Cybersecurity
Defense authorization bill includes billions for cyber, intelligence matters
The NDAA notably deviates partly from President Donald Trump’s national security strategy, which seeks some distance between the U.S. and Europe. It also makes a sweeping regulatory harmonization demand.
Modernization
Technology Modernization Fund reauthorization not included in NDAA
The revolving fund — set up in 2017 to back government modernization projects — will expire at the end of this week without congressional action.
Artificial Intelligence
HHS releases AI strategy, united by new OneHHS approach
The Department of Health and Human Services has set up a plan for AI implementation across the agency that relies on five pillars of effort.
Policy
House Homeland leaders seek briefings from Apple, Google on ICE-tracking apps
Republican lawmakers say crowdsourced tools that flag immigration enforcement activity may endanger federal personnel and disrupt operations.
Cybersecurity
Trump’s national security strategy wants spy agencies to watch world supply chains
The paper puts much of its emphasis on the Western Hemisphere, while pushing for closer cyber collaboration with both regional partners and the private sector.
Defense
Hegseth broke rules, DODIG concludes, even though he said Yemen strike details were ‘safe to declassify’
Inspector general’s Signalgate report arrives two months after SecDef alleged the office had been “weaponized.”
People
Feds will probably have to work on Christmas Eve, but a holiday miracle would not be unprecedented
Because Christmas falls on a Thursday this year, President Donald Trump may give government workers Dec. 26 off rather than Christmas Eve.
Digital Government
Trump signs law requiring the IRS to clean up adjustment notices
Lawmakers hope that clearer notices when the IRS makes simple math or clerical fixes on tax returns should cut down on headaches for taxpayers.
Acquisition
Peraton wins air traffic control system overhaul contract
The Transportation Department is pushing hard for the new system to go online in 2028, with a price tag for modernization that could reach $31.5 billion.
Artificial Intelligence
AI’s impact on US workforce receives renewed legislative scrutiny
Two recently introduced measures look to prepare the U.S. labor market for AI’s broad adoption by studying its consequences and supporting workforce training and education initiatives.
People
DHS, cyber industry mobilize to get CISA director nominee confirmed
“It’s a national security risk to not have him,” said a current U.S. official.
Modernization
Technology Modernization Fund nears expiration, despite bipartisan backing
Some lawmakers are pushing for the modernization fund to be included in the must-pass annual defense bill before it expires next week.
Cybersecurity
China is using advanced ‘Brickstorm’ malware against government and IT orgs, US assesses
The malware was detected in the recently disclosed breach of F5, an application delivery and security provider.
Acquisition
Palo Alto Networks offers discounted cybersecurity solutions to agencies through OneGov deal
Federal agencies can access discounts of as much as 60% for select security offerings as part of the agreement.
Policy
Bill prioritizing American customers for AI chips not expected to make it into final NDAA, sources say
With the defense authorization bill being finalized this week, the chips-centric GAIN AI Act lost steam, according to sources familiar with the proceedings, but an amendment prohibiting U.S. investment in Chinese technology is expected to be included.
Acquisition
Microsoft makes Copilot available to secure cloud customers
The General Services Administration previously reached an agreement with Microsoft to offer its services to agencies at discounted rates. The latest announcement makes Copilot available to government customers in GCC-High.
Ideas
Three Years to Rebuild the Internet or Lose the AI Race
COMMENTARY | The nation that builds Cloud 2.0 first will shape the innovation economy for decades.
Acquisition
PSC’s Vision Forecast sees tight budgets, high uncertainty through the next decade
The trade association's annual forecast lands at a time of unprecedented change and disruption in the market, with civilian agencies facing the most budget pressures.
Cybersecurity
CISA tells staff to not speak with reporters, internal email shows
“CISA does not comment on leaked internal emails, especially when they’re about leaking internal emails,” CISA Director of Public Affairs Marci McCarthy told Nextgov/FCW when asked for comment.
Artificial Intelligence