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US National Security Strategy Prioritizes Military Tech Advantage Over China
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White House. The Trump administration releases the 2025 National Security Strategy.

 The U.S. government has released its 2025 National Security Strategy, resetting U.S. defense and industrial priorities around maintaining a technological and military edge over China, identified as the nation’s principal strategic and economic competitor.

The strategy, which the White House published on Thursday, highlights need for safeguarding American sovereignty, defending the homeland against military and foreign-influence threats, and preventing adversaries from gaining leverage over U.S. economic and industrial systems. It underscores that peace through strength and robust border security remain central to preserving national stability.

What Military Capabilities Will the US Strengthen?

To support global deterrence, the strategy directs development of technologically advanced military capabilities, including a modern nuclear deterrent, accelerated defense production and the Golden Dome next-generation missile defense system. The plan further prioritizes leadership in emerging technologies — such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and autonomous systems — to prevent adversaries from surpassing U.S. capabilities.

These key technologies will be a central focus of Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29! Register now to catch 10 expert panels and four keynotes—a packed day of GovCon defense tech discussion and networking.

How Will Industrial Policy Support Military Readiness?

Under the new strategy, rebuilding the defense industrial base is a key pillar. This includes reshoring critical manufacturing, expanding domestic energy production and reinforcing intellectual property protections. Industrial resilience is presented as foundational to both military readiness and long-term economic security.

What Are the US Regional and Global Priorities?

The document reaffirms U.S. opposition to coercive threats against Taiwan and calls for bolstered deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. It also maintains U.S. support for achieving stability and a ceasefire in Ukraine, safeguarding global trade routes to ensure access to strategic resources and preserving navigation security.

“This document is a roadmap to ensure that America remains the greatest and most successful nation in human history, and the home of freedom on earth,” U.S. President Donald Trump said. “In the years ahead, we will continue to develop every dimension of our national strength—and we will make America safer, richer, freer, greater, and more powerful than ever before.”

US National Security Strategy Prioritizes Military Tech Advantage Over China
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5 Biggest Defense AI Contracts in FY 2025
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A robot. Check out the the five biggest federal contract awards involving defense AI technologies in FY 2025.

FY 2025 featured some of the largest defense AI contracts awarded by the federal government in recent memory. The top 10 awards had a cumulative value of $38.3 billion, according to GovCon Daily research. 

These awards demonstrate a larger strategic shift in the Department of War. Rather than relying exclusively on traditional defense primes, the DOW is now explicitly reaching for nontraditional firms with broad commercial pedigree. This is changing how deals are structured, featuring faster cycles, different acquisition vehicles and more collaboration across firms.

Discover the latest defense AI business opportunities at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29! Hear directly from leading federal officials and industry experts at our Powering AI at Mission Scale: Energy, Compute and Infrastructure for Defense Innovation panel discussion. Secure your seat for this elite GovCon event today!

For GovCon executives, this means paying more attention to long-term planning and strategic agility. Either position yourself to integrate or partner, or risk being left behind as the DOW’s procurement landscape evolves.

What Is Defense AI?

Leveraging rapidly advancing AI for military use is a top priority for the DOW entering 2026. While most attention focuses on AI’s role in combat, the DOW wants to use AI to improve its business operations, including finance, acquisition, IT and more, according to the Brookings Institute.

Let’s dive into the five biggest defense AI contracts awarded in 2025.

1. What Is the PROTECTS Cybersecurity Blanket Purchase Agreement?

Amount: $20 billion

Date awarded: March 25, 2025

Organization: Department of Treasury

Recipients: 1CyberForce, Delviom, Electrosoft Services, Maveris, Obsidian Global, Pueo Business Solutions, PUNCH Cyber, ShorePoint, Valiant Solutions, Zermount

The biggest defense AI contract award in government in FY 2025 was the massive $20 billion Providing Treasury Enterprise Cybersecurity Technology and Services, or PROTECTS, cybersecurity blanket purchase agreement.

PROTECTS enables the Treasury and its departments and bureaus to access the recipients for cybersecurity services and solutions, bolstering the protection of the department’s data and assets. Featuring a one-year base ordering period and seven one-year option periods, PROTECTS also facilitates innovation and creates cost savings for the Treasury.

1CyberForce is a small-business mentor-protégé joint venture between ECS and Yakshna Solutions, was named to the PROTECTS BPA. With PROTECTS, ECS is using its broad expertise in federal and commercial security, managed security solutions, vulnerability and incident authority and improved adversary-focused operations to progress the Treasury’s security posture.

“This award is a significant milestone for our joint venture. It showcases our unmatched cybersecurity expertise and innovative, AI-enabled cybersecurity solutions,” said John Heneghan, ECS president and a four-time Wash100 winner.

2. $10B Army Commercial Software Award to Palantir

Amount: Potentially $10 billion

Date awarded: July 31, 2025

Organization: U.S. Army

Recipient: Palantir

The Army in August awarded Palantir an enterprise agreement, or EA, worth as much as $10 billion for commercial software. The EA permits the acquisition of data integration, analytics and AI services.

The contracting vehicle also provides the federal government with volume-based discounts for DOW subagencies in addition to the Army. It consolidates 75 awards into a single arrangement to provide necessary capabilities as fast as possible while waiving contract and reseller pass-through fees. 

By streamlining our procurement processes and leveraging enterprise-level discounts, we are not only enhancing our operational effectiveness but also maximizing our buying power, said Leonel Garciga, Army chief information officer and two-time Wash100 winner.

Defense technology executives cannot afford to miss the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29. It’s designed just for you! Get actionable business intelligence on AI directly from Emil Michael, under secretary of defense for research and engineering and acting director of the Defense Innovation Unit. Spark collaborations with other GovCon titans and score that big contract. Sign up now!

3. How Much Is Booz Allen’s CWMD Task Order?

Amount: Potentially $1.6 billion

Date awarded: August 14, 2025

Organizations: Defense Intelligence Agency and Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Recipient: Booz Allen

Booz Allen secured a contract potentially worth as much as $1.6 billion when it received a Defense Intelligence Agency award in August for counter weapons of mass destruction, or CWMD, intelligence analysis.

As part of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Analysis, Exploitation and Data Science Support, or WAEDS, task order, Booz Allen will leverage advanced technology and specialized technical skillsets in WMD, data science and language-enabled analysis to contribute to transformative counter-WMD missions across the world.

Booz Allen will also use its skills in missile systems, cyber and other advanced technology capabilities to bolster U.S. national security under WAEDS, which backs DIA’s Defense Counterproliferation Office and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

“This win is the latest example of how Booz Allen is applying advanced technology to solve the nation’s most complicated challenges and make America safer,” said Lisa Bishop, a senior vice president in Booz Allen’s national security business.

4. What Is GDIT’s EMITSA Contract?

Amount: $1.3 billion

Date awarded: October 2, 2025

Organization: U.S. Army

Recipient: GDIT
 

General Dynamics Information Technology in September landed the $1.3 billion Enterprise Mission Information Technology Services Award. This is a contract to secure and modernize IT platforms for U.S. Army Europe and Africa and includes a nearly half-year transition period followed by seven option years.

Under the task order, GDIT will shore up U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s network infrastructure, improve its mission partner network and integrate advanced cybersecurity strategies to protect critical systems.

“We look forward to continuing to deliver a modern digital backbone that will enable our soldiers and commanders to stay connected, coordinate seamlessly with mission partners and act decisively on the battlefield,” said Brian Sheridan, GDIT senior vice president for defense.

5. Exiger $919M SCRIPTS BPA

Amount: Potentially $919 million

Date awarded: April 8, 2025

Organization: GSA

Recipient: Exiger

Exiger in late March landed a position on the potential $919 million Supply Chain Risk Illumination Professional Tools and Services, or SCRIPS, BPA. This contract, awarded by the General Services Administration, allows the procurement of supply chain risk illumination capabilities and analytic support services.

Through the SCRIPTS BPA, the DOW and other federal agencies will be able to tap these tools for cyber hygiene, vendor vetting and other capabilities to help evaluate supplier risks as they happen. The BPA is sponsored by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

“DOW has, once again, recognized the differentiated strength of our award-winning supply chain AI, selecting Exiger as the highest-ranked unrestricted prime awardee in the SCRIPTS BPA evaluation,” said Exiger President Carrie Wibben Kaupp. Exiger is a lead platinum sponsor of the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29. Get your ticket today!

5 Biggest Defense AI Contracts in FY 2025
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HHS Launches Artificial Intelligence Strategy
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HHS logo. The Department of Health and Human Services unveiled its AI Strategy.

The Department of Health and Human Services has unveiled a strategy that aims to advance the use of artificial intelligence to improve healthcare delivery, public health, human services, biomedical research and agency operations.

HHS Launches Artificial Intelligence Strategy

Sign up for the Potomac Officers Club’s rescheduled 2025 Healthcare Summit on Feb. 12, to explore the latest in healthcare technology, citizen user experience and innovative solutions transforming federal healthcare.

HHS said Thursday the AI Strategy delivers on the White House’s AI Action Plan, related executive orders and Office of Management and Budget guidance. 

“AI is a tool to catalyze progress,” said Clark Minor, acting chief AI officer at HHS. “This Strategy is about harnessing AI to empower our workforce and drive innovation across the Department.”

What Are the 5 Pillars of the HHS AI Strategy?

The department’s AI Strategy has five pillars: ensure governance and risk management for public trust; design infrastructure and platforms for user needs; promote workforce development and burden reduction for efficiency; foster health research and reproducibility through gold standard science; and enable care and public health delivery modernization for better outcomes.

Each pillar comes with a vision, strategic goals, metric examples and ongoing activities.

To advance the first pillar, HHS recommends establishing standardized minimum risk practices for high-impact AI and developing and maintaining an inventory of AI use cases.

According to the document, the strategy will advance the development of a OneHHS AI-integrated Commons that provides computing power, shared data resources, testbed environments and models to divisions to enable rapid AI innovation.

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DOT Names Peraton Prime Integrator for Air Traffic Control System
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Department of Transportation logo. DOT awarded Peraton a contract to lead the development of an air traffic control system.

The Department of Transportation has awarded Peraton a contract to oversee the development and deployment of a new air traffic control system to improve safety and support the future growth of the National Airspace System.

DOT said Thursday Peraton will work with the department and the Federal Aviation Administration to launch the new system by the end of 2028.

“We are thrilled to be working with Peraton because they share President Trump’s drive to modernize our skies safely at record speed,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

When Did DOT Start Accepting Proposals for the Air Traffic Control Prime Integrator Contract?

In August, Duffy announced that the FAA had started seeking proposals for the prime integrator contract.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill gave us a strong $12.5 billion down payment to start this modernization effort. But to finish the job—and deliver the safer, more efficient system travelers deserve—we’re going to need another $20 billion. This is a long-term investment in the future of air travel, and we’re committed to getting it right,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.

What Are the Terms of the DOT Air Traffic Control Prime Integrator Contract?

Under the contract, Peraton will oversee the modernization effort and support the FAA as new technologies and capabilities are deployed across the NAS.

The company will replace telecommunications networks, software and hardware, radar and other core infrastructure. According to DOT, initial priorities include establishing a new digital command center and converting the system’s remaining copper infrastructure to modern fiber.

The contract will include incentives for good performance and penalties for unnecessary delays.

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GSA, Palo Alto Networks Offer Agencies Discounted Cyber Defense Tools Under OneGov
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Eric Trexler, SVP at Palo Alto Networks. Trexler said Palo Alto Networks designed its offerings to support zero trust

Palo Alto Networks is offering to federal agencies discounted rates on its artificial intelligence, cloud, software and other digital defense services through its new OneGov agreement with the General Services Administration.

The exclusive pricing is available to government users through January 31, 2028, GSA said Thursday.

“Securing federal networks and data will be easier and more cost-effective for agencies, thanks to this OneGov agreement with Palo Alto Networks,” commented Josh Gruenbaum, commissioner of GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service and a 2025 Wash100 winner.

GSA, Palo Alto Networks Offer Agencies Discounted Cyber Defense Tools Under OneGov

Get updates on the zero trust and modernization journeys of various federal agencies at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21. Secure your tickets to this critical GovCon event today.

What Does Palo Alto Networks’ OneGov Agreement Cover?

Agencies will receive 60 percent off the listed price for designated bundles of Prisma AIRS Runtime Security and VM-Series software firewalls, Panorama and Cloud Delivered Security Services, and Prisma SASE and Prisma Browser for Zero Trust. Meanwhile, the Code to Cloud is available to agencies at a 35 percent discount.

Eric Trexler, senior vice president of public sector at Palo Alto Networks, told NextGov/FCW that his company designed the offerings to support zero trust and IT modernization.

“By leading with integrated, next-generation platforms — specifically Prisma AIRS for AI security and our automated, AI-driven security capabilities — we are equipping federal agencies to consolidate their architecture, drive critical cost rationalization and immediately leverage the automation required to keep pace,” he stated.

“This partnership with the GSA is about more than cost efficiency; it is about equipping federal agencies with the security platforms from AI, cloud and network security needed to fortify our digital borders,” Nikesh Arora, chair and CEO of Palo Alto Networks, added. 

Which Other Companies Have OneGov Agreements With GSA?

OneGov is GSA’s comprehensive plan to utilize the federal government’s collective spending power and negotiate with original equipment manufacturers to secure discounts on IT products and services.

GSA also recently signed an agreement with SAP to offer database, analytics, integration and cloud platforms to federal agencies at discounted prices.

Perplexity, Google, xAI, Meta, ServiceNow and Microsoft also have OneGov deals with GSA.

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Army Reorganizes PEO C3N to Accelerate Next-Gen C2 Modernization
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US Army logo. The Army is transitioning PEO C3N into capability-focused CPE C3N to accelerate C2 technology acquisitions.

The U.S. Army is restructuring its Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications and Network to better deliver capabilities for its Next Generation Command and Control, or NGC2, initiative. The ongoing transition will shift PEO C3N into a new organization called Capability Program Executive Command, Control, Communications and Network—dubbed CPE C3N—the service said Thursday.

This effort supports Department of War and Army acquisition reform objectives aimed at accelerating delivery of commercial technology and ensuring warfighters receive iterative upgrades to C2 systems.

Army Reorganizes PEO C3N to Accelerate Next-Gen C2 Modernization

The Army’s overhaul of PEO C3N signals a major push toward faster tech adoption and a more agile warfighting network. These priorities will take center stage at the 2026 Army Summit on June 18, where service leaders and industry partners will discuss how modernization efforts are reshaping acquisition, data integration and tactical connectivity for Army 2030. Register now to be part of the conversation.

How Is CPE C3N Structuring Around NGC2?

The Army said stakeholders will see the most significant changes at the project manager level. Newly established or redefined offices include:

  • PM C2 Applications — delivers C2 applications and supports third-party integration
  • PM C2 Data/AI — provides converged data platforms enabled by artificial intelligence and machine learning in degraded tactical environments 
  • PM C2 Infrastructure — delivers secure compute and storage at the tactical edge and in the cloud
  • PM C2 Transport — focused on capability-based transport technologies that could enable a transport agnostic network system for the entire Army and support fielding of transport capabilities for Army priority units.
  • PM Integrated Enterprise Network — responsible for enterprise communications modernization
  • C2 Trail Boss — leads integration of C2 and Transformation in Contact elements
  • Product Lead C2 Enablers — delivers interoperability enablers, supporting International Information Technologies Systems, Common Hardware Systems, and Enterprise – Identity, Credential and Access Management, among other programs.

Brig. Gen. Jack Taylor will serve as capability program executive for C3N, retaining his role as head of the organization. Roni Ewing serves as acting deputy.

Additional headquarters roles are being added to strengthen integration, portfolio management, and cyber and data functions.

Taylor said the transformation will help “equip Soldiers with the newest technologies that will win in the future fight.”

How Does CPE C3N Establishment Affect Industry Engagement?

The reorganization is part of a broader shift toward continuous competition and onboarding of nontraditional vendors. CPE C3N is incorporating commercial acquisition pathways such as commercial solutions offerings and self-organized vendor teams within NGC2 development.

Industry partners will receive program updates at the Army Technical Exchange Meeting scheduled for Jan. 30 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

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OSTP Seeks Input to Accelerate US Scientific Innovation
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OSTP logo. OSTP is seeking public feedback on federal policies to accelerate scientific innovation.

The Office of Science and Technology Policy has issued a request for information seeking public input on federal policy changes that could support U.S. scientific leadership and accelerate technology transition. Comments are due by Dec. 26, according to the notice recently published in the Federal Register.

What Policy Changes Is OSTP Considering for US Research and Innovation?

OSTP is asking stakeholders across academia; industry; state, local and tribal governments; and research institutions to provide recommendations on how federal programs can better enable scientific discovery and move research advancements into practical use. The agency said responses will inform executive branch efforts to strengthen the nation’s science and technology ecosystem.

Input is requested on a broad set of policy areas, including:

  • Improving public-private collaboration and early-stage applied research support
  • Enhancing translation from laboratory research into commercial applications
  • Building regional innovation ecosystems around federal research assets
  • Expanding small- and medium-business participation in emerging technologies
  • Strengthening talent development and workforce readiness in science and technology fields
  • Leveraging advances in artificial intelligence to accelerate research
  • Reducing barriers that slow scientific progress while maintaining security and integrity

The notice also asks for specific evidence-based recommendations, including examples of grantmaking reforms or metascience data that could improve the effectiveness of federal funding programs.

Submissions will assist in shaping federal approaches to scientific investment, research security protections and support for high-risk, high-reward research.

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CISA Debuts Industry Engagement Platform to Promote Public-Private Collaboration in Cybersecurity
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Madhu Gottumukkala, CISA's acting director. Gottumukkala said a new industry engagement platform will drive innovation.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has unveiled a new platform to facilitate conversations and collaboration between government and industry.

How Does CISA’s New Industry Engagement Platform Work?

Called the Industry Engagement Platform, or IEP, the initiative gives companies a way to communicate with agency subject matter experts and describe technologies and capabilities that can strengthen the nation’s cyber and critical infrastructure, CISA said Thursday.

CISA Debuts Industry Engagement Platform to Promote Public-Private Collaboration in Cybersecurity

Learn about the threats targeting American systems and find out where agencies stand in their zero trust journeys at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21. You can get your tickets to this critical GovCon conference as early as today!

“With the launch of this new platform, we’re opening the door wider to innovation—giving industry a direct line to share the tools and technologies that can help CISA stay ahead of evolving threats,” Madhu Gottumukkala, acting director of CISA, stated. “The private sector drives innovation and this collaboration is essential to our national resilience.”

The platform features customizable technology profiles to match participants with the appropriate CISA expert. Organizations may also upload capability overviews for CISA to reference in market research and in tracking emerging technologies.

The agency’s current areas of interest are:

  • IT and security controls
  • Communication
  • Data, analytics, storage and data management
  • Post-quantum cryptography and other merging technologies that can advance agency mission. 
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Bipartisan House Bill Seeks to Strengthen AI Chip Export Control Enforcement
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The Capitol building. House lawmakers proposed a bipartisan bill to boost export control enforcement for U.S.-made AI chips.

Reps. Tom Kean, R-N.J., and Julie Johnson, D-Texas, have introduced a bipartisan bill to strengthen the enforcement of U.S. export controls to prevent U.S.-made artificial intelligence chips and other sensitive technologies from being smuggled into China and other foreign adversaries.

Bipartisan House Bill Seeks to Strengthen AI Chip Export Control Enforcement

Explore cutting-edge use cases and be part of the conversation shaping the future of AI in government at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 19. Book your spot today!

Kean’s office said Wednesday cosponsors of the proposed Stop Stealing Our Chips Act include House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar, R-Mich., and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, R-Mich., and Rep. Josh Harder, D-Calif.

What Are the Provisions of the Stop Stealing Our Chips Act?

The proposed measure would require the Bureau of Industry and Security, or BIS, within the Department of Commerce to create a secure, public portal for whistleblower submissions.

The legislation would establish a whistleblower incentive program to reward individuals who provide original and credible information that could be used in investigations and the imposition of fines.

Under the bill, lawmakers have proposed providing anti-retaliation safeguards and confidentiality protections for individuals who report violations of U.S. export control laws.

“By offering robust protections and meaningful financial incentives for whistleblowers with credible information, we can strengthen enforcement, prevent violations before they occur, and protect our national security,” said Kean.

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Col. Joshua Garrison on Air Force Reserve’s Offensive Cyber Operations Squadron
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Col. Joshua Garrison. The head of the 960th Cyberspace Wing said the Air Force Reserve will stand up the 98th COS in January.

Col. Joshua Garrison, commander of the 960th Cyberspace Wing, 10th Air Force, said the Air Force Reserve will establish a new cyber operations squadron in January, Breaking Defense reported Wednesday.

Col. Joshua Garrison on Air Force Reserve's Offensive Cyber Operations Squadron

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21 will bring together leading military and industry cyber officials to address how government data has become a critical attack surface in modern conflict. As the Pentagon’s zero trust mandate approaches, the summit will serve as a crucial forum to assess U.S. readiness and forge stronger partnerships against escalating global cyber threats. Sign up now to join the conversation.

What Will the New Cyber Ops Squadron Do?

According to Garrison, the 98th Cyberspace Operations Squadron, or COS, will focus on offensive cyber operations and will be headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio.

At the Alamo ACE conference, the colonel stated that the 98th COS will comprise approximately 50 personnel with skills in offensive cyber operations.

He noted that there is no “off-the-street” pipeline and that the new squadron will provide former active-duty cyber operators with an opportunity to support offensive cyber missions.

How Did the 98th Cyberspace Operations Squadron Come About?

Following the 16th Air Force’s call for a new offensive cyber force in 2023, the Air Force Reserve established a small detachment to serve as a test unit and conducted a 12-month trial to determine the unit’s structure, personnel, and proficiency and training requirements.

The Reserve proposed a formal package to turn the detachment into a permanent unit after achieving some milestones and secured approval for the proposal in the fall, leading to the activation of the 98th COS.

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