Emerging Tech
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.”
Defense
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.
Acquisition
Cloudflare to seek DOD IL4 authorization after new FedRAMP, GovRAMP designations
The connectivity cloud giant recently achieved FedRAMP High certification and GovRAMP Moderate authorization.
Acquisition
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.”
Acquisition
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.
Emerging Tech
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.
Artificial Intelligence
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.
People
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.”
Acquisition
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.
Cybersecurity
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.
Artificial Intelligence
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.
People
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.
Emerging Tech
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.
Cybersecurity
US officials see Iran cyber threat persisting despite preliminary deal
Officials’ views reflect a recurring concern that cyber operations would continue regardless of conflict status, even as the Trump administration pursues a diplomatic off-ramp with Tehran.
Defense
OpenAI’s ChatGPT to debut on GenAI.mil in ‘early July’
The company is working closely with the Pentagon’s Chief Digital Artificial Intelligence Office to deliver more model access via GenAI.mil.
Defense
US counterintelligence agency looks to AI to accelerate background checks
A Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency official says advanced AI can cut parts of the vetting process from months to hours.
Ideas
NSPM-12: The NSS cyber memo agencies cannot ignore
COMMENTARY | NSPM-12 dropped last week. Anyone who has spent serious time in federal cybersecurity should read it carefully.
Cybersecurity
Commercial location data is being used to target US servicemembers, lawmakers warn
U.S. Central Command said it “has received multiple threat reports concerning adversary exploitation of commercial location data to target or surveil U.S. personnel in theater.”
Cybersecurity
Trump says he and Xi discussed cyberattacks and spying between US, China
“They’re talking about the spying. Well, we do it too,” the president said. “We spy like hell on them too.”
Ideas