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Smart Borders, Smarter Defense: How the US Is Leveraging AI in Homeland Security
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AI is rapidly reshaping how the Department of Homeland Security carries out its mission—and GovCons should pay attention

AI is rapidly reshaping how the Department of Homeland Security carries out its mission—and GovCons should pay close attention. Across DHS agencies, AI is becoming a force multiplier, helping federal teams handle vast amounts of data, improve accuracy and make faster decisions in high-stakes environments.

As former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas once asserted: there is “not a domain” within DHS that isn’t potentially enhanced by AI, according to Axios. For GovCons, this means AI expertise is no longer optional—it’s central to winning future contracts and staying aligned with evolving federal priorities.

Contractors who understand these shifts will be better positioned to meet DHS’ evolving technology needs. Let’s dive into the details about how DHS is using AI to enhance U.S. homeland security below.

Want to know more about the applications of AI in border security? The 2025 Homeland Security Summit, from Potomac Officers Club, offers an “AI in Action: Driving Efficiencies at the Border” panel discussion directly aimed at this subject, featuring panelists from MANTECH and AT&T. Sign up for this prestigious GovCon event today!

CBP and Edge AI

Customs and Border Protection can’t get enough AI. In fact, Mark James, CBP tech leader, was quoted by FedScoop as saying the agency can’t keep up with all the AI use cases for its missions.

CBP employees are using the Google Vertex AI application to search a variety of data sources and combine them into one entity. The agency is also transitioning from using cloud AI, which uses external servers to compute data and needs a dependable internet connection to properly function, to edge AI. This technology processes information on devices and performs more effectively in remote areas.

Border agents are leveraging Google Translate for interactions such as text-to-voice, video-to-text and voice-to-text for interactions with people leaving and entering the country. Google in early 2024 added more than 100 new languages to its Google Translate supply.

CBP is using AI-powered video tools on the border and entry points to detect contraband and evaluate threats. It leverages an intelligent computer-assisted detection, or ICAD, application. This processes video and images taken by field imaging equipment and provides CBP staffers with information on whether humans were in those images. CBP is also using AI in video to identify motor vehicles and keep tabs on streaming video.

GenAI and Cybersecurity

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency uses AI extensively. From identifying new ways to use AI in its work or leveraging AI-enhanced commercial off-the-shelf tools, CISA is leading the way with AI in homeland security.

CISA is using penetration testing applications that use generative AI to supply remediation advice to address vulnerabilities. The agency also has WiFi management software that enhances radio configurations using AI. CISA uses a cloud security application that takes machine learning algorithms to use data loss prevention policies without having them to be manually configured by humans.

CISA’s work with AI doesn’t end with cybersecurity operations. It also uses AI for its research and development pursuits. The agency is performing R&D with the DHS science and technology division to create proofs of concepts and prototypes that would use GenAI and natural language processing for incident data.

These could bolster the accuracy and relevance of data that is sorted and displayed to CISA analysts. It could also help with aggregating the information in studies for further analysis and presentation.

DHS requested $116 billion in FY 2026 for its budget. Be the first to learn the agency’s spending priorities at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 12! Check out our lineup of six different panel discussions about AI in homeland security specifically designed for GovCon professionals. Secure your seat today and ensure your company is part of the homeland security conversation!

Facial Comparison

The Transportation Security Administration is using an AI technique called facial comparison technology to verify the identity of passengers and checkpoints using the CBP Traveler Verification Service. This application takes a biometric template of a passenger’s face taken at a checkpoint and compares it against a supply of photo templates that the passenger previously provided.

While TVS is required for people leaving or entering the country, TSA is using the capability as an option for people traveling between certain airports who want to accelerate their PreCheck process. TSA and CBP are allowing airports and airlines to request TVS for identification verification purposes.

TVS produces photo biometric templates of travelers at airport baggage checks and boarding gates and compares them to existing DHS photos. The goal is to make passenger identity verification more efficient and accelerate security checks while maintaining extensive safety requirements.

Machine Vision

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is using an AI technique called machine vision to quickly evaluate building damage after disasters. Following Hurricane Ian in 2022, FEMA used the Geospatial Damage Assessments machine learning application to rapidly assess the extent of structural damage caused by the weather system.

This model, trained on older photos of damage from natural disasters, processed machine learning and computer vision techniques to evaluate both non-impacted and damaged buildings in aerial imagery. Human analysts performing geospatial damage assessments surveyed the model outputs to confirm those structures identified by the model as suffering damage classified as major, minor or destroyed.

DHS said, in this example, machine vision reduced the amount of structures requiring human review from over one million to 77,000. It also slashed the time required for completion from weeks to days.

Smart Borders, Smarter Defense: How the US Is Leveraging AI in Homeland Security
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Report Shows 1% of Defense Industrial Base Ready for CMMC Final Rule
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CyberSheath logo. CyberSheath reported only one percent of the Defense Industrial Base is ready for the CMMC final rule.

CyberSheath has released the State of the DIB Report 2025, revealing that only one percent of defense contractors are prepared for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification final rule, which will take effect this November.

Defense Industrial Base Unprepared for Assessments

CyberSheath said Tuesday it commissioned Merrill Research to conduct the study, which reveals a significant lack of readiness among the defense industrial base as contractors prepare for assessments determining their eligibility to continue working with the Department of Defense. Preparedness dropped from eight percent in 2023 to four percent in 2024.

Compliance Gaps Persist Across DFARS & SPRS Metrics

While 69 percent of respondents claim Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement compliance via self-assessment, just 30 percent have undergone validated assessments. Only 42 percent have submitted Supplier Performance Risk System scores, with a median score of 60—far below the required 110. Notably, 17 percent reported negative scores.

Adoption of key cybersecurity measures remains limited. Only 27 percent of contractors implement multi-factor authentication, 25 percent use endpoint detection and response, and 21 percent deploy vulnerability management tools. Meanwhile, 89 percent report losses due to cyber incidents.

Remarks From CyberSheath CEO

“Eighty thousand defense contractors need Level 2 certification, yet only 270 of these organizations currently hold final CMMC certificates,” said CyberSheath CEO Emil Sayegh.

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State Department OKs South Korea’s FMS Request for AGM-65G2 Maverick Missiles
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The Department of State logo. The State Department cleared South Korea’s FMS request for AGM-65G2 Maverick tactical missiles.

The State Department has approved South Korea’s foreign military sales request for AGM-65G2 Maverick tactical missiles and related equipment and services.

State Department OKs South Korea's FMS Request for AGM-65G2 Maverick Missiles

Discover how international partnerships, coalition warfare strategies, FMS and cutting-edge technologies are redefining the global defense landscape at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 GovCon International and Global Defense Summit on Oct. 16. Reserve your seat today to connect with decision-makers and gain exclusive insights.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Wednesday RTX will serve as principal contractor in the proposed FMS deal, which is worth approximately $34 million. 

Strengthening South Korea’s Critical Air Defense Capability 

The proposed transaction will help South Korea improve its critical air defense capability to ensure interoperability with U.S. forces, meet existing and future threats and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific region.

Details of South Korea’s Maverick Missile Request 

Under the proposed FMS request, the contractor will provide 44 AGM-65G2 Maverick tactical missiles and non-major defense equipment, including program support, government and contractor engineering, technical assistance and logistics support services.

AGM-65 Maverick is an air-to-surface guided missile designed for interdiction, close air support and defense suppression missions. It is designed to provide stand-off capability against air defenses, armor, ships, transportation equipment and other tactical targets.

Implementation of this proposed deal will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. government or contractor representatives to the East Asian country.

DSCA has notified Congress of the proposed FMS transaction.

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DOD Addresses Contract Obligations in Advance of FY26 Funding in Latest Class Deviation
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Department of Defense logo. DOD issued a class deviation for contract obligations in advance of FY 2027 funding.

The Department of Defense has issued a new class deviation authorizing contracting officers to obligate contracts in advance of fiscal year 2026 appropriations. 

DOD said John Tenaglia, principal director of defense pricing, contracting and acquisition policy, signed on Wednesday the class deviation, which was issued by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

Under the class deviation, the Pentagon directs contracting officers to include the clause “Obligations in Advance of Fiscal Year 2026 Funding” when awarding contracts, modifications, task orders, options or delivery orders for services and supplies supporting excepted activities. 

According to the department, the deviation does not cover contract actions using appropriations that are currently available for obligation and liquidation of obligations, including prior-year funds.

Compliance With DOD Guidance & Directives

Each contract action awarded in advance of appropriations must comply with existing DOD guidance, including the deputy secretary of defense’s Sept. 30 memo on continuation of operations during a funding lapse and applicable component-level guidance related to the award of contracts in the absence of appropriations.

Authorization Requirements

For DOD components or military components without separate guidance, approvals for contract actions under this deviation must come from no lower than the head of the contracting activity. The department requires contracting officers to include a copy of such authorization in the contract file.

All contract actions executed under the class deviation must be bilateral, reflecting mutual agreement between the government and contractors.

The class deviation is effective immediately and remains in place until rescinded.

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VA Seeks Input on AI-Powered IT Service Management Platform
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The Department of Veterans Affairs' logo. The VA is conducting market research on a new IT Service Management Platform

The Department of Veterans Affairs is conducting market research to identify companies capable of providing a new Information Technology Service Management Platform, or ITSMP.

VA Seeks Input on AI-Powered IT Service Management Platform

The role of advanced technologies in supporting warfighter health at the VA and the Defense Health Agency is one of the key topics to be covered by government leaders and industry experts at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Healthcare Summit on Dec. 4. The event will feature networking opportunities and panels on healthcare delivery system modernization, cloud and artificial intelligence, and the Make America Healthy Again agenda. Get your tickets today.

IT Service Management Platform Requirements

In a request for information posted on SAM.gov Wednesday, the agency said it is specifically interested in a system that integrates artificial intelligence into the workflow and provides low- or no-code development tools for building applications or powering automations. 

Moreover, the proposed platform must secure Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, or FedRAMP, High authorization. 

VA also wants to hear about transition and migration strategies, integration with federal systems, customer service management, and compliance with the government security requirements. 

Interested parties may submit their responses until Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. Eastern time. 

According to Federal Procurement Data System records, Booz Allen Hamilton currently provides ITSMP support services to the VA. The company secured contracts from the VA for computer systems design services in January and February.

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DOE Seeks Proposals for AI Data Centers, Energy Projects at Savannah River Site, Oak Ridge
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Department of Energy logo. DOE is seeking private sector proposals to build AI data centers and energy projects.

The Department of Energy has opened new opportunities for private sector partners to develop artificial intelligence data centers and energy generation projects on federal land. Requests for proposals issued this week cover projects at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina and the Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee, DOE said Tuesday.

The solicitations align with executive orders aimed at advancing U.S. leadership in both AI and energy development by leveraging federal land for the rapid deployment of next-generation data and power infrastructure. 

Savannah River Site Opportunities

At Savannah River Site, the National Nuclear Security Administration has identified 10 land tracts totaling more than 3,100 acres for potential development. Proposals may integrate innovative energy generation and storage with AI data center construction. Selected organizations will enter into one or more long-term leases and assume full responsibility for building, operating and decommissioning infrastructure projects.

Proposals will be evaluated on technological maturity, financial feasibility and regulatory compliance plans. To support interested bidders, NNSA will host a virtual industry day for an overview of requirements and the submission process.

NNSA will accept responses to the RFP until Dec. 5.

Oak Ridge Reservation Projects

DOE’s Office of Science and Office of Environmental Management issued a parallel RFP for Oak Ridge Reservation. Two parcels of land are available for the  AI and energy generation projects: one at the East Tennessee Technology Park and another adjacent to Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

“As one of the original Manhattan Project sites, Oak Ridge is now poised to play a role in what has been dubbed Manhattan Project 2.0 as the Department ushers in a golden era of American energy to fuel the AI race,” said DOE Acting Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management Joel Bradburne. “This is the next step forward in the transformation from nuclear remediation site to nuclear renaissance hub.”

As with Savannah River, industry partners must fund and manage all aspects of construction, operations and decommissioning, as well as obtain necessary interconnection agreements.

Proposals for Oak Ridge are due Dec. 1, with an industry day and site tours scheduled for Oct.15. 

The Savannah River Site and the Oak Ridge Reservation are two of the four federal sites designated for AI and energy initiatives involving private sector partners. 

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Army Completes First Launched Effects Technology Field Demonstration
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U.S. Army logo. The U.S. Army completed the first Launched Effects–Short Range Special User Demonstration, or LE-SR SUD.

The U.S. Army recently completed the Launched Effects–Short Range Special User Demonstration, or LE-SR SUD, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, from Aug. 4 to 22.

Operational Deployment of Launched Effects Technology

The LE-SR SUD, the first field use of Launched Effects by operational units, aimed to validate initial requirements and to gather soldier feedback after deploying the technology across various formations, the Army said Thursday. The demonstration is also intended to reduce risks and fast-track the deployment of LE technology across active-duty divisions by late 2026.

With Launched Effects, the Army presents a new method for addressing battlefield challenges. It works to enable forces to respond decisively, navigate complex scenarios and sustain a strategic edge in future large-scale combat operations.

“Launched Effects are a game-changing capability and will revolutionize how we operate in contested environments. Employed at echelon, they allow us to maneuver against enemy forces while striking decisively at key targets and safeguarding our formations,” stated Brig. Gen. David Phillips, program executive officer for aviation.

Soldier Training & Feedback

The LE-SR SUD implemented a phased “crawl, walk, run” training methodology, beginning with classroom education on system operation and upkeep, advancing to field exercises and concluding with immersive, use-case-driven scenarios. This structured progression strengthened soldiers’ mastery and confidence in employing the new system.

The participating soldiers provided feedback on system performance, training and integration. Their assessments will be used to evaluate the LE’s impact on materiel, doctrine and personnel planning.

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State Department Releases 2026 AI Strategy to Equip Diplomats With New Tools
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State Secretary Marco Rubio. The Department of State unveiled its 2026 Enterprise Data and Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

The Department of State unveiled its Enterprise Data and Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2026 on Sept. 30.

The plan aims to modernize diplomacy using data and AI, with two main goals: pioneering advanced statecraft and accelerating AI adoption across operations.

Advancing AI-Driven Statecraft

The initiative outlines plans to equip diplomats with AI tools for real-time insights and decision-making, including AI.State, a centralized repository of AI resources, and StateChat, the department’s first generative AI chatbot.

The department also intends to build secure and flexible AI-enabling infrastructure, foster collaboration across federal agencies, and future-proof the diplomatic workforce.

Enhancing Data Infrastructure

The 2026 AI plan also focuses on modernizing the State Department’s data infrastructure by adopting AI and data technologies. The department plans to broaden access to essential operational data and deploy autonomous AI systems capable of managing administrative tasks, emergency responses and oversight of foreign assistance. It aims to coordinate investments to optimize resources and streamline risk management processes for secure experimentation.

Remarks From State Department Leaders

“Winning the AI race is nonnegotiable,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “America must continue to be the dominant force in artificial intelligence to promote prosperity and protect our economic and national security,” added the 2025 Wash100 Award winner.

“With the launch of our combined Enterprise Data and AI Strategy, we are poised to unlock a new era of diplomatic innovation,” stated Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Michael Rigas. 

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Space Force Declares L3Harris’ ATLAS Operational, Boosting Domain Awareness
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Ed Zoiss, president of space and airborne systems at L3Harris. Zoiss comments on ATLAS' new milestone

L3Harris Technologies’ Advanced Tracking and Launch Analysis System, or ATLAS, has achieved operational status.

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Operations Command said Tuesday that ATLAS underwent a comprehensive assessment that tested the system’s capabilities, performance and operational readiness.

“The ATLAS team remains dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that the software is continuously evolved to meet emerging gaps in step with the evolution of space capabilities,” commented Shannon Pallone, program executive officer for battle management command, control and communications at SSC. “Achieving operational acceptance is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our teams and mission partners who worked together to deliver critical capabilities that advance USSF’s Space Domain Awareness mission.”

The system is meant to replace the Space Force’s Space Defense Operations Center, or SPADOC, which has been monitoring satellites, spacecraft and dangerous space junk since the ‘80s.

A spokesperson for the Space Operations Command told Breaking Defense that the Space Force has no timeline for SPADOC’s retirement, but Pallone noted that, when it happens, it will be a “major coup.”

What Is ATLAS?

In 2018, L3Harris received an initial contract valued at $53 million for ATLAS, which is intended to deliver enhanced situational awareness and decision-making capabilities for the increasingly complex space domain.

The system combines space domain awareness, command and control, intelligence, operational and system readiness-relevant data to enable warfighters to counter anti-satellite threats.

“The Space Force requires timely, accurate and relevant information to avoid operational surprise, and ATLAS meets this demand by providing essential and actionable space domain awareness,” Ed Zoiss, president of space and airborne systems at L3Harris, said in a company press release.

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Hung Cao Confirmed as Navy Under Secretary
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Hung Cao. The former Virginia Republican Senate candidate was confirmed by the Senate as the Navy under secretary.

The Senate on Wednesday voted 52-45 to confirm Hung Cao, a former Virginia Republican Senate candidate, as the next under secretary of the Navy.

In February, President Donald Trump nominated Cao to be the second-highest ranking civilian official in the Department of the Navy.

Who Is Hung Cao?

According to his LinkedIn profile, the retired Navy captain and deep sea diver most recently served as a vice president and Navy and Marine Corps client executive at CACI International.

Cao served in the Navy for 25 years, holding a wide range of leadership positions, including division chief of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, director of counter-improvised threats in Afghanistan and commanding officer of the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center. 

He founded a nonprofit organization for visually impaired children and created mentorship programs to develop leaders at various commands.

The former special operations officer has a bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and a master’s degree in applied physics from the Naval Postgraduate School.

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