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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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DOGE Reports 273 Contracts Worth $5.1B Terminated in 4 Weeks
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Department of Government Efficiency logo. DOGE said agencies cut 273 contracts over four weeks

Federal agencies have terminated or descoped 273 contracts with a ceiling value of $5.1 billion over the past four weeks, resulting in $1.4 billion in savings, the Department of Government Efficiency said in a post on social media site X on Saturday.

Which Contracts Are Affected in the Recent DOGE Cost-Saving Cuts?

The terminated awards include a $6.7 million consulting contract to provide the Department of Homeland Security with organizational transformation and strategic recommendations.

The government also canceled a professional services contract valued at $986,000 for leadership development training and a $10.2 million administrative management contract for outward mindset training at the Department of War.

A DOW consulting contract for social indicators research was also terminated in the past four weeks.

How Much Has DOGE Saved for the Government?

According to the DOGE website, total estimated savings across asset sales, contract and lease cancellations, fraud reduction and other efficiency measures have reached $215 billion. The department also tracks agency progress through an internal efficiency leaderboard, with the Department of Health and Human Services and General Services Administration achieving the most reported savings.

In late December, DOGE announced that agencies canceled 55 contracts with a total ceiling value of $863 million, resulting in about $261 million in savings. In November, agencies reported $103 million in savings after canceling 103 contracts valued at roughly $4.4 billion.

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DOE Unveils 26 Science & Technology Challenges Under Genesis Mission
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Department of Energy logo. DOE unveiled 26 science and tech challenges to advance the Genesis Mission and AI innovation.

The Department of Energy has announced 26 science and technology challenges intended to advance the Genesis Mission and accelerate artificial intelligence-enabled innovation across energy, discovery science and national security programs.

DOE Unveils 26 Science & Technology Challenges Under Genesis Mission

DOE’s newly announced Genesis Mission challenges highlight the growing role of AI in advancing federal science, energy and national security priorities. As agencies continue exploring how AI can improve mission outcomes, government and industry leaders will gather at the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 18. Save your spot now!

DOE said Thursday the challenges align with executive orders issued by President Donald Trump focused on launching the Genesis Mission and eliminating barriers to U.S. leadership in AI.

The agency noted that the effort will be carried out in partnership with the agency’s national laboratories, industry stakeholders and academic institutions.

What Is the Genesis Mission?

According to DOE, the Genesis Mission is a national initiative that aims to develop a scientific platform to drive energy innovation, speed up discovery science and strengthen national security.

The platform is designed to connect leading supercomputers, AI systems, experimental facilities and unique scientific datasets to double the research productivity and impact of U.S. research and innovation within 10 years.

In December, DOE announced a $320 million investment to accelerate the development of AI capabilities in support of the Genesis Mission.

What Are the Core Focus Areas of the Genesis Mission Challenges?

DOE said the challenges cover energy, scientific, industrial and national security domains where AI is expected to accelerate discovery, design and deployment.

Key focus areas include advanced manufacturing and industrial productivity; biotechnology and bioindustrial scaling; critical minerals supply chain; nuclear energy acceleration; fusion energy delivery; and AI-driven autonomous laboratories.

Some of the challenges cited are Scaling the Grid to Power the American Economy; Harnessing America’s Historic Nuclear Data; Discovering Quantum Algorithms with AI; and Recentering Microelectronics in America.

What Did Federal Leaders Say About the Challenges?

DOE Under Secretary for Science and Genesis Mission Lead Dario Gil said the initiative is intended to accelerate discovery by combining AI capabilities with federal data and experimental infrastructure.

“These challenges represent a bold step toward a future where science moves at the speed of imagination because of AI,” Gil said. “By uniting the U.S. Government’s unparalleled data resources and DOE’s experimental facilities with cutting-edge AI, we can unlock discoveries that will power the economy, secure our energy future, and keep America at the forefront of global innovation.”

Michael Kratsios, assistant to the president and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said the Genesis Mission is designed to mobilize the country’s scientific infrastructure and AI capabilities to increase the pace of discovery.

“These 26 challenges are a direct call to action to America’s researchers and innovators to join the Genesis Mission and deliver science and technology breakthroughs that will benefit the American people,” noted Kratsios, a two-time Wash100 awardee. “We look forward to expanding the list of challenges across Federal agencies to bring even greater impact to the Mission.”

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Air Force Integrates A-GRA Across Multiple CCA Platforms
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U.S. Air Force logo. The Air Force is integrating and testing A-GRA across multiple platforms as part of the CCA program.

The U.S. Air Force is integrating and testing its Autonomy Government Reference Architecture, or A-GRA, across multiple vendor platforms as part of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, or CCA, program.

Air Force Integrates A-GRA Across Multiple CCA Platforms

As the Air Force advances open architecture and autonomy initiatives, such developments continue to shape the evolving national security environment. Sign up now for the 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30 to join government and industry leaders as they discuss the latest technologies, priorities, challenges and opportunities shaping the air and space enterprise.

The Air Force said Thursday the effort supports the National Defense Strategy and marks a key step in the service’s acquisition reform strategy that seeks to advance the use of modular open systems, promote competition and accelerate the delivery of capabilities to warfighters.

Mission autonomy vendors—RTX subsidiary Collins Aerospace and Shield AI—are integrating A-GRA and have begun semi-autonomous flight testing with General Atomics and Anduril on YFQ-42 and YFQ-44 CCA platforms.

What Is Autonomy Government Reference Architecture?

A-GRA is a government-owned modular open systems framework designed to establish a universal standard for mission autonomy across platforms to prevent “vendor lock” and enable the service to rapidly integrate autonomy algorithms from traditional and nontraditional defense contractors. 

“Verifying A-GRA across multiple partners is critical to our acquisition strategy,” said Col. Timothy Helfrich, portfolio acquisition executive for fighters and advanced aircraft. “It proves that we are not locked into a single solution or a single vendor. We are instead building a competitive ecosystem where the best algorithms can be deployed rapidly to the warfighter on any A-GRA compliant platform, regardless of the vendor providing the algorithm.”

According to the Agile Development Office director, integrating A-GRA onto multiple platforms in a short timeframe demonstrates that the Air Force’s open-systems approach is functioning as intended and enables the service to iterate tactics and capabilities across the fleet at an accelerated pace.

What Is the Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program?

CCA is the Air Force’s initiative to develop semi-autonomous aircraft designed to operate alongside crewed platforms, complement major weapons systems and serve as force multipliers for the joint force. As part of the Next Generation Air Dominance Family of Systems, the program seeks to integrate open-systems architectures to facilitate the continuous iteration of autonomy and mission systems capabilities.

In April 2024, the Air Force selected General Atomics and Anduril to build production-representative prototypes under the CCA program. 

In August 2025, the service announced that the YFQ-42A prototype, developed with General Atomics, completed its inaugural flight as the platform transitioned into flight testing.

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JHTO, NSWC Select Leidos, Kratos, 4 Others for S2MARTS Hypersonic Development
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Hypersonic missile. Six firms secured S2MARTS OTAs to accelerate hypersonic capability development

The Department of War’s Joint Hypersonics Transition Office and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division have awarded other transaction agreements to six companies under the Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems, or S2MARTS, initiative to advance the development of hypersonic capabilities.

The National Security Technology Accelerator, which manages S2MARTS, said Thursday that the awardees will focus on JHTO science and technology priorities, including pilot-to-target capabilities, aerodynamic and propulsion system improvements, enhanced mission effectiveness and mission planning tools.

The companies will utilize modeling and simulation and relevant ground and flight experimentations to speed development.

JHTO, NSWC Select Leidos, Kratos, 4 Others for S2MARTS Hypersonic Development

Learn about emerging technologies revolutionizing naval operations and strengthening warfighter capabilities at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Navy Summit on Aug. 27. Get your tickets today.

Which Companies Won S2MARTS OTAs?

The six companies that were awarded S2MARTS OTAs are:

What Are Hypersonic Systems?

Hypersonic systems are vehicles capable of traveling faster than Mach 5. The technology offers strategic advantages for warfighters, such as rapid long-distance travel and in-flight maneuverability. Hypersonic systems can also outpace traditional missile defenses, NSTXL said.

What Is S2MARTS?

Created by NSWC Crane and the Department of War, S2MARTS is designed to streamline acquisition and accelerate defense prototype development. The OTA supports rapid access to advanced technologies, including trusted microelectronics and strategic mission systems, helping the department transition critical hypersonic and spectrum-related capabilities more quickly to operational use.

The S2MARTS team also reportedly provides round-the-clock support, networking events and teaming opportunities.

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