Federal Tech Update OPM Adopts AI and Quantum Leaps Forward

OPM Embraces AI with ChatGPT Rollout

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is equipping its workforce with advanced generative AI capabilities. This week, the agency officially rolled out OpenAI’s ChatGPT to all employees. In an email to staff, OPM Director Scott Kupor announced that access to OpenAI's latest model, GPT-5, would be available "over the next few days."

Kupor framed the initiative as part of a larger strategy to empower employees, stating, "This is part of our broader effort to equip you with AI tools that help you work faster, think bigger, and collaborate better." While encouraging adoption, he also reminded staff that "AI is a great assistant, but you’re still the expert." To support the rollout, OPM’s Office of the Chief Information Officer will be hosting informational "brown bag sessions" to help employees effectively leverage the new tool.

US and UK Join Forces in Quantum Research

In a significant transatlantic collaboration, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) have announced a joint funding initiative to accelerate breakthroughs in quantum science. The partnership combines $4.7 million from the NSF and £4.2 million from UKRI to support eight distinct research projects.

The initiative will focus on advancing key quantum technologies, including quantum computing, ultra-precise navigation systems, and highly secure communications. Officials anticipate the research could lead to the development of molecule-sized memory devices and novel quantum building blocks, while also training the next generation of scientists in this cutting-edge field.

Key Leadership Changes at the Department of Defense

The Senate has confirmed several key appointments at the Department of Defense (DOD), filling critical technology and security roles. In a 51–47 vote, Katie Sutton was confirmed as the new assistant secretary of defense (ASD) for cyber policy. Sutton will lead a position established in 2023, tasked with shaping the department's cyber policies and aligning them with national defense strategies. Her role is particularly crucial as the DOD works to streamline cyber operations, an efficiency push recently urged by the Government Accountability Office.

Other confirmations on Thursday included:

• Michael Dodd, who will lead the development of next-generation military innovation in his role overseeing critical technologies.
• Brent Ingraham, appointed as the U.S. Army’s new acquisition chief.
• George Wesley Street, who becomes the new director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center.

Department of Energy Welcomes New Science and Innovation Leaders

The Department of Energy (DOE) is also welcoming new leadership after the Senate confirmed two key nominees on Thursday. Darío Gil, formerly a senior vice president at IBM Research, was confirmed as the undersecretary for science and innovation. During his confirmation hearing, Gil emphasized the strategic importance of the United States winning the race to build a quantum supercomputer.

Conner Prochaska was confirmed as the new director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). Prochaska previously served at ARPA-E during the Trump administration and pledged during his confirmation hearing to continue advancing the nation's energy and critical technologies.