Artificial Intelligence
Draft bill from Ted Cruz would establish a federal AI sandbox in OSTP
The federal regulatory artificial intelligence sandbox program would be set up within the Office of Science and Technology Policy, offering waivers from existing rules.
Cybersecurity
White House cyber office calls for ‘whole of nation’ effort to deter nation-state hackers
Newly-confirmed ONCD director Sean Cairncross wants to work with the private sector to develop a toolkit for stopping foreign hackers and boosting U.S. cyberdefenses.
Exclusive
Acquisition
GSA launches FAS Office of Centralized Acquisition Services
The office will be headed by longtime GSA executive Tom Meiron.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
Suspected Chinese operation aims to recruit former feds with job postings, research shows
Researchers at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies uncovered a network of likely fraudulent China-linked websites operating as far back as 2021. One has very recently tried to recruit former federal workers and policy experts.
People
OPM implements years-in-the-making update to federal hiring process
The "rule of many" aims to give federal hiring managers more information and choices as they evaluate job candidates.
Acquisition
Perplexity announces new government-focused services
The AI company said its new “Perplexity for Government” initiative will automatically identify federal networks to provide tailored search and security services.
Cybersecurity
FEMA begins security overhauls following cyber incident and employee firings
The agency recently blocked users from accessing multiple websites and made password changes to an internet security tool in efforts to shore up its cyber posture, people familiar say.
People
SSA announces leadership team light on government experience
The agency’s new leadership roster — announced alongside a reorganization plan sources say is short on details — is intended to bring a fresh perspective into SSA, its commissioner said. Critics argue they lack the expertise usually required of most agency leaders.
Ideas
The federal government’s data protection depends on resilience — not just cybersecurity
COMMENTARY | An increasingly AI-driven threat landscape demands a resilience-first mindset across federal agencies.
Artificial Intelligence
Agencies and industry announce efforts to further Presidential AI Challenge
The Trump administration is angling to leverage private sector partnerships and an all-hands agency approach to establish a robust U.S. AI workforce and education platform.
Policy
HHS promises 'an active enforcement stance' against health data blocking
The department said it plans to hold providers and IT developers accountable for limiting the use and exchange of electronic health information.
Modernization
Change Healthcare attack delayed EHR testing at Chicago site, VA watchdog says
A joint VA-DOD rollout of a new Oracle Health electronic health record system occurred around the same time that UnitedHealth Group subsidiary Change Healthcare was targeted by a ransomware attack in February 2024.
Artificial Intelligence
Psychology experts call for AI age controls and chatbot tailoring
Experts testified before Congress about their concerns with artificial intelligence’s presence in mental health practices, particularly among adolescents and children.
Emerging Tech
US risks losing space dominance to China without NASA support, experts say
Continuing the space agency’s programs “is a matter of national security,” Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said during a congressional hearing.
People
Ehikian takes tech industry post at C3 AI following GSA departure
The General Services Administration's former No. 2 official is now CEO of C3 AI, an artificial intelligence firm pushing to make inroads in the federal market.
People
OPM tech lead Greg Hogan leaves post
The personnel agency’s handling of sensitive agency data — and who can access it — has been at the center of many lawsuits since the start of Trump 2.0.
Acquisition
FAA starts the bidding for new air traffic control system contract
The eventual winner will have three-and-a-half years to implement the new system.
Cybersecurity
House panel advances bill to extend bedrock cyber info-sharing law
Some Republicans want to ensure there’s language that would prevent the nation’s core cyberdefense agency from engaging in alleged “censorship” of Americans’ free speech.
People
GSA deputy Stephen Ehikian to depart post
Ehikian — who, until recently, served as GSA’s acting administrator — is the latest day one Trump appointee to leave the government.
Acquisition