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Google Public Sector Adds Agent Designer to Gemini for Government on GenAI.mil
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Google Public Sector's Jim Kelly. Google Public Sector added Agent Designer to Gemini for Government on GenAI.mil.

Google Public Sector has launched Agent Designer, a new capability within Gemini for Government on the GenAI.mil platform that allows Department of War personnel to build artificial intelligence agents to support unclassified work tasks.

Google Public Sector Adds Agent Designer to Gemini for Government on GenAI.mil

Next-generation government technology innovations, such as Google Public Sector’s Agent Designer tool, are accelerating how agencies modernize their operations. Register for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22 and learn more about advanced technologies and initiatives leveraging AI, cybersecurity and enterprise IT.

What Is Agent Designer?

In a blog post published Wednesday, Google Public Sector Vice President of Federal Jim Kelly, a Wash100 Award winner, described Agent Designer as a no- or low-code tool that lets users build AI agents using natural language. The capability enables all DOW personnel to create custom digital assistants to automate administrative processes and other multi-step tasks, such as producing action item summaries and drafting award submissions, without programming knowledge.

How Is Gemini for Government Used?

Across the department, teams are applying Gemini for Government to support daily administrative and research activities. Personnel use the AI tool to prepare initial drafts of acquisition frameworks and white papers, process data-heavy documents and summarize key findings. The platform also helps teams work more efficiently by optimizing workflow, including the creation of leadership briefing materials and research.

GenAI.mil Adoption Across the Services

The growing use of Gemini for Government reflects broader adoption of the GenAI.mil platform across the military services. In January, the Department of the Air Force formally adopted GenAI.mil as the U.S. Air Force and Space Force’s enterprise generative AI platform as part of its modernization efforts. The Department of the Navy later designated the platform as its enterprise IT service for controlled unclassified information, or CUI, and Impact Level 5 generative artificial intelligence use.

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Digital Twins and AI in GovCon: Transforming Defense Manufacturing and Operations
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Parag Thakker. The OMNI Federal CEO spoke during the 2026 GovCon Executive Leadership Summit

As artificial intelligence reshapes government and industry, one emerging concept is gaining significant attention among technology leaders: digital twinning. By combining AI with advanced modeling and real-time data, organizations can create virtual replicas of physical systems, from manufacturing lines to sensor networks, enabling faster innovation, smarter decision-making and improved operational performance.

Digital Twins and AI in GovCon: Transforming Defense Manufacturing and OperationsLearn more about how GovCons are using AI to supercharge digital twins at the upcoming 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 18. The event will bring together government and industry leaders to explore emerging AI capabilities, including how technologies such as digital twins can strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base. Seats are limited — reserve your spot today! 

What Is Digital Twinning in AI?

A digital twin is a virtual model that mirrors a real-world asset, system or process. Using continuous data feeds, often from sensors, operational databases or connected devices, the digital twin updates in near-real time to reflect the state and performance of the physical counterpart.

When paired with artificial intelligence, these virtual models become more powerful. AI can analyze the incoming data, simulate different scenarios and predict future outcomes. For example, organizations can use AI-enabled digital twins to test changes to a production line before implementing them in the physical environment, identify potential equipment failures before they occur, or optimize logistics and supply chains.

The approach is increasingly valuable across the government contracting landscape, particularly in defense manufacturing and mission systems where testing physical equipment can be expensive and time-consuming.

In the defense industrial context, these models allow contractors and mission engineers to simulate complex systems, test designs and evaluate performance under operational scenarios without risking costly hardware or mission delays. Applications range from optimizing production lines and supply chains to modeling advanced weapon systems and critical infrastructure, providing a strategic edge in efficiency, readiness and innovation.

What Role Do Digital Twins & AI Play in the Defense Industrial Base?

Government and industry leaders are already exploring how AI-driven modeling and simulation tools can help modernize U.S. manufacturing and accelerate capability delivery.

During the most recent Potomac Officers Club Summit, CEOs discussed how emerging AI technologies—including digital-twin-like capabilities—are shaping their organizations’ operations.

Responding to a question from an audience member about how companies are using AI and digital twinning to help reenergize manufacturing in the United States, Parag Thakker, CEO of OMNI Federal, emphasized the importance of focusing on real-world use cases rather than hype.

“There’s a lot of AI, it’s almost magic in how people talk about it,” Thakker said, explaining, however, that the real value comes from identifying specific use cases, applying the technology and demonstrating how it solves a problem.

He noted that the rapid advancement of large-scale AI models has moved the technology from experimentation to practical implementation, creating opportunities to apply AI-driven data analysis and interaction to engineering, cybersecurity and other operational challenges.

According to Thakker, organizations must also design systems that balance automation with human oversight. “The question is what level of human interaction is required,” he said, pointing to the need for thoughtful design patterns as AI becomes embedded in mission systems.

Digital Twins and AI in GovCon: Transforming Defense Manufacturing and Operations
Michael LaRouche at the 2026 GovCon Executive Leadership Summit. Photo: EM

Michael LaRouche, CEO of Serco and a 2026 Wash100 Award winner, also highlighted the role of AI in improving industrial capabilities and demonstrating advanced solutions to customers.

“From the industrialization perspective, we’ve actually been using AI to enhance our capabilities with regard to delivery of any use in a sensor system specifically,” LaRouche said, noting its use in operational demonstrations. “We’ve also been able to use that technology to demonstrate to the customer … the enhanced capability.”

He added that AI is also being implemented internally to drive efficiency. “My push is to implement as many AI applications as we can to enhance our efficiency just from a back-office perspective,” LaRouche said.

While not every implementation involves a full digital twin, the underlying concept, using AI-powered modeling and data analysis to simulate and optimize complex systems, continues to gain traction across defense and government technology sectors.

Learn More at the 2026 AI Summit

As agencies and contractors look to harness technologies such as digital twins, collaboration and knowledge sharing will be critical. Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit will provide a forum for executives, policymakers and technologists to discuss the latest developments in AI and their implications for government missions.

With AI rapidly evolving, events like the March 18 summit offer an opportunity for leaders to explore how innovations in data, modeling and intelligent systems will shape the future of government and the defense industrial base. Reserve your spot at the 2026 AI Summit today!

Digital Twins and AI in GovCon: Transforming Defense Manufacturing and Operations

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Col. Becky Beers Named Acting Air Force CISO
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Becky Beers. The Air Force colonel has been named acting DAF chief information security officer.

Col. Becky Beers has been named acting chief information security officer at the Department of the Air Force.

In a LinkedIn post, Beers said she will serve as acting CISO within the Office of the DAF Chief Information Officer.

Col. Becky Beers Named Acting Air Force CISO

Attend the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30 to hear sessions exploring how advanced technologies can help maintain an edge in the air and space domains and the strategies leaders are developing to address emerging challenges. Sign up now to save your seat.

Who Is Col. Becky Beers?

Beers is a U.S. Air Force officer with experience spanning cyber operations, enterprise IT and command leadership roles.

According to her LinkedIn profile, she most recently served as deputy director of enterprise IT within the Air Force.

She also served as deputy CISO within the Office of the DAF CIO, where she supported cybersecurity governance, risk management and compliance efforts across the enterprise.

Beers has held assignments across multiple Air Force and joint organizations focused on cyber operations and IT initiatives supporting military missions. Her previous roles include commander of the 61st Air Base Group at Los Angeles Air Force Base; chief of the cyberspace operations division within 16th Air Force A3; and commander of the 75th Intelligence Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas.

The University of Southern California graduate received her commission through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. She holds a master’s degree in strategic intelligence from the National Intelligence University.

What IT & Cybersecurity Initiatives Has the DAF CIO Office Launched?

The Office of the DAF CIO has introduced several initiatives to strengthen cybersecurity and modernize its IT environment. These include guidance on software-as-a-service procurement and usage; the “Network of the Future” strategy to strengthen network resilience and ensure network security; and the “cyber cake” framework, a layered cybersecurity model that integrates zero trust, supply chain risk management and cyber resilience practices.

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Army-Led Task Force Issues Guide on Counter-Drone Tech, Privacy Protections
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Drones. JIATF 401 has issued a guide outlining the technologies used to detect drone threats and measures to protect privacy.

The Army-led Joint Interagency Task Force 401, or JIATF-401, has released a guide outlining technologies used to detect drone threats and the legal framework governing their use while protecting individual privacy.

Army-Led Task Force Issues Guide on Counter-Drone Tech, Privacy Protections

As the threat from small drones continues to evolve, the defense community is advancing new counter-drone capabilities to help protect personnel and critical infrastructure. These developments are shaping ongoing conversations about the future of Army operations and emerging technologies. Register now to join the discussion at the 2026 Army Summit on June 18.

Which Sensor Technologies Detect Drone Threats?

The Department of War said Monday the publication, titled “Counter-UAS Operations: Safeguarding Freedoms and Preserving Privacy,” highlights several passive sensor technologies used to identify and track drones while maintaining airspace awareness.

These technologies include radar systems that detect airborne objects; electro-optical and infrared sensors that visually identify drones; acoustic sensors; and radio frequency detection systems that analyze signals emitted by drone communications.

How Do Counter-UAS Systems Protect Privacy?

The guide explains how counter-UAS systems operate in accordance with federal surveillance law.

Col. Scott Humr, deputy director of science and technology for JIATF-401, said the joint force’s approach to counter-UAS technology is designed to safeguard privacy.

“The technologies we are fielding are engineered to be effective while adhering to strict privacy principles. By focusing on data minimization and secure handling processes, we collect only what is necessary to identify a potential threat. This allows us to protect critical infrastructure and public safety without compromising the civil liberties that we are sworn to defend,” Humr added.

What Did Brig. Gen. Matt Ross Say About the Guide?

Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401, the guide reflects the task force’s commitment to transparency as it deploys counter-drone technologies in a responsible manner that respects privacy and maintains public trust.

“Countering drones is not just a battlefield problem — it’s a homeland defense imperative,” Ross said. “Our goal is to integrate sensors, effectors and mission command systems in a distributed network that protects service members and American citizens alike.”

How Does the Guide Support JIATF-401’s Counter-Drone Efforts?

The publication aligns with several initiatives JIATF-401 has launched to accelerate the deployment of counter-drone capabilities across DOW.

The task force recently declared initial operational capability for its Counter-UAS Marketplace, a procurement platform that enables government users to identify and acquire vetted counter-drone technologies through an existing contract vehicle. JIATF-401 also supports broader defense efforts to field scalable counter-small UAS systems, including initiatives tied to installation protection and the Pentagon’s Replicator 2 program.

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DARPA Advances SPRINT Program With Bell-Built X-76 Demonstrator
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DARPA logo. DARPA has advanced development of the X-76 Demonstrator under its SPRINT Program.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has advanced development of the X-76 experimental aircraft under its SPeed and Runway INdependent Technologies, or SPRINT, program.

What Is the SPRINT Program?

DARPA said Monday SPRINT is an initiative designed to address the traditional trade-off between high-speed fixed-wing aircraft that require runways and slower vertical-lift platforms capable of operating from austere locations. The program, conducted in partnership with U.S. Special Operations Command, aims to explore technologies that could combine jet-like cruise performance with vertical takeoff and landing capability.

What Is the Role of the X-76 Demonstrator?

The experimental platform, designated the X-76 Demonstrator, joins the lineage of X-planes used to test new aviation technologies. The X-76 is designed to achieve cruise speeds of more than 400 knots while maintaining hover capability in challenging conditions. Additionally, the aircraft is being engineered to operate from unprepared surfaces, reducing the vulnerability associated with fixed airfield infrastructure.

Bell Textron, which is responsible for demonstrator’s design, construction and testing, completed the critical design review for DARPA’s SPRINT X-Plane Program. The company will now proceed with manufacturing, integration, assembly and ground testing of the aircraft. Phase 2, which began with the downselect of Bell Textron, will be followed by a Phase 3 flight test program scheduled for early 2028.

“With SPRINT, we’re not just building an X-plane; we’re building options. We’re working to deliver the option of surprise, the option of rapid reinforcement, and the option of life-saving speed, anywhere on the globe, without needing any runway,” said Cmdr. Ian Higgins, program manager of DARPA SPRINT.

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BAE Systems-Made Missile Tracking Satellites for Space Force Pass Preliminary Design Review
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Space Force logo. The U.S. Space Force announced that the MWT Epoch 2 satellites passed preliminary design review

A 10-satellite missile warning and tracking constellation that BAE Systems is developing for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command has cleared preliminary design review.

SSC said Monday that the System Delta 84’s Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking, or MWT, Epoch 2 program will now transition to the next phase of development.

“Using advanced digital tools allowed us to ensure the design is sound and ready for the next phase, which is the Critical Design Review planned for this summer,” 1st Lt. Sabrina Taylor, chief systems engineer for SYD 84 Epoch 2, shared. “Collectively, we are demonstrating we can move quickly while maintaining technical excellence.”

BAE Systems-Made Missile Tracking Satellites for Space Force Pass Preliminary Design Review

Space Force leaders will share updates and future plans to strengthen U.S. capability to defend assets and the homeland from orbit at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30. Secure your tickets today.

What Is the Missile Warning and Tracking Epoch 2 Program?

MWT Epoch 2 is a 10-satellite constellation that will be deployed in medium Earth orbit to track missile threats around the world.  

According to SSC, the constellation will integrate into the broader national missile defense architecture to strengthen resilience and enhance U.S. capability to detect a wide range of threats, including maneuvering hypersonic missiles.

“In today’s world, speed and innovation are essential to our national defense,” Lt. Col. Brandon Castillo, system program manager for SYD 84 Epoch 2, commented. “Our team is delivering to outpace the threat. This expanded constellation will provide the global coverage needed to protect our Nation, service members, Allies, and partners from the most advanced missiles.”

BAE Systems won a $1.2 billion contract in June 2025 to develop the 10 MWT Epoch 2 satellites, with initial deliveries expected beginning in fiscal year 2029. Boeing subsidiary Millennium Space Systems designed Epoch 1 satellites, which are expected to be launched in late 2026.

What Is SYD 84?

System Delta 84 is a Space Systems Command unit responsible for advancing missile warning and tracking capabilities for the U.S. Space Force. The unit was formally activated in July 2025 during a ceremony at Los Angeles Air Force Base.

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DCSA Launches Mentor-Protege Program to Boost Small Business Participation in Defense Supply Chain
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Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency logo. DCSA has joined the Department of War Mentor-Protege Program

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency has announced its participation in the Department of War’s Mentor-Protege Program, an initiative that connects small businesses with established defense contractors.

DCSA said Monday that its Office of Small Business Programs and Industry Engagements will manage the agency’s execution of the program. The effort, funded by the Department of War Office for Industrial Base Growth, aims to expand small-business participation in defense supply chains.

How Will DCSA’s Mentor-Protege Program Support Small Businesses?

Through the program, small companies can enter into partnership agreements with experienced defense contractors that serve as mentors.

Protege firms can build technical capabilities, gain business development expertise and improve their ability to compete for federal contracts. Meanwhile, mentor companies benefit by developing new subcontractors to support major defense programs and strengthen supply chain capacity.

Ruby Crenshaw-Lawrence, chief of DCSA’s Office of Small Business Programs and Industry Engagements, said the initiative supports national security priorities.

“DCSA’s participation in the Department of War’s Mentor-Protege Program will expand and enhance our contributions to a national security priority: growing a capable, secure and resilient Defense Industrial Base,” she stated. “By facilitating the industrial partnerships that the program fosters, we are not only developing small businesses but also strengthening our supply chains and ensuring the Department of War has access to the innovative solutions needed to protect our nation.”

How Can Companies Apply for the DCSA Mentor-Protege Program?

DCSA posted a broad agency announcement on SAM.gov outlining program eligibility requirements, application procedures and submission guidelines for companies interested in participating.

The program is structured as a two-phase submission process. In Phase 1, companies interested in participating in the program must submit a white paper summarizing technical and cost information. For Phase 2, selected applicants will submit a full Technical and cost Proposal and Letters of Endorsement.

White paper submissions for Phase 1 are due March 29.

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DOT, FAA Select 8 Projects for Advanced Air Mobility Integration, eVTOL Program
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DOT's Sean Duffy. DOT and FAA unveiled the projects to take part in the AAM and eVTOL Integration Pilot Program.

The Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration have chosen eight projects to take part in the Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing, or eVTOL, Integration Pilot Program, an initiative designed to test advanced aircraft operations.

What Is the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program?

The eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, or eIPP, aims to support the integration of advanced air mobility aircraft into the national airspace, the Transportation Department said Monday. The initiative, outlined in the Unleashing Drone Dominance executive order, seeks to advance testing of emerging aviation technologies and help the FAA develop new regulations to enable these technologies at scale.

“The United States will lead the way, and doing so will cement America’s status as a global leader in transportation innovation. That means more high-paying manufacturing jobs and economic opportunity. By safely testing the deployment of these futuristic air taxis and other AAM vehicles, we can fundamentally improve how the traveling public and products move,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

Which Proposals Were Selected for eIPP?

The eight projects pair state and local transportation authorities with industry manufacturers, including Ampaire, Archer, BETA, Electra, Elroy Air, Joby, Reliable Robotics and Wisk. The initiatives cover a range of operational concepts, including urban air taxi services, regional passenger transportation, cargo and logistics networks, emergency medical response operations and autonomous flight technologies.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will test 12 operational concepts across New England, including eVTOL passenger service at the Manhattan heliport, while the Texas Department of Transportation will develop regional air taxi routes connecting Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and potentially Houston. Other efforts include multistate aircraft testing led by Utah, expanded regional flights from Pennsylvania, offshore cargo and personnel transport trials in Louisiana, a statewide cargo and medical response initiative in Florida, medical and autonomous flight operations led by North Carolina and early autonomous flight testing in Albuquerque.

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NIST Report Examines Barriers to Monitoring Deployed AI Systems
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Artificial intelligence. NIST researchers identify barriers to post-deployment AI monitoring.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has released a new report examining the difficulties organizations face when monitoring artificial intelligence systems after deployment, an increasingly important issue as AI tools are adopted across government and industry.

Published on Monday, the “NIST AI 800-4: Challenges to the Monitoring of Deployed AI Systems” was developed by the Center for AI Standards and Innovation following practitioner workshops and an extensive literature review aimed at mapping the emerging landscape of post-deployment AI monitoring, an area the agency says remains fragmented despite growing demand for real-world oversight of AI technologies.

NIST Report Examines Barriers to Monitoring Deployed AI Systems

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 18 will bring together federal, defense and GovCon leaders to discuss the policies, standards and operational considerations shaping AI adoption across government. Register now to hear keynotes and practitioner-led panels on deploying AI responsibly and scaling emerging technologies in mission environments.

Why Monitoring AI Systems Matters

According to NIST, AI systems behave differently from traditional software because they can evolve, degrade or produce unexpected outputs over time. These characteristics make continuous monitoring essential for ensuring systems operate as intended once deployed.

The report notes that post-deployment monitoring can help organizations detect issues such as performance drift, security vulnerabilities and unintended impacts on users, all of which could undermine trust in AI technologies.

What Are the Key Monitoring Categories?

Researchers identified six major categories of AI monitoring that organizations should consider when evaluating deployed systems:

  • Functionality: Tracks performance to ensure the system consistently executes its intended tasks.
  • Operations: Monitors infrastructure health and service reliability.
  • Human factors: Evaluates user interaction, output transparency and the practical utility of AI insights.
  • Security: Identifies vulnerabilities to adversarial attacks or unauthorized misuse.
  • Compliance: Ensures adherence to evolving regulations, industry standards and internal governance.
  • Societal impact: Assesses the large-scale consequences of AI deployment.

What Challenges Did Researchers Identify?

Despite growing interest in monitoring AI systems, the report identifies multiple obstacles that complicate implementation.

Among the key challenges are limited research on human-AI feedback loops, fragmented system logging across distributed infrastructure and difficulty detecting performance degradation over time.

Researchers also point to broader systemic barriers, including the absence of widely accepted standards for monitoring tools, limited mechanisms for sharing incident information and a shortage of qualified AI specialists.

NIST said the findings highlight areas where further research and collaboration could strengthen oversight practices.

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Gavin Kliger Named Pentagon Chief Data Officer
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Gavin Kliger. The former Databricks technical staff member has been named the Department of War's chief data officer.

The Department of War has appointed Gavin Kliger, a former Databricks technical staff member, as chief data officer to help oversee and execute DOW’s artificial intelligence initiatives.

Gavin Kliger Named Pentagon Chief Data Officer

Attend Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 18 to hear from Kliger’s new collaborator in AI innovation at DOW, Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer Cameron Stanley. Register today to secure your spot and join fellow leaders for this timely discussion.

How Will Kliger Oversee DOW’s AI Strategy?

In a post on X published Friday, DOW said Kliger will focus on aligning and managing the day-to-day execution of the department’s AI initiatives while working with frontier AI labs to support military operations.

He will also help ensure AI projects maintain strategic direction, secure access to critical defense data and accelerate the delivery of advanced capabilities to warfighters.

Kliger said the U.S. is in global competition for military AI leadership and must build on its current capabilities to maintain an advantage over potential adversaries.

“My mission is to integrate the unparalleled innovation of America’s private sector with the Department’s operational expertise to rapidly deliver advanced AI capabilities to our warfighters. By driving pace-setting projects with wartime urgency, we will ensure cutting-edge technology translates into decisive battlefield advantages for the United States,” he added.

In January, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, a 2026 Wash100 winner, issued a memorandum to establish a departmentwide strategy to accelerate AI adoption and experimentation.

Who Is Gavin Kliger?

According to the DOW post, Kliger most recently served on Hegseth’s DOGE DOW team, where he helped launch the department’s enterprise AI platform, GenAI.mil. He also contributed to the department’s Drone Dominance program.

Before joining the Pentagon, he was a senior adviser to the director for technology and delivery at the Office of Personnel Management, according to his LinkedIn profile.

The University of California, Berkeley graduate previously served as a senior software engineer at Databricks.

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