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USCIS Proposes Major Expansion in Biometrics Collection for Immigration Processing
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' official seal. USCIS introduced new biometrics rule

The Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has proposed a rule to expand its collection of biometrics to individuals applying for immigration benefits and other related processes.

The rule, published in the Federal Register Monday, would authorize the agency to collect data such as fingerprints, facial images and DNA from a wider range of individuals. USCIS said the proposal seeks to strengthen identity verification, prevent fraud, combat trafficking and enhance national security vetting.

USCIS Proposes Major Expansion in Biometrics Collection for Immigration Processing

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What Biometric Data Does DHS Currently Collect?

Under current laws, USCIS collects a limited set of biometrics, primarily fingerprints and signatures, from certain applicants for immigration benefits or naturalization. The data are used to verify identities, conduct background checks and support law-enforcement screening.

Collection is typically required for individuals 14 years of age and older.

What New Requirements Are Under Consideration?

Under the proposed rule, USCIS would expand biometrics collection in cases of “alien arrest or encounter” and require anyone associated with a benefit application or information collection to submit biometric data, regardless of age.

If passed, the rule would apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents.

In addition, the document provides a broader definition of the term biometrics as measurable biological or behavioral characteristics. It covers facial and ocular imagery, finger and palm prints, handwritten signature, voice, and DNA.

The proposal is open to public comments until Jan. 2, 2026.

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OPM, OMB Tighten Federal Hiring Rules
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Office of Personnel Management logo. New OPM and OMB rules tighten federal hiring oversight.

The Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget have issued new guidance imposing strict oversight on federal hiring, requiring agencies to justify every position against administration priorities and maintain limits on new hires until detailed staffing plans are approved.

The memorandum, released Wednesday, outlines the implementation of Executive Order 14356, “Ensuring Continued Accountability in Federal Hiring,” and is part of the administration’s broader effort to reduce the federal workforce and align hiring with national security, immigration enforcement and public safety missions.

What Does the New OPM-OMB Memo Require?

Under the new directive, all agencies must form strategic hiring committees by Nov. 17. The committees, which must include the deputy agency head and chief of staff, will review and approve every new or refilled vacancy to ensure hiring decisions support presidential priorities.

The guidance also requires agencies to prepare annual staffing plans at the start of each fiscal year and submit quarterly updates to OMB and OPM. For fiscal year 2026, the annual plan must be submitted no later than Dec. 1.

Until plans receive approval, agencies are subject to a four-to-one hiring ratio, allowing one new employee for every four who depart. The rule applies to fiscal year 2026 departures but exempts positions tied to national security, immigration enforcement and public safety.

The memorandum applies to all executive departments and agencies, excluding military personnel, the Executive Office of the President and intelligence community agencies. OPM may grant limited exceptions or allow agencies to offset hiring by cutting contractor positions.

How Does This Affect OPM’s Push for Tech Talent?

The tighter hiring controls come as OPM pursues a shift toward recruiting technology specialists, particularly in artificial intelligence, to modernize government operations, Federal News Network reported.

At the National Academy of Public Administration conference, OPM Director Scott Kupor stressed that the government must attract digital talent and adopt modern systems to prevent agencies from lagging behind the private sector. “The world is going to get supercharged with the introduction of AI,” Kupor said. “I think the thing that government has to do is not be the last dinosaur.”

Kupor said OPM plans to recruit based on skill sets rather than traditional job classifications and centralize hiring for technical positions to streamline the process. He urged agencies to embrace incremental innovation, using technology to make their work “5% better or 10% better,” instead of waiting for large-scale AI plans.

Why Is Early-Career Recruitment a Concern?

Kupor’s hiring priorities come amid a shrinking and aging workforce. OPM data shows that more than 200,000 employees have left federal service this year, with the total workforce projected to fall from 2.4 million to 2.1 million by year’s end. Fewer than 10 percent of federal employees are under 30.

To address this gap, OPM plans to expand early-career recruitment and encourage career mobility between the public and private sectors. Kupor said future hiring must focus on flexibility and skills-based pathways to attract younger professionals and rebuild critical technical capacity.

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Air Force Tests Minuteman III Missile’s Mission Readiness at Vandenberg SFB
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Minuteman III launch. The Air Force tested the Minuteman III missile system

Air Force Global Strike Command has carried out a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from the Western Test Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California to evaluate the reliability, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system.

On Wednesday, the command said the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron initiated the test, designated GT 254, from a U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft. The airmen utilized the Airborne Launch Control System, which serves as an alternate launch method for the Minuteman.

“GT 254 is not just a launch – it’s a comprehensive assessment to verify and validate the ICBM system’s ability to perform its critical mission,” commented Lt. Col. Karrie Wray, commander of the 576th Flight Test Squadron. “The data collected during the test is invaluable in ensuring the continued reliability and accuracy of the ICBM weapon system.”

What Did the Air Force Discover?

The Air Force reported that the unarmed missile’s reentry vehicle traveled about 4,200 miles to the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site, or RTS, at the Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

RTS is equipped with advanced sensors, including high-fidelity metric and signature radars and telemetry. During the terminal phase of the missile’s flight, an RTS team collected and analyzed data to evaluate system performance.

Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of AFGSC, emphasized the importance of maintaining the readiness of Minuteman III, which has been in service for over 50 years, as the command transitions to the new LGM-35A Sentinel.

“GT 254 helps fulfill that commitment, ensuring its continued accuracy and reliability,” he stated.

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PSC Warns of Critical Risks as Government Shutdown Nears Record Duration
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U.S. Capitol with government shutdown sign. PSC has warned of the critical risks of a prolonged government shutdown.

The Professional Services Council has warned that the ongoing federal shutdown is causing significant disruptions across agencies as the situation approaches the longest in U.S. history.

PSC said Tuesday the prolonged lapse threatens essential government missions and the public services they support. It also urged Congress to act swiftly to end the shutdown and prevent further damage to critical operations and constituents served by the federal government.

“The federal contracting industry stands ready to deliver on the missions of the federal government. The longer the shutdown endures, the higher the risks are for not only the essential government missions but the constituents our government serves. It is imperative that policymakers act swiftly to reopen the government and prevent further damage,” said James Carroll, CEO of PSC.

What Are the Effects of the Government Shutdown?

PSC’s shutdown impact tracker shows widespread disruptions to contractor-supported services across national security, IT, logistics, maintenance and family programs. The tracker cites delays in threat assessments and intelligence support for the President’s Daily Brief, while funding gaps and halted deliverables create compounding mission risks. Members report stalled awards, slowed payments and paused personnel deployments, straining cash flow and operations.

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Gen. Stephen Davis Assumes Leadership of Air Force Global Strike Command
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Gen. Stephen Davis. The Air Force general assumed leadership of AFGSC.

Gen. Stephen Davis took command of Air Force Global Strike Command, or AFGSC, during a change of command ceremony on Tuesday at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana.

The Air Force said Tuesday Davis succeeds Gen. Thomas Bussiere as head of AFGSC.

Davis described the command as the backbone of the Air Force and the joint force.

“This command underpins every operational plan in the Department of War with its long-range nuclear and conventional strike. If we fail, they fail,” the general said of AFGSC.

In his new role, Davis emphasized ensuring daily readiness, preparing for the future and continuing to strengthen the Global Strike team.

“We have been and we’ll continue to be – ‘Always Ready,’” he added.

As commander of AFGSC, he oversees more than 36 Airmen and weapons systems, including the service’s intercontinental ballistic missiles and bomber aircraft. The command provides global strike capability, strategic deterrence and combat support to U.S. Strategic Command and other geographic combatant commands.

In addition to leading AFGSC, he will also serve as commander of Air Forces Strategic-Air, USSTRATCOM.

Who Is Gen. Stephen Davis?

Davis most recently served as the inspector general for the Department of the Air Force at the Pentagon.

Before becoming the Air Force’s inspector general, he served as director of global power programs within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Acquisition, Technology and Logistics in Arlington, Virginia. 

His previous joint assignments include director of global operations at Headquarters USSTRATCOM; principal assistant deputy administrator for military applications at the National Nuclear Security Administration; and assistant deputy director of nuclear, homeland defense and current operations, J33, the Joint Staff.

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Pentagon Draft Memo Signals Overhaul of Acquisition Process
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The Pentagon. A draft DOD memo proposes broad changes to the defense acquisition system.

The Department of Defense is preparing to implement major changes to how it buys weapons and technology as part of a push to promote competition, reduce bureaucracy and expedite the delivery of capabilities to warfighters, Breaking Defense reported Tuesday.

“Every process, board and review must justify its existence by demonstrating how it accelerates capability delivery to meet warfighter needs,” according to a draft memo obtained by Breaking Defense. “Speed to capability delivery is now our organizing principle: the decisive factor in maintaining deterrence and warfighting advantage.”

The six-page document, first reported by Politico, comes just days before Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a 2025 Wash100 awardee, is set to address defense CEOs and senior acquisition leaders on Friday. His remarks are expected to focus on acquisition reform, though it remains unclear whether he will announce the changes publicly.

What Is the Pentagon’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive Model?

A centerpiece of the plan is replacing the traditional program executive office structure with new portfolio acquisition executives, or PAEs. These officials will oversee multiple related programs, shifting resources across systems to prioritize on-time delivery. PAEs will serve at least four years and have their performance tied to metrics like delivery speed, competition and mission outcomes.

The memo gives PAEs authority to make cost and performance trade-offs that favor rapid fielding. Each military service will have 60 days to propose its initial portfolios, with a full transition to the new model expected within two years.

Implementing ‘Commercial First’ Contracting

DOD also plans to advance commercial and alternative contracting pathways. Within 90 days, guidance will be issued to expand use of other transaction authorities and commercial solutions openings, encouraging faster partnerships with private industry and startups.

The DOD 5000 acquisition policy will be updated within 150 days to delegate authority to the services, simplify reviews and consolidate milestones.

Portfolio Scorecards 

To ensure accountability, the memo calls for portfolio scorecards to track the performance of acquisition portfolios. Within 180 days, DOD should publish scorecards containing “primary measures” that evaluate prototypes, delivery schedules, production ramps and initial operational capability.

Contracts will include “time-indexed incentives,” rewarding early delivery while proportionally penalizing delays.

The document also mentions a new Economic Defense Unit that will develop modern contracting models and deploy capital to defense technology firms through loans, grants and other investments.

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DOE Renews National Quantum Research Centers With $625M Investment
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DOE seal. The Department of Energy has renewed five National Quantum Research Centers with a $625 million investment.

The Department of Energy has announced a $625 million funding renewal for its five National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, or NQISRCs, established under the National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018.

The Energy Department said Tuesday the initiative aims to advance U.S. quantum science and technology by aligning research with national priorities, accelerating research and development and enhancing the quantum innovation ecosystem. Awards will span up to five years, with fiscal year 2025 funding set at $125 million and additional funding dependent on congressional approval.

Which Centers Will Receive Funding?

The renewed centers include Brookhaven’s Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage, Fermi’s Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center, Argonne’s Q-NEXT, Berkeley’s Quantum Systems Accelerator and Oak Ridge’s Quantum Science Center.

What Key Research Areas Will the NQISRCs Pursue?

The centers will tackle specific scientific and national security challenges, such as improving materials for superconducting devices and developing modular approaches for quantum systems. Research areas include scaling quantum devices to lay the groundwork for quantum data centers, advancing algorithms for on-chip and distributed quantum operations and pioneering quantum-accelerated high-performance computing.

The NQISRCs will advance core research in quantum computing, simulation, networking and sensing, while creating specialized tools to enhance quantum capabilities. They will apply emerging quantum technologies to key DOE scientific and security challenges and develop resources, workforce programs and industry partnerships to grow the broader quantum ecosystem.

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DOE Opens Proposal Submission to Build AI Data Centers at Paducah Site in Kentucky
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Timothy Walsh, assistant secretary at DOE's Office of Environmental Management. Walsh comments about DOE's Paducah site plan

The Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management is soliciting proposals from U.S. companies capable of constructing and operating artificial intelligence data centers at the agency’s Paducah site in Kentucky.

The initiative aims to utilize federal land for energy and data infrastructure development and promote American leadership in AI, the agency said Tuesday.

What Is the Goal of the DOE’s Paducah AI Data Center Project?

The solicitation supports energy and AI executive orders that President Donald Trump signed since January, including the Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence EO.

“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, America is ushering in a golden era of American energy dominance, ensuring the United States remains a global leader in AI and innovation,” said Timothy Walsh, assistant secretary at EM. “Paducah has the resources and vision to support the next generation of AI infrastructure, creating new opportunities for prosperity while advancing national security for future generations.”

The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant is one of four federal sites designated for potential AI and energy generation projects. The three other sites are Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Reservation and Savannah River Site.

What Are the Project Requirements?

Applicants must design, build, operate and decommission their proposed data centers. Selected applicants could enter into long-term leases for the site, fully funding their projects.

Proposals will be evaluated based on technological readiness, financial viability and regulatory compliance. DOE intends to host an industry day for prospective applicants to discuss requirements and tour available sites.

Offers are due Jan. 30, 2026.

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DHA Seeks Industry Feedback on MHS GENESIS Deployment Methods
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DHA seal. The DHA issued an RFI on deploying the Military Health Systems GENESIS electronic health record platform.

The Defense Health Agency issued a request for information to gather industry input on deploying the Military Health Systems, or MHS, GENESIS electronic health record platform.

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According to presolicitation notice published Tuesday on SAM.gov, DHA aims to identify methods for “white-glove” deployments that minimize disruption to existing healthcare operations, ensure smooth transitions for new federal users, mitigate potential risks and address international deployment challenges. Interested contractors have until Nov. 6 to submit their responses.

Why Is DHA Focusing on MHS GENESIS Deployment?

MHS GENESIS integrates commercial off-the-shelf EHR components from multiple vendors, including Oracle Health and Henry Schein. The system-of-systems includes 12 major subsystems, 81 interfaces and over 1,000 endpoints. It manages over 975 workflows and 200 user roles, processing approximately 20 million messages daily. The system also supports 194,000 users and 9.6 million beneficiaries in 137 commands.

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Exiger’s Bob Kolasky Warns AI Data Center Boom Exposes New Risks to US Infrastructure
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Bob Kolasky. The Exiger SVP says rapid AI data center expansion is creating new vulnerabilities across U.S. critical sectors.

The rapid physical expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure could create new vulnerabilities across U.S. critical systems, said Bob Kolasky, senior vice president for critical infrastructure at Exiger, in an opinion piece Homeland Security Today published.

Exiger’s Bob Kolasky Warns AI Data Center Boom Exposes New Risks to US Infrastructure

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What Risks Are Linked to AI’s Physical Growth?

According to Kolasky, former director at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s National Risk Management Center, current security discussions focus too heavily on digital threats while overlooking the physical systems that enable AI operations. He pointed to the rapid construction of data centers by major technology companies as a key area of concern.

The Exiger SVP cited data from CBRE’s “North America Data Center Trends H1 2025” report showing that there were more than 5,200 megawatts of new data center capacity under development in early 2025. He warned that this growth is placing additional strain on the electric grid and creating new interdependencies among sectors such as energy, water and telecommunications. He said the scale and complexity of these links have increased the potential for cascading effects from infrastructure failures.

What Steps Could Strengthen AI Infrastructure Resilience?

He stressed that the identification of “systemically important critical infrastructure” must be updated to include companies vital to the AI supply chain, such as Nvidia, AMD, Equinix and Digital Realty Trust. These entities, he said, are not traditionally viewed as critical but have become essential for their roles in enabling AI models.

Kolasky called for stronger coordination and resilience planning to prevent large-scale disruptions. Key measures include requiring local authorities to map and prioritize critical AI infrastructure for disaster and attack response, enforcing secure-by-design and resilient-by-design standards across AI systems, and establishing stress tests to assess the stability of interconnected infrastructure components.

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