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Mangala Kuppa Named Permanent CIO at Department of Labor
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Labor Department CIO Mangala Kuppa. Mangala Kuppa has been appointed chief information officer at the Department of Labor.

Mangala Kuppa announced on LinkedIn Monday that she has been appointed chief information officer of the Department of Labor.

Who Is Mangala Kuppa?

Kuppa is a technology leader with over 25 years of experience across the public and private sectors. She is known for leading complex technology initiatives, modernizing IT environments and aligning technology strategies with organizational goals. Her work has strengthened digital capabilities, enhanced cybersecurity resilience and advanced the adoption of emerging technologies in government.

We recently recognized Kuppa as one of the nation’s leading technology professionals advancing strategies that help government agencies adopt and effectively implement AI.

What Roles Has Mangala Kuppa Held in Her Career?

She joined the Department of Labor in 2010 and has since held a series of senior leadership roles within the agency. She most recently served as acting chief information officer and chief artificial intelligence officer. Earlier, she held positions as chief technology officer, director of business application services and director of case management, contributing to several key technology and modernization initiatives across the department.

Before joining the Department of Labor, Kuppa spent more than a decade at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, where she held several leadership roles, including acting director, division chief and project manager. Earlier in her career, she worked in the private sector for nearly 15 years.

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DARPA Launches New QBI Solicitation to Evaluate Utility-Scale Quantum Computing Concepts
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Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency logo. DARPA has issued a new Quantum Benchmarking Initiative RFP

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is expanding its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, or QBI, with a new request for proposals to identify and evaluate emerging approaches to building utility-scale quantum computers. 

The agency said Tuesday that it will select companies to participate in a new Stage A Quantum Benchmarking Initiative Topic, or QBIT, where they will describe and prove the feasibility of their full system concept.

Abstracts are due July 31, while full proposals are due Sept. 30. 

DARPA Launches New QBI Solicitation to Evaluate Utility-Scale Quantum Computing Concepts

Learn more about advances in quantum computing and the cyber risks that come with the technology at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21. Industry, government and defense leaders, including Sarah Muccio from the Air Force Research Laboratory, will participate in panel discussions throughout the day. Get your tickets here.

What Is DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative?

DARPA launched QBI in 2024 to determine whether any quantum computing architecture can reach utility-scale operation by 2033.

It uses a multi-stage framework to evaluate potential quantum computing systems. In Stage A, a government test and evaluation team will review participants’ approaches to building a utility-scale quantum computer. Successful participants move to Stage B, where teams refine research and development plans and address risks.

The final stage will focus on verification and validation to determine whether the proposed systems can be built and operated as designed.

DARPA said it has evaluated quantum computing approaches from more than 20 companies since the program launched. In November, the agency announced the 11 organizations advancing to Stage B, including IBM and IonQ.

Micah Stoutimore, who recently assumed the role of managing director of the QIB, said DARPA is expanding participation in the initiative to ensure the agency evaluates every viable pathway toward building a utility-scale quantum computer.

“Both QBI and the broader quantum computing field have advanced rapidly since our first call,” he stated. “In fact, it now seems likely that someone will build a utility-scale quantum computer by 2033, but it remains unclear exactly which team or teams might get across that finish line. We want to ensure we are assessing every viable pathway.”

Who Is Micah Stoutimore?

Stoutimore succeeds Joe Altepeter, who served as the founding program manager of the QBI. The leadership transition is part of DARPA’s limited tenure policy for program leadership.

Stoutimore previously served as deputy program manager for QBI. In the role, he helped shape the program’s evaluation framework and early pilot efforts. Before joining DARPA, he worked as a scientific consultant supporting defense research programs. Earlier in his career, he worked as a scientist specializing in superconducting technologies at Northrop Grumman.

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JIATF-401 Adopts Standard Testing Guidelines for Counter-Drone Tech
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Unmanned aircraft systems. JIATF-401 adopted standardized testing guidelines for counter-drone technologies.

The U.S. Army-led Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has adopted the The Standard Guidelines for Test and Evaluation of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technologies, establishing common evaluation criteria for counter-drone capabilities across the Department of War.

The framework requires that all counter-small UAS technology evaluations capture the same core performance data, enabling the department to build a consistent body of evidence to support future development, procurement and operational decisions, the DOW said Tuesday.

Why Are Standard Evaluation Guidelines Needed for Counter-UAS?

Counter-UAS programs currently generate large volumes of test data across different organizations, but the absence of common standards can leave information fragmented or difficult to compare.

Hostile drones pose a growing threat to U.S. forces through intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and direct kinetic attacks. As commercial drone platforms become faster, smaller and more capable, detecting and defeating them has become increasingly complex. Through common evaluation standards, the task force seeks to deliver adaptable, interoperable C-sUAS capabilities to address the evolving threat.

“The JIATF’s one measure of effectiveness is to quickly deliver state of the art C-sUAS capabilities into the hands of warfighters,” said Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401. “Achieving this outcome requires more than innovation; it demands a disciplined approach to testing, evaluation, and continuous improvement.”

The new framework establishes a common terminology for testing counter-drone technologies. According to DOW, the guidelines are intended to streamline testing and fielding processes, guide industry research toward priority capabilities and reduce redundant testing efforts. The initiative also seeks to strengthen coordination across the joint force and interagency partners while increasing operator confidence in the technologies deployed to counter small unmanned aircraft threats.

How Does This Fit Into Broader Counter-Drone Efforts?

The testing guidelines support broader initiatives led by JIATF-401 to accelerate the development and deployment of counter-drone capabilities.

The task force recently released a guide outlining technologies used to detect drone threats, including radar, electro-optical and infrared sensors, acoustic detection systems and radio-frequency monitoring tools designed to track unmanned aircraft while complying with federal privacy laws.

JIATF-401 has also reached initial operational capability for its Counter-UAS Marketplace, an online procurement platform that allows government users to identify and acquire validated drone defense technologies through an existing contract vehicle.

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NTIA Seeks Input on Innovation Fund Shift Toward AI-Native Wireless Networks
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NTIA logo. NTIA seeks public input on shifting its Wireless Innovation Fund toward AI-native RAN networks.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is seeking public input on a new direction for the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund, pivoting the program toward AI-native radio access network architecture.

NTIA Seeks Input on Innovation Fund Shift Toward AI-Native Wireless Networks

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 18 will bring together federal, defense and GovCon leaders to discuss how AI is shaping next-generation technologies and critical infrastructure. Register now to hear keynotes and practitioner-led panels exploring practical AI implementation, emerging use cases and the future of AI across government missions.

NTIA said Tuesday it is developing a new notice of funding opportunity focused on integrating artificial intelligence into RANs. To support that effort, the agency will hold a public listening session on March 23 to gather feedback from industry and other stakeholders. The event will be held in hybrid format, with in-person participation at MITRE in McLean, Virginia, and virtual access through Microsoft Teams.

The change means NTIA will not issue awards under the Innovation Fund’s third NOFO.

Why Is NTIA Changing the Innovation Fund’s Focus?

NTIA launched the Innovation Fund in 2023 to strengthen U.S. leadership in wireless technology and promote supply chain resilience. The program was authorized by Congress and backed by $1.5 billion in funding to support open and interoperable wireless networks.

The new emphasis reflects the growing role of AI in next-generation communications infrastructure and aligns with the administration’s AI Action Plan.

At the Media Institute Communications Forum Luncheon Series in February, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Arielle Roth said NTIA plans to use the Innovation Fund’s remaining $50 million to explore how the U.S. can promote a domestic, exportable AI-native 6G stack.

How Does This Fit Into NTIA’s Wireless Strategy?

The Innovation Fund was originally established to support open RAN and other open, virtualized wireless technologies to reduce reliance on a concentrated equipment market.

NTIA has described open RAN as a key tool for expanding supplier diversity and strengthening competition in 5G and future wireless systems. With the new AI-RAN focus, the agency is signaling that AI will play a larger role in shaping the next phase of U.S. wireless infrastructure policy.

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Google Public Sector Adds Agent Designer to Gemini for Government on GenAI.mil
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Google Public Sector's Jim Kelly. Google Public Sector added Agent Designer to Gemini for Government on GenAI.mil.

Google Public Sector has launched Agent Designer, a new capability within Gemini for Government on the GenAI.mil platform that allows Department of War personnel to build artificial intelligence agents to support unclassified work tasks.

Google Public Sector Adds Agent Designer to Gemini for Government on GenAI.mil

Next-generation government technology innovations, such as Google Public Sector’s Agent Designer tool, are accelerating how agencies modernize their operations. Register for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22 and learn more about advanced technologies and initiatives leveraging AI, cybersecurity and enterprise IT.

What Is Agent Designer?

In a blog post published Wednesday, Google Public Sector Vice President of Federal Jim Kelly, a Wash100 Award winner, described Agent Designer as a no- or low-code tool that lets users build AI agents using natural language. The capability enables all DOW personnel to create custom digital assistants to automate administrative processes and other multi-step tasks, such as producing action item summaries and drafting award submissions, without programming knowledge.

How Is Gemini for Government Used?

Across the department, teams are applying Gemini for Government to support daily administrative and research activities. Personnel use the AI tool to prepare initial drafts of acquisition frameworks and white papers, process data-heavy documents and summarize key findings. The platform also helps teams work more efficiently by optimizing workflow, including the creation of leadership briefing materials and research.

GenAI.mil Adoption Across the Services

The growing use of Gemini for Government reflects broader adoption of the GenAI.mil platform across the military services. In January, the Department of the Air Force formally adopted GenAI.mil as the U.S. Air Force and Space Force’s enterprise generative AI platform as part of its modernization efforts. The Department of the Navy later designated the platform as its enterprise IT service for controlled unclassified information, or CUI, and Impact Level 5 generative artificial intelligence use.

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Digital Twins and AI in GovCon: Transforming Defense Manufacturing and Operations
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Parag Thakker. The OMNI Federal CEO spoke during the 2026 GovCon Executive Leadership Summit

As artificial intelligence reshapes government and industry, one emerging concept is gaining significant attention among technology leaders: digital twinning. By combining AI with advanced modeling and real-time data, organizations can create virtual replicas of physical systems, from manufacturing lines to sensor networks, enabling faster innovation, smarter decision-making and improved operational performance.

Digital Twins and AI in GovCon: Transforming Defense Manufacturing and OperationsLearn more about how GovCons are using AI to supercharge digital twins at the upcoming 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 18. The event will bring together government and industry leaders to explore emerging AI capabilities, including how technologies such as digital twins can strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base. Seats are limited — reserve your spot today! 

What Is Digital Twinning in AI?

A digital twin is a virtual model that mirrors a real-world asset, system or process. Using continuous data feeds, often from sensors, operational databases or connected devices, the digital twin updates in near-real time to reflect the state and performance of the physical counterpart.

When paired with artificial intelligence, these virtual models become more powerful. AI can analyze the incoming data, simulate different scenarios and predict future outcomes. For example, organizations can use AI-enabled digital twins to test changes to a production line before implementing them in the physical environment, identify potential equipment failures before they occur, or optimize logistics and supply chains.

The approach is increasingly valuable across the government contracting landscape, particularly in defense manufacturing and mission systems where testing physical equipment can be expensive and time-consuming.

In the defense industrial context, these models allow contractors and mission engineers to simulate complex systems, test designs and evaluate performance under operational scenarios without risking costly hardware or mission delays. Applications range from optimizing production lines and supply chains to modeling advanced weapon systems and critical infrastructure, providing a strategic edge in efficiency, readiness and innovation.

What Role Do Digital Twins & AI Play in the Defense Industrial Base?

Government and industry leaders are already exploring how AI-driven modeling and simulation tools can help modernize U.S. manufacturing and accelerate capability delivery.

During the most recent Potomac Officers Club Summit, CEOs discussed how emerging AI technologies—including digital-twin-like capabilities—are shaping their organizations’ operations.

Responding to a question from an audience member about how companies are using AI and digital twinning to help reenergize manufacturing in the United States, Parag Thakker, CEO of OMNI Federal, emphasized the importance of focusing on real-world use cases rather than hype.

“There’s a lot of AI, it’s almost magic in how people talk about it,” Thakker said, explaining, however, that the real value comes from identifying specific use cases, applying the technology and demonstrating how it solves a problem.

He noted that the rapid advancement of large-scale AI models has moved the technology from experimentation to practical implementation, creating opportunities to apply AI-driven data analysis and interaction to engineering, cybersecurity and other operational challenges.

According to Thakker, organizations must also design systems that balance automation with human oversight. “The question is what level of human interaction is required,” he said, pointing to the need for thoughtful design patterns as AI becomes embedded in mission systems.

Digital Twins and AI in GovCon: Transforming Defense Manufacturing and Operations
Michael LaRouche at the 2026 GovCon Executive Leadership Summit. Photo: EM

Michael LaRouche, CEO of Serco and a 2026 Wash100 Award winner, also highlighted the role of AI in improving industrial capabilities and demonstrating advanced solutions to customers.

“From the industrialization perspective, we’ve actually been using AI to enhance our capabilities with regard to delivery of any use in a sensor system specifically,” LaRouche said, noting its use in operational demonstrations. “We’ve also been able to use that technology to demonstrate to the customer … the enhanced capability.”

He added that AI is also being implemented internally to drive efficiency. “My push is to implement as many AI applications as we can to enhance our efficiency just from a back-office perspective,” LaRouche said.

While not every implementation involves a full digital twin, the underlying concept, using AI-powered modeling and data analysis to simulate and optimize complex systems, continues to gain traction across defense and government technology sectors.

Learn More at the 2026 AI Summit

As agencies and contractors look to harness technologies such as digital twins, collaboration and knowledge sharing will be critical. Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit will provide a forum for executives, policymakers and technologists to discuss the latest developments in AI and their implications for government missions.

With AI rapidly evolving, events like the March 18 summit offer an opportunity for leaders to explore how innovations in data, modeling and intelligent systems will shape the future of government and the defense industrial base. Reserve your spot at the 2026 AI Summit today!

Digital Twins and AI in GovCon: Transforming Defense Manufacturing and Operations

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Col. Becky Beers Named Acting Air Force CISO
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Becky Beers. The Air Force colonel has been named acting DAF chief information security officer.

Col. Becky Beers has been named acting chief information security officer at the Department of the Air Force.

In a LinkedIn post, Beers said she will serve as acting CISO within the Office of the DAF Chief Information Officer.

Col. Becky Beers Named Acting Air Force CISO

Attend the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30 to hear sessions exploring how advanced technologies can help maintain an edge in the air and space domains and the strategies leaders are developing to address emerging challenges. Sign up now to save your seat.

Who Is Col. Becky Beers?

Beers is a U.S. Air Force officer with experience spanning cyber operations, enterprise IT and command leadership roles.

According to her LinkedIn profile, she most recently served as deputy director of enterprise IT within the Air Force.

She also served as deputy CISO within the Office of the DAF CIO, where she supported cybersecurity governance, risk management and compliance efforts across the enterprise.

Beers has held assignments across multiple Air Force and joint organizations focused on cyber operations and IT initiatives supporting military missions. Her previous roles include commander of the 61st Air Base Group at Los Angeles Air Force Base; chief of the cyberspace operations division within 16th Air Force A3; and commander of the 75th Intelligence Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas.

The University of Southern California graduate received her commission through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. She holds a master’s degree in strategic intelligence from the National Intelligence University.

What IT & Cybersecurity Initiatives Has the DAF CIO Office Launched?

The Office of the DAF CIO has introduced several initiatives to strengthen cybersecurity and modernize its IT environment. These include guidance on software-as-a-service procurement and usage; the “Network of the Future” strategy to strengthen network resilience and ensure network security; and the “cyber cake” framework, a layered cybersecurity model that integrates zero trust, supply chain risk management and cyber resilience practices.

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Army-Led Task Force Issues Guide on Counter-Drone Tech, Privacy Protections
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Drones. JIATF 401 has issued a guide outlining the technologies used to detect drone threats and measures to protect privacy.

The Army-led Joint Interagency Task Force 401, or JIATF-401, has released a guide outlining technologies used to detect drone threats and the legal framework governing their use while protecting individual privacy.

Army-Led Task Force Issues Guide on Counter-Drone Tech, Privacy Protections

As the threat from small drones continues to evolve, the defense community is advancing new counter-drone capabilities to help protect personnel and critical infrastructure. These developments are shaping ongoing conversations about the future of Army operations and emerging technologies. Register now to join the discussion at the 2026 Army Summit on June 18.

Which Sensor Technologies Detect Drone Threats?

The Department of War said Monday the publication, titled “Counter-UAS Operations: Safeguarding Freedoms and Preserving Privacy,” highlights several passive sensor technologies used to identify and track drones while maintaining airspace awareness.

These technologies include radar systems that detect airborne objects; electro-optical and infrared sensors that visually identify drones; acoustic sensors; and radio frequency detection systems that analyze signals emitted by drone communications.

How Do Counter-UAS Systems Protect Privacy?

The guide explains how counter-UAS systems operate in accordance with federal surveillance law.

Col. Scott Humr, deputy director of science and technology for JIATF-401, said the joint force’s approach to counter-UAS technology is designed to safeguard privacy.

“The technologies we are fielding are engineered to be effective while adhering to strict privacy principles. By focusing on data minimization and secure handling processes, we collect only what is necessary to identify a potential threat. This allows us to protect critical infrastructure and public safety without compromising the civil liberties that we are sworn to defend,” Humr added.

What Did Brig. Gen. Matt Ross Say About the Guide?

Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401, the guide reflects the task force’s commitment to transparency as it deploys counter-drone technologies in a responsible manner that respects privacy and maintains public trust.

“Countering drones is not just a battlefield problem — it’s a homeland defense imperative,” Ross said. “Our goal is to integrate sensors, effectors and mission command systems in a distributed network that protects service members and American citizens alike.”

How Does the Guide Support JIATF-401’s Counter-Drone Efforts?

The publication aligns with several initiatives JIATF-401 has launched to accelerate the deployment of counter-drone capabilities across DOW.

The task force recently declared initial operational capability for its Counter-UAS Marketplace, a procurement platform that enables government users to identify and acquire vetted counter-drone technologies through an existing contract vehicle. JIATF-401 also supports broader defense efforts to field scalable counter-small UAS systems, including initiatives tied to installation protection and the Pentagon’s Replicator 2 program.

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DARPA Advances SPRINT Program With Bell-Built X-76 Demonstrator
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DARPA logo. DARPA has advanced development of the X-76 Demonstrator under its SPRINT Program.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has advanced development of the X-76 experimental aircraft under its SPeed and Runway INdependent Technologies, or SPRINT, program.

What Is the SPRINT Program?

DARPA said Monday SPRINT is an initiative designed to address the traditional trade-off between high-speed fixed-wing aircraft that require runways and slower vertical-lift platforms capable of operating from austere locations. The program, conducted in partnership with U.S. Special Operations Command, aims to explore technologies that could combine jet-like cruise performance with vertical takeoff and landing capability.

What Is the Role of the X-76 Demonstrator?

The experimental platform, designated the X-76 Demonstrator, joins the lineage of X-planes used to test new aviation technologies. The X-76 is designed to achieve cruise speeds of more than 400 knots while maintaining hover capability in challenging conditions. Additionally, the aircraft is being engineered to operate from unprepared surfaces, reducing the vulnerability associated with fixed airfield infrastructure.

Bell Textron, which is responsible for demonstrator’s design, construction and testing, completed the critical design review for DARPA’s SPRINT X-Plane Program. The company will now proceed with manufacturing, integration, assembly and ground testing of the aircraft. Phase 2, which began with the downselect of Bell Textron, will be followed by a Phase 3 flight test program scheduled for early 2028.

“With SPRINT, we’re not just building an X-plane; we’re building options. We’re working to deliver the option of surprise, the option of rapid reinforcement, and the option of life-saving speed, anywhere on the globe, without needing any runway,” said Cmdr. Ian Higgins, program manager of DARPA SPRINT.

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BAE Systems-Made Missile Tracking Satellites for Space Force Pass Preliminary Design Review
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Space Force logo. The U.S. Space Force announced that the MWT Epoch 2 satellites passed preliminary design review

A 10-satellite missile warning and tracking constellation that BAE Systems is developing for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command has cleared preliminary design review.

SSC said Monday that the System Delta 84’s Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking, or MWT, Epoch 2 program will now transition to the next phase of development.

“Using advanced digital tools allowed us to ensure the design is sound and ready for the next phase, which is the Critical Design Review planned for this summer,” 1st Lt. Sabrina Taylor, chief systems engineer for SYD 84 Epoch 2, shared. “Collectively, we are demonstrating we can move quickly while maintaining technical excellence.”

BAE Systems-Made Missile Tracking Satellites for Space Force Pass Preliminary Design Review

Space Force leaders will share updates and future plans to strengthen U.S. capability to defend assets and the homeland from orbit at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30. Secure your tickets today.

What Is the Missile Warning and Tracking Epoch 2 Program?

MWT Epoch 2 is a 10-satellite constellation that will be deployed in medium Earth orbit to track missile threats around the world.  

According to SSC, the constellation will integrate into the broader national missile defense architecture to strengthen resilience and enhance U.S. capability to detect a wide range of threats, including maneuvering hypersonic missiles.

“In today’s world, speed and innovation are essential to our national defense,” Lt. Col. Brandon Castillo, system program manager for SYD 84 Epoch 2, commented. “Our team is delivering to outpace the threat. This expanded constellation will provide the global coverage needed to protect our Nation, service members, Allies, and partners from the most advanced missiles.”

BAE Systems won a $1.2 billion contract in June 2025 to develop the 10 MWT Epoch 2 satellites, with initial deliveries expected beginning in fiscal year 2029. Boeing subsidiary Millennium Space Systems designed Epoch 1 satellites, which are expected to be launched in late 2026.

What Is SYD 84?

System Delta 84 is a Space Systems Command unit responsible for advancing missile warning and tracking capabilities for the U.S. Space Force. The unit was formally activated in July 2025 during a ceremony at Los Angeles Air Force Base.

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