Acquisition
Vendors struggle to navigate the Anthropic ban’s fallout
Tech contractors say ambiguity in how Anthropic’s products are able to be used by companies working with the federal government is leaving “traps” they may unknowingly fall into.
Acquisition
Judge blocks DOD's ban on Anthropic, calls it First Amendment retaliation
The court finds the Pentagon's supply chain risk designation was punishment for public criticism, not a legitimate security threat.
Artificial Intelligence
The real danger of military AI isn’t killer robots; it’s worse human judgement
As Pentagon rushes to deploy LLM-based tools, research suggests they can undermine human thought and communication.
Ideas
The Pentagon’s ‘woke AI’ problem
Commentary | From a political bias perspective, eliminating Claude from the federal toolkit removes a model that has made significant strides toward the neutrality ideal pushed by the administration.
Defense
Annual intelligence assessment doesn’t address foreign threats to US elections
In a hearing to discuss the assessment, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also offered mixed signals about Iran’s nuclear capabilities, with her written testimony differing from spoken remarks.
Defense
Army, Anduril enter into new $20B enterprise agreement
Much like with Palantir, the Army is entering into this pact with the idea of establishing pre-negotiated prices so it can buy goods and services on an as-needed basis.
Acquisition
Microsoft takes Anthropic's side in DOD fight, warns it sets a new precedent
In a court briefing, Microsoft argues the Defense Department is using a national security policy designed for foreign adversaries against a U.S. company over a contract dispute.
Artificial Intelligence
Senator eyes updating NDAA with AI use guidance
Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., said he and fellow lawmakers are discussing updating the National Defense Authorization Act with a framework for how artificial intelligence systems should be used in military operations.
Acquisition
Anthropic sues over a dozen federal agencies and government leaders
The company asserts that the administration’s actions to designate Anthropic as a supply chain risk and order its removal from all federal agencies are retaliatory and not based on risk to national security.
Acquisition
Private sector, former military leaders urge Congress intervene in Pentagon-Anthropic dispute
Over 30 former military officers and individuals working in tech sent a letter to congressional leadership expressing concern over the Pentagon-Anthropic dispute and asking for lawmakers to take action to reign in executive power and set AI guardrails.
People
DOD names James “Aaron” Bishop to serve as CISO
Bishop previously served as CISO for the Air Force and as the CISO and VP at Science Applications International Corporation before that.
Exclusive
People
Trump’s CISA nominee said he left Coast Guard to address GOP hold
Sean Plankey confirmed the intent to Nextgov/FCW and said he’s “prepared to lead the nation’s cyber defense agency to protect the federal civilian networks and our nation’s critical infrastructure from physical and cyber attacks.”
Artificial Intelligence
House amendment responding to Pentagon-Anthropic conflict fails committee vote
Lawmakers split over an amendment to the Defense Production Act from Rep. Sam Liccardo, D-Calif., that would have prohibited the government from blacklisting firms opposed to their tech being used in certain situations.
Defense
Defense tech enters a new era: the case of Anthropic and the DOD
This dispute is likely to continue reverberating throughout the defense technology and policy worlds.
Acquisition
Agencies begin to shed Anthropic contracts following Trump’s directive
Officials from the departments of Treasury, State and Health and Human Services confirmed they would be acting to comply with the White House mandate.
Cybersecurity
How Cyber Command contributed to Operation Epic Fury against Iran
The digital combatant command was among the “first movers” in the operation against Iran, Joint Chiefs Chair Dan Caine said.
Artificial Intelligence
What rights do AI companies have in government contracts?
It depends on the acquisition pathway, the contract type and the contract terms.
Cybersecurity
Fake DOD memo about ‘compromised’ apps shows swift spread of deceptive messaging
The message, widely circulated as the U.S. bombed Iran, shows how quickly unverified information can reach troops.
Digital Government
Washington promises UFO disclosure. History suggests otherwise.
Disclosure may not reveal alien visitors, but it will reveal something equally important: how science, measurement and skepticism slowly turn mystery into understanding.
Ideas