencies to build centralized tech systems to “record every payment” issued under grants and contracts.
Cybersecurity
DOJ watchdog to review FBI data retrieval uses under contested spying authority
The audit came from Congress as part of a law that reauthorized Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
People
Karen Evans named top cyber official at CISA
Most recently listed as a senior advisor in the agency’s cybersecurity division, Evans has held multiple roles in government cybersecurity and IT.
People
Veterans Affairs loses cybersecurity migration project lead after DOGE layoffs
Another project co-lead is among the 21 legacy USDS staffers who chose to leave civil service this week rather than work with DOGE.
People
Social Security shutters its civil rights and transformation offices
Among the people affected are those managing the agency’s website, a front door to services for Americans online.
Emerging Tech
OSTP director nominee promises to center ‘American leadership’ in emerging tech work
Trump’s pick to lead the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Michael Kratsios, identified innovating in AI and quantum as two of his major priorities.
People
Veterans Affairs axes another 1,400 probationary employees
The agency has now laid off 2,400 employees since Feb. 13.
People
21 legacy USDS staffers resign rather than work for DOGE
The employees cited the compromise of core government systems, significant security risks and their re-interview experiences in their rationale for leaving the team.
People
OPM procurement processing fully halted following agency layoffs, internal email says
Sweeping terminations in OPM’s Office of Procurement Operations have fully halted agency contracting business and are likely to increase OPM’s operational risks, an internal email reads.
People
Top Oversight Dem demands OPM rescind CIO reclassification
Rep. Gerry Connolly, the ranking member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, also sought a briefing from the agency regarding its plans to reclassify IT personnel.
People
GSA takes ‘sledgehammer’ to workforce with planned layoffs
The agency’s acting administrator informed employees Monday that a reduction in force effort was impending.
Modernization