White House launches AI-powered ‘America.gov’ digital front door
White House launches AI-powered ‘America.gov’ digital front door
Acquisition
Google extends Gemini OneGov deal into November
All three OneGov partnerships that were set to expire at the end of September are continuing under either an extension or a new agreement.
Artificial Intelligence
SBA’s AI fraud detection pilot didn’t include needed safeguards, OIG says
The federal agency that supports the growth of U.S. small businesses has been using Palantir software to identify fraud in disbursed pandemic assistance loans.
Policy
Agencies withheld records needed to verify DOGE data safeguards, GAO says
A review of six agencies could not establish the full extent of DOGE’s system access or whether security rules were followed. Two agencies challenged the watchdog’s authority to investigate.
Sponsor Content
One Citizen Record, Many Federal Missions
Discover how inaccurate address data can fuel fraud, disrupt federal services, and create costly downstream risks across government operations.
Cybersecurity
FBI warns ShinyHunters members to come forward after alleged leader’s arrest
“You know how to find us, and we know how to find you,” said Brett Leatherman, assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “I suggest you reach out first while the choice is still yours.”
Defense
Hegseth orders cyber, intelligence agencies to prioritize election defense
The directive comes as the administration has dismantled or reorganized offices that tracked foreign influence and reduced civilian election security support.
Digital Government
CMS eyes new technologies to reduce improper payments and fraud
Technology could reduce documentation-related improper payments and detect fraud in real-time, an agency official said.
Emerging Tech
Commercialization of fusion energy will ‘change everything,’ lawmaker says
Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., told Nextgov/FCW that the U.S. is only “two to 10 years away from fusion energy at scale” because “you can model the plasma using AI, which you couldn’t do before.”
Cybersecurity
ShinyHunters says it won’t publish FBI data
The group’s new statement — which called the incident a “marketing campaign" — follows reports that the stolen material includes medical records and details about employees working in sensitive intelligence roles.
Acquisition
Lawmaker warns intelligence contractors' Trump ballroom donations may be scrutinized
Rep. Jim Himes, the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, wants to examine whether contributions were tied to federal contracts or access to administration officials.
Sponsor Content
Navigating the Pause: The Increased Impact of CMMC Self-Assessments
Navigate CMMC Phase 2 changes, NIST controls, and False Claims Act risks with a practical roadmap for audit-ready compliance
Digital Government
SSA’s lead had set a goal of 200M online accounts this year — experts say that might prove challenging
The Trump administration recently achieved 105 million online accounts, and lawyers are increasingly encouraging clients to make them as more services go digital.
Acquisition
Anthropic loses legal fight to shed DOD's designation as a 'supply-chain risk'
The label is more typically assigned to companies suspected of ties to adversarial governments.
Policy
Tech bills of the week: Creating an AI-focused agency; Reviewing AI-assisted cyber attacks; and more
Lawmakers introduced a deluge of AI-focused measures this week in response to growing concerns about the capabilities of advanced models and to President Donald Trump’s pushback against new measures.
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Cybersecurity
OpenAI agents accessed Census, SEC data and tried to hack Education website
The disclosure follows warnings from former officials in August that government systems could face unintended intrusions by autonomous AI agents.
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People
Former Army soldier sentenced to nearly 6 years for telecom hacking, extortion
Cameron Wagenius stole sensitive phone records while on active duty and sought to sell information to a foreign intelligence service, prosecutors said.
Exclusive
Artificial Intelligence
OpenAI CEO exhorts ‘critical’ government AI adoption in DC
Agencies will have access to a 50% consumption-based discount on ChatGPT models starting on Oct. 1.
Emerging Tech
Maryland governor touts new quantum partnership with venture capital firm
The partnership is part of Maryland’s effort to attract $1 billion in public and private quantum spending by 2030.
Cybersecurity
Senators propose voluntary telecom security framework after Salt Typhoon hacks
The bipartisan bill would establish cybersecurity best practices and independent certification, following the FCC’s rollback of safeguards adopted in response to the Chinese hacking campaign.
Acquisition
GSA claims it found $1.2B in suspected COVID-related contracting fraud
The agency previously said it found $13 billion in suspected procurement-related fraud and is investigating other sources of potential fraud.
Cybersecurity
CISA pledges election security support after cuts weakened ties with states
A new plan emphasizes threat sharing and coordination ahead of the midterms, but does not explain how those commitments fit with proposed cuts to dedicated election security funding.
