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New NIST Initiative Aims to Promote Secure, Interoperable Agentic AI Systems
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Artificial intelligence. NIST launched the AI Agent Standards Initiative

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Center for AI Standards and Innovation has introduced a new initiative to ensure the interoperable and secure adoption of artificial intelligence agents, or systems capable of autonomous decision-making.

NIST said Tuesday that the AI Agent Standards Initiative aims to strengthen U.S. dominance in AI.

New NIST Initiative Aims to Promote Secure, Interoperable Agentic AI Systems

The Potomac Officers Club will host multiple panel discussions on federal AI, including how to integrate the technology into legacy systems and establish a security foundation for a mission-ready AI, at the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 18. Learn directly from top government and industry officials about new strategies and use cases. Attendees will also get the opportunity to network and forge new partnerships. Get your tickets today.

What Is the AI Agent Standards Initiative?

Under the initiative, CAISI will work with NIST’s Information Technology Laboratory, the National Science Foundation and other federal partners to advance three priorities:

  • Promoting industry-led AI agent standards and U.S. leadership in international standards bodies
  • Supporting community-driven open-source protocol development for AI agents
  • Advancing research on AI agent security and identity

NIST plans to issue research, guidance and additional deliverables as part of the initiative in the coming months. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide input through CAISI’s request for information on security threats, technical safeguards and assessment methods tied to agentic AI. Responses to the RFI are due March 9. Interested parties may also submit their input through the ITL’s concept paper on AI agent identity and authorization until April 2.

What Security Risks Are Associated With Agentic AI?

The Information Technology Industry Council previously raised concerns about vulnerabilities tied to agentic AI.

In a paper published in November, ITI identified jagged intelligence as a key risk, noting that highly capable models can fail unpredictably at basic tasks, potentially causing cascading errors in automated workflows. Agentic systems are also susceptible to prompt injection, data poisoning and unauthorized tool access, which could allow malicious actors to manipulate automated agents.

ITI is urging policymakers to adopt risk-based, context-specific governance approaches, strengthen transparency and data protections, and encourage industry-led standards to support secure and responsible deployment of agentic AI.

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CISA Urges OpenEoX Adoption for EOS Device Tracking
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CISA logo. CISA recommended adopting the OpenEoX standard to identify end-of-support edge devices.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has recommended adopting OpenEoX, an international standard that defines how end-of-support product lifecycle information is shared across the hardware and software industries.

CISA said Friday that OpenEoX could help organizations better identify unsupported technologies that remain embedded in enterprise networks and critical infrastructure environments.

The guidance follows CISA’s recent issuance of Binding Operational Directive 26-02, which requires federal civilian agencies to inventory and replace end-of-support edge devices.

CISA Urges OpenEoX Adoption for EOS Device Tracking

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21 will bring together government and industry leaders to discuss federal cybersecurity priorities, emerging threats and implementation challenges. Register now.

Why Is CISA Focused on End-of-Support Edge Devices?

CISA said the presence of unsupported edge hardware and software allows threat actors to exploit systems that no longer receive vendor updates. The agency warned that nation-state adversaries have increasingly used these devices to gain access, maintain persistence and compromise sensitive data.

What Is OpenEoX and How Does It Work?

OpenEoX is an OASIS OPEN international standard that provides a machine-readable JSON schema for exchanging product lifecycle information. It is designed to integrate with existing vulnerability management standards, including software bills of materials and the Common Security Advisory Framework.

What Benefits Does OpenEoX Provide?

CISA said OpenEoX allows technology producers to standardize and automate how they communicate end-of-support milestones, reducing manual processes and improving transparency for customers.

For organizations managing IT and operational technology environments, the standard enables faster identification of products approaching or past end-of-support, allowing risks to be addressed earlier.

CISA said broader adoption of OpenEoX will require coordinated action across the vulnerability management ecosystem and urged both producers and consumers to incorporate the standard into their processes.

For producers, CISA recommended publicly publishing OpenEoX documents for products without barriers, such as customer portals or paywalls, and integrating OpenEoX into vulnerability-scanning and asset-management tools to automate lifecycle tracking.

For consumers, the agency advised incorporating OpenEoX data into vulnerability management workflows to support proactive replacement of end-of-support devices, timely patching of vulnerabilities, and software and hardware updates. CISA also urged organizations to encourage suppliers and partners to adopt OpenEoX as part of broader efforts to reduce ecosystem risk.

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DARPA, GA-ASI Complete X-68A Drone Tests Ahead of Flight Demo
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DARPA logo. DARPA and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems have completed ground and subsystem tests for the X-68A drone.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., or GA-ASI, have advanced the X-68A air-launched uncrewed aircraft toward flight testing following completion of major ground and subsystem demonstrations.

What Technical Progress Has the X-68A Achieved?

DARPA said Tuesday the X-68A, developed under the LongShot program, successfully underwent full-scale wind-tunnel testing, including validation of its parachute recovery and weapons-release systems. These tests verified that the X-68A maintains structural stability during captive munition ejection, enabling an autonomous platform to be deployed from crewed combat aircraft while extending operational reach. These efforts reduced technical risk and cleared key requirements needed before integrated flight trials can begin.

What Is the LongShot Program?

The LongShot program is a DARPA initiative that aims to reshape air combat by developing an uncrewed aircraft that can be launched from a larger platform, fly ahead of manned forces, and engage adversaries using its own air-to-air missiles. Designed to operate independently of a specific host aircraft, the system could be deployed from fighters, bombers or palletized configurations on mobility aircraft, extending mission range while reducing risk to pilots.

When Will X-68A Flight Testing Begin?

Current efforts are focused on ground and integration testing, with flight testing expected by late 2026. The demonstration will validate the X-68A’s ability to deploy from an F-15 aircraft, confirming its overall airworthiness in powered flight. The maiden flight test had originally been targeted for December 2023 but was postponed as the team revised its strategy, moving away from a phased glider approach to concentrate on a single fully powered LongShot configuration and transitioning the launch platform to an F-15, Breaking Defense reported.

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DOW, DOE Partner With Valar Atomics for Transport of 5-Megawatt Nuclear Reactor to Utah
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Michael Duffey, under secretary of war for acquisition and sustainment. Duffey discussed the need for the nuclear reactor

The Department of War and the Department of Energy have partnered with Valar Atomics to transport a 5-megawatt nuclear reactor from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah.

DOW said Sunday that it loaded the Ward 250 nuclear reactor, which could power about 5,000 homes, on a C-17 Globemaster.

Michael Duffey, under secretary of war for acquisition and sustainment and a 2026 Wash100 winner, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright also boarded the C-17 aircraft with the reactor and its components, Reuters reported.

The nuclear reactor will next be delivered to Utah San Rafael Energy Lab for testing and evaluation.

Why Is the DOW Building Nuclear Reactors?

According to Duffey, the future battlespace will demand far more power to support artificial intelligence-enabled systems, directed-energy weapons, and space and cyber infrastructure.

“Powering next generation warfare will require us to move faster than our adversaries, to build a system that doesn’t just equip our warfighters to fight, but equips them to win at extraordinary speed,” the official stated.

“By supporting the industrial base and its capacity to innovate, we accelerate the delivery of resilient power to where it’s needed,” he added.

How Does the DOW-DOE Partnership Support Trump’s Nuclear Energy EO?

Officials said the War and Energy Departments’ collaboration aligns with President Donald Trump’s four executive orders issued May 23, 2025, to strengthen America’s nuclear energy posture. The directives focus on revitalizing the domestic nuclear industrial base, reforming reactor testing at DOE, overhauling the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and deploying advanced reactors to support national security missions.

“President Trump signed multiple executive orders that have unleashed tremendous reform of all the things that stopped the American nuclear industry from moving,” Wright said.

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DOL Introduces AI Literacy Framework
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Department of Labor logo. The DOL Employment and Training Administration launched the AI Literacy Framework.

The Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration has unveiled a new framework designed to guide artificial intelligence skill development efforts across the U.S. workforce and education systems.

DOL Introduces AI Literacy Framework

As federal agencies roll out new guidance such as the AI Literacy Framework, the broader policy and industry conversation around AI continues to evolve. The Potomac Officers Club will host its 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 18, convening government and industry stakeholders at a time of increased focus on AI across the federal landscape. Register now!

What Is the Purpose of the DOL AI Literacy Framework?

DOL said Friday the AI Literacy Framework is designed to help inform how AI literacy programs are developed and delivered across workforce and education systems, while remaining flexible enough to be applied across industries, job roles and learning environments.

The department noted that the framework advances the administration’s commitment to prioritizing AI literacy and skill development across the workforce system and supports the implementation of the AI Action Plan and America’s Talent Strategy.

According to DOL, the framework follows the release of guidance encouraging the use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding to help youth and adults develop AI skills.

What Are the Key Components of the AI Literacy Framework?

According to a DOL infographic accompanying the release, the framework consists of five foundational content areas and seven delivery principles of AI literacy.

The five foundational content areas are understanding AI principles; exploring AI uses; directing AI effectively; evaluating AI outputs; and using AI responsibly.

The seven delivery principles outlined in the infographic are enabling experiential learning; building complementary human skills; creating pathways for continued learning; designing for agility; embedding learning in context; addressing prerequisites to AI literacy; and preparing enabling roles.

What Did Federal Leaders Say About the DOL AI Literacy Framework?

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said the department is committed to ensuring American workers benefit from AI-driven economic growth.

“Our new AI Literacy Framework provides guidance that will help accelerate effective AI skill development across the country,” she said in a statement.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the framework will help equip students with skills needed to address future challenges and support workforce readiness. She described the guidance as advancing AI in education while strengthening the national talent pipeline.

The department stated that stakeholders may provide feedback on AI literacy strategies and participate in a training webinar by contacting aiworkforce@dol.gov.

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DOW Launches BOND Initiative to Embed Industry Leaders in Acquisition Process
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Pete Hegseth. War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the launch of the BOND initiative.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced the launch of the Business Operators for National Defense, or BOND, initiative that seeks to embed private sector executives into the Department of War’s acquisition enterprise to accelerate reform and speed up the delivery of new capabilities to U.S. warfighters.

In a video recording posted on X Friday, Hegseth, a 2026 Wash100 awardee, said the initiative supports the department’s broader “Arsenal of Freedom” effort and aims to address longstanding inefficiencies in the Pentagon’s acquisition system.

What Is the DOW BOND Program?

The BOND program aims to integrate senior private-sector leaders directly into the defense acquisition process. According to Hegseth, participants include executives from major U.S. companies, such as Apple, Microsoft, Ford and Tesla.

The secretary said that over the past 60 days, the program has engaged more than 100 industry experts, including 72 former CEOs, chief operating officers and chief information officers who are currently serving alongside the department’s leaders.

Deputy Secretary of War Steve Feinberg is leading the initiative. Hegseth stated that Feinberg and his team are working to integrate private-sector expertise into acquisition, production and supply chain management functions across the department.

“Working side-by-side with teams in research and engineering, acquisition and sustainment, personnel and readiness, the chief information officer, and the comptroller, our existing BOND executives are driving major reforms,” the DOW secretary added.

Hegseth said the department has set a goal of onboarding 250 industry executives into the program.

What Did Pete Hegseth Say About the 1st BOND Conference?

According to Hegseth, the department plans to host its first official BOND conference in February. He noted that the conference will welcome new members, provide strategic context for their work and assign them to specific tasks based on their skill sets.

Hegseth concluded his remarks by inviting additional industry leaders to participate in the program, stating that the department seeks “world-class talent” to support mission success and equip U.S. service members with a decisive advantage.

The launch of the BOND program came three months after Hegseth unveiled sweeping reforms to the department’s weapons acquisition system.

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C5MI Partners With DLA to Deploy Warehouse Management System
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Derek Dyer. The C5MI chief operating officer commented about the company's latest work with DLA.

C5MI has completed the deployment of the Defense Logistics Agency’s largest SAP Warehouse Management System go-live to date at Defense Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, one of the agency’s primary distribution hubs.

The company said Tuesday that the deployment marks a milestone in DLA modernization efforts, enabling the agency’s premier distribution center to manage elevated demands, seasonal volumes and critical timing requirements without risk to outbound performance or throughput.

How Did C5MI Implement SAP WMS at DLA’s DDSP Facility?

The Jacksonville, Florida- based company shared that their highly coordinated execution approach maintained stability during this high‐visibility transition with a scalable support structure, deploying up to 75 specialists during peak activity. Providing stabilization improved visibility and streamlined validations while refined exception‐handling practices supported a consistent operating rhythm following rollout, reinforcing reliability across the DDSP site. As the system normalized, the team established a predictable cadence for long‐term operational advancement.

“[WMS roll-out at] DDSP was the result of years of disciplined preparation and brought understandable anxiety, but success came from strong partnerships, clear communication, and a team unwilling to let assumptions shape the outcome. This approach remains vital as WMS moves toward full operational capability,” stated Josh Haas, DLA WMS  portfolio manager.

Chief Operating Officer Derek Dyer shared the sentiment, stating that the partnership between C5MI and government stakeholders from DLA J6 and Distribution Services drove the successful WMS deployment.

C5MI—A Rising Contractor in Supply Chain Modernization

C5MI, founded in 2017, is an AI-driven digital transformation provider, specializing in warehouse and supply chain modernization. The company has a record of completed deployments at 125 sites across 12 countries.

The WMS-focused company has worked with DLA before to facilitate the migration to the SAP S/4HANA enterprise resource planning software to advance the Department of War’s digital transformation efforts.

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OMB Launches Search for Deputy Federal CIO to Lead Government IT Operations
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Gregory Barbaccia, federal chief information officer. Barbaccia confirmed that OMB is seeking a new deputy federal CIO

The Office of Management and Budget is seeking applicants for the role of deputy federal chief information officer, according to a post on the federal employment site USAJOBS.

Gregory Barbaccia, federal CIO and a two-time Wash100 winner, confirmed the job opening in a LinkedIn post Friday.

“I’m hiring a Deputy Federal CIO. If you know how to run large systems, cut through noise, and turn strategy into execution across government scale, this is that job,” Barbaccia wrote. “Serious mission. Real authority. Zero patience for theater.”

The selected candidate will replace Drew Myklegard, who served as deputy federal CIO until September 2025. During his three-year tenure, Myklegard oversaw over $120 billion in federal IT investments and supported modernization and cloud computing efforts.

What Are the Responsibilities of the Deputy Federal CIO?

According to the job announcement, the deputy federal CIO will manage a team responsible for legislative engagement, budget and policy development and implementation related to federal IT practices. The deputy federal CIO also advises OMB senior leadership on IT modernization, data governance and oversight of agency technology investments.

What Qualifications Must Deputy Federal CIO Candidates Meet?

Applicants must demonstrate expertise in federal IT laws and policies, including the Federal Information Security Management Act and the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act. Experience developing IT policy, leading cross-agency initiatives and translating strategy into measurable outcomes is required.

Candidates must also meet senior executive service executive core qualifications, including driving efficiency, leading people and achieving results. 

Applications are due Feb. 24.

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NSF Unveils $100M NQNI Program to Advance US Quantum, Nanotech Research
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Don Millard, head of engineering at NSF. Millard said the NQNI aims to develop technologies that will fuel the economy

The National Science Foundation has announced an investment of up to $100 million to establish the National Quantum and Nanotechnology Infrastructure, or NQNI, program, which aims to provide students, researchers and industry with resources to drive innovation.

The agency said Friday that the NQNI program will support up to 16 sites, creating a network of open-access facilities for research related to quantum information science and engineering, nanotechnology, semiconductors, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and other critical technologies.

“This NSF investment in research facilities will power U.S. discovery in quantum and nanotechnologies to fuel our economy,” Don Millard, head of engineering at NSF, stated. “With facilities open to students, faculty and small businesses, NQNI will enable transformative ideas to be explored, scaled, and translated.”

How Will NSF Select NQNI Program Sites?

In line with the funding announcement, NSF is requesting organizations to submit a letter of intent to participate in a planned network of university user facility sites. According to the agency, user facility sites will be selected based on technical capabilities and instrumentation.

The program emphasizes a regional network model that promotes partnerships with other universities, non-profit organizations and industry. Each site is also encouraged to establish formal partnerships with community or technical colleges for education initiatives and workforce development.

NQNI sites will receive $500,000 to $2,000,000 every year for up to five years.

NSF will also select a site to serve as the NQNI Coordinating Office, which will coordinate activities and develop strategic and operational plans across the network of user facility sites. The Coordinating Office will receive an additional $700,000 per year.

Letters of intent are due March 16. Proposals may be submitted until May 14.

How Is NSF Supporting Quantum Research Beyond NQNI?

Beyond the NQNI program, NSF is investing in additional efforts to accelerate quantum research and commercialization.

In September 2025, NSF selected four teams to receive a combined $4 million under the Foundation National Quantum Virtual Laboratory, or NQVL, initiative. The program is designed to expand researcher access to quantum hardware and software.

NSF is also advancing quantum innovation through the Regional Innovation Engines program, authorized under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. In July 2025, Quantum Connected, a Chicago-based coalition that includes the Chicago Quantum Exchange, advanced to the semifinal round of the competition. 

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Department of War Seeks Industry Input for FAR Overhaul Phase 2
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DOW seal. The DOW has requested input on Phase 2 of its Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul initiative.

The Department of War has released a letter to the defense industrial base and acquisition stakeholders, requesting input on phase two of its Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation, or FAR, Overhaul initiative aimed at reducing regulatory burden and accelerating defense procurement.

The War Department said Friday the letter, issued Feb. 10, outlines phase one class deviations under the initiative and reflects ongoing efforts to streamline acquisition regulations.

What Is the Purpose of Phase RFO Phase 2?

According to the letter, phase two seeks recommendations to revise or eliminate FAR and Defense FAR Supplement, or DFARS, provisions to accelerate technology fielding and system modernization. The effort aims to help the department outpace adversaries, expand production capacity to support wartime surge and place both the acquisition system and the industrial base on a wartime footing, consistent with recent executive orders on defense procurement reform.

What Are the Core Objectives of the FAR Overhaul?

More broadly, the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, launched in May 2025, aims to modernize the acquisition framework by reducing unnecessary regulatory requirements and increasing flexibility for program execution. Guided by Executive Order 14275, the initiative centers on three priorities:

  • Faster capability delivery: Streamlining procurement to deploy modern technologies more quickly.
  • Industrial readiness: Expanding production scalability to meet potential wartime demand.
  • Regulatory streamlining: Removing nonstatutory or outdated FAR and DFARS provisions.

The Department of War is coordinating with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy on implementation. Executive Order 14265 directs the Secretary of War to review and eliminate unnecessary supplemental regulations, while the department’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy calls for more agile acquisition processes.

The RFO initiative is also intended to simplify the registration process on the System for Award Management website, while the government can expect clearer, more traceable and procurement-specific terms and conditions.

What Has Been Implemented in Phase 1?

In phase one, the principal director for defense pricing, contracting and acquisition policy issued class deviations that may be used immediately, ahead of formal rulemaking. These deviations are designed to streamline compliance requirements for both the department’s acquisition workforce and its industry partners.

The overhaul follows a two-track approach. Agencies must implement standardized model class deviations—simplified, pre-approved versions of updated FAR provisions—within 30 days of issuance. Regulators will use feedback gathered during this interim period to inform and shape the subsequent formal rulemaking process.

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