Defense
Trump signs veterans benefits order calling for improved data sharing
The order instructs the departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense to conduct a broad review of information technology-related contracts to ensure greater interoperability.
The quantum security deadline just got harder to ignore
COMMENTARY | Quantum security is a national defense priority, not a future planning exercise.
Exclusive
Pentagon cyber strategy expected as soon as next week, sources say
Officials have previewed a blueprint emphasizing offensive operations, AI adoption and closer industry ties as the military reorganizes its cyber forces.
Dozens of current, former officials see at least a 10% chance humans lose control of AI
Nearly half of respondents in the survey released Wednesday serve or have served in the Defense Department, an agency locked in fierce discourse over military use of AI systems.
The US military gets its own ChatGPT today
After months of security testing, Pentagon adds an OpenAI product to the list of AI tools approved for unclassified work.
Judge rules Anthropic supply chain risk designation was ‘illegal and baseless’
A Northern California judge found that the AI company’s products did not represent a meaningful threat to national security, making the Pentagon’s designation “unlawful retaliation.”
Updated
Intelligence agency employee pleads guilty to trying to share classified info with foreign government
Nathan Vilas Laatsch was allegedly disgruntled by the Trump administration and willing to share sensitive data with the foreign country. The FBI set up a dead drop operation to intercept the classified materials.
White House space transportation policy calls for integration with air traffic control modernization
The guidance directs the Transportation Department and other agencies to “implement a plan to integrate space launch and reentry management into airspace and traffic control modernization efforts.”
Counties and cities sue over counterterrorism grant rule changes
The four local governments said the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to tie the grants to election security measures were unconstitutional, as states run elections, not the feds.
Cloudflare to seek DOD IL4 authorization after new FedRAMP, GovRAMP designations
The connectivity cloud giant recently achieved FedRAMP High certification and GovRAMP Moderate authorization.
Contractor alleges Army inappropriately used AI to make $450M contract award
An industry lawyer anticipates more bid protests will likely allege that agencies misused AI in the procurement process but that could be hard to prove if agencies don’t report their use of AI as “high-impact.”
Pentagon awards Oracle up to $7B in software consolidation deal
The agreement merges Oracle's product and licensing services into one contract, which the Defense Department estimates will result in at least $441 million in savings.
Naval Postgraduate School launches AI supercomputer in first for military
The Monterey, Calif-based naval command will use the powerful Nvidia DGX GB300 AI supercomputer to train students in how and when to employ such technologies.
US AI labs are emerging target for foreign spies, experts warn Congress
Former officials told the House Intelligence Committee that U.S. agencies have not kept pace with China’s push to obtain advanced American AI technology.
Pentagon closes cyber apprenticeship applications early after receiving over 15,000
A Pentagon official told Nextgov/FCW that the agency is “rolling out additional apprenticeship positions over the next few weeks.”
DOD suspends CMMC Phase 2, launches 60-day ‘reform’ review
Citing prohibitive costs for small and mid-size contractors, the Defense Department will keep Phase I self-assessments in place while a new task force studies the cyber and supply chain security program's future.
Pentagon opens applications for cyber apprenticeship program
DOD Chief Information Officer Kirsten Davies said last month that the apprenticeship had “already generated more than 70,000 inquiries” since it was first announced in late April.
GenAI.mil records almost 1.7M users, plans new model additions
“It's just a really exciting time for generative AI in the department,” the Pentagon’s chief artificial intelligence officer said.
Pentagon launches ‘War Force’ initiative to onboard tech talent
The new recruitment effort was started in partnership with the Office of Personnel Management and operates under that agency’s larger Tech Force program.
Senator plans to propose quantum initiative reauthorization as part of NDAA
Both the House and Senate are currently considering versions of the bill that would reauthorize and expand upon efforts to invest in U.S. quantum development.
