Welcome to The Wrap for Thursday, January 8!
From the newsroom at MeriTalk, it’s the quickest read in federal tech news. Here’s what you need to know today:
Congrats to
Cohesity
, the newset member of the OneGov family. Today, the General Services Administration (
GSA
) announced a OneGov deal with Cohesity that offers federal agencies significant discounts on the company’s artificial intelligence (AI)-powered data protection and replication software, as well as custom-built bundles. Under the deal, agencies will have access to discounts of up to 72.25% off certain Cohesity data protection and replication software. They’ll also get 65% off the Cohesity OneGov FedShield bundle and 35% off the Cohesity OneGov FedCloud bundle. These discounts are available to federal agencies through Sept. 30, 2027, via GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule. “Through this agreement, agencies can fortify cyber resilience and ensure operational continuity across hybrid and multicloud environments with secure, modern data protection tools,” said Josh Gruenbaum, GSA Federal Acquisition Service commissioner.
President Trump signed a new executive order aimed squarely at defense contractors he says are putting shareholder rewards ahead of military readiness. The order tightens oversight on companies that fall behind on quality, budget, or delivery timelines – taking aim at: dividends, stock buybacks, and executive pay. Under the directive, contractors deemed “underperforming” could be barred from buybacks and dividends until they get back on track. Executive bonuses would also be tied more closely to production speed, delivery schedules, and investment in new capacity. Trump reinforced the message on Truth Social, warning defense firms against “massive” payouts and compensation while production lags, and even floating a $5 million cap on executive pay until new manufacturing plants are built. Separately, Trump suggested his administration may pursue a record $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal 2027, citing global security risks. No formal budget request has been submitted yet. Read the full order here.
The White House
is planning to send Congress its national AI legislative framework this year, according to
White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
Director Michael Kratsios. The White House tech chief is working with AI czar David Sacks to balance pro-innovation policy and children’s safety after a December executive order blocked state AI laws. “Our hope is that we can create a framework that is pro-innovation, but is also one that looks out for America’s youth and children,” Kratsios said at CES. The plan tracks the administration’s AI Action Plan and pairs with a two-year push for self-driving car rules to unlock commercialization. “Sometimes you have to take rules down; other times you have to write new rules,” he said. On power, Kratsios urged data centers to supply their own energy, noting rising grid strain and costs.
The
Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) is looking for a new organization to serve as the lead administrator for its U.S. Cyber Trust Mark Program. The search begins after UL Solutions withdrew as the lead administrator last month, following reports that the FCC was investigating the company’s alleged ties to China. So, what is the agency looking for? FCC Chair Brendan Carr said today that the FCC will be looking at an organization’s “national security,” as well as making sure the company is U.S.-based. “We’ll do some good vetting,” Carr said. In case you need a refresher: The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark is a voluntary cybersecurity labeling program for wireless internet of things (IoT) devices marketed to consumers. The FCC launched the program in January 2025. Products covered under the program include devices such as home security cameras, fitness trackers, and baby monitors.
Once again, let’s “call IT a day,” but we’ll bring you more tomorrow. Until then, please check the MeriTalk breaking news website throughout the day for the latest on government IT people, progress, and policy.
And finally, please hit the news tip jar (with leads, breaking news, or simply your two cents) at newsstaff@meritalk.com.
