DC weekly roundup: Trump stirs semiconductor concerns; using vacant federal offices; CACI’s new Abu Ghraib trial

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Trump takes aim at US semiconductor policy

On the Oct. 25 episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, the former president sharply criticized the CHIPS Act and suggested the US should charge foreign semiconductor manufacturers high tariffs to encourage them to build factories in the country, instead of putting federal money toward a domestic semiconductor industry. 

There’s a core issue to this, reporter-at-large Holly Quinn writes, and it’s rooted in disinformation: Tariffs are paid by the importer, not the exporter. The idea, repeated by Trump, that a tariff is something the US charges foreign countries when goods are imported is incorrect. 

Following these statements, people in the semiconductor industry are nervous about the possibility of mismanagement, and the negative impacts if the bipartisan legislation’s plans are abandoned. 

➡️ Learn more about what’s at stake for the CHIPS and Science Act here

A future beyond DC’s traditional industries

The district’s proximity to federal infrastructure presents both economic benefits and disadvantages, DC government and private sector leaders discussed at a recent event hosted by the deputy mayor for planning and economic development’s office.

Tech is a key part of this (think cybersecurity and government-related IT). DC’s strengths lie in the “feds, eds and meds,” but there’s room to diversify the industry, Deputy Mayor Nina Albert told me.

In addition to fostering that tech ecosystem, DC needs more housing, retail and entertainment spaces. Real estate experts presented ideas of what nearly empty federal buildings could be converted to. One group thinks “tech neighborhoods” are the way to go. 

➡️ Get more details on DC’s plans for its federal real estate stock

News Incubator: What else to know

• Startup founders in the DMV are implementing hybrid and remote work environments, citing flexibility as a plus. [Technical.ly]

•  Reston’s CACI, an IT government contractor largely working in defense and national security, is facing a new trial for allegedly contributing to the torture of detainees at the Iraqi Abu Ghraib prison in 2003. The US government hired CACI two decades ago to provide interrogation services during the Iraq War. [The Intercept]

• The defense tech company Raft landed $600,000 to develop tech-related solutions for the Space Rapid Capabilities Office. The DC firm recently established an advisory board of retired military officials to help navigate government contracts. [Raft/Technical.ly] 

• Consumers are seeing a jump in utility bills as more data centers pop up across the US, with a massive concentration in Northern Virginia. [Washington Post/Technical.ly]

•  More government contracting news: Accenture Federal Services won a $1.6 billion contract to improve the Air Force’s cloud systems. [Accenture]  

• AARP, headquartered in DC, is being sued by a Boston staffing firm for nearly $8 million over allegedly breaching a contract. [Washington Biz Journal]

• Cloud computing giant AWS awarded funds to several medical institutions and hospitals across the country using gen AI and cloud services for pediatric health research, including the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation in DC and the Association of Public Health Laboratories in Silver Spring. This follows a $1 million donation to Children’s National over the summer. [AWS/Technical.ly]

• DC risk and analytics firm Socially Determined is releasing a new platform for healthcare providers to evaluate social factors that affect youth health outcomes. [Socially Determined]    

A global firm that gives back locally

Working at Accenture means you’ll help power the digital systems and enhance operations at some of the world’s most important companies. But it also lets you deploy your skills to give back and have impact.

“Creating value in communities around the world — from developing skills to supporting refugees — is core to our belief in shared success,” said Jordan Rambo, managing director of the Accenture’s Philadelphia office. “We collaborate with our clients, ecosystem and nonprofit partners and others to create positive, lasting change and help build stronger, more vibrant communities.”

➡️ Learn more about Accenture and its culture of belonging

This sponsored blurb supports our journalism. Want to see your message here? Get details and book online.

🗓️ On the Calendar

• Microsoft and Synack are hosting a cyber-focused daylong event on Veterans Day (Nov. 11), including a workshop on career transitions and a live hacking event. [Details here]

• New tech hub Station DC will hold a networking event for tech entrepreneurs and investors the morning on Nov. 14. [Details here]

• Play mini golf with fellow technologists, digital strategists and developers at Puttery on Nov. 14, hosted by the group Refresh DC. [Details here]

• Women and Gender Expansive Coders DC is hosting a night of lightning talks on Nov. 14 at Excella. [Details here]