People
Senior Democrat wants to know who in the Trump White House got Top Secret clearance without a complete background check
Trump issued a memo providing temporary security clearances for certain personnel, arguing delays in their vetting were "unacceptable."
Modernization
DHS watchdog investigating TSA’s use of facial recognition
The review comes after a bipartisan group of senators previously called for the watchdog to look into TSA’s use of biometric tools “from both an authorities and privacy perspective.”
Emerging Tech
Navy ops centers need AI to sift through troves of intel data
As ships collect ever more sensor data, Navy information warfare officers have to figure out how to quickly process information without getting bogged down.
Digital Government
Federal tech grant recipients sweat future amid ongoing uncertainty
The federal Office of Management and Budget’s memo pausing grants caused massive uncertainty, including for technology efforts reliant on the money. Recipients say their work will continue, but be harder, without federal help.
Cybersecurity
CISA among DHS offices exempt from taking OPM’s deferred buyout offer
President Trump’s DHS chief said she wants to scale back the cybersecurity agency’s size and mission scope.
Artificial Intelligence
OpenAI brings its large language models to Energy’s national labs
As OpenAI expands access to its large language models to all national labs, scientists at nationals labs anticipate workloads that usually take decades to be reduced to “two or three” years.
People
Announcing the 2025 Federal 100
Meet the 100 people that made outstanding contributions to government last year.
Ideas
5 things government agencies must consider for a holistic approach to next generation digital transformation
A new administration may merit new approaches to digital transformation.
Policy
Where can GovCon find clarity in the Trump transition turbulence?
Contractors, their government customers, and pretty much everyone across the public sector ecosystem is trying their best. But here are some steps and action items that companies can follow.
Defense
Trump’s ‘Iron Dome for America’ plan would put weapons in space, at a big cost
It’s a Cold War concept for a mission whose threats and tools have long since changed.
Exclusive
People
As the Trump administration gathers names of recent hires, some are being asked to justify their jobs
New federal workers are the easiest to fire and the administration is gathering information on their names, backgrounds, roles and performance.
People
Trump’s FBI pick opposes warrant requirement for contested spying power
During his Senate confirmation hearing, Kash Patel said a warrant for Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act “is just not comported with the requirement to protect American citizenry.”
People
Gabbard’s past Snowden remarks raise concerns at DNI confirmation hearing
Senators also questioned Trump’s pick to be director of national intelligence over whether a controversial spying authority needed additional reforms in place.
People
Musk visits and asserts growing influence at GSA
Musk has former employees installed at the government’s HR shop, and several have appeared at its acquisition, tech and real estate agency as well.
Artificial Intelligence
How DeepSeek changed the future of AI—and what that means for national security
China’s breakthrough is an opportunity for American companies to build more efficient tools. That will also help the U.S. military.
People
Employee groups, Democrats, experts warn feds not to accept ‘deferred resignation’ offer
The lack of a legal underpinning for the purported eight-month severance package, and Elon Musk’s history of offering—and then revoking—severance payments have many federal workers wary of the measure.
Digital Government
Breakneck pace of executive orders and lagging, unclear guidance leave contractors guessing
The Professional Services Council president and CEO said that contractors may not know the criteria spending programs are being reviewed under or who’s doing them while they wait.
Emerging Tech
Trump’s Commerce pick backs light-touch regulation in emerging tech policy
Howard Lutnick voiced robust support for U.S. leadership in AI and quantum information sciences alongside a light touch regulatory approach.
People
Trump reportedly will offer buyouts to all 2 million federal workers
The White House’s plan to offer “deferred resignations” that pay departing federal employees their salary through Sept. 30 will likely run afoul of rules governing buyout payments.
Acquisition