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Executive Order Addresses DEI Practices in Federal Contracting
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White House. President Trump signed an executive order eliminating DEI practices by federal contractors and subcontractors.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order requiring federal contractors and subcontractors to refrain from engaging in certain diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, practices described in the order as racially discriminatory.

What Are the Key Provisions of the Executive Order?

In a fact sheet published Thursday, the White House said the EO mandates the inclusion of a clause in federal contracts prohibiting such DEI activities and establishes enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance.

The order directs the Office of Management and Budget to release guidance to contracting agencies to ensure compliance and identify sectors at higher risk of engaging in prohibited DEI activities.

It authorizes contracting agencies to cancel, suspend, or terminate contracts and to suspend or debar contractors that fail to adhere to the requirements.

The directive also instructs the attorney general to prioritize potential claims under the False Claims Act involving contractors or subcontractors that violate the contractual provisions and to ensure prompt review of related civil actions.

In addition, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council will amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to incorporate the required contract clause and remove provisions that conflict with the new policy.

How Does the EO Align With Previous Presidential Actions on DEI?

The White House said the order builds on prior actions taken by the administration to address DEI policies across the federal government.

In January 2025, Trump signed an executive order prohibiting race- or sex-based preferences within the armed forces, the Department of War and the Department of Homeland Security.

The administration also issued a series of actions, including a memorandum removing DEI-related policies from the Foreign Service; executive orders addressing disparate-impact liability and school discipline policies; and an order requiring federal agencies to procure artificial intelligence models that prioritize truthfulness and ideological neutrality.

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Air Force, Northrop Grumman Begin Construction on Sentinel Missile Silo
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Department of War's Dale White. The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman started building the Sentinel launch silo prototype.

The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman have begun construction of a full-scale launch silo prototype for the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program, underscoring an important advancement in modernizing the land-based leg of the nation’s nuclear triad.

Air Force, Northrop Grumman Begin Construction on Sentinel Missile Silo

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30 will highlight how emerging technologies and initiatives, such as the Sentinel program, are shaping the future of air and space dominance. Register today to connect with top defense and industry leaders.

What Is the Purpose of the Silo Prototype?

The prototype, located in Promontory, Utah, is intended to validate a modular construction approach designed for faster, more repeatable deployment, the Air Force said Friday. It is designed to support future production while allowing the program to assess performance before full-rate manufacturing begins. Additionally, the effort shifts away from refurbishing legacy Minuteman III silos, enabling the development of a new architecture while maintaining continuous alert coverage.

How Is the Sentinel Program Progressing?

Despite the potential risks identified by the Government Accountability Office in 2025, the transition from Minuteman III to Sentinel ICBM is progressing. The silo effort builds on recent program demonstrations, including successful test firings of all three missile stages and a hot fire test of the post-boost propulsion system. Construction is also underway on a Wing Command Center at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. These steps reduce technical risk as the program moves toward a planned 2027 flight test.

“The new silo design delivers operationally relevant capability on a predictable cost and schedule,” said Gen. Dale White, director of critical major weapon systems for the Department of War. “We are accelerating delivery while ensuring the system is sustainable and ready for Airmen to operate for decades.”

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NIST’s CAISI Collaborates With OpenMined to Develop Privacy-Preserving Methods for AI Evaluations
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AI system. NIST and OpenMined are developing methods for evaluating AI systems

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Center for AI Standards and Innovation is teaming up with the nonprofit OpenMined to develop methods for evaluating artificial intelligence systems while preserving data confidentiality.

The organizations signed a collaborative research and development agreement to utilize OpenMined’s software infrastructure, including PySyft, to enable AI evaluations that adhere to security requirements and maintain scientific rigor, NIST said Friday.

PySyft enables researchers to perform data science and analysis using non-public information without seeing or obtaining a copy of sensitive datasets.

NIST’s CAISI Collaborates With OpenMined to Develop Privacy-Preserving Methods for AI Evaluations

Balancing innovation and modernization with security as agencies increase adoption of AI will be a key topic at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit, happening on April 22. The event will bring together government and industry leaders to explore how agencies are integrating AI into high-security federal environments to support various missions. Sign up today to gain insights from the figures shaping federal digital transformation.

How Is the CAISI-OpenMined Partnership Intended to Improve AI Evaluations?

By developing privacy-preserving evaluation methods, stakeholders can conduct rigorous AI evaluations to measure system performance even when underlying data, models or benchmarks cannot be shared due to intellectual property, data protection or national security constraints.

According to NIST, insights from the effort will inform the agency’s development of voluntary standards, best practices and recommendations for AI evaluation.

The partnership builds on CAISI’s prior work with the General Services Administration to provide evaluation frameworks, testing methodologies, and performance measurement tools for agencies before and after deployment in support of USAi, a governmentwide platform that accelerates agency adoption of generative AI.

What Is CAISI?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Center for AI Standards and Innovation, or CAISI, serves as the U.S. government’s primary interface with industry for testing and collaborative research on commercial AI systems.

The organization works with federal partners to develop guidelines to improve AI security. It also evaluates AI capabilities that may pose risks to national security.

The center recently launched the AI Agent Standards Initiative to promote secure, interoperable and trustworthy autonomous AI systems. Under the initiative, CAISI aims to develop industry-led AI agent standards, support community-driven open-source protocols, address security risks associated with agentic AI, and reinforce U.S. leadership in international AI governance.

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DNI Tulsi Gabbard Details IC Cyber Modernization, Zero Trust Push
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Tulsi Gabbard. ODNI detailed progress on a major cyber and IT modernization push across the intelligence community.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has highlighted early progress in modernizing cybersecurity and IT infrastructure across the intelligence community, positioning the initiative as a cornerstone of the administration’s broader push to harden federal networks. 

DNI Tulsi Gabbard Details IC Cyber Modernization, Zero Trust Push

Government and industry leaders will discuss cybersecurity modernization, zero trust adoption and evolving threats across federal systems at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit. Register now to join the conversation.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence said Thursday the first year of the effort focused on strengthening system resilience, accelerating threat detection and eliminating inefficiencies, supporting the third pillar of the administration’s cyber strategy.

“Protecting our nation’s most sensitive information … is essential to our national security,” said Gabbard, a 2026 Wash100 Award recipient. “President Trump’s Intelligence Community is moving faster and more decisively on cybersecurity modernization and investments in IT than ever before, delivering stronger defenses, greater efficiency, and real cost savings for the American people.”

How Is ODNI Working to Reshape Cybersecurity Across the IC?

Rather than relying on agency-specific approaches, ODNI is moving to standardize cybersecurity practices across the intelligence community.

A key step is creating a centralized repository for cybersecurity authorizations, enabling agencies to reuse approvals rather than repeat time-consuming assessments. ODNI said the repository is designed to streamline operations across agencies.

It has also updated policy frameworks to improve interoperability with Department of War systems and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence for cybersecurity.

What Infrastructure and Threat Detection Changes Are Underway at ODNI?

The modernization effort includes upgrades to legacy networks and data centers, alongside expanded use of automated threat-hunting tools. By increasing automation, ODNI is seeking to improve the speed and accuracy of detecting and responding to cyber activity.

How Are Zero Trust and Cloud Driving the Strategy?

At the core of the overhaul is a transition to a zero trust architecture, which shifts security away from perimeter-based defenses toward continuous verification of users and data to secure information regardless of location.

ODNI also reportedly worked with DOW on the joint use of classified commercial cloud environments,  lowering infrastructure costs.

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GAO Urges Review of OPM Cyber Workforce Dashboard Amid Low Adoption
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Government Accountability Office logo. GAO has urged OPM to evaluate the use of the Cyber Workforce Dashboard.

A Government Accountability Office review found that most federal agencies are not using the Office of Personnel Management’s Cyber Workforce Dashboard, raising questions about the tool’s effectiveness in addressing governmentwide cyber workforce challenges.

GAO Urges Review of OPM Cyber Workforce Dashboard Amid Low Adoption

Register today to join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21 and explore how emerging technologies are redefining cybersecurity strategies amid escalating global threats and to connect with industry leaders.

What Did GAO Find About Agency Use?

GAO reported that five of six agencies reviewed, along with OPM itself, were not using the dashboard designed to support workforce planning. The General Services Administration was the only agency using the tool, primarily to inform staffing decisions. However, all six agencies cited issues with the dashboard’s functionality, access and data usability, while also noting communication challenges with OPM regarding the platform.

Why Is the Cyber Workforce Dashboard Underperforming?

The dashboard, launched in 2023, was designed to provide a government-wide view of federal cybersecurity workforce data and enable agency benchmarking. However, agencies reported issues with functionality, access and data usability, along with communication gaps with OPM. Moreover, OPM has not assessed usage across roughly 20 additional agencies or collected formal feedback to guide improvements. GAO said these challenges have limited its effectiveness in addressing the shortage of skilled IT professionals.

What Actions Did GAO Recommend?

GAO recommended that OPM gather and analyze data on the dashboard’s use, as well as feedback from the agency on its limitations. It also advised OPM to evaluate the costs and make an evidence-based decision on whether to discontinue the dashboard or enhance it to address the identified issues. OPM partially concurred, stating it will work with the Office of the National Cyber Director and the Office of Management and Budget to determine next steps.

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Lt. Gen. Paul Stanton on Network Warfare Shift, Zero Trust & Proactive Cyber Defense
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Paul Stanton. The Army lieutenant general who leads DISA said the network must be treated as a critical weapons system.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Paul Stanton, director of the Defense Information Systems Agency, told lawmakers that the network must be treated as a “critical weapons system” and that the joint force’s advantage in combat relies on timely and accurate information to support quicker, more effective decision-making than its adversaries.

Lt. Gen. Paul Stanton on Network Warfare Shift, Zero Trust & Proactive Cyber Defense

Stanton’s testimony underscores the growing urgency around cyber operations and the evolving role of the military’s global information network. Attend the 2026 Cyber Summit in May to join government and industry leaders as they gather to discuss zero trust, proactive cyber initiatives and other cyber priorities. Save your spot now!

“In the face of determined and capable adversaries across the globe, the joint force’s success on the battlefield comes down to one core task: getting the right data to the right place at the right time to make a better and faster decision than the enemy,” Stanton, who also serves as commander of the Department of War’s Cyber Defense Command, or DCDC, said Tuesday in his testimony before the Senate Armed Services subcommittee on cybersecurity.

What Is the Role of Zero Trust in Network Modernization?

Stanton, a 2026 Wash100 awardee, said modernizing the network architecture centers on a zero trust model designed to strengthen defenses against cyberthreats. He described the approach as “never trust, always verify,” with continuous validation of every user and device connected to the network.

“This is the essential model that enables the agile, data-centric Mission Partner Environment, allowing us to move beyond the legacy approach of building isolated hardware-defined networks for each coalition,” he added.

How Is DOW Shifting to a Continuous, Proactive Cyber Campaign?

Stanton said the Pentagon is transitioning from “reactive network defense” toward a continuous, proactive operational approach against cyber adversaries. He noted that DCDC’s elevation to a sub-unified command supports this transition.

“We are moving beyond chasing individual alerts to campaigning against systemic vulnerabilities and coordinated threat actors,” the DISA director told lawmakers.

What Is the Role of People in Cyber Defense?

Stanton said personnel readiness remains a top priority for both DISA and DCDC, noting that people are the foundation of cyber defense efforts.

“Technology provides the tools, but it is trained and accountable people who win battles, which is why readiness is a non-negotiable, number one priority of both the command and the agency,” he said.

He added that the department is focusing on recruiting talent, expanding training and reinforcing accountability to strengthen the cyber workforce.

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Navy Launches MUSV Program, Seeks Industry Input on Unmanned Vessel Prototypes
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Navy seal. The U.S. Navy launched the MUSV program and issued a notice for unmanned vessel prototypes.

The U.S. Navy has announced the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel, or MUSV, Family of Systems program and is seeking industry participation to support the design, development and demonstration of autonomous maritime capabilities.

Navy Launches MUSV Program, Seeks Industry Input on Unmanned Vessel Prototypes

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Navy Summit on Aug. 27 examines how emerging technologies, including autonomous systems, are shaping the future of naval operations. Register today to gain insights and connect with top Navy and industry leaders.

What Is the MUSV Program?

According to the combined synopsis and solicitation notice published Thursday on SAM.gov, the MUSV effort, managed under the Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Robotic and Autonomous Systems, focuses on developing a family of unmanned vessels built using modular design principles. The approach is intended to support adaptable platforms capable of addressing evolving maritime threats.

Additionally, the Navy is calling on companies with expertise in vessel construction, autonomy, perception technologies and maritime operations to contribute to the effort. The MUSV initiative follows the cancellation of the Modular Attack Surface Craft program launched in 2025.

How Will the Navy Acquire These Capabilities?

To accelerate the design and demonstration of these maritime capabilities, the Navy is utilizing the other transaction authority pathway. This solicitation intends the award of prototype projects that may incorporate commercially available technologies supported by strategic investment. These projects aim to incrementally enhance existing government-owned capabilities or introduce new concepts for defense applications. Proposals will be accepted until April 17.

What Is the Initial Focus of the Solicitation?

The first phase will center on vendors capable of conducting autonomy and vessel performance testing for the unmanned systems. The goal is to accelerate development and demonstrate operational capabilities through prototype projects. Through this approach, the service aims to evaluate technologies that could support future deployment of unmanned surface vessels.

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DOE Demonstrates AI Tool to Accelerate Nuclear Reactor Licensing
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Carmen Krueger. DOE demonstrated an AI-driven approach to accelerate nuclear reactor licensing.

The Department of Energy has demonstrated how artificial intelligence could significantly reduce the time required to prepare nuclear reactor licensing documents, completing a process that typically takes weeks in just one day.

DOE said Thursday it worked with Idaho National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Microsoft and Everstar. The team tested an AI-driven approach to convert a safety analysis document into content aligned with Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing requirements for advanced reactors.

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How Does the AI Tool Improve Licensing?

The team used Everstar’s Gordian AI platform, built on Microsoft Azure, to convert a Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis for a high-temperature gas reactor into sections equivalent to an NRC license application.

The AI-generated output included a 208-page draft and identified gaps and missing information needed to complete a full NRC license application.

DOE said Gordian is designed for nuclear-grade technical work, using engineering and physics-based models to ensure outputs are computed and verified rather than inferred.

What Role Does AI Play in Nuclear Deployment?

The effort demonstrates how AI could help accelerate nuclear energy deployment without replacing human expertise.

“Now is the time to move boldly on AI-accelerated nuclear energy deployment,” said Rian Bahran, deputy assistant secretary for nuclear reactors. “It has the potential to transform how industry prepares its regulatory submissions and deploys nuclear energy while upholding the highest standards of safety and compliance.”

The approach follows a model in which experts design and validate outputs, while AI accelerates document generation and analysis.

How Are Industry Partners Supporting the Effort?

“Our collaborations with DOE, INL and across the industry are demonstrating how we can effectively bring secure, scalable AI technologies to solve key energy challenges. [This will also help] achieve the broader national and economic security goals envisioned by the Department’s Genesis Mission,” said Carmen Krueger, corporate vice president for U.S. federal at Microsoft and a 2026 Wash100 Award recipient.

According to Kevin Kong, CEO and founder of Everstar, nuclear power is ready to address pressing energy demands. “We’re excited to partner with INL to meet the moment, working together to accelerate regulatory review and commercialization,” Kong added.

What Comes Next?

DOE and its partners plan to further validate the approach by benchmarking AI-generated documents against NRC standards and expanding applications across the nuclear value chain.

The effort is part of the department’s broader Genesis Mission, which aims to accelerate scientific innovation using AI. DOE recently announced $293 million in funding to support related initiatives, including efforts to speed nuclear energy deployment.

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Joseph Jewell Sworn In as Assistant Secretary of War for Science & Technology
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Joseph Jewell. The Pentagon swears in Joseph Jewell to lead S&T efforts.

Joseph Jewell has been sworn in as assistant secretary of war for science and technology, taking on a key role overseeing the Pentagon’s research priorities as the department accelerates efforts to maintain technological advantage.

The Department of War announced the appointment Thursday in a post on the social media platform X, positioning Jewell as a central figure in shaping S&T strategy across the defense enterprise.

Hear from leading Army S&T officials like Jewell at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Army Summit on June 18. Secure your seat today!

What Role Will Joseph Jewell Play?

As ASW S&T, Jewell serves as the principal adviser to the under secretary of war for research and engineering on a variety of matters. These include S&T, developmental prototyping and experimentation, and guiding investments to accelerate the transition of scientific discovery into strategic defense applications.

He oversees the full DOW S&T enterprise, which includes laboratory infrastructure, federally-funded research and development centers and university-affiliated research centers. It also includes innovation programs such as the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer initiatives, and manufacturing-focused efforts.

His office also manages a portfolio of critical S&T programs, including hypersonics and biomanufacturing.

Who Is Joseph Jewell?

Jewell joins DOW from Purdue University, where he served as a professor of aeronautics and astronautics and led hypersonic research initiatives, including wind tunnel testing programs.

His prior experience includes roles at the University of Michigan, the University of Oxford and the California Institute of Technology, as well as work as a research scientist at the Air Force Research Laboratory. Jewell’s technical background focuses on hypersonic aerothermodynamics, flight test data analysis and advanced testing infrastructure.

What Are Jewell’s Priorities?

In remarks following his swearing-in, Jewell emphasized advancing critical technology areas and strengthening the department’s research capabilities.

“The future of our national security lies at the intersection of science and technology,” he said. “My focus is the comprehensive advancement of our capabilities. We will achieve this by pushing the boundaries in critical areas like hypersonics and biomanufacturing, modernizing our labs, and empowering our people.” 

“We will invest in the bold ideas needed to secure the technological dominance that gives our warfighters overwhelming advantage and ensures our nation’s strategy of deterrence,” Jewell added.

How Does This Fit Into Broader Defense Efforts?

Jewell’s appointment comes as the Pentagon continues to prioritize faster development and deployment of advanced technologies.

During his nomination process, he highlighted the importance of accelerating research; strengthening collaboration across government, academia and industry; shortening the path from discovery to deployment; and fostering new STEM talent to sustain U.S. military innovation.

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Senate Advances DHS Funding Measure
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Capitol Hill. The Senate has sent a bill to the House that would fund most of the Department of Homeland Security.

The Senate advanced legislation early Friday to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security, sending the measure to the House as lawmakers work to end a partial government shutdown, CNBC reported.

Senate Advances DHS Funding Measure

As Congress advances a bill to fund much of the DHS, attention remains focused on the agency’s operations and the broader mission it supports. Register now for the 2026 Homeland Security Summit to join government and industry leaders as they discuss policies, technologies and priorities shaping the agency’s direction.

In an interview Friday with CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, said he expects the lower chamber to pass the DHS bill and noted that lawmakers may need to waive procedural rules to expedite consideration.

What Are the Provisions of the DHS Bill?

The bill would fund DHS operations broadly, but excludes Immigration and Customs Enforcement and portions of Customs and Border Protection. The House was expected to consider the measure as soon as Friday ahead of a scheduled two-week recess.

The measure does not include changes to ICE’s immigration enforcement practices that Democrats had sought during negotiations.

What Is the State of DHS Under the Partial Shutdown?

The shutdown began in February and has affected DHS operations, including the Transportation Security Administration. The lapse in funding resulted in missed paychecks for TSA agents and contributed to long lines at airports.

During the week, lawmakers worked to reach an agreement before the recess deadline. After talks broke down late Thursday, President Donald Trump said he would issue an executive order directing DHS to pay TSA agents. Republicans said they plan to pursue additional legislation through budget reconciliation to address ICE funding and other priorities.

Markwayne Mullin, previously a senator from Oklahoma, was sworn in Tuesday as the new DHS secretary during a ceremony at the White House. He was confirmed by the Senate in a 54-45 vote. 

Mullin succeeded Kristi Noem, a two-time Wash100 awardee who was named special envoy for the Shield of the Americas.

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