People
VA grants researchers 90-day reprieve from layoffs, but their futures remain uncertain
A department spokesperson said the temporary extensions “will ensure continuity of all research efforts while VA conducts a comprehensive assessment of ongoing research initiatives to evaluate their impact on Veteran health care.”
Policy
GSA reverses lease terminations for some GAO offices doing national security work
The Atlanta, Huntsville and Norfolk offices have been removed from a termination list tied to a DOGE effort to reduce purported government spending waste on building leases.
Cybersecurity
Top House cyber lawmaker to press DHS on key infrastructure group’s shutdown
Industry representatives say the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council has been a valuable information-sharing tool. It was disbanded last week under an order from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Artificial Intelligence
OpenAI anticipates rapid data center scaling thanks to Trump
OpenAI Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil said the company’s AI offerings will benefit from the Trump administration’s tech policy and industry infrastructure projects.
People
Trump taps Sean Plankey to head CISA
Plankey served at the Energy Department and National Security Council during Trump’s first term.
People
Lawsuit outlines how DOGE pushed for access to Social Security systems and data
Democracy Forward and unions are asking courts to block DOGE’s access to the troves of personal data held at the agency.
Acquisition
Pentagon aims to accelerate acquisition of new tech through software-contracting change
Buyers must default to rapid-acquisition processes long used by DIU, SecDef memo orders.
Digital Government
DHS releases new mobile app pushing migrants to self-deport
The Trump administration’s new Customs and Border Protection app replaces a version that allowed migrants to schedule asylum appointments at U.S. ports of entry.
People
Agency guidance on ‘five accomplishments’ email still inconsistent
Bureaus inside DHS are still reviewing past submissions from staff and have instructed their workers to hold off on sending more updates.
Cybersecurity
OPM watchdog to investigate IT risks tied to DOGE’s agency access
The agency’s deputy inspector general began “an engagement to assess risks associated with new and modified information systems at OPM,” a letter to lawmakers says.
Defense
‘5 bullet points’ email now a weekly task for Pentagon civilians
A short explanation of recent achievements is due every Tuesday, SecDef says in additional guidance.
Exclusive
People
Energy CIO departs after short tenure
Ryan Riedel, formerly of SpaceX, served in the role for less than two months.
Cybersecurity
Civil liberties groups urge spy chief to declassify parts of contested surveillance program
Tulsi Gabbard’s views on the Section 702 program have run atypical to those of past spy chiefs, but it’s not clear what declassification authorities she immediately has.
People
GSA continues slow drip of RIFs, nearly wiping out entire offices
More cuts are coming. Staff in the Technology Transformation Services were told Thursday that their team will be cut by 50%.
Ideas
The beating heart of small business: An ominous threat grows louder
Small businesses are suffering under contract cuts driven by the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency, writes Lisa Shea Mundt of the Pulse of GovCon.
Modernization
VA plans to deploy new EHR at 13 medical facilities in 2026
The department said it will be adding nine sites to its 2026 deployment schedule, although it added that it will announce the specific facilities later this year.
Policy
Republicans eye full-year CR, while Democrats look to use shutdown fight to stop Trump's firings
Lawmakers have until March 14 to avert a shutdown as some bipartisan talks continue.
Digital Government
Trump administration moves to politicize top HR officials following firing at IRS
Guidance from the Office of Personnel Management justified the decision by citing chief human capital officers’ role in implementing Biden-era diversity policies.
Digital Government
GSA preps code for shutdown of text service for government benefits
Though the agency did not confirm whether a Notify.gov shutdown was in the works, the agency’s Github repository shows code for an “end of life” banner for the service.
People