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Army Selects Carlyle, CyrusOne for Hyperscale Data Center Projects on Military Installations
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Army logo. The U.S. Army has selected Carlyle and CyrusOne to negotiate for the construction of hyperscale data centers.

The U.S. Army has tapped Carlyle and CyrusOne as preferred partners to negotiate the construction and operation of commercial hyperscale data centers across its military bases.

Army Selects Carlyle, CyrusOne for Hyperscale Data Center Projects on Military Installations

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Army Summit on June 18 explores the Army’s modernization efforts, including the emerging role of artificial intelligence. Sign up now to join the discussion.

Where Will the Projects Be Located?

Carlyle was chosen to develop approximately 1,384 acres at Fort Bliss, Texas, while CyrusOne, a portfolio company held by KKR and BlackRock, will manage a project on 1,201 acres at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. These companies will finance, build and maintain the facilities on non-excess land under the Army’s Enhanced Use Lease program. This model ensures the digital infrastructure is developed at no upfront cost to taxpayers, following a competitive selection process.

How Does the Effort Support Army Priorities?

The initiative aligns with the 2025 executive order on Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure, which advances the goals of the government’s AI Action Plan. The order is intended to streamline federal permitting for data center projects and is authorized under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which governs the leasing of non-excess military property.

“AI is a strategic asset for the Army. It is a force multiplier, supports future transformation and requirements, keeps the Army ahead of our adversaries, and generates resiliency across the force,” said Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll.

“These data centers are a critical resource to support that strategic imperative,” added the 2026 Wash100 Award winner.

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GAO Calls on OMB to Address Privacy Challenges in Federal AI Guidance
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Government Accountability Office logo. GAO issued a new report that assessed OMB's federal AI guidance

The Government Accountability Office, in a report published Thursday, flagged potential privacy risks and challenges that a government-wide artificial intelligence guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget failed to fully address.

GAO Calls on OMB to Address Privacy Challenges in Federal AI Guidance

As agencies accelerate the adoption of AI, addressing privacy risks and governance gaps is becoming increasingly critical. Join top government and industry leaders at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22 to explore how agencies can modernize securely while protecting sensitive data. Get your tickets today!

What AI-Related Privacy Challenges Did GAO Find?

For the report, the congressional watchdog convened a panel of experts who identified 10 privacy challenges organizations face when deploying AI. While OMB’s AI guidance fully addressed two of these challenges, it only partially addressed the remaining eight.

Among the gaps, GAO found that OMB guidance did not clearly outline how agencies should evaluate and audit AI systems that process sensitive information or how to separate sensitive data from broader datasets used to train models. Experts also pointed to the lack of standardized performance metrics and incentives to encourage organizations to implement privacy protections.

What Actions Did GAO Recommend for OMB?

To address these concerns, GAO recommended that OMB expand its guidance by specifying known privacy-related risks agencies should consider when developing AI policies.

The watchdog also called on OMB leadership to issue additional guidance on best practices when evaluating and auditing AI models and separating sensitive data. It also suggested more guidance on establishing performance metrics, improving transparency around user consent and adding AI-specific considerations into privacy impact assessments.

What New AI Requirements Did OMB Release?

The report comes a few months after OMB issued a memorandum outlining requirements to ensure that AI systems procured by federal agencies adhere to “unbiased AI” principles.

The guidance directs agencies to collect key information from vendors to assess whether large language models meet these standards. Required disclosures include acceptable use policies, system and data cards, end-user resources and mechanisms for user feedback.

At the same time, OMB cautioned agencies against requiring vendors to disclose sensitive technical details, such as model weights, to balance transparency with intellectual property protections.

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DOW CIO Pushes Enterprise IT, Cyber Consolidation to Boost Warfighter Readiness
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DOW CIO Kirsten Davies. The War Department unveiled a plan to consolidate its enterprise IT and cybersecurity programs.

Department of War Chief Information Officer Kirsten Davies told lawmakers the agency is undertaking a broad effort to transform the department’s technology ecosystem and cybersecurity program into a warfighting advantage.

DOW CIO Pushes Enterprise IT, Cyber Consolidation to Boost Warfighter Readiness

DOW CIO Kirsten Davies will be a keynote speaker at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22. Sign up now to hear her and other government and industry leaders discuss modernization efforts involving legacy systems.

What Is the War Department’s Core Transformation Strategy?

Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity on Tuesday, Davies said the War Department plans to consolidate enterprise IT and cyber programs under her authority to support warfighter readiness and digital advantage. The strategy aims to strengthen decision-making through better data to support active and future operations.

The approach is intended to reduce duplication, address technical debt, and align modernization across networks, data and applications. It also focuses on enhancing operating models, system design and use of commercial technologies.

How Will the Digital Foundation Be Modernized?

The department’s digital transformation is built on the following four pillars:

Enduring Digital Foundation

The first pillar focuses on creating a high-availability infrastructure spanning undersea cables, 5G and advanced satellite systems. By pursuing extensive data center consolidation and leveraging the Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability, or JWCC, Next to access cloud tools, the department aims to provide combatant commands with streamlined access to critical data and artificial intelligence-enabled analytics. This foundation is designed to transition away from hardware-bound legacy bandwidth, ensuring that the global network remains resilient, hardened and capable of supporting a common operating picture at the tactical edge.

Agile Digital Capabilities

The second pillar represents a shift from slow, legacy software development to a modern delivery model aligned with industry best practices. This pillar emphasizes standardized, interoperable data architectures, ensuring that software and software-as-a-service models reach the warfighter at the “speed of relevance.” A central component of this effort is the Mission Partner Environment, or MPE, which replaces clunky, disparate networks with a persistent, secure platform for real-time intelligence sharing and collaboration with allies.

Cybersecurity Transformation

The third pillar marks a paradigm shift from static compliance checklists to a unified, risk-based approach centered on continuous monitoring. By adopting zero trust principles and advanced identity management, authentication and access controls, or ICAM, the department seeks to embed security into every layer of the technical ecosystem, including critical infrastructure and operational technology. Furthermore, this pillar prioritizes governance reform and supply chain security, treating the cyber defense of the industrial base as a vital component of overall operational readiness.

Workforce and Partnerships

The fourth pillar recognizes that people should retain the decisive edge in modern conflict, focusing on recruiting and retaining elite talent. Leveraging the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, the DOW is expanding the Cyber Excepted Service to add 500 highly skilled roles while introducing competitive pay structures and comprehensive upskilling programs in AI and cyber technology. This human-centric strategy is bolstered by deeper integration with the defense industrial base and international allies, ensuring a collective “Arsenal of Freedom” that is technologically prepared for tomorrow’s battlefields.

“By adopting industry best practices in agile development, cloud computing, AI, and Zero Trust, by overhauling governance and embedding accountability and a bias for action, and by uplifting our holistic skills and vast partnerships, we are building a more effective, resilient, and powerful Arsenal of Freedom,” Davies said. “All these efforts connect at a single point: empowering and enabling our warfighters. The operational realization of their data superiority and decision dominance is the hallmark of the success of our strategic transformation journey – so this is what we will deliver.”

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FTC, DOJ Seeking Public Input on Premerger Reporting Requirements
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Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice logo. The FTC and the DOJ want comments on premerger reporting rules.

The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division launched a joint public inquiry to evaluate the effectiveness of premerger reporting requirements established by the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements, or HSR, Act.

The agencies are seeking public comment on the updated HSR premerger notification form, which took effect in February 2025 but was vacated by a federal district court in February 2026, the FTC said Wednesday. A U.S. Court of Appeals later denied the commission’s motion for a stay pending appeal, prompting regulators to revert to a prior reporting form.

Why Are FTC and DOJ Reviewing HSR Reporting Requirements?

According to the FTC, the agencies are assessing whether the updated requirements improved their ability to identify potentially anticompetitive mergers and determine more quickly whether to issue a request for additional information, known as a Second Request.

The agency also maintains that the previous form, which has been in place for nearly 50 years, does not provide sufficient information to assess modern mergers and acquisitions and said it is considering initiating a new rulemaking process regardless of the litigation outcome.

Additionally, through the joint public inquiry, the agencies want to hear from industry whether the updated reporting requirements impose burdens on companies that outweigh their usefulness and whether refinements are needed to better balance compliance costs with enforcement needs.

What Changes Are Agencies Considering for HSR Reporting?

The FTC and DOJ are reviewing potential updates to address emerging issues in merger oversight.

Areas under consideration include disclosures related to foreign ownership and compliance with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, transactions involving Department of War supply chains, and guidance on the “solely for the purpose of investment” exemption.

The agencies are also examining non-traditional deal structures, such as “acquihires” and convertible securities, structural transaction modifications and acquisitions of single-family housing by institutional investors.

Public comments on the HSR inquiry are due by May 26.

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Trump Names Tech Industry Leaders to PCAST
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White House. President Trump appointed the initial members to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

President Donald Trump has named the initial members to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, or PCAST.

The White House said Wednesday David Sacks, the White House artificial intelligence and crypto czar and a previous Wash100 awardee, and Michael Kratsios, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and a two-time Wash100 Award recipient, will serve as co-chairs of PCAST.

Who Are the Members of PCAST?

The initial members include:

  • Bob Mumgaard, co-founder and CEO of Commonwealth Fusion Systems
  • David Friedberg, CEO of The Production Board
  • Fred Ehrsam, co-founder of Coinbase and Paradigm
  • Jacob DeWitte, co-founder and CEO of Oklo
  • Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of Nvidia
  • John Martinis, physicist and quantum computing researcher at Google Quantum AI and UC Santa Barbara
  • Larry Ellison, executive chairman and chief technology officer of Oracle
  • Lisa Su, chair and CEO of AMD
  • Marc Andreessen, co-founder and general partner at Andreessen Horowitz
  • Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Meta
  • Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell Technologies
  • Safra Catz, CEO of Oracle
  • Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google

What Is PCAST?

PCAST is a presidential advisory body established through an executive order signed in January 2025. It brings together scientists, engineers and industry leaders to provide the president with evidence-based recommendations to ensure that the latest technological advancements and scientific discoveries inform policies. 

The White House said the council can include up to 24 members and will focus on the opportunities and challenges posed by emerging technologies and their impact on economic growth and the U.S. workforce.

The advisory group traces its origins to 1933, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Science Advisory Board. Since then, each administration has formed its own version of the council to guide science and technology policy.

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Army Research Lab, Greystones Partner to Advance AI for LVC Toolkit
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DEVCOM ARL seal. The Army’s DEVCOM ARL partnered with Greystones to advance the use of AI for LVC toolkit under CRADA.

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory, known as DEVCOM ARL, has partnered with Greystones Group through a cooperative research and development agreement to advance the use of artificial intelligence, data orchestration and automation capabilities for its live, virtual and constructive, or LVC, toolkit.

Army Research Lab, Greystones Partner to Advance AI for LVC Toolkit

The Army’s latest partnership with industry reflects the growing momentum behind AI and data integration efforts that will take center stage at upcoming industry events. Attend the 2026 Army Summit this summer to join military officials and industry leaders as they discuss innovations driving next-generation Army capabilities. Register now!

What Is the Scope of the Army CRADA?

The Army said Wednesday DEVCOM ARL and Greystones will research and build an AI-enabled data fabric designed to integrate simulation, sensor and mission systems across LVC environments.

The collaborative effort will use the Soleite platform from Greystones as the foundational framework and an underlying data fabric to inform decisions from the tactical edge.

The two organizations will also develop proprietary AI copilots and agentic workflows to support automation, natural-language interaction and context-aware decision support for engineers and researchers.

Kristin Schaefer-Lay, LVC Toolkit team lead at ARL, said the CRADA “reflects the Army’s continued commitment to implementing artificial intelligence in realistic research and experimentation environments.” She added that the collaboration with Greystones Group is intended to accelerate the integration of AI-enabled data orchestration and agent technologies into the LVC Toolkit to support modularity, scalability and future Army use cases.

Sheila Duffy, founder and CEO of Greystones Group, said the CRADA enables the company to apply its Soleite platform and Soleite Mission Edge capabilities to an Army research environment, with a focus on advancing AI-enabled data integration, autonomy and decision support across live and simulated domains.

“We see this collaboration as a meaningful step toward transitioning innovative AI solutions from research into operational relevance,” Duffy added.

What Is the LVC Toolkit?

The LVC Toolkit is a set of tools designed to support military training, operations and research by integrating simulated, live and virtual environments.

“The LVC Toolkit is a unified system, allowing researchers, engineers and military personnel to experiment with and analyze scenarios in a more realistic and comprehensive way when working with AI and autonomous systems,” said Schaefer-Lay. “It enables seamless integration of data and systems, making it possible to study complex interactions, improve decision-making and enhance mission readiness.”

What Is Soleite?

Soleite is a Technology Readiness Level 9 commercial-off-the-shelf platform designed to ingest, fuse and provide search and visualization capability for large datasets using generative AI and agentic workflows.

The platform delivers a data fabric that includes a unified data catalog, an API orchestration layer and event-driven pipelines to enable data integration and support decision-making.

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DOW Strikes Industry Deals to Scale Missile Production, Strengthen Supply Chain
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Michael Duffey. The DOW official commented on new missile production agreements with Lockheed, BAE Systems and Honeywell.

The Department of War has signed a series of agreements with Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems and Honeywell Aerospace to accelerate missile production and expand critical component manufacturing, part of a broader push to place the defense industrial base on a “wartime footing.”

Announced Tuesday by DOW, the coordinated effort spans interceptor systems, precision strike weapons and key subsystems, signaling a shift toward securing capacity across the full supply chain — not just prime contractors — as the Pentagon works to rapidly scale munitions output.

How Will the Agreements Expand Missile Production?

A central element of the effort includes a framework agreement with BAE Systems and Lockheed to quadruple production of seekers for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptor. THAAD uses kinetic force to intercept adversarial missiles during the terminal flight phase. In 2020, Lockheed awarded BAE Systems a contract to produce an infrared seeker technology for the weapon system.

“This agreement with BAE Systems sends a clear, stable, long-term demand signal,” said Michael Duffey, under secretary of war for acquisition and sustainment. “We are providing the certainty our partners need to invest, expand, and hire. This is how we place the industrial base on a wartime footing,” the 2026 Wash100 Award recipient said.

In parallel, the department reached a separate deal with Lockheed to accelerate production of the Precision Strike Missile, with investments in tooling, facility upgrades and testing infrastructure aimed at reducing lead times and increasing delivery speed. The partnership builds on a $4.94 billion U.S. Army contract awarded in 2025 to produce PrSM Increment 1 weapon systems.

What Role Do Suppliers Play in the Strategy?

DOW is also targeting deeper tiers of the supply chain through a new agreement with Honeywell Aerospace to expand production of key munitions technologies, including navigation systems, actuators and electronic warfare components.

According to the department, the deal unlocks a $500 million multiyear investment from Honeywell to modernize manufacturing and increase the output of components that underpin missile performance.

How Does This Fit Into Broader Acquisition Reform?

Duffey said the agreements with Lockheed, BAE Systems and Honeywell align with efforts to build the “deep and dominant Arsenal of Freedom.”

They are also part of DOW’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy and are being implemented through the Munitions Acceleration Council, which focuses on removing barriers and accelerating production across the defense industrial base.

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OSC Proposes Space Commerce Certification to Streamline Mission Authorization
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Office of Space Commerce logo. OSC proposes a new certification to streamline approvals for emerging space activities.

The Office of Space Commerce has released a proposal to overhaul how the U.S. authorizes emerging commercial space activities.

The draft framework, issued in response to Executive Order 14335, introduces a new opt-in Space Commerce Certification designed to streamline approvals and deliver decisions in as little as 120 days, OSC said Tuesday. It targets a growing category of novel space activities — such as satellite servicing, in-space manufacturing, orbital computing and lunar operations — that fall outside clear existing regulatory pathways.

OSC Proposes Space Commerce Certification to Streamline Mission Authorization

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit, set for July 30, will convene U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force and industry leaders for discussions on emerging technologies and evolving challenges across the air and space domains. Register now!

What Problem Is the OSC Proposal Addressing?

Today’s regulatory system requires companies to navigate multiple approval processes across agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Commerce, often involving overlapping reviews and inconsistent timelines.

According to the proposal, this fragmented structure creates uncertainty for the industry and can slow the development and deployment of new space capabilities.

How Would Space Commerce Certification Work?

Under the proposed model, companies could opt into the single, coordinated certification process, under which applications would undergo an interagency review covering national security, foreign policy, international obligations and safety considerations. If no major issues are identified, certification would be granted within a defined timeline — generally 120 days, with the option to extend to 180 days.

The framework emphasizes “light-touch” requirements and a presumption of approval unless agencies identify specific risks that cannot be mitigated.

The certification would not replace current authorities held by the FAA, FCC or Commerce’s remote sensing regulator for areas such as launch licensing, spectrum use and safety. Instead, it is designed to simplify how organizations obtain permissions and requirements from the agencies.

What Types of Activities Are Covered?

The proposal focuses on activities not clearly addressed under existing regulations, including rendezvous and proximity operations, in-space computing, space resource utilization and commercial space stations..

The proposal is open for stakeholder feedback as the Commerce Department refines the framework.

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The 2026 Wash100 Popular Vote Is Increasingly Competitive; Booz Allen’s Escaravage Surges Onto the Leaderboard, CACI’s Gray Breaks Into Top 10
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2026 Wash100 Popular Vote

The 2026 Wash100 Popular Vote is gaining serious momentum as industry leaders and rising voices across GovCon make their presence felt on Week 7’s leaderboard. With increased voter engagement driving higher totals across the board, competition is intensifying.

Exiger CEO Brandon Daniels continues to lead the charge among industry executives, surpassing the 1,000-vote mark with 1,037 votes to maintain his stronghold as the top-ranking private sector leader.

Close behind, several GovCon standouts are building momentum of their own. DeEtte Gray, CACI president of U.S. operations, posted one of the most significant gains this week. She gained over 100 votes to break into the top 10—an indication of growing support from the community for last year’s Popular Vote winner.

CACI President and CEO John Mengucci is another name to watch. He saw a major surge in votes, climbing three ranks to position himself firmly in the top 15 as a potential contender for further upward movement in the coming weeks.

Which Industry Leaders Are Vying for the Win?

Beyond the top industry spot, the leaderboard is packed with movement as executives compete for visibility and votes.

Rohit Gupta, CEO of Aretum, continues his upward trajectory, climbing two spots to 11th place, just outside of the top 10. Meanwhile Tang Pham, vice president of defense and homeland of AT&T, remains a key player in the mid-tier at No. 13. 

SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh and CGI Federal President Stephanie Mango are neck-and-neck in the competition, with Mango continuing to build on last week’s momentum following her earlier rise. Carey Smith, chair, president and CEO of Parsons, also gained ground this week, moving up one spot to 16th as she continues to draw voter support.

Who Are the New Faces Shaking Up the Leaderboard? 

This week’s Wash100 Popular Vote leaderboard features a noteworthy new entrant: Steve Escaravage, president of Booz Allen Hamilton’s defense technology group, who debuts at No. 28 with 180 votes.

Escaravage’s arrival signals fresh momentum in the final stretch of the rankings, as voters continue to elevate influential industry voices into the conversation. Entering the leaderboard at this stage of the competition is no small feat, and his immediate placement reflects strong support from across the GovCon community.

Who Is Moving Closer to the Top? 

The bottom half of the leaderboard is where some of the most exciting movement is taking place.

MANTECH President and CEO Matt Tait advanced to 21st, surging ahead in the closely contested grouping. Meanwhile, Michael Duffey, Department of War under secretary for acquisition and sustainment, climbed one position to 22nd, signaling support for his achievements. 

Jake Frazer, president and co-founder of Precision Talent Solutions, continues to make big moves, advancing two spots to No. 23 after only one week on the leaderboard.  

With as little as six votes separating this group, it’s clear how voters can quickly change the leaderboard in anyone’s favor. 

Your Vote Is Driving the Race

With nearly every candidate increasing their vote totals and new entrants reshaping the leaderboard, the 2026 Wash100 Popular Vote is entering a pivotal phase. The race is no longer just about maintaining position—it’s about building momentum.

As industry leaders surge, new names emerge and rankings shift week to week, one thing is clear: every vote matters.

Now is the time to make your voice heard and shape the outcome of this year’s Wash100 popular vote. Cast your vote today! 

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ORNL Develops Photon Framework to Detect AI Vulnerabilities at Scale
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Frontier supercomputer. ORNL's CAISER has unveiled the Photon framework, designed to rapidly identify AI vulnerabilities.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Center for Artificial Intelligence Security Research, or CAISER, has introduced Photon, a framework designed to rapidly identify vulnerabilities in AI models at exascale.

How Does Photon Work?

Photon was developed by reimagining ORNL’s DeepHyper technology, a tool originally used for training large neural networks. DeepHyper was repurposed to identify attack parameters and expose potential threats. 

Photon applies known attacks from the published literature against target models, then refines them by uncovering new weaknesses. This cycle goes on until performance degradations are no longer observed.

How Does Photon Enhance Vulnerability Testing?

The framework uses an asynchronous, decentralized approach that allows multiple attack scenarios to run simultaneously across systems. Instead of relying on a single coordinating process, Photon enables independent “agents” to share findings in real time, enhancing the effectiveness of ongoing tests. This method enables the system to quickly examine large hyperparameter spaces.

What Role Does Frontier Play in the Effort?

Photon leverages ORNL’s Frontier exascale supercomputer to support large-scale AI vulnerability testing. The framework can execute around 60,000 jailbreak prompts per hour, reducing auxiliary tasks and delay while sustaining over 95 percent resource utilization across thousands of graphics processing units, or GPUs.

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