Latest news with #GSA
WIRED
6 hours ago
- Business
- WIRED
Photos: Here Are the Piles of Used Bedding and Children's Play Sets Left Near DOGE's Old Offices
Jul 23, 2025 1:17 PM Elon Musk's DOGE minions have largely moved out of the General Services Administration. A dystopian scene of bedding and discarded kids' toys remains. Elon Musk's associates at the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have begun vacating their headquarters at the General Services Administration (GSA) in Washington, DC. An apocalyptic scene of toddler play sets, mattresses, and pillows remains. Near rooms where DOGE once operated, a seemingly abandoned children's wooden kitchen set sits next to a rainbow climbing arch and an easel covered in crumpled paper, according to photos obtained by WIRED. Other children's toys are within reach, with colorful books and other playthings neatly organized in white plastic bins. A few related items are strewn about the floor. Nearby, trash bags stuffed with pillows and five mattresses, some with sheets and mattress toppers still on them, are stuffed in a corner. It looks like a scene out of a zombie movie, where villagers had to flee in the middle of the night to avoid a raid. But it's not a movie; it's the aftermath of DOGE's wholescale assault on the GSA, and the federal government writ large. DOGE isn't gone, but as it morphs into its new phase, post-Musk's chainsaw-style leadership, the children's toys have been left behind. GSA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mattresses have been left behind at GSA. Courtesy of WIRED Source Chairs are piled up all over the office. Courtesy of WIRED Source Pillows have been stuffed in garbage bags. Courtesy of WIRED Source In January, after president Donald Trump's inauguration, Musk's DOGE took over a few key government agencies that provided the keys to dozens of others, including the Office of Personnel Management, which functions as the federal HR system, and the GSA, the government's operations and IT department. Steve Davis and Nicole Hollander, two longtime Musk lieutenants who played a crucial role in Musk's acquisition of X, were listed as high-level GSA employees, according to directory screenshots obtained by WIRED. (Davis and Hollander are partners and have a child together. During Musk's acquisition of X, they moved into the company's office building in San Francisco with their newborn baby.) Thomas Shedd, a former Tesla engineer, became the director of the GSA's Technology Transformation Services division. A number of young, inexperienced technologists, as WIRED first reported, were also brought to the GSA: Edward Coristine, a former Neuralink intern, and Ethan Shaotran, a student at Harvard, joined the agency as well. Davis, Hollander, Coristine, and Shaotran all had A-suite access, linking them to the highest levels of the GSA org chart. At the GSA, DOGE set up shop on the sixth floor of the office building. The area where they worked, which had previously been open, was redesigned to accommodate a locked door, a key card to swipe in, and a security guard. Longtime GSA employees reported seeing groups of young men walking around the office dressed in t-shirts and shorts, and, in some cases, wearing sunglasses. In March, GSA acting administrator Stephen Ehikian hosted an all hands meeting with GSA staff. During a Q&A, he was asked about the DOGE team at GSA. He responded that no such team existed. Many employees were in disbelief. 'Like we didn't notice a bunch of young kids working behind a secure area on the 6th floor,' a GSA employee told WIRED. Children's toys and play sets have been abandoned at GSA. Courtesy of WIRED Source Multiple bed frames have been piled in a corner. Courtesy of WIRED Source Furniture has been packed into a room near DOGE's old offices. Courtesy of WIRED Source That sixth floor of the GSA office is now open to other employees, following Musk, Davis, and Hollander's apparent step back from DOGE in May. On Monday, President Donald Trump announced Michael Rigas, deputy secretary of state for management and resources, as the new acting administrator of the GSA, according to an internal memo viewed by WIRED. The move effectively sidelines Ehikian, who enthusiastically carried out the DOGE agenda during his tenure as the acting administrator. Ehikian's wife previously worked as a designer at Musk's social networking company X. But DOGE is not entirely gone from GSA—DOGE associates Nate Cavanaugh and Justin Fox have been seen in the office in recent weeks, multiple sources confirm to WIRED. And while DOGE has lost its flashy leadership, WIRED has reported that the so-called agency has continued embedding itself throughout the government, leading projects and cutting contracts.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Blue Mantis Expands Federal IT Services Portfolio Under GSA Contract
Contract enables delivery of advanced cybersecurity, engineering, and compliance services to federal agencies nationwide PORTSMOUTH, N.H., July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Mantis, a leading provider of digital strategy and services specializing in managed services, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions, today announced its expanded service offerings under the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), specifically under Special Item Number (SIN) 54151S for Information Technology Professional Services. This award enables Blue Mantis to deliver a broad range of IT services to federal, state and local agencies, including cybersecurity architecture, enterprise network engineering, technical support, compliance and governance consulting. The SIN 54151S designation affirms Blue Mantis' qualifications to support complex public sector IT initiatives with scalable, secure, and standards-aligned solutions. Delivering Expertise Across the Federal IT LandscapeWith over 30 years of experience supporting public sector and enterprise clients, Blue Mantis brings deep technical expertise and a collaborative, outcome-driven approach to every engagement. Services available under SIN 54151S include: Cybersecurity Architecture & Risk Management: Design and implementation of secure IT environments aligned with NIST, SOC 2, and ISO 9001:2015 standards. Enterprise Network & Infrastructure Engineering: Scalable solutions for network modernization, virtualization, and cloud integration. Technical Support & Operations: Responsive, high-quality support services tailored to agency-specific operational environments. Compliance & Governance Consulting: Advisory services to ensure alignment with federal acquisition regulations and evolving cybersecurity mandates. A Trusted Partner for Federal Agencies'Being awarded a GSA contract is a significant milestone that reflects our commitment to delivering secure, innovative, and mission-critical IT services to federal, state and local governments,' said Josh Dinneen, CEO of Blue Mantis. 'We look forward to helping agencies modernize their infrastructure, strengthen their cybersecurity posture, and achieve measurable outcomes.' Contract Highlights: Nationwide Availability: Streamlined professional services procurement for federal agencies through the GSA MAS program. Tailored Engagements: Flexible service delivery models to support projects of all sizes and complexities. Proven Track Record: A history of successful engagements across federal, state, and local government sectors. For more information about Blue Mantis' GSA award, visit About Blue MantisBlue Mantis is a security-first IT solutions and services provider with a 30+ year history of successfully helping clients achieve business modernization by applying next-generation technologies including managed services, cybersecurity, cloud and collaboration. Headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with offices in Charlestown, Massachusetts, the company provides digital technology services and strategic guidance to ensure clients quickly adapt and grow through automation and innovation. Blue Mantis partners with more than 1,500 leading mid-market and enterprise organizations in a multitude of vertical industries and is backed by leading private equity firm, Recognize. For more information, please visit Inquiries:David KnoxDirector of Public SectorBlue 987-2013Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump installs new GSA acting administrator, sidelines DOGE leaders
President Donald Trump has appointed Mike Rigas as acting administrator of the General Services Administration, effectively layering DOGE-aligned Stephen Ehikian and Josh Gruenbaum atop the agency. Rigas, a Trump administration veteran who has served as deputy secretary of State for Management and Resources and as acting director of the Office of Personnel Management, announced the move in a message to GSA staff on Monday morning. 'Today, at the direction of President Donald J. Trump, I have assumed the responsibilities of Acting Administrator of GSA,' Rigas wrote. GSA staffers and people close to the Department of Government Efficiency view this appointment as a strategic move by the White House to rein in Ehikian, the former acting administrator, and Gruenbaum, the commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service within GSA. They were chosen by DOGE's former operational lead, Steve Davis, to lead DOGE after Davis and Elon Musk left government, according to three people familiar with the internal workings of DOGE and GSA and granted anonymity to speak candidly. The change in leadership is a notable shift for GSA, one of two federal agencies that Musk came closest to controlling earlier this year. It's also the most significant public step that the White House has taken to diminish the role of Musk loyalists following the tech mogul's exit. "The GSA has been a pillar of this success, and the President has full confidence in their ongoing work to advance this transformative agenda,' White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said in a statement. Davis, who attempted to retain influence at GSA even after his departure from government, had a falling out with senior White House officials last month. Conversations about finding a new acting administrator started in mid-June when the White House found out about Davis' efforts, one of the people said. In a nod to DOGE's work, Rigas emphasized that the agency will continue to prioritize the mission of being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. 'This means helping other agencies be as effective and efficient as possible in their acquisition of goods and services, their use of technology, and their use and disposal of real property,' he wrote. Monday marked the start of Rigas' third stint at GSA. Ehikian will remain at the agency as deputy administrator, according to the internal note. GSA has also made two new additional hires within the last two weeks, according to agency records: Doug Hoelscher of the America First Policy Institute and Kevin Hennecken, an investment analyst at BlackRock.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Conrad signs gas sales agreement with PLN EPI for Mako gas field
Conrad Asia Energy has announced the signing of a gas sales agreement (GSA) with PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) to supply domestically all the natural gas produced from the Mako gas field. PLN EPI is a subsidiary of Indonesian state-owned electric utility company PLN Persero. Conrad Asia Energy holds a 91.5% interest in the Mako gas field and serves as the operator, while Empyrean holds an 8.5% interest. Located in the Riau Islands Province in Indonesian waters, the field boasts 2C contingent resources of 376 billion cubic feet. The GSA, signed on 16 July 2025, outlines a total contract quantity of 392 trillion British thermal units, extending through the current Duyung production sharing contract (PSC) period until January 2037. It allows for the sale of up to 111 billion British thermal units per day, ensuring a steady supply of gas to meet domestic demand in Indonesia. The pricing for the Mako gas will be linked to the Indonesian Crude Price (ICP), mirroring the economic conditions of previously approved prices for both domestic and export sales of Mako gas. The gas from the Mako field will be sold at the ICP-linked price, deviating from the standard fixed domestic offtake price. Conrad managing director and CEO Miltos Xynogalas said: 'The GSA between the Mako joint venture and PLN EPI is a significant milestone both in the development of Conrad and in our progress to bringing the Mako Field into production. The signing of the GSA underpins the financial viability and crystallises the value of the Mako Field. 'The PLN EPI GSA will make a meaningful contribution to aligning Indonesia's new energy policy to continue to secure cleaner energy. Mako is the first of many gas projects we aim to bring into commercial production from our existing portfolio of gas discoveries, which also include our Aceh gas resources where we hold four existing discoveries.' The GSA terms with PLN EPI remain confidential, and PLN EPI will also be responsible for financing and constructing the pipeline from the West Natuna Gas line to Pemping Island, with no associated costs for Conrad. Furthermore, the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has revoked its previous directive for the sale of Mako gas to Perusahaan Gas Negara and Sembcorp Gas, leading to the termination of the GSAs with these entities. The new GSA is subject to customary conditions precedent. The contract ensures the sale of plateau gas rates of approximately 111.9 million standard cubic feet, equivalent to the Mako gas field's entire 2C contingent resources, until the end of the Duyung PSC. Empyrean CEO Tom Kelly said: 'The GSA between the Mako joint venture and PLN EPI is a significant milestone for the Mako Gas Field. It is anticipated that this milestone will provide momentum to the project in a region of Asia that is experiencing strong demand for gas to meet energy demand growth.' "Conrad signs gas sales agreement with PLN EPI for Mako gas field" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
The Glasgow-based artist that's inspired by 'mudlarking'
'Mum and I would scour beaches looking for curios, such as fragments of pottery, shells, and particularly sea glass. My mother also had a knack for uncovering historic rubbish dumps and instilled in me this love of looking and finding – I like to call it slow meditative scouring,' says Katie. The family moved to Glasgow when Katie was 17 and having long aspired to go to Glasgow School of Art, she undertook a degree course in Sculpture and Environmental Art and graduated in 2017 with First Class Honours in Sculpture. 'When I was in third year GSA acquired a kiln – and I quickly became hooked on clay and its endless possibilities. After graduating, my dad and I built my garden studio and Manifesto was born. 'The name represents a groundwork for new ideas and action, prompting connections with like-minded people,' she adds. Her work has to date been exhibited at The Royal Scottish Academy and The Ingram Collection in London. Katie's inspiration comes primarily from the landscape around her studio or on visits to beaches where she mudlarks for anything from ancient artefacts to sea creatures, fossils, stones, shells, feathers, and general flotsam and jetsam. (Image: Katie Rose Johnston) 'So many things – above and below ground – inspire me, and I love having a free rein to play with clay and see where it takes me and what come out of it.' The problem with being a mudlarker and gatherer of curious objects is what to do with them. Many people keep beach finds in a glass jar, but Katie has a more artistic solution she calls Curiosity Clouds: the cloud being a unique sculptural form made up of numerous niches, each one serving as a tiny shelf upon which to display a foraged find. The catalyst for these Curiosity Clouds, came from a visit to Glasgow's Hunterian Museum, where in amongst a display case of insect and bird nests from around the world, Katie spotted a cross-section of a termite mound, which exposed an elaborate network of tunnels and compartments termites use for ventilation and navigation. Working from the centre outward using terracotta crank clay, each of Katie's Curiosity Clouds (priced from £200 up to £500) has its own unique appearance and size and is coated in slip to achieve a variety of earthy hues. 'Arranging found curios in each compartment is a return to childhood playdays, carefully placing each exhibit in its new space, like a curator in a museum,' she says. Mycelium candleholders are another eye-catching fusion of form and function. (Image: Katie Rose Johnston) Inspired by the complex system of roots that connect fungi together deep underground, each individual candleholder encases slender taper candles within an ethereal nest of coils made from terracotta clay with a white slip finish. These range in price from £400 up to £1,200. Manifesto's range is expansive and includes a recent exploration into tableware following a six-week Anagama firing residency at Shiro Oni Studios in the Gunma prefecture in Japan, which culminated in an exhibition of functional tableware mimicking the shapes of petals and leaves, also a series of ceramic platters, dishes and bowls, pinched from balls of dark red clay. Katie's ceramics can be purchased from Bard in Leith ( and periodically direct from her workshop in the southside of Glasgow.
