Front Burner
As Trump Names VA Pick, Firing and Privatization Come Back into the Spotlight
GovExec reports that former Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary nominee, previously alluded to a number of his possible priorities for the department, including privatization, disciplinary provisions for its workforce, and the expansion of Community Care.
GAO Starts to Move on OASIS+ Protest Rulings with 2 Denials
Washington Technology reports that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) dismissed two protests involving the General Services Administration’s (GSA) OASIS+ contract vehicle. GAO is scheduled to make decisions on four additional protests within the next two weeks.
Federal CIO Focused on Cyber, Smooth Transition in Months Ahead
Fedscoop reports that Claire Martorana, the Federal Chief Information Officer (CIO), stated that cybersecurity is a top priority for her team as they prepare for the incoming Administration.
DHS Releases Guidance for AI in Critical Infrastructure
NextGov reports that last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the Roles and Responsibilities Framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Critical Infrastructure, which includes guidance for the safe use of AI tools for sectors deemed “key to the AI industry” such as cloud and compute infrastructure providers.
Trump Likely to Scale Back AI Policy with Repeal of Biden Order
According to Fedscoop, the incoming Administration is expected to repeal the current AI executive order to pursue, “…a slightly more hands-off approach to AI regulation…”
Congressional Update
House GOP Nominates Johnson for Speaker, Taps McClain for Conference Chair
Roll Call reports that last week, House Republicans unanimously nominated Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) for House Speaker. In addition, Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI) was selected as the next Republican Conference Chair.
Lawmaker Looks to Improve SBA’s IT Modernization After Critical GAO Review
Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) introduced the Small Business Information Technology (IT) Modernization Reform Act of 2024, which would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to submit a plan to Congress detailing how it will “establish and implement policies and procedures to govern IT modernization projects,” reports NextGov.
Thune Elected to Replace McConnell as Next Senate GOP Leader
Roll Call reports that Sen. John Thune (R-SD) was elected as the next Senate Majority leader, replacing Mitch McConnell (R-KY) as the chamber’s top Republican.
GAO Wants Agencies to Update Cloud Computing Guidance to Manage Restrictive Licensing
GAO released a report on cloud computing that found that “restrictive software licensing practices are impacting multiple Federal agencies in the form of cost increases and limited choices of cloud service providers (CSP) or cloud architecture,” reports Fedscoop.
House AI Task Force Wants to Marry Light Touch Regulations with Sector-Specific Policy
According to NextGov, members from the bipartisan House AI Task Force emphasized a “light-touch regulatory approach” for AI technologies while ensuring human oversight is maintained in the deployment of these systems.
Regulatory Tracker
The Coalition’s Regulatory Tracker
As a service to our members, the Coalition is also offering a Regulatory Tracker that lists open FAR and DFARS cases relevant to the Federal procurement community, including synopses and status descriptions. For questions or comments regarding the Tracker, please e-mail Joseph Snyderwine at JSnyderwine@thecgp.org.
Click here to download and view the Tracker.