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Artificial Intelligence/Digital Modernization/DoD/Government Technology/News
DAF Elevates VIA’s eJARVIS to IL5 for High-Speed Energy Analytics
by Kristen Smith
Published on April 20, 2026
US Air Force logo. DAF has granted Impact Level 5 authority to operate to Via Science’s eJARVIS application.

The Department of the Air Force has granted Impact Level 5 authority to operate to Via Science’s eJARVIS application.

DAF Elevates VIA's eJARVIS to IL5 for High-Speed Energy Analytics

The 2026 Digital Transformation Summit kicks off this Wednesday, April 22. Don’t get left behind as agencies pivot to secure, AI-driven operations. Register now to secure your access to essential discussions on modernization strategy.

Table of Contents

  • Why Does IL5 Approval Matter?
  • What Does eJARVIS Do?
  • How Does This Fit Into Broader AI Efforts?

Why Does IL5 Approval Matter?

The move enables the platform to handle more sensitive categories of controlled unclassified information beyond its previous IL4 authorization, significantly increasing the range of operational use cases, the U.S. Air Force said Friday.

For the service branch, that means faster access to rapid installation energy, utility and resilience data analysis. 

“Ensuring the availability and resilience of installation energy data is critical to DAF’s power projection, and eJARVIS allows us to provide warfighters with access to this critical information in minutes rather than weeks, speeding decisions without compromising security,” said Nancy Balkus, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for infrastructure, energy and environment.

What Does eJARVIS Do?

eJARVIS is a generative AI application configured for Air Force use, built on VIA’s “Share Less, Ask More” model. Rather than requiring large-scale data ingestion into external models, the platform is designed to minimize data exposure while still enabling advanced analytics.

The system also incorporates blockchain-based data tracking to maintain a verifiable chain of custody for queries and outputs — an approach aimed at improving auditability in high-stakes decision-making scenarios.

How Does This Fit Into Broader AI Efforts?

The IL5 approval aligns with wider Department of the Air Force initiatives to scale AI securely, including efforts to develop AI-ready infrastructure and deploy frameworks that prioritize decision advantage, speed and data confidence.

The service is balancing rapid adoption with governance requirements as federal policy continues to emphasize responsible AI use, risk management and secure deployment across agencies.

As adversaries like China and Russia accelerate the integration of military AI, the Air Force is moving to operationalize AI in environments where both speed and security are critical.

Articles/Artificial Intelligence
Chris Nichols Is Bringing a Healthy Skepticism of Emerging Tech to DHA
by Pat Host
Published on April 20, 2026
Chris Nichols. The Defense Health Agency PEO DHMS program manager says the agency should be cautious about inserting tech.
  • Chris Nichols brings a cautionary technologist approach to Defense Health Agency procurement
  • He believes DHA should be intelligent about where, and how, it inserts emerging technologies like AI before underlying process or policy components are fixed.
  • Hear directly from Nichols and top ranking Pentagon officials during a panel discussion at the 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on Wednesday—April 22!

Chris Nichols is a cautionary technologist. The Defense Health Agency Program Executive Office Defense Healthcare Management Systems program manager for enterprise intelligence and data solutions directs the modernization of legacy systems, implementation of a digital health hub and integration with enterprise platforms including Military Health System GENESIS to ensure interoperability and data accessibility.

But Nichols has a healthy skepticism of artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies, in military healthcare. This is because he believes DHA should be intelligent about where, and how, it inserts technology, especially as it moves into AI-enabled capabilities, before underlying process or policy components are fixed. The intersection of these factors together is what will bring DHA toward enabling intelligent health.

“Otherwise, you’re laying technology on processes that are not resolved or streamlined in the first place,” Nichols told ExecutiveGov in an exclusive interview ahead of his panel discussion at the 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on Wednesday. “We have to be intelligent about how we do these things and then how we access and develop these tools and from a requirements perspective.”

Hear directly from Nichols during his panel discussion on Mission Engineering at Scale: The Digital Backbone of Defense Modernization at the Potomac Officers Club 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on Wednesday. This all-star panel also features Pentagon Director of Digital Engineering, Modeling and Simulation Daniel Hettema and Space Systems Command DPEO for Space Combat Power Col. Scott Klempner. Secure your seat today!

Table of Contents

  • How Does Chris Nichols View AI?
  • How Is DHA Experimenting With AI?
  • What Is Technology Saturation?
  • Who Is Chris Nichols?

How Does Chris Nichols View AI?

Nichols views AI as a co-pilot, partner or adjunct instead of a replacement in military healthcare. This is because the clinician, physician, nurse or other healthcare professional is ultimately accountable for the delivery of care to a patient. He said the recent Food and Drug Administration approval of an AI capability for pharmaceutical ordering is an example of how the DHA must think about the management of algorithms and data that’s going in, and data that’s coming out, to ensure there’s no harm to the patients.

How Is DHA Experimenting With AI?

DHA is experimenting with AI to boost patient healthcare services as DHA, despite Nichols’ AI skepticism. DHA and the Military Entrance Processing Command, or MEPCOM, are performing AI predictive modeling and capabilities. The DHA also plans to deploy a full agentic AI data catalog for the 7.5 petabytes of data within the MHS information platform by the end of May.

What Is Technology Saturation?

Technology saturation, a challenge facing DHA, is a phenomenon where technology is advancing so rapidly and vendors are pitching so many products to the agency where it struggles to evaluate, acquire and deploy them in a timely manner before the technology becomes outdated.

Nichols believes that the Pentagon’s acquisition reform efforts to accelerate procurement and quickly field emerging technologies will help with the technology saturation challenge. This is by breaking down barriers and finding better ways with vendors, or vendor partners, to evaluate and acquire capabilities and tools while they are still relevant.

“If we’re not careful, we’re going to acquire…generation one of that capability, while industry is already delivering to the commercial side generation three or four of that capability,” Nichols said.

Want to win more contracts in 2026? Then you can’t afford to miss the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on Wednesday. It’s our premier forum for discovering new business opportunities in essential emerging technologies like AI, enterprise IT and human-machine teaming. Hear Pentagon Chief Information Officer and Wash100 Award winner Kirsten Davies’ technology investment priorities for 2026 during her insightful keynote. Buy your ticket now!

Who Is Chris Nichols?

Nichols was a critical care and trauma nurse in the Army early in his career before transitioning into health informatics, or the integration point between health IT and clinical care. This, Nichols said, gives him a grounding component when it comes to acquiring technology for the application of military healthcare.

He plans on discussing at the 2026 Digital Transformation Summit the innovative ways DHA is performing predictive modeling. He will also discuss how DHA and MEPCOM are cleaning up, managing and integrating disparate data in support of their military partners and other federal agencies.

Nichols plans to soon roll out a digital proving ground so that vendors, or potential partners, have a place to prove out and demonstrate technologies that will help the DHA make better, quicker and more decisive decisions on products and capabilities. The DHA, he said, recently flipped many of its contracts into commercial solutions openings and other transaction authority contracting vehicles. Nichols anticipates additional business opportunities to come out later in FY 2026, which ends Sept. 30.

Chris Nichols Is Bringing a Healthy Skepticism of Emerging Tech to DHA
Acquisition & Procurement/DoD/News/Space
Troy Meink Offers Update on Air Force’s Acquisition Reform Efforts
by Jane Edwards
Published on April 17, 2026
Troy Meink. The Air Force secretary discussed the role of acquisition reform in helping DAF maintain dominance.

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said acquisition reform will play a central role in strengthening the Department of the Air Force’s ability to compete and maintain dominance during a period of rapid technological change, the U.S. Space Force reported Thursday.

Troy Meink Offers Update on Air Force's Acquisition Reform Efforts

As defense leaders continue to emphasize acquisition reform and workforce priorities, forums like the 2026 Air and Space Summit provide an opportunity to stay informed on evolving priorities across the sector. Sign up now for the July 30 event to hear experts discuss the capabilities and trends shaping national security innovation across two critical domains.

Table of Contents

  • How Is DAF’s Acquisition Reform Reshaping Decision-Making? 
  • Why Is the Department Shifting to a Minimum Viable Product Approach?
  • Meink on Need for Talent

How Is DAF’s Acquisition Reform Reshaping Decision-Making? 

Meink, a 2026 Wash100 awardee, said DAF is pushing authority down to lower levels to enable faster and more flexible program execution.

In March, the Space Force announced six mission areas to be managed by portfolio acquisition executives, or PAEs. The move came two months after the Air Force began implementing the Warfighting Acquisition System by announcing the first tranche of five PAEs overseeing fighters and advanced aircraft; command, control, communications and battle management; nuclear command, control and communications; weapons; and propulsion. 

“As a rule, we’re delegating nearly every decision authority that we’re legally allowed to down to the PAE level,” he said.

The secretary added that the department has delegated 85 percent of contracting authorities to PAEs, with that figure reaching 92 percent for the Space Force.

Why Is the Department Shifting to a Minimum Viable Product Approach?

Meink highlighted the need to drive a cultural shift in acquisition and noted that the new approach should focus on building minimum viable products rather than pursuing fully optimized systems with expanded requirements.

“It doesn’t matter if we have something that works perfectly under all conditions,” he said. “If it is too expensive and we can’t build enough of them to be effective, it’s a failed program.”

Meink on Need for Talent

Meink said talent remains a critical factor in executing acquisition reform and modernization efforts.

He emphasized the need to recruit and retain personnel with science, technology, engineering and mathematics expertise to support program development and decision-making.

Cybersecurity/Government Technology/News
NSF Issues Solicitation for Integrated Data Systems & Services Program
by Jane Edwards
Published on April 17, 2026
NSF seal. NSF seeks proposals for its Integrated Data Systems and Services program.

The National Science Foundation has started seeking proposals for national-scale data infrastructure projects as part of the Integrated Data Systems and Services, or IDSS, program.

NSF Issues Solicitation for Integrated Data Systems & Services Program

NSF’s new solicitation underscores continued federal focus on advancing cyberinfrastructure and research capabilities. As government and industry stakeholders track these developments, the 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21 will explore topics, such as artificial intelligence in cyber defense, zero trust, quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography. Register now!

Table of Contents

  • What Is the NSF IDSS Program?
  • What Are the 3 Project Categories for the IDSS Program Solicitation?
  • What Are the Deadlines & Award Details?

What Is the NSF IDSS Program?

Launched in August 2025, the IDSS program supports national-scale operational cyberinfrastructure systems and services designed to enable open, data-intensive and AI-driven science and engineering research, education and innovation, NSF said Wednesday.

What Are the 3 Project Categories for the IDSS Program Solicitation?

Category I covers the development, deployment and operation of novel national-scale integrated data systems and services. NSF said awards in this category may range from $10 million to $30 million for up to five years.

Category II covers the transition of established smaller-scale, regional, pilot or prototype data-focused systems and services to national-scale production and operational quality or level. This category may also support enhancements and expansions of existing national-scale operational systems and services. NSF said awards may total up to $9 million for up to three years.

Category III covers planning grants for future potential development, deployment, transition or enhancement IDSS projects. The agency said awards in this category may total up to $500,000 for up to two years.

NSF said Category I and II awards may be renewable, subject to the availability of funds, project performance and merit review. Category III awards are not eligible for renewal.

What Are the Deadlines & Award Details?

NSF said Category II submissions are due July 28, 2026, with the deadline set for the fourth Tuesday in July annually thereafter.

Category I and III submissions are due July 27, 2027, with the deadline set for the fourth Tuesday in July annually thereafter.

NSF expects to make three to nine awards: one to two in Category I; one to two in Category II; and one to five in Category III.

Category I and II projects will use cooperative agreements, while Category III projects will use standard grants.

DoD/Executive Moves/News
Air Force Names Three Leaders to Cyber & Networks Directorate Roles
by Miles Jamison
Published on April 17, 2026
Department of the Air Force seal. The Air Force appointed Rosso, Green and Robaito to key Cyber & Networks Directorate role.

The U.S. Air Force has appointed Meghan Rosso, Marcus Green and Jennifer Robaina to functional roles within the Cyber and Networks Directorate, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center said Thursday. The appointments align with efforts to integrate leadership across program management, contracting and human resources.

“We are fortunate to have such a talented team stepping into these critical roles,” said Brig. Gen. Joshua Williams, program executive officer for the Cyber and Networks Directorate. “Their collective experience and leadership will strengthen how we deliver capabilities, support our workforce and execute our mission for the Department of the Air Force.”

Table of Contents

  • Who Is Meghan Rosso?
  • Who Is Marcus Green?
  • Who Is Jennifer Robaina?

Who Is Meghan Rosso?

Rosso was named program management organizational senior functional, supporting more than 320 civilian and military personnel. She began her federal service career in 2008 through the Student Career Experience Program and the Palace Acquire Program and went on to work on a range of initiatives that broadened her experience across different stages of the acquisition process. Rosso worked at Nashoba Vision Associates earlier in her career.

Who Is Marcus Green?

Green was appointed a contracting organizational senior functional, in charge of over 250 contracting professionals supporting connectivity for more than 600,000 Department of the Air Force users. He will manage a $21 billion portfolio covering enterprise IT, cybersecurity and combat communications. Green will also serve as the primary business adviser to Williams.

Who Is Jennifer Robaina?

Robaina was tapped as the directorate’s human resources chief. A long-time HR specialist at the Air Force, Robaina will lead human capital strategy and talent management efforts to support the directorate’s mission.

Civilian/Cybersecurity/News
NIST Revamps Vulnerability Database Prioritization to Manage CVE Surge
by Miles Jamison
Published on April 17, 2026
National Institute of Standards and Technology logo. NIST has revamped how it processes CVEs in its NVD.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has implemented changes to how it processes cybersecurity vulnerabilities and exposures, or CVEs, in its National Vulnerability Database, or NVD, shifting to an enhanced prioritization approach.

NIST Revamps Vulnerability Database Prioritization to Manage CVE Surge

Escalating cyberthreats have made government data a primary target in modern conflict. Explore how leaders are responding to these threats at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21. Register today!

Table of Contents

  • What Changes Are Being Made?
  • How Will Other CVEs Be Handled?
  • Why Is NIST Changing Its Approach?

What Changes Are Being Made?

NIST said Wednesday it has started to prioritize enriching CVEs that appear in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, those for software used within the federal government and those defined as critical under Executive Order 14028. CVEs outside these categories will still be listed but marked “Not Scheduled.”

How Will Other CVEs Be Handled?

NIST will no longer routinely provide separate severity scores when one has already been provided, and modified CVEs will be reanalyzed only if changes materially affect enrichment data. Backlogged CVEs published before March 1 will be moved into the “Not Scheduled” category. Updated status labels and dashboard reporting will provide users with real-time visibility into CVE processing.

Why Is NIST Changing Its Approach?

CVE submissions grew 263 percent between 2020 and 2025, with early 2026 volumes also tracking higher than the same period last year. The sharp rise in vulnerability submissions has strained the agency’s capacity to fully analyze each entry. Although NIST reported enriching nearly 42,000 CVEs in 2025, the volume of incoming data has outpaced its ability to process every record, necessitating the changes.

By prioritizing critical CVEs, the agency aims to strengthen its workload management. This approach will help stabilize the program while NIST automates its systems and enhances workflows to ensure long-term sustainability.

News
Strait of Hormuz Reopens: What Does It Mean for Global Shipping and GovCon Stakeholders?
by Gabriella DeCesare
Published on April 17, 2026
White House. The Strait of Hormuz in Iran has been reopened for U.S. access in the wake of a ceasefire.

The Strait of Hormuz has reopened to commercial traffic following a ceasefire agreement involving Lebanon, Iran and the United States, the New York Times reported Friday, easing immediate concerns over global energy supply disruptions. The move triggered a sharp drop in oil prices, according to the website Trading Economics, and raised cautious optimism among shipping companies, though uncertainty remains as U.S. naval enforcement measures and Iranian routing restrictions continue to complicate transit through the critical waterway. 

Table of Contents

  • How Will the Strait’s Reopening Impact Energy Markets and Logistics?
  • What Are the Implications for Defense and Federal Contracting Priorities?

How Will the Strait’s Reopening Impact Energy Markets and Logistics?

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints, carrying 20 percent of global oil and significant liquefied natural gas volumes before recent hostilities disrupted traffic, IEA stated in a February report. The reopening has already influenced markets, with oil prices declining significantly following the announcement.

Despite the positive market reaction, operational challenges persist. Iran has indicated that vessels must follow a “coordinated route” near its coastline, while concerns remain over navigational safety. Industry analysts warn that shipping volumes may take weeks to normalize, as tanker operators await clearer security assurances and affordable insurance coverage. 

For government contractors supporting energy, logistics and maritime security missions, the situation underscores the importance of resilient supply chain solutions, real-time maritime domain awareness and risk mitigation technologies.

What Are the Implications for Defense and Federal Contracting Priorities?

The reopening comes amid continued U.S. military activity in the region, including an ongoing blockade of Iranian-linked vessels, creating a complex operating environment for commercial and government stakeholders alike. U.S. Central Command has maintained tight control over vessel movements, highlighting the sustained demand for command-and-control systems, surveillance capabilities and maritime enforcement technologies. 

For the GovCon community, the evolving situation presents opportunities tied to naval operations support, intelligence integration and secure communications systems. At the same time, agencies may shift towards prioritizing investments in autonomous maritime systems, AI-enabled threat detection and logistics resilience platforms to ensure continued access to strategic waterways.

As the ceasefire holds and conditions stabilize, contractors will be closely watching how federal agencies balance deterrence, security and commercial continuity in one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime corridors.

Artificial Intelligence/Cybersecurity/Defense And Intelligence/DoD/News
Pentagon’s DC3 Building Data Mesh Fabric to Manage Growing Cyber Data
by Elodie Collins
Published on April 17, 2026
The DOW Cyber Crime Center logo. DC3 is building a data mesh fabric in anticipation of DIB Cybersecurity Program expansion.

The Department of War’s Cyber Crime Center, or DC3, is building a data mesh fabric to manage the amount of cyber data it collects, especially as the organization prepares to expand the Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Program, its threat information exchange partnership with industry, Federal News Network reported Thursday.

Pentagon's DC3 Building Data Mesh Fabric to Manage Growing Cyber Data

Pentagon’s cybersecurity leaders, including DC3’s Terry Kalka and DOW Chief Information Security Officer Aaron Bishop, will discuss the cyberthreat landscape and provide updates on cyber defense initiatives at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21. The event will cover the most critical developments and trends in cybersecurity, including the integration of artificial intelligence and automation, advancements in quantum computing, and zero trust implementation. Get your tickets today.

Table of Contents

  • How Is DC3 Improving Cyber Data Management?
  • How Is DC3 Utilizing AI and XDR to Strengthen Cybersecurity?
  • What Is the DIB Cybersecurity Program?

How Is DC3 Improving Cyber Data Management?

Kajal Pal, chief of DC3’s architecture management of data and enterprise division, told FNN’s Ask the CIO that the data mesh fabric will also address data-related challenges that the organization faces in executing its mission.

“We are also working with not only the [DOW] cloud, but also the intelligence cloud. There are challenges with that and moving data between impact levels, and the type of work we do, digital forensics where you have to protect and preserve that information to litigate those cases are at the core,” shared Pal.

He added that the organization is also responsible for protecting the supply chain, which involves moving data between government and industry across geographies and at every level, presenting a new type of challenge.

“We are implementing zero trust, but the challenge right now I’m facing is, how do you move data across different impact levels and different boundaries? We do follow certain mechanisms, like the segmentation of the network, micro segmentation and continuous monitoring of the network,” Pal explained.

How Is DC3 Utilizing AI and XDR to Strengthen Cybersecurity?

Pal also shared that DC3 is utilizing extended detection and response, or XDR, and artificial intelligence to analyze data and accelerate decision-making. According to the official, the organization uses XDR capabilities to collect and tag data from across networks before sending it to a centralized data lake, where AI models can analyze patterns.

The tools help identify whether anomalous activity is tied to insider threats or external actors, enabling more timely and informed responses.

What Is the DIB Cybersecurity Program?

The DIB Cybersecurity Program is a private-public partnership that provides participating companies with access to cyberthreat intelligence, malware analysis and cybersecurity-as-a-service capabilities. Established in 2008, the effort has over 1,200 companies that provide threat information to DOW.

In early April, DC3 announced that it is opening the DIB Cybersecurity Program to new entrants. All active contractors and subcontractors that handle controlled unclassified information are welcome to join the program. 

Artificial Intelligence/Government Technology/News
Federal AI Use Cases Surge Past 3,600 as Agencies Scale Adoption
by Kristen Smith
Published on April 17, 2026
Artificial intelligence. OMB’s latest inventory shows rapid growth in federal AI use

Federal agencies reported more than 3,600 artificial intelligence use cases in 2025, marking a sharp acceleration in adoption as agencies expand AI in a multitude of mission and enterprise operations, Nextgov/FCW reported Thursday.

The Office of Management and Budget’s latest Federal Agency AI Use Case Inventory documents 3,611 use cases across 56 agencies, more than doubling the prior year’s total and underscoring how quickly AI is being embedded into government workflows. 

Federal AI Use Cases Surge Past 3,600 as Agencies Scale Adoption

Register now for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22. The event will spotlight the growing role of artificial intelligence in federal agencies and feature high-level discussions on how AI is scaling from pilot programs to mission-critical applications.

Table of Contents

  • How Fast Is Federal AI Adoption Growing?
  • Which Agencies Are Driving AI Use?
  • What Are Agencies Using AI For?
  • How Is Policy Shaping AI Adoption?

How Fast Is Federal AI Adoption Growing?

The 2025 inventory reflects a significant jump from roughly 2,133 use cases across 41 agencies in 2024, driven by both expanded reporting and broader deployment of AI tools throughout agencies.

OMB streamlined reporting requirements in 2025 and introduced a new category for widely used commercial AI tools, allowing agencies to focus individual reporting on more mission-specific and high-impact applications.

At the same time, agencies moved more use cases into operational environments, with over 1,800 systems reported as deployed or piloted last year.

Which Agencies Are Driving AI Use?

Adoption remains concentrated among large mission agencies, particularly those managing health, science and national-scale operations.

The Department of Health and Human Services reported the highest number of use cases, followed by NASA, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Energy and the Department of Justice.

The Veterans Affairs Department stands out for its concentration of high-impact AI, reporting more than 200 such use cases — far exceeding other agencies.

What Are Agencies Using AI For?

Agencies reported similar core applications in both years, but at a greater scale and maturity in 2025.

Common use cases include:

  • Text analysis, summarization and document processing
  • Data analytics and pattern recognition
  • Predictive modeling
  • Chatbots and customer service automation

More advanced and mission-specific uses are also emerging, including:

  • Clinical data summarization and health analytics
  • Behavioral anomaly detection in cybersecurity
  • Satellite and science data processing
  • Identity verification

How Is Policy Shaping AI Adoption?

The rapid growth aligns with updated federal policy aimed at accelerating AI use while strengthening governance.

OMB’s April 2025 guidance directs agencies to expand AI adoption for lower-risk use cases, establish oversight for high-impact systems, conduct AI maturity assessments and improve acquisition practices to avoid vendor lock-in.

The policy also encourages agencies to adopt commercially available tools more efficiently.

Articles/Civilian
In the Age of AI, Agencies Need to Train in Mission & Business, Not IT
by Pat Host
Published on April 17, 2026
Andrea Brandon. The Interior Dept assistant secretary recommends more federal staffers than just IT execs get AI training.
  • Government agencies need to consider training mission-oriented and business professionals, not just IT executives, if they want to successfully implement AI and other emerging technologies.
  • Misunderstandings about who exactly needs to be trained on AI and emerging technologies leads to initiatives being designed, and funding budgeted, exclusively for IT professionals.
  • Hear directly from Andrea Brandon, Department of the Interior deputy assistant secretary for budgets, finance, grants and acquisition, during a panel at the 2026 Digital Transformation Summit this Wednesday—April 22!

Federal agencies need to take an integrated project team approach, and not just focus on training IT professionals, if they want to successfully implement artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, according to a top government official.

Andrea Brandon, Department of the Interior deputy assistant secretary for budgets, finance, grants and acquisition, told ExecutiveGov in an exclusive interview ahead of her appearance at the Potomac Officers Club 2026 Digital Transformation Summit this Wednesday that there is confusion about differences in training on AI required for federal employees for everyday use.

This includes training contracting professionals with IT portfolios, such as development of statements of work; acquisition and other business management staffers, including budget and human resources; and program or mission-focused professionals, like doctors and researchers.

Table of Contents

  • Which Federal Employees Are Targeted for AI Training?
  • Who Is Andrea Brandon?
  • Why Is Andrea Brandon a Pioneer in Emerging Technologies?

Which Federal Employees Are Targeted for AI Training?

This confusion leads to many initiatives and funding being designed solely toward IT professionals like chief AI officers, chief data officers and chief information officers, who believe they can design and select all the necessary AI IT systems and contracts on their own. Brandon said they collect and perform all of the data analysis and review predictive outputs in a meaningful way without the help of other executives from outside IT.

“It really takes an integrated project team approach across the board at all times to successfully implement AI and other innovative technologies such as blockchain, AI assistants, and virtual and augmented reality,” Brandon said.

Hear directly from Brandon during her panel discussion on Driving Digital Transformation and Responsible AI Across the Federal Enterprise at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit this Wednesday—April 22! Dig into scaling AI beyond pilot programs and modernizing infrastructure to support enterprise AI. Secure your seat today!

Brandon’s priorities for 2026 are continuing to enhance the DOI’s AI roadmap by examining its business processes and determining which ones are ripe for an AI pilot. Different business processes have different stages in their lifecycles, she said. These include pre-award planning and document development, application review, award, post-award monitoring and risk analysis.

Who Is Andrea Brandon?

Brandon has a wealth of federal experience, having served in the federal government since 2003 at a variety of agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Management and Budget and the Departments of Agriculture, Homeland Security and the Interior. She is an expert in risk management, audits, internal controls, IT innovation and financial operations, among other areas.

Why Is Andrea Brandon a Pioneer in Emerging Technologies?

Brandon is a pioneer in leveraging new technologies to speed up the business of government. She led the use of robotic process automation technology, or bots, to accelerate contracting tasks, organize business data and make other laborious tasks easier.

One bot, named “Bob the Closer,” closed out contracts faster than humans. The DOI, leveraging Bob the Closer, closed 7,441 awards at a rate of 1 minute, 44 seconds per contract. Another Brandon bot initiative is the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization bot, or OSDBot, which organizes small business information from acquisition offices and bureaus.

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit is the essential venue for discovering the latest partnership opportunities in the technologies transforming government business. Hear spending insights for 2026 and beyond from Pavan Pidigu, Department of Transportation chief digital and information officer, during his insightful keynote address. Have the priceless face-to-face networking only possible in live settings. Buy your ticket today!

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