Defense
Defense tech office cuts staff down to 40
The cuts to the Defense Technical Information Center are intended to refocus it on “its core statutory mission” according to a Pentagon spokesperson.
People
Thomas Shedd departs as Labor CIO
The longtime Tesla engineer appears to still be working at the General Services Administration, according to two employees, even as he leaves his post at the Labor Department.
Cybersecurity
Foreign adversaries are trying to weaponize open-source software, report finds
Hacking units affiliated with nation-state adversaries are subtly contributing to open-source software tools and working to insert backdoors into publicly available code used by millions worldwide, new research says.
Defense
The Army’s giant data deal with Palantir is a harbinger: service CIO
The 10-year, up-to-$10 billion deal is part of a larger effort to consolidate IT contracts and save money, Leonel Garciga told reporters.
People
Senate confirms Sean Cairncross to be national cyber director under Trump
Sean Cairncross, a former RNC official, is the first person to head the Office of the National Cyber Director under Donald Trump.
People
Trump nominates financial executive to be GSA administrator
The nominee, Ed Forst, is a longtime Goldman Sachs alum.
Artificial Intelligence
Senators call for robust security protocols over US-owned AI datacenters
As the Trump administration drafts its new AI export control regime, two senators wrote to the Secretaries of Commerce and State asking for officials to incentivize companies to keep their AI infrastructure within the U.S.
People
‘Processes, people and products’: Transportation’s CIO sets new vision for the agency
In a recent interview, DOT CIO Pavan Pidugu outlined his vision for the department, its early relationship with DOGE, reducing acquisition timelines and his advice for the government contracting industry.
Cybersecurity
Expiring cyber information-sharing law puts US maritime infrastructure at risk, experts warn
A congressional probe last year found Chinese‑made technology embedded in many U.S. ports, raising fears of espionage and sabotage.
Policy
Democrat asks agency watchdogs to tally the cost of DOGE
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is estimating that the efficiency project has racked up around $21.7 billion.
Cybersecurity
Government layoffs are making us less safe in cyberspace, experts fear
There’s been a mass exodus of government cyber expertise during the Trump administration.
Cybersecurity
Russian hackers target local internet to spy on embassies in Moscow, Microsoft says
The attack works by rerouting targeted diplomatic devices through a hoax captive portal modeled on the kind commonly used to grant internet access in hotels and airports.
Ideas
GSA’s procurement moves reaping major discounts for government
COMMENTARY | The agency is making use of the government’s buying power in ways it hasn’t since the early 1990s.
Acquisition
Docusign discounts prices on software across government until 2027
The discounts cover two key software lines for all federal agencies.
Digital Government
White House launches digital health initiative backed by leading tech firms
President Trump said the effort to create a more robust digital health ecosystem will give providers and patients more streamlined access to health information.
Digital Government
SSA to make planned ID checks for additional phone transactions ‘entirely optional’
In regulatory filings made earlier this month, SSA had estimated that the planned requirements would result in over three million field office visits.
People
Army rescinds West Point role for ex‑CISA director after pressure from Laura Loomer
Jen Easterly was one of the top cybersecurity officials that served in the Biden administration and is a West Point alumna.
Artificial Intelligence
White House tech director breaks down plan to balance AI national security and export promotion
White House OSTP Director Michael Kratsios said that the “highest end of semiconductors” should fall under export controls, but the administration still wants the world using U.S. technology.
People