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DIU Taps Oshkosh Subsidiary for EHOSS Prototype Development Contract
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Defense Innovation Unit logo. DIU selected Pratt Miller for the EHOSS prototype development contract.

The Defense Innovation Unit has awarded a contract to Oshkosh subsidiary Pratt Miller to build a prototype of its platform under the Expeditionary Hydrogen On Ship and Shore, or EHOSS, project.

DIU Taps Oshkosh Subsidiary for EHOSS Prototype Development Contract

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What Is the Goal of the DIU EHOSS Project?

DIU said Tuesday the EHOSS project seeks to generate, store and distribute hydrogen both aboard ship and ashore by leveraging commmercial off-the-shelf components to create a tactical “micro hydrogen supply chain.”

The initiative aims to support the Department of Defense’s strategic priorities to reduce logistical fuel supply vulnerabilities, improve energy dominance and facilitate distributed operations in contested environments.

DIU collaborates with the Naval Research Laboratory, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. Marine Corps Expeditionary Energy Office, Naval Undersea Warfare Command, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific and the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center on the EHOSS project to help extend operational capabilities and improve energy resilience across joint forces.

“Hydrogen fuel cell technologies offer a pathway to reduced logistical risk and greater operational flexibility, especially in environments where conventional fuel delivery is constrained or compromised,” said Andrew Higier, energy portfolio director at DIU.

“EHOSS is a step toward enabling persistent, low-signature operations that can help us untether from larger fuel supply chains and adapt across the maritime and littoral fight,” Higier added.

Containerized Hydrogen Generation Tech Development

Under the contract, Pratt Miller will build a prototype of a containerized hydrogen generation and fueling system that could produce and provide over 20 kilograms of 350 bar, high-purity hydrogen per day.

According to DIU, the EHOSS prototype builds on prior development and deployment of hydrogen platforms. The system prototype will be fully instrumented to gather and measure data, enable real-time predictive maintenance and facilitate remote monitoring.

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GSA to Launch GO.gov Website to Enhance Federal Travel Management
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GSA logo. GSA will launch the GO.gov website in November to enhance federal travel management.

The General Services Administration has introduced GO.gov, a new website developed by IBM to enhance federal travel management.

The centralized OneGov travel service initiative will officially launch in November, the agency said Tuesday. GO.gov will provide federal agencies with modern capabilities to enhance their operations, including streamlining booking and authorization processes, managing expenses, creating reports, and other tasks.

The unified travel management service, which will integrate with travel management companies, is also designed to offer a more intuitive experience for travelers. It incorporates charge card integration, a mobile interface and other commercially available functionalities.

IBM created and will operate GO.gov as part of the potential 15-year, $148 million contract it received from the GSA in November 2024. It is working toward achieving Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program accreditation.

Josh Gruenbaum, Stephen Ehikian on the GO.gov Initiative

“Common systems are an industry best practice and are proven to drive efficiency, promote compliance and establish uniform processes across agencies,” said Josh Gruenbaum, Federal Acquisition Service commissioner and 2025 Wash100 Award winner.

“As part of GSA’s OneGov strategy, GO.gov will allow all agencies to accomplish more while spending less, improve performance, provide a better customer experience and reduce administrative burdens,” he added.

“GO.gov is a common-sense solution that will relieve agencies of the burden of travel management, helping them be as effective and efficient as possible,” said GSA Deputy Administrator Stephen Ehikian.

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US Army Launches Interface to Streamline Procurement, Financial Processes
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U.S. Army logo. The Army has created an interface linking three systems.

The U.S. Army Program Executive Office Enterprise and the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Procurement have launched an interface that links three systems, the Logistics Modernization Program, or the LMP; Army Working Capital Funds, or AWCF; and Army Contract Writing System, or ACWS in an effort to streamline procurement and financial processes. The interface allows for automated sharing of contract and financial data between the LMP and the ACWS, the Army said Tuesday. 

What Is the LMP-ACWS Interface?

The LMP-ACWS interface is part of a major initiative to standardize how purchase request and procurement data are shared between systems, as the ACWS prepares to take over older contracting systems including the Procurement Automated Data and Document System, or PADDS; and the Standard Procurement System, or SPS. The PEO Enterprise will launch the second phase in October, which will allow the ACWS to handle more types of funding and fully phase out the PADDS.

Through the interface, ACWS users manage all new orders funded by AWCF directly in ACWS, including orders related to maintenance, logistics and supply support. Meanwhile, LMP users can now combine item and service needs into a single request instead filling out separate request forms. The new interface seeks to save time, reduce paperwork, improve tracking and accountability.

Army’s Kevin Stoddard Shares Thoughts

Kevin Stoddard, ACWS lead for the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Procurement, called the establishment of the interface a “noteworthy step forward.”

“The new LMP-ACWS interface reduces manual entry, improves data accuracy and supports timely obligation and contract execution tracking. It also eliminates duplicate data entry, where any updates — particularly for purchase requests — are synced bi-directionally, so there are no duplicate changes. Users enter data once in ACWS, and the data is automatically mapped to LMP/AWCF fields,” he said.

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Information Services Group Report Shows Public Sector Adoption of AI Against Cyberthreats
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Headshot of Nathan Frey, an ISG partner. Frey comments on the new ISG report on cybersecurity

Information Services Group, or ISG, has warned that agencies at the federal, state and local levels face increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats. To strengthen security, the government is adopting advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to mitigate cyberattacks, the research and advisory firm revealed in its new report.

The 2025 ISG Provider Lens Cybersecurity — Services and Solutions report assessed the cybersecurity trends that impact the U.S. public sector. It is part of ISG’s Provider Lens Quadrant research series, which extracts insights from empirical and data-driven research and market analysis combined with real-world observations.

What ISG Found

According to the report, the convergence of information and operational technologies in supply chains and critical infrastructures creates major cyber risks. ISG said supply chains involved in government procurements require regular vendor risk management and monitoring. The firm also noted that an early notification system prevented a ransomware attack against transportation infrastructure.

AI offers enhanced cybersecurity through threat detection, automated discovery of vulnerabilities and predictive analysis.

More agencies are also addressing cyberthreats by deploying cloud security posture management and workload protection platforms, which can safeguard critical applications across distributed systems.

“Public agencies need strong data protection strategies to continue delivering services and maintain public trust,” said Nathan Frey, ISG partner and U.S. public sector lead.

Top Government Technology Providers

The report also assessed 86 cybersecurity solutions and service providers across six quadrants: identity and access management, extended detection and response, technical security services, security service edge, strategic security services, and next-generation security operations center and managed detection and response.

IBM is the leading provider across five quadrants. Meanwhile, Accenture, Deloitte, Capgemini, Infosys, HCLTech and EY led in three quadrants.

“Providers enable clients to align security measures with agency goals and build effective defenses with limited resources,” commented Gowtham Sampath, assistant director and principal analyst for ISG Provider Lens Research.

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GAO Study Reveals Increased Generative AI Use by Federal Agencies
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GAO seal. GAO revealed a rise in generative AI use by federal agencies.

The Government Accountability Office released a report on Tuesday, revealing a significant increase in the use of generative artificial intelligence by government agencies from 2023 to 2024.

Generative AI Use & Potential Applications

The report, titled Artificial Intelligence: Generative AI Use and Management at Federal Agencies, determined that AI use across 11 federal agencies increased from 571 to 1,110 instances, while use of generative AI jumped from 32 to 282 usage cases.

GAO also determined that generative AI has the potential to enhance written communication and boost efficiency in accessing information and tracking program status. The Department of Veterans Affairs has begun automating medical imaging processes to bolster diagnostic services for veterans, while the Department of Health and Human Services has leveraged generative AI to contain poliovirus by gathering data from publications regarding supposedly polio-free areas.

In general, agencies can use generative AI to boost productivity, support internal operations and streamline the delivery of services, among other possible applications.

Challenges in Generative AI Adoption

GAO also reported that agencies are encountering roadblocks with deploying generative AI, including navigating federal policies like data privacy, securing technical resources and funds, and maintaining appropriate use policies and practices.

To address these challenges, agencies develop their internal policies using existing AI frameworks and guidance. This coincided with the executive branch’s move to revise its AI guidance in early 2025.

Aside from issues with its adoption, generative AI also poses a risk to national security and the environment and can be used to spread misinformation, GAO said.

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NSF & Private Partners Award $100M to National AI Research Institutes
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National Science Foundation logo. NSF announced a $100 million investment in National AI Research Institutes.

The National Science Foundation is investing $100 million in five National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes and a central community hub to accelerate open innovation, build an AI-ready workforce and strengthen U.S. global competitiveness.

The public-private funding includes contributions from Capital One and Intel, NSF said Tuesday. The effort aligns with the White House AI Action Plan and supports Executive Order 14277, which calls for expanding AI literacy and education opportunities for American youth.

“Artificial intelligence is key to strengthening our workforce and boosting U.S. competitiveness,” said Brian Stone, NSF’s acting director. “Through the National AI Research Institutes, we are turning cutting-edge ideas and research into real-world solutions and preparing Americans to lead in the technologies and jobs of the future.”

The newly funded institutes will focus on high-impact areas, including mental health, materials discovery, science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, human-AI collaboration and drug development. Each institute will also help build a national infrastructure for AI education and workforce development.

The public-private investment recipients are:

  • NSF AI-Materials Institute led by Cornell University. NSF AI-MI will accelerate the discovery of next-generation materials essential to energy, sustainability and quantum technologies.
  • NSF AI Institute for Foundations of Machine Learning led by the University of Texas at Austin. NSF IFML will expand generative AI to new domains, including protein engineering and clinical imaging.
  • NSF Institute for Student AI-Teaming led by the University of Colorado Boulder. NSF iSAT will advance AI support for group learning and co-develop a semester-long curriculum to build AI literacy.
  • NSF Molecule Maker Lab Institute led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. NSF MMLI will develop advanced AI tools, including new types of language models and intelligent agents, that can reason, predict and help design useful molecules such as drugs, catalysts and new materials.
  • NSF AI Institutes Virtual Organization led by the University of California, Davis. NSF AIVO will connects federally funded AI Institutes, government stakeholders and the public to create a cohesive and collaborative innovation ecosystem.
  • NSF AI Research Institute on Interaction for AI Assistants led by Brown University. NSF ARIA will accelerate the development of next-generation AI assistants that are safer, more effective and better able to adapt to individual user needs.
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House Bill Seeks to Streamline Drone Exports to Allies
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Drone swarm. House lawmakers proposed a bill to help streamline drone exports to U.S. allies.

Reps. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., and Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., have introduced a bill that would facilitate the export of U.S.-built unmanned aerial systems to American allies and partners.

What Are the Provisions of the Leading Exports of Aerial Drones Act?

Zinke’s office said Friday the proposed Leading Exports of Aerial Drones, or LEAD, Act of 2025 aims to make direct changes to the Arms Export Control Act, U.S. Munitions List and Missile Technology Control Regime.

The bill would require UAS to be regulated similarly to manned aircraft and treated separately from missile systems when it comes to defense transfers.

“Our allies need advanced, American made technology on the battlefield and they need it delivered fast and efficiently,” said Zinke. “The LEAD Act cuts outdated restrictions and gives our partners better access to Americas most modern and advanced drone technology which will protect lives, enhances lethality, and strengthen global security.”

Panetta said the proposed measure seeks to reform the export process for U.S. technology to provide U.S. partners with rapid access to the equipment and tools that they need.

“Strengthening our alliances through timely support enhances global stability and protects U.S. national security,” he added.

Learn about how the U.S. is working with global partners at the Potomac Officers Club’s second annual GovCon International Summit on Oct. 16!

Senate Version of the LEAD Act

The House bill came days after Sens. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Chris Coons, D-Del., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, introduced a similar bill in the upper chamber to make it easier for U.S. companies to sell drones to allies and partners.

“The current restrictions on UAS sales to allies and partners are outdated and put American companies at a disadvantage, all while ceding the market to Communist China,” Cotton said in a statement published Wednesday.

“This bill will spur American business and innovation while decreasing global dependence on Chinese military technology,” he added.

House Bill Seeks to Streamline Drone Exports to Allies

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Commerce Department Names Bill Frauenhofer as CHIPS Program Office Director
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Bill Frauenhofer. The former Morgan Stanley exec joins the Commerce Department as CHIPS Program Office director.

The Department of Commerce has appointed Bill Frauenhofer as the director of the CHIPS Program Office.

Who Is Bill Frauenhofer?

Frauenhofer, who has a three-decade career in investment banking and expertise in the semiconductor and technology sectors, most recently served as global head of semiconductor investment banking and head of West Coast technology investment banking at Morgan Stanley, the Commerce Department said Monday, adding that the new director is widely recognized for his integrity, work ethic and ability to deliver exceptional strategic guidance. He also held similar leadership roles at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Jefferies, UBS and Citi.

In his new role, he will lead the implementation of $39 billion in semiconductor manufacturing incentives under the CHIPS and Science Act. His responsibility involves investing in the domestic semiconductor industry and rebuilding resilience across the semiconductor supply chain.

“Semiconductors are fundamental to advancing our AI capabilities,” said Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. “Bill Frauenhofer’s leadership will revitalize semiconductor manufacturing in America and deliver on this administration’s commitment to winning the AI race.”

With his background in investment banking, Frauenhofer brings a track record in advising global clients on a comprehensive spectrum of capital markets transactions, including initial public offerings, equity and convertible securities, debt financings, and complex domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions.

“It is a truly exciting opportunity to join the Commerce Department and lead the CHIPS program into its next chapter,” stated Bill Frauenhofer, Director of the CHIPS Program Office. “I believe in this administration’s mission to rebuild a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem and reshore American semiconductor manufacturing and jobs.”

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DOD Establishes Policy for AI Use in Public Affairs Activities
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A workspace featuring computer screens with AI elements. DOD issued guidance on AI use in public affairs activities.

The Department of Defense has released an instruction establishing policy, outlining responsibilities and providing procedures for the appropriate use of artificial intelligence tools in performing DOD public affairs activities.

Sean Parnell, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs, approved the new DOD instruction on public affairs use of AI, which took effect on Monday.

The document specifies policy governance frameworks to ensure the responsible use of AI in support of public affairs activities across the department.

Guiding Principles for Use of AI in Public Affairs Activities

The DOD instruction outlines five guiding principles for the use of AI capabilities in public affairs activities: mission relevant; understand benefits and limitations; uphold legal and ethical standards and protect privacy and civil liberties; security and responsible AI use; and transparency and oversight of generative AI.

DOD components should develop and implement a plan for personnel to exercise oversight and approval of generative AI outputs before using generative AI capabilities to generate information for release to the public, according to the document.

The document states that the department’s visual information created by or edited with the help of generative AI for use in public affairs should cite the technology’s use.

Responsibilities of DOD Officials

The latest instruction details the responsibilities of the assistant DOD secretary for public affairs; DOD chief information officer; chief digital and AI officer; and other DOD officials regarding the use of AI tools in public affairs activities.

The DOD CIO, for instance, should provide policy, standards and guidance for the information enterprise and define meta requirements for AI-generated content to support interoperability and record management.

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DOE Names Rick Stockburger as Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation CEO
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Rick Stockburger. Stockburger has been appointed by the DOE as the FESI's first CEO.

Rick Stockburger has been appointed by the U.S. Department of Energy as the first chief executive officer of the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation, or FESI. The DOE said Monday that FESI was created as its first independent agency-related foundation and aims to speed up technology commercialization, increase public-private partnerships and boost the energy system. The foundation was launched in February 2023 through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.

The retired Army infantry team leader said he was honored and humbled by his appointment.

“So many people have poured so much love and passion into this organization that I cannot begin to list them. Thank you to the board for trusting me with this great endeavor,” he said in a LinkedIn post.

Who Is Rick Stockburger?

Before his appointment, Stockburger held several executive positions in energy and technology organizations. He became co-chair of the National Coalition of Clean Energy Incubators. He was also a member of the Forbes Technology Council and a member of the board of directors at the Valley Growth Ventures. At Brite, he served as the president and CEO for two years. Before that, he was a member of the board of directors at United Way of Trumbull County. Stockburger also became a mentor for the NASA FedTech and ITech program.

Department of Energy’s Chris Wright Shares Thoughts

Energy Secretary Chris Wright welcomed Stockburger’s appointment.

“Rick’s proven leadership and background will help advance the Department’s efforts to move emerging technologies into real world energy deployment—strengthening American science, innovation, and energy leadership. With him in place, FESI will be a valuable partner in expanding private-sector collaboration and delivering on President Trump’s agenda to unleash American energy and innovation,” Wright remarked.

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