MeriTalk

The trusted source for #PublicSector IT news, insight, & community. We help #government & industry leaders stay informed, connected, & focused on what’s next.

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

Shakeup in the intelligence community.

@POTUS says Acting @DNIPulte has fired dozens of intelligence officers across the intelligence community, marking the latest step in the administration's broader effort to reshape the U.S. intelligence workforce.

Read more: https://t.co/slqREPc3G8

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

Federal CIO @GregBarbaccia is stepping down.

After nearly 18 months leading the Trump administration's federal IT, AI, and digital service modernization efforts, Barbaccia is leaving his role as federal CIO. His departure comes after overseeing major initiatives spanning AI, cybersecurity, procurement, and government service delivery.

Read more on MeriTalk: https://t.co/md2PDWPl9z

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

When employees look outside approved tools, the instinct is often to tighten restrictions.

@Cloudflare’s Anish Patel offers a different POV: understand what's driving the behavior first. Learn more: https://t.co/RhqRY9V8Kf

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

AI’s government race is getting a major new captain.

@AnthropicAI has named @teresacarlson to lead its global government launch – bringing gov tech’s most proven growth leader into the center of the public sector AI market.

Read more from MeriTalk: https://t.co/BZlDtl0sjt

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

Performance improvement plans could get a lot shorter under a proposed @USOPM rule. The Trump administration wants to streamline the process for disciplining and removing underperforming federal employees by limiting default PIPs to 30 days and revising MSPB appeal standards.

Read more: https://t.co/XmZJgX1Y5j

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

The @DeptofWar is officially accepting applications for Cyber RAP.

The paid, 12-month program combines training, mentorship, certifications, and hands-on experience to help build the Pentagon's next generation of cyber talent.

Read more: https://t.co/IOdcunQLum

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

In the latest installment of our AI series: @Dell CTO John Roese says governance – not the technology itself – will define the next phase of agentic AI in government. As agencies move from pilots to production, success will depend on trust, oversight, and responsible deployment.

Read more: https://t.co/S86pWYGI1z

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

Today is @USOPM "last day of paper."

OPM has officially ended paper retirement processing for most new federal retirement applications, bringing one of government's most paper-heavy processes into the digital age.

Read more: https://t.co/2REV7Am8FD

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

@DOGE may be nearing the finish line, but don't expect a final report.

@WHOMB Director Russell Vought says the administration has no plans to release a closing review of DOGE's governmentwide cost-cutting efforts, arguing the results are reflected across agency actions and budget proposals.

Read more: https://t.co/8ga1KF1wJK

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

The @DeptofWar is getting a new drone boss.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has established a new direct reporting portfolio manager to oversee military drone and autonomous systems, consolidating development, procurement, fielding, and operations under a single leader as DOD pushes to accelerate unmanned capabilities.

Read more: https://t.co/f0L0XyS7Hh

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

@awscloud is expanding its classified cloud offerings for the defense industrial base.

The company unveiled AWS Secret Cloud for Industry and new funding initiatives aimed at helping defense contractors adopt secure cloud services, modernize workloads, and accelerate innovation.

Read more on MeriTalk: https://t.co/iaCAYkSBcO

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

The @DeptofWar and @USOPM have launched War Force, a new recruiting initiative aimed at bringing top software engineering talent into the Pentagon through OPM's Tech Force program.

The goal: connect engineers with mission-critical roles supporting AI, modernization, and the warfighter.

Read more on MeriTalk: https://t.co/l74gMRrqEg

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

@AnthropicAI's most advanced AI models are back online.

The @CommerceGov has lifted export restrictions on Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 after Anthropic agreed to implement additional cybersecurity safeguards and expand cooperation with the U.S. government.

Read more on MeriTalk: https://t.co/q3Va5r7nvW

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

"Shadow AI is often a cry for help."

@Cloudflare's Anish Patel suggests that unsanctioned #FederalAI use may reveal where mission needs are outpacing approved technology pathways. Read more of his insights: https://t.co/URpwQCbgHb

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

The @USArmy has officially established a dedicated Space Operations Branch, creating a permanent career path for soldiers specializing in space missions. The move consolidates officer and enlisted space professionals into a single branch to strengthen Army and joint force operations.

Read more on MeriTalk: https://t.co/u10bazowSr

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

The @ENERGY's NNSA has launched the first enterprise cloud environment authorized to process Secret/Restricted Data, developed with @awscloud. The platform is designed to connect labs, plants, and sites while supporting secure collaboration, digital engineering, and advanced computing.

Read more on MeriTalk: https://t.co/8ukIpgW7WS

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

@CIADirector says the agency completed nearly 400 technology procurements in the past six months after overhauling its acquisition process. The goal: cut procurement timelines from years to just six months and get new tech into the field faster.

Read more on MeriTalk: https://t.co/7ocmTHiSVy

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

Save the date 📅 The #RedHatGov Symposium returns in person on Oct. 28, 2026, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.

Check back soon for registration and program details: https://t.co/8i8orA2Bv2 @RedHatGov

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

Two weeks until #ShiftHappensForum.

Hear how Federal leaders are approaching AI, cyber, modernization, workforce strategy, and technology delivery in today's operating environment.

July 14 | Washington, D.C.

Register: https://t.co/QmVN0VUmRG

[MeriTalk @MeriTalk]

Agentic AI is ready for government mission use – but only with the right guardrails, says @SocialSecurity's Brian Peltier.

Governance, continuous testing, and modernized data infrastructure are what will turn AI agents into trusted government tools, Peltier said.

Read more on MeriTalk: https://t.co/52e4ZFJIfW