Fed Gov Today episodes

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

The Space Force is scaling faster than ever, and Vandenberg Space Force Base is at the center of it all. Colonel James Horne explains how a surge to 70+ launches annually is driven by commercial partnerships, reduced launch costs, and a “second space race” mindset. He breaks down the shift to service-based acquisition, the rise of dual-use innovation, and how automation and AI are transforming operations. From infrastructure overhauls to workforce expansion, the Spaceport of the Future vision is redefining national security space strategy and accelerating America’s ability to compete—and win—in orbit.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

The Thrift Savings Plan is hitting record-breaking milestones, from soaring participation rates to lightning-fast 11-second call response times. Jim Kaplan explains how default enrollment, financial literacy, and a relentless focus on customer service are reshaping retirement outcomes for federal employees and service members. The conversation dives into how managed services transformed support operations, why cybersecurity remains a top priority, and how AI is quietly boosting efficiency behind the scenes. With participation in the Blended Retirement System surpassing expectations, TSP’s success highlights a broader cultural shift toward proactive financial planning and continuous improvement across government programs.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Outgoing DHS CISO Hemant Baidwan reflects on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the urgent shift from compliance-driven security to real-time risk reduction. He highlights how AI is transforming both defense and adversary tactics, making continuous monitoring and automation essential. Baidwan introduces the concept of a Risk Operations Center (ROC), emphasizing visibility, attack path analysis, and actionable intelligence to “burn down” cyber risk to acceptable levels. He also discusses the future of self-healing infrastructure and the cultural changes required across government. The conversation underscores a pivotal moment for federal cybersecurity strategy and innovation.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

In this episode of Fed Gov Today, former Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Alan Thomas breaks down sweeping proposed changes to GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule, including expanded transactional data reporting and a controversial new AI clause. Thomas explains how broader TDR requirements could add complexity for vendors—especially for services and configurable products—while raising questions about how the government will use the data. He also warns the AI provision, now delayed for further review, could unintentionally stifle innovation and deter new entrants. With industry feedback mounting, the discussion highlights the delicate balance between oversight, modernization, and maintaining a competitive, innovation-friendly federal marketplace.

This episode of Fed Gov Today features Francis Rose in conversation with federal data expert Kshemendra Paul on why data—not AI—is the real foundation of innovation. They explore how poor data governance fuels AI risks like bias and hallucinations, and how agencies can unlock high-fidelity AI by improving data quality, sharing, and standards. From the President’s Management Agenda to real-world interoperability challenges, Paul explains why shifting from agency silos to ecosystem-driven governance is critical. The discussion highlights how aligning CIOs, CDOs, and data strategies can drive smarter, more efficient government services in the AI era.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

The State Department’s massive $10 billion Evolve contract is finally live—marking a milestone in federal acquisition. Former Senior Procurement Executive Mike Derrios breaks down the strategy behind bringing contract management in-house, the challenges of handling over 100 proposals, and why perseverance was key to success. He explores whether Evolve could be the last of its kind amid growing pressure for contract consolidation and GSA-led solutions. Plus, insights on the sweeping FAR overhaul and the cultural shift agencies must embrace to truly modernize procurement. This episode unpacks what it takes to transform government contracting at scale—and what comes next.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding the use of generative AI tools across the Veterans Health Administration, including an ambient AI scribe that automatically documents conversations between doctors and patients. While the technology aims to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden for clinicians, the VA’s Office of Inspector General is raising an early warning. Inspector General Cheryl Mason explains that the primary concern isn’t the technology itself—but the lack of standardized safeguards and reporting processes to track potential AI errors, including “hallucinations.” Mason joins Fed Gov Today to discuss oversight of emerging AI tools in healthcare, how VA is responding to the alert, and what steps could strengthen patient safety moving forward.

Trust—not technology—may be the biggest barrier to deploying advanced AI on the battlefield. In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, Marine Corps Warfighting Lab Science and Technology Director Colonel Kenneth Jones explains how the military is evolving unmanned systems from simple drones into complex networks of sensors, shooters, and autonomous platforms. Jones outlines how Marines aim to control multiple systems from a single interface while reducing cognitive load through AI-driven orchestration. But true adoption depends on experience. Just like early aviation, Jones says thousands of operational hours are needed before operators fully trust autonomous systems to identify targets, deliver logistics, and support combat missions.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

The Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Darryl Caudle, is rolling out new fighting instructions designed to reshape how the Navy prepares for combat and delivers naval power around the world. On this episode of Fed Gov Today, Admiral Caudle joins Francis Rose to explain the thinking behind the guidance and why he believes it represents a fundamental paradigm shift for the fleet. Rather than relying on an “all-or-nothing” approach to combat certification, Caudle wants the Navy to tailor naval forces to specific operational problems and deliver the right capability at the right time. He describes how his team developed the instructions, the role of single accountable officials in implementing them, and how the Navy will measure progress through existing leadership battle rhythm meetings. Caudle also discusses the cultural challenge of shifting centuries-old practices and why empowering leaders across the fleet will be critical to making the vision a reality. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

On this episode of Fed Gov Today, Francis Rose speaks with Samdesk Founder and CEO James Neufeld about how the Air Force and other agencies are adapting to a rapidly evolving information landscape. Neufeld explains why modernization and readiness are now inseparable, highlighting the need for a “resilience stack” built around frameworks like OODA and Samdesk’s ADAR model—anticipate, detect, analyze, and resolve. The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence is becoming core infrastructure and why agencies must break complex problems into targeted AI applications to improve decision-making speed and mission success.

This episode of Fed Gov Today dives into a provocative question shaking the intelligence community: Are battlefield secrets a thing of the past? Former NGA Director Vice Admiral Trey Whitworth (US Navy, Ret.) joins Francis Rose to unpack the rise of open-source intelligence (OSINT), the balance between speed and accuracy, and why corroboration remains the “coin of the realm.” Whitworth challenges the idea that traditional analysts resist OSINT, emphasizing instead that leaders want “everything”—but validated and decision-ready. From social media’s role in military operations to the evolving definition of open source, the conversation explores how AI is transforming validation, accelerating analysis, and reshaping national security tradecraft.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today, CX expert Martha Dorris explains how the Government Service Delivery Improvement Act is redefining accountability and governance across federal agencies.The VA offers a powerful model—combining operational and experience data, challenging “myth vs. law” requirements, and embedding human-centered design into care delivery. From wayfinding volunteers in medical centers to innovative transportation partnerships, VA shows how low-tech and high-tech solutions can work together.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

The Thrift Savings Plan has launched Roth in-plan conversions, allowing participants to move traditional TSP funds into a Roth account and pay taxes now for tax-free withdrawals later. TSP’s Jim Kaplan explains the tax implications, new planning calculators, and why consulting a tax advisor is critical. The change follows participant feedback and was built through extensive upgrades to the Converge system. Kaplan also discusses increased digital tools, reduced call volumes, shutdown-driven account activity spikes, rising Blended Retirement System participation, and TSP’s ultra-low 3.4 basis point expense ratio—helping millions of feds retire with dignity.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

In part two of Francis Rose’s conversation with former Federal CIOs Tony Scott and Suzette Kent, the focus turns to what’s next for the Technology Modernization Fund. With $5 million in new authorization and roughly $200 million still available to award, the TMF is positioned for a critical new phase. The latest $28 million award to the National Nuclear Security Administration highlights a major shift: artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are now central to modernization efforts.Scott argues AI is transforming both offensive and defensive cyber operations, making continued modernization essential. Kent notes that “new and emerging technologies” are written into the TMF’s mandate, and agencies’ newly released AI inventories could drive strong future proposals.The two also discuss whether the fund is large enough to meet government-wide needs and how disciplined business cases, repayment models, and leadership buy-in have fueled the TMF’s unusually high success rate.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

In this sponsored episode of Fed Gov Today, Francis Rose sits down with Joe Ditchett, industry executive advisor at SAP, to unpack two forces reshaping federal technology strategy: a contested future and data gravity. Ditchett explains why IT infrastructure is now a prime target in global competition—and how security, resiliency, and distributed operations must be built in from the start, not bolted on later. The conversation dives into edge computing, data sharing, and why trust grows stronger the closer agencies get to their transactional data sources. Ditchett also challenges agencies to move faster by embracing cloud-native systems, rethinking acquisition, and shifting from “fail fast” to “learn fast.” The bottom line: innovation isn’t a side project anymore—it’s the daily work of mission delivery in an increasingly contested worldSubscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, sponsored by Maximus, former Federal CIOs Suzette Kent and Tony Scott dig into that very question as Congress moves to revive the TMF with new funding under the latest budget agreement. With more than $1 billion invested across 70 projects at 34 agencies, the TMF has quietly become one of the federal government’s most durable and bipartisan technology tools. Kent and Scott explain why the fund has survived multiple administrations, how its original vision has evolved, and why it remains critical for agencies that struggle to modernize through traditional budgets. They also unpack the skepticism that comes with spending taxpayer dollars, from repayment expectations to concerns about tradeoffs in federal priorities. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Fighting fraud in government starts with leadership, not just controls. On this episode of Fed Gov Today, Francis Rose speaks with GAO’s Rebecca Shea about why culture, accountability, and tone at the top are essential to reducing fraud across federal agencies. Shea explains GAO’s Fraud Risk Management Framework, breaking down its four required components: commit, assess, design and implement, and evaluate and adapt. The conversation explores how agencies measure success, manage fraud risk at both enterprise and program levels, and continuously improve their efforts. The message is clear: effective fraud prevention depends on strong leadership, clear ownership, and a culture that prioritizes integrity.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Big changes are coming to how the Pentagon buys, builds, and deploys software. On this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, Pentagon Chief Software Officer Rob Vietmeyer explains why paper-based risk assessments and slow approval cycles no longer work in an era of software-defined warfare. Drawing on real-world exercises with Five Eyes and NATO partners, Vietmeyer describes how zero trust, software-defined networking, and CI/CD pipelines enable rapid, secure collaboration across dynamic missions. He also discusses cultural change, automated cyber risk management, acquisition reform, and why speed, resilience, and trust in software pipelines are now mission-critical.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

This episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose takes you inside GSA’s sweeping push to modernize acquisition and accelerate responsible AI adoption. From the FAR overhaul to new buying guides and culture change for contracting officers, Deputy FAS Commissioner Laura Stanton explains what agencies will need to succeed. CIO David Shive and Chief AI Officer Zach Whitman reveal how GSAi—and its shareable counterpart, USAi—go beyond a chatbot to capture deep observability and telemetry, helping agencies understand real usage, compare model performance, and negotiate from data instead of hype. You’ll also hear how GSA is pairing shared services with OneGov deals to expand options for agencies testing frontier AI at unprecedented prices. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Phase two of the historic FAR overhaul is officially underway, and GSA has a message for industry: engage now or risk falling behind. On this episode of Fed Gov Today, Senior Procurement Executive Jeff Koses joins Francis Rose to explain how GSA rewrote the FAR in record time—and why changing the rules isn’t enough without changing culture. Koses breaks down what phase one accomplished, from massive word reductions to new strategic acquisition guidance, and outlines what’s coming next as deviations move into formal rulemaking. He emphasizes the need for continuous feedback, practitioner-driven guidance, and collaboration between government and industry to make the new, more flexible acquisition environment work. With agencies rewriting supplements and major policy shifts ahead, Koses calls the next year “wild”—and says participation is essential.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

The New Year brings critical retirement decisions for federal employees, and Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose breaks down what matters most. Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, explains why the TSP has two New Year milestones—and how year-end deadlines affect withdrawals, taxes, and required minimum distributions. As 2026 approaches, Kaplan urges participants to review account details, update beneficiaries, and consider increasing contributions as pay raises and step increases take effect. The conversation also previews the long-awaited Roth in-plan conversion launching January 28, including new tools to help participants decide if converting makes sense for their tax and estate plans. Plus, an update on TSP’s approach to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence risk management heading into the new year.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

OPM is moving to consolidate the federal government’s many disconnected HR IT systems into a single, mandatory shared service, and former Chief Human Capital Officers Ron Sanders and Tracy DiMartini explain why the effort has failed for decades—and what could make it work now. They point to politics, agency “we’re different” resistance, and weak requirements as the usual dealbreakers, but note this attempt has a better shot if OPM sets firm standards, agencies get a real voice in implementation, and funding is sustained beyond a single year. Sanders argues the proven path is paying up front and rolling out over years, while DiMartini stresses designing a core system that covers Title 5 while accounting for mission-unique needs like DoD, VA, and law enforcement.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, former Under Secretary of Defense Bill Greenwalt dissects the Pentagon’s latest acquisition reform push. He explains how Secretary Hegseth’s bold vision for faster, more agile procurement fixed timelines, rapid prototyping, flexible funding, and broader use of OTAs was watered down in the final memo by risk-averse bureaucracy. Greenwalt warns that without empowered program managers, modular open systems, and real portfolio authority, the department can’t deliver new capabilities at the speed commanders need. Francis also previews upcoming Fed Gov Today TV with OPM Director Scott Cooper and shares the podcast’s holiday scheduleSubscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

In his first long-form interview as CNO, Adm. Daryl Caudle says Navy success hinges less on a headline ship count and more on readiness, capability, and sustainability. He prioritizes protecting sea lanes, integrating with allies, and the right mix of crewed and unmanned systems. “Sailors First” means ending afloat living, improving quality-of-life basics, and strengthening maintenance and the industrial base.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

Former DHS and IRS CIO Richard Spires joins Francis Rose to break down what “build back” really means for agencies after months of disruption. He praises efforts to cut bureaucracy, reduce stovepipes, and modernize acquisition, pointing to OPM’s ambitious push to consolidate 119 HR systems into one as the kind of big swing government needs.But he argues the biggest problem isn’t tech—it’s people. Spires says workforce treatment has damaged morale and trust, especially among technologists, and rebuilding starts with a fundamental shift in how leaders view and support employees. He recalls DHS’s HR consolidation work: requirements and procurement moved, but leadership turnover created a vacuum and internal fear about job loss helped collapse the effort.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, retired DISA Director Lt. Gen. Robert “Bob” Skinner breaks down who will truly win the AI race—and why the edge belongs to organizations that deeply understand both operations and emerging technology. Skinner explains how DISA’s upcoming 2025 Forecast to Industry equips companies to anticipate challenges, align with agency strategy, and deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions for the warfighter. He emphasizes the power of problem-based requirements, tighter industry collaboration, and the innovative spirit that keeps the United States ahead of adversaries who may have scale, but not creativity.Skinner details AI’s sweeping influence across cloud, cyber, and mission operations, noting that advantage will come to teams able to merge operational insight with AI-driven agility. He also discusses acquisition reforms—like OTAs and accelerated proof-of-concept pipelines—that aim to get cutting-edge technologies into government hands faster, even as contracting workforce shortages pose new obstacles.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

As agencies look ahead to 2026, the federal technology landscape is entering a period of realignment — and this time, the shift centers on people, experience, and data. In this episode, Former NASA CIO, Renee Wynn breaks down what leaders should expect as teams return to full operations post-shutdown and begin planning for long-term mission delivery.She explains why organizational capacity building must replace the old “do more with less” mindset, and how focusing on the individual — reducing friction, providing better tools, and creating room for talent to flourish — can unlock performance gains agencies have long struggled to reach. She also highlights the value of time in the saddle, describing how seasoned professionals provide critical guardrails while fresh perspectives help reimagine outdated processes.You’ll learn why understanding your agency’s data — not just the systems that hold it — is becoming the defining factor in whether analytics and AI can actually deliver meaningful insights. She also outlines how nonexistent or misunderstood data can derail mission outcomes, and why success often comes when teams finally feel confident they’ve identified the right data sources to solve the problem at hand.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

The latest edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose breaks down the major shifts expected in the nation’s forthcoming cyber strategy. Former Pentagon CISO and SixGen CEO Jack Wilmer joins the show to explain why the new approach will take a more offensive posture and why raising the cost of cyberattacks for nation-state adversaries may be key to deterrence. Wilmer discusses how agencies like U.S. Cyber Command and the FBI fit into a whole-of-government response, why traditional “name and shame” tactics haven’t worked, and how pre-positioned access in critical infrastructure—like the recent Volt Typhoon activity—poses a growing threat. He also highlights the increasingly important role the private sector will play as both a target and partner in national cyber defense. Francis shares a programming note on the holiday schedule and reminds listeners they can watch the new Innovation in Government TV special from TechNet Indo-Pacific on demand.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Thrift Savings Plan, joins the show to break down what’s happening inside TSP accounts since the shutdown. Loan activity spiked during October as federal workers sought financial “padding,” and now many borrowers want to repay quickly. Jim explains how TSP loans work, how repayment schedules are automatically re-amortized, and why there’s never a prepayment penalty—because participants are essentially paying themselves back with G Fund interest. He also details how agencies are sending catch-up contributions and matching funds in large batches, the automated processes that ensure participants are made whole, and when employees should check with their payroll offices if contributions don’t appear as expected.Jim walks through what callers are asking the ThriftLine—processing times, repayment rules, loan limits, and what happens if a loan term bumps up against IRS time limits. He also highlights year-end issues like required minimum distributions for retirees, which TSP manages automatically to ensure compliance. As agencies work rapidly to restore pay and stabilize household budgets after the shutdown, Jim emphasizes that TSP systems and staff are fully engaged in supporting participants and beneficiaries through the transition.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

Former Federal CISO Brig. Gen. Greg Touhill (USAF, Ret.) delivers timely, practical cyber insight that goes far beyond the IT shop. As the federal government emerges from the longest shutdown in history, agencies are preparing to restart contracting and reconstitute full-speed operations—but the path back to normalcy is far from simple. Touhill explains that cyber and IT teams will immediately activate disaster recovery frameworks, assessing hardware, software, and the often-overlooked “wetware”—their people. With many federal employees departing at the end of the fiscal year and contractors potentially reassigned or displaced, leaders face a dramatically reshaped workforce landscape.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

After the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, the federal acquisition landscape is shifting — and this time, the change may be permanent. Former Assistant Secretary of Defense David Berteau joins the show to unpack what government contractors can expect when agencies reopen and how they can turn disruption into opportunity.Berteau, now an independent consultant, explains why contractors shouldn’t expect business as usual when the lights come back on. He discusses the logistical and operational challenges that accompany a post-shutdown restart — from expired PIV cards and delayed solicitations to the ripple effects of a continuing resolution. But amid the uncertainty, Berteau points to a promising trend: a growing willingness inside government to listen to industry — including innovative, non-traditional partners — about how to get work done better and faster.You'll learn how the FAR overhaul could transform how government buys for years to come, the changing role of small businesses, and why companies should prepare now to help agencies focus on results instead of inputs. Berteau also warns of deeper, long-term effects on the federal industrial base if trust in government payments continues to erode.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

On this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, retired Major General Arnold Punaro joins Francis to unpack what could be the most sweeping overhaul of the defense acquisition system in decades. Following Secretary Pete Hegseth’s newly announced Acquisition Transformation Strategy, Punaro argues that achieving real results will require nothing short of retraining the entire acquisition workforce—military and civilian alike. He breaks down how the Department of Defense, Congress, and industry—the three sides of the “iron triangle”—are finally aligning to reform a system that has resisted change for years.You’ll learn why Punaro is more optimistic than ever, emphasizing leadership from all three fronts: the Pentagon’s push for speed and risk-taking, industry’s willingness to innovate, and Congress’s readiness to support multi-year funding and streamlined contracting. But he’s also candid about the challenges ahead—from taming a massive bureaucracy to overcoming a risk-averse culture that punishes innovation.In a moving close, Punaro reflects on the meaning of Veterans Day and honors the heroism of Corporal Roy Hammonds, who gave his life saving Punaro’s during the Vietnam War.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, former Department of Labor CIO Gundeep Ahluwalia, now Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at NuAxis Innovations, shares how the recent government shutdown—while disruptive—could actually serve as a rare opportunity for transformation. As agencies prepare to restart contracting and program delivery, Ahluwalia urges federal leaders to pause, take stock, and ask a critical question: Are your project outputs truly driving the outcomes you want?Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Former DoD official Jerry McGinn, now Director of the Center for the Industrial Base at CSIS, joins Francis to unpack how the Department of Defense can better “separate the wheat from the chaff” in its innovation efforts. McGinn explains why authorities like the Defense Production Act (DPA) and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program are vital to maintaining a competitive industrial base — and what challenges lie ahead after both programs expired at the end of FY2025.McGinn discusses the delicate balance between encouraging experimentation and demanding accountability — highlighting that true innovation requires tolerance for failure. He explores why DoD still struggles to transition successful prototypes into production and how better data could help measure what’s working, without stifling creativity.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

Agencies have been in a holding pattern, waiting to roll out long-delayed initiatives and catch up on weeks of missed work. Former GSA Administrator Emily Murphy, now CEO of Government Procurement Strategies, joins Francis to unpack what happens when the lights come back on in government offices—and what leaders must do to re-engage a workforce stretched to the limit.Murphy shares firsthand lessons from the 2019 shutdown, highlighting how essential workers faced burnout, unpaid labor, and emotional fatigue, while furloughed employees struggled with financial strain and uncertainty. She discusses the critical importance of management acknowledgment, empathy, and clear communication during the post-shutdown recovery.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

Richard Breakiron, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Commvault, joins the show to reveal how AI can move cyber defense from reactive to proactive—and why the smartest agencies are integrating security into every step of modernization rather than bolting it on at the end. You'll learn how Fortune 100 companies are adopting the FedRAMP High framework voluntarily, recognizing that robust, architectural-level security isn’t just a compliance requirement—it’s a competitive advantage.You’ll also learn how agencies can operationalize zero trust, build dynamic architectures, and use AI to detect threats before they materialize—all while driving efficiency and cultural change. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

The Department of Defense faces a new cloud challenge that could reshape how the federal government buys technology. Former Pentagon Deputy CIO Rob Carey joins Francis to unpack why the traditional contracting process is slowing innovation — and why the government can’t afford to spend “years and years and years” buying future-looking tech through outdated procurement models.Carey dives into the Pentagon’s five-phase cybersecurity risk management construct, explaining how artificial intelligence is both a promise and a problem in defending government systems. He discusses the balance between security and affordability, the role of human oversight in cyber operations, and the ever-evolving cost-benefit equation of protecting sensitive data.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

Former Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget, Margaret Weichert, joins Francis to break down what happens after a government shutdown — and why the hardest days may come once the doors reopen. With federal employees preparing to return to work, Weichert warns that the road back to “normal” is anything but smooth.Weichert shares lessons learned from the 2019 shutdown, including how critical early coordination between operating functions was in speeding recovery — and why those lessons need to be applied right now. She explains how furloughs ripple through service delivery, from SNAP benefits to IRS operations, and how delayed or missed deadlines can create long-term programmatic strain.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, the gears of government are grinding to a halt — and the aftershocks are just beginning. As agencies brace for and recover from a federal shutdown, former Federal CIO Suzette Kent, now CEO of Kent Advisory Services, joins Francis to break down the three critical concepts every leader must master to get government back on track: people, risk, and what’s “on the clock.” Kent reveals how to prioritize the citizens and federal employees most affected, assess hidden vulnerabilities that emerge when offices go dark, and manage the time-sensitive tasks that can make or break mission success once operations resume. Drawing on her firsthand experience navigating the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, Kent shares real-world lessons on cross-agency dependencies, payroll chaos, contractor disruptions, and cybersecurity blind spots that can spiral out of control if not addressed immediately.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, the future of federal work gets personal — literally. Imagine joining the federal government and being assigned your very own agentic AI assistant — one that stays with you throughout your entire career. It helps with your HR questions, training reminders, and even job recommendations, all tied to your unique federal ID and email. Former OPM Chief Information Officer Melvin Brown joins Francis to explore how this idea could revolutionize federal employment, turning decades-old systems into intelligent, adaptive tools that grow alongside each employee.Brown explains why post-shutdown recovery isn’t just about restarting operations but reimagining them. From modernizing back-office HR systems to creating enterprise-wide consistency, Brown emphasizes empathy, agility, and “strategic triage” as key to rebuilding smarter. He also argues that government IT modernization isn’t about technology alone — it’s about transforming the business of IT with unified strategies, cloud migration, and data standardization.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

This episode of Fed Gov Today, sponsored by Broadcom, dives into the critical front line of modern defense—endpoint security. Francis talks with Garrett Lee, Regional Vice President for Public Sector in Broadcom’s Enterprise Security Group, about how the Department of Defense is rethinking cybersecurity from the ground up. Lee explains that in today’s digital battlespace, the most vulnerable target isn’t always the jet in the sky but the laptop in the hangar. You’ll learn how the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is tackling this challenge by automating lower-level cyber tasks and deploying endpoint detection solutions that work across massive, complex environments—including those without constant internet access. The conversation explores why “good enough” security isn’t enough, how compliance often falls short of true protection, and what zero trust really looks like in action.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, former NASA Chief Data Officer Ron Thompson sees a potential silver lining in the ongoing government shutdown — a chance to rebuild. Ron reflects on lessons from the 1995 shutdown and explains why today’s federal leaders have a unique opportunity to modernize their operating models. He shares how agencies can use this disruption as an inflection point to realign missions, rebuild trust, and bring in transformative technologies like AI and automation to deliver better outcomes for citizens.You’ll learn how leaders can support frazzled teams returning from furlough, providing empathy and stability while embracing innovation. Ron argues that automation shouldn’t be feared but embraced as a tool to elevate human work, not replace it. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Francis sits down with George Kaczmarskyj, Principal for Government and Public Sector at EY, to discuss how federal agencies can transform their workflows with automation and AI—without falling into the trap of “automating a mess.” You’ll learn how early automation efforts often rushed to apply technology to outdated or inefficient processes, and why success today depends on stepping back to reassess and redesign before automating. He highlights how a process-first mindset, rather than a tool-first approach, enables agencies to eliminate unnecessary steps, optimize outcomes, and ensure that humans remain involved where it matters most.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Former FBI Chief Information Officer and current Executive Vice President for Public Sector at ITI, Gordon Bitko, joins Francis to unpack what agency leaders and contractors should expect when the doors open again. Bitko explains how months of uncertainty disrupt technology rollouts, contract execution, and long-term modernization efforts, especially as critical initiatives like the FAR rewriteand AI implementation lose valuable momentum.You'll learn how the shutdown’s ripple effects extend beyond paused projects. Many agencies will find themselves facing a changed workforce — missing contracting officers, retired experts, and vacant leadership roles — making coordination and communication even more essential. Bitko emphasizes that the first major challenge will be simply locating and realigning the work left behind. Some projects continued under funded contracts, others halted entirely, leaving agencies struggling to sync progress across departments.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Francis speaks with Dina Saleh, Federal Solutions Architect at Synack, who explains how C-ATO replaces the old, static ATO system with continuous testing, monitoring, and updates that improve both security and efficiency.You’ll learn how continuous authorization helps eliminate the “death loop” of paperwork and compliance fatigue that once overwhelmed federal teams. Dina notes that many agencies still struggle with data overload—drowning in endless vulnerability reports and alerts that make it difficult to prioritize real threats. Synack’s approach, she says, acts like a “cheat sheet for the exam,” filtering out noise and focusing on the most exploitable, high-impact vulnerabilities that truly matter.Dina stresses that every agency’s environment is unique and warns against cookie-cutter solutions. Success with C-ATO, she concludes, depends on combining automation with human insight to build customized, continuous security strategies that evolve with each organization’s mission and risk landscape.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Former GAO Managing Director Chris Mihm joins the show to unpack the realities of the ongoing government shutdown — now on day seven. Mihm, now an adjunct professor at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School, shares stories from shutdowns past that blend humor and hard-earned wisdom. From the unforgettable “refrigerator incident” after the 2018–2019 shutdown — when the stench of forgotten lunches greeted returning employees — to his unique experience representing GAO overseas during the 2013 lapse in appropriations, Mihm’s anecdotes reveal that not every shutdown implication is mission critical… but some are unforgettable.Beyond the stories, Mihm discusses the real operational and human challenges that arise when the government grinds to a halt. They explore the complexity of managing mission backlogs, maintaining communication with furloughed staff, and leading teams through uncertainty — all while following the strict rules that prohibit most federal employees from working during a lapse in appropriations. Mihm outlines key lessons learned from GAO’s studies of previous shutdowns, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication, empathy from managers, and thoughtful planning for the inevitable restart.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

On this special edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, Former Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Julie Dunne, now principal at Monument Advocacy, joins the show to share leadership strategies for navigating the return to work once the government reopens. Dunne compares the uncertainty of the current moment to the early days of COVID-19 and emphasizes the importance of stepping back, identifying top priorities, and leading with clear, proactive communication.You’ll hear how federal leaders can motivate and support their teams during the transition back to full operations — from reestablishing coordination and prioritization through daily stand-up meetings, to managing the emotional and logistical challenges that come with restarting work after a pause. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

On Day 3 of the government shutdown, there is at least one area where federal employees can find reassurance—the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) remains fully operational. In this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, James Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, explains how TSP participants are protected during a lapse in appropriations. From automatic loan payment adjustments to reliable call center support, Kaplan details the steps the TSP has taken to ensure participants don’t need to take additional action during the shutdown.You’ll also hear about recent improvements, including streamlined customer service, safeguards for those with loans, and the growing popularity of Roth contributions. These updates underscore how the TSP is continuing to evolve to better serve federal employees and retirees, even in uncertain times.Throughout the shutdown, Fed Gov Today will bring you daily insights from leaders who have managed through past closures and restarts—helping you prepare for what’s ahead. Be sure to subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

On this special edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, the federal government shutdown officially begins — and with it come questions about what’s closed, what’s open, and what federal leaders can do to prepare for the return to business. Former Undersecretary of Defense Comptroller Mike McCord and Gov Navigators CEO Robert Shea, a former OMB leader, discuss the immediate impacts on agencies, employees, and taxpayers, and why communication and leadership are more critical than ever. Former GSA leaders Sonny Hashmi and Jim Williams join Francis to examine the operational realities of a shutdown, from cybersecurity and acquisition backlogs to the challenges of keeping federal missions on track with reduced staff and resources. Together, they unpack the human, managerial, and operational toll of a shutdown — and the lessons leaders must apply to navigate the crisis and prepare for what comes next.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

In Part 3 of his conversation with Francis Rose, Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth, Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), shares the bottom line up front: what warfighters, the Secretary of Defense, the DNI, and even the President need from NGA right now. In the third and final part of our exclusive conversation from the Intelligence and National Security Summit, Admiral Whitworth explains how NGA is building a more fluent, AI-enabled workforce to meet the challenges of the future. From AI and machine learning bootcamps to mobile training teams, NGA is investing in fluency that empowers analysts to innovate faster and smarter.Admiral Whitworth also discusses NGA’s innovation ecosystem—how partnerships with emerging tech companies, academia, and industry are shaping the next generation of geospatial intelligence. He highlights the agency’s expanding presence in St. Louis, the upcoming opening of NGA’s new campus, and how community engagement is key to long-term mission success.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Francis Rose speaks with Marlin McFate, Public Sector CTO and CISO at Cohesity, about the evolving definition of cyber resilience. McFate explains why it’s critical to distinguish between data resiliency—long focused on recovering from natural disasters—and cyber resiliency, which accounts for persistent adversaries, loss of trust in systems, and the risk of reinfection after an attack. He shares Cohesity’s cyber resiliency model, including the foundational step of ensuring backups survive and remain trustworthy, so they can anchor investigation, forensics, and recovery efforts.McFate also discusses how agencies can prepare recovery environments, rebuild authentication services like Active Directory, and reduce downtime with minimal data loss. Finally, he connects resilience to data value: Cohesity’s unique approach to indexing structured and unstructured data enables agencies to safely use AI and retrieval-augmented generation for discovery, compliance, and mission-driven insights.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth, NGA’s Director, joins Francis for part two of their in-depth conversation from the AFCEA and INSA Intelligence and National Security Summit at National Harbor. Admiral Whitworth explains how NGA is embracing commercial imagery, unclassified data, and open-source intelligence to stay ahead of adversaries — while also meeting the needs of a rapidly changing world.You’ll hear how NGA’s “Year of NGAI” initiative is aligning programs, standards, and workforce development around artificial intelligence and machine learning, with new directorates focused on mission integration, responsible stewardship, and standards enforcement. Admiral Whitworth also details the agency’s approach to combating adversary denial and deception tactics, accrediting GEOINT AI models, and ensuring innovation doesn’t turn into “hobby shops” that undermine security.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth, Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), joins Francis for an in-depth conversation about what he calls the “golden age of GEOINT.” Speaking from the AFCEA and INSA Intelligence and National Security Summit at National Harbor, Admiral Whitworth explains why NGA is better positioned than ever to provide actionable intelligence — thanks to the convergence of advanced sensors, AI and machine learning, and a thriving commercial imagery sector. He details the agency’s mission priorities, including targeting, warning, and ensuring the safety of navigation, and emphasizes the need to not just collect data but convert it into understanding. This is part one of a three-part conversation that dives deep into the opportunities, challenges, and partnerships shaping the future of geospatial intelligence. Don’t miss part two next Tuesday, when Admiral Whitworth discusses how NGA is upskilling its workforce to meet these challenges head-on.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, you'll get an inside look at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ sweeping technology transformation. Francis is joined by Eddie Poole, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Acting Assistant Secretary, and CIO at VA, for a wide-ranging conversation about modernizing one of the federal government’s most complex IT operations. Eddie shares how his team retired 29 legacy systems, shifted from an administratively heavy structure to an operationally focused one, and freed up resources to deliver better IT services that align with the VA’s mission.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

On this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we go inside the sweeping IT transformation at the Department of the Interior. Former Interior CISO Lou Eichenbaum joins Francis to discuss how the department consolidated all of its IT resources and 2210s into a single organization — without a CIO — as part of a bold modernization initiative. Lou shares how phase one of the effort incorporated zero trust principles, expanded vulnerability assessment tools, and drove MFA compliance from 30% to 97% in just over three years. He also opens up about the biggest challenge of all: culture. Lou explains how Interior worked to keep mission focus front and center while unifying technology teams across bureaus like the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, USGS, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. From collaborating with park rangers and HR staff to improve user experience, to building a “zero trust certified” IT workforce, Lou’s insights offer a playbook for driving transformation in any federal agency.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

This edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, takes you to the cutting edge of robotics in space. Dr. Samantha Chapin, Space Roboticist, and Dr. Kenneth Stewart, Computer Research Scientist at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), share how their team is using reinforcement learning — a flavor of machine learning inspired by dog training — to teach robots to operate autonomously in space. They explain why human time in space is so precious, how reinforcement learning allows robots to adapt in unpredictable environments, and why the International Space Station is the perfect proving ground for these complex experiments.Francis and his guests explore the significance of training algorithms in simulation, using open-source NASA tools, and then successfully testing them aboard the ISS on Astrobee robots — a first step toward enabling autonomous space assembly, servicing satellites, and performing complex repairs. The conversation dives into future goals, from CubeSat experiments to advancing autonomous robotics that can operate in space without constant human oversight, helping build and maintain the next generation of massive space structures.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, the clock is ticking for vendors that do business with the Department of Defense. The long-anticipated final rule for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is officially out, and it takes effect November 10. That means solicitations will soon include CMMC requirements — and with more than 100,000 companies needing assessments, competition for assessors will heat up fast.Government contracts expert, Eric Crusius of Hunton Andrews Kurth, joins Francis to break down the rule’s three-tier model, the phased rollout over the next three years, and what companies must do now to stay competitive. He explains why self-assessments will be required in year one, why there may be a “run on the bank” for assessors, and what questions businesses should ask before hiring assessment partners.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive deep into how the Department of Veterans Affairs manages whistleblower cases. Tom Costa, Director of Education, Workforce, and Income Security at the Government Accountability Office, joins the program to share GAO’s latest insights on recordkeeping, settlement tracking, and the need for stronger follow-through on corrective actions designed to protect whistleblowers.Costa discusses why whistleblower retaliation cases at VA have shifted since 2020, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and explains why differences between VA’s data and the Office of Special Counsel’s records raise important concerns. He also outlines challenges within VA’s authority structure, where the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection currently lacks the ability to oversee settlement implementation, slowing needed reforms.Francis and Tom examine GAO’s recommendations to improve VA’s oversight and strengthen coordination with OSC, while considering whether additional steps from Congress may be needed to ensure whistleblower protections are fully effective.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

It’s back-to-school season, but this time, the lessons are for your future financial security. On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive into the Thrift Savings Plan’s growing library of resources designed to help federal employees and military service members make smarter retirement decisions. Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, joins Francis to share how participants can access online learning, live webinars, and bite-sized YouTube videos to better understand everything from investment options and in-service withdrawals to long-term retirement planning and beneficiary designations. He explains how participant feedback drives the creation of new educational content, highlights the surge in usage of the TSP mobile app, and offers insight into what’s ahead—including in-plan Roth transfers and upcoming end-of-year considerations. Plus, you’ll learn how rigorous internal audits and top-tier cybersecurity practices ensure the TSP remains secure and effective for its more than 6 million participants.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive into the persistent challenges slowing down federal IT modernization. Despite growing urgency to upgrade systems and strengthen cybersecurity, the average CIO tenure remains just two to two and a half years—barely enough time to build relationships, understand sprawling enterprises, and execute meaningful strategies. Francis sits down with Nick Marinos, Managing Director of Information Technology and Cybersecurity at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), to discuss why DHS has 43 open GAO recommendations across IT, financial management, and acquisitions—all tied to items on GAO’s High Risk List. Marinos explains why these recommendations serve as a “cheat sheet” for incoming CIOs, highlights where DHS has made strides with FedRAMP and zero trust, and outlines the remaining vulnerabilities that must be addressed.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive into one of the fastest-growing shifts in federal technology: the skyrocketing use of generative AI across government. According to new findings from the Government Accountability Office, generative AI use cases jumped ninefold in just one year—growing from 32 in 2023 to 282 in 2024. Candice Wright, Director of Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics at GAO, joins Francis to break down what’s driving this surge, which agencies are leading the way, and how AI is reshaping government operations.Wright explains how agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services are applying AI in areas such as medical research, disease detection, and public health response, while also navigating hurdles like policy compliance, budget constraints, and governance challenges. She shares insights on why agencies must align AI adoption with mission-driven use cases, how fast-moving technology is testing existing policy frameworks, and why effective governance requires voices from across legal, privacy, procurement, and technical teams.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, procurement law expert, Alan Chvotkin, partner at Centre Law Group, joins the program to unpack the ongoing overhaul of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). From its original goal in 1984—to create a single, uniform, government-wide standard for buying goods and services—to today’s piecemeal reforms, Alan explains what’s been fixed, what’s been lost, and what still needs attention. He highlights the FAR Council’s recent rule change on System for Award Management (SAM) registration, which now requires contractors to be registered only at the time of offer submission and award—an important shift that reduces administrative headaches for agencies and vendors alike. Alan also examines the bigger picture: how the FAR has grown unwieldy over time, why deviations across agencies threaten consistency, and what risks come with streamlining too far. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Former Administrator of Federal Procurement Policy and current Octoparo CEO, Joe Jordan, joins Francis to unpack the new government-wide deals on artificial intelligence. From the so-called “$1 AI licenses” to the promises of massive cost savings, Joe explains why these teaser agreements may not be as transformative as they sound—and why agencies must think just as hard about how to exit contracts as they do about entering them. He shares lessons learned from past technology procurements, warns against the dangers of lock-in, and highlights the importance of piloting, transparency, and taking smart risks that can fuel innovation across government.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

This episode dives into the leadership crisis facing federal government executives. Former OPM Associate Director, Ron Sanders, joins Francis to unpack why senior executives feel isolated, without peers or mentors to guide them, and how new executive development programs from OPM are attempting to fill the void. Sanders reflects on the failures of the Federal Executive Institute (FEI), why generic leadership training doesn’t cut it, and what truly matters for senior leaders in the U.S. government—understanding the Constitution, the law, and the unique responsibilities of American civil service…Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, former Joint Artificial Intelligence Center Director Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan (USAF, Ret.) joins to discuss a turning point for artificial intelligence in government. With the General Services Administration striking deals to make AI tools available across agencies for as little as $1, Shanahan breaks down what these agreements mean for federal users, the defense community, and the broader industrial base.From experimental pilots to life-or-death missions, Shanahan stresses the importance of rapid experimentation, rigorous testing, and government-led evaluation before AI is integrated into critical operations. He also explores the challenges smaller tech companies face against the dominant players in the frontier AI model space, and the risks of government lock-in as introductory pricing gives way to long-term contracts.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, you will learn why the IRS is pulling the plug on its long-troubled taxpayer self-service kiosks. Eleina Monroe, Chief of Staff for Inspections and Evaluations at the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), reveals how more than half of the 100 kiosks in 37 field offices were out of service—some for over a year—due to outdated trackball navigation, unrepairable parts, and vague contractor requirements. Monroe explains that a lack of contract oversight and missing performance standards left taxpayers without functional tools, despite a $500,000-a-year maintenance contract. With roughly 7,500 taxpayer sessions in FY 2024, demand for in-office self-service options remains strong, especially for those without internet access.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Francis sits down with retired Foreign Service officer Don Kilburg to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the world of diplomacy. Drawing from his new book, AI Use Cases for Diplomats, Kilburg outlines why he believes AI isn’t just a helpful tool but a responsibility for global leaders to embrace. He discusses his 100 practical AI use cases for diplomats, designed as both a field manual and a vision for the future, and explains why AI and diplomacy must evolve together to address global challenges. From bridging international understanding to setting ethical guardrails, Kilburg makes the case for diplomats to lead in shaping AI’s role on the world stage.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Colonel Mac McHenry, US Marine Corps Reserve (Ret.) and senior advisor at the Defense Innovation Unit, joins the show to discuss why Chief Technology Officers in government are struggling to drive innovation—despite being tasked as strategic visionaries. Drawing from his recent RealClearDefense article, “The Toothless Technologist,” Mac explains how the government imported the CTO model from the private sector but failed to give it the operational influence needed to be effective. You’ll hear a candid breakdown of how federal acquisition and organizational silos are holding back tech progress—and how a simple two-step solution could change everything. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Francis welcomes Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, to explain how the TSP prioritizes spending less—not more—in order to keep more dollars invested directly in your account. Kaplan details how the agency’s consistent track record of executing below budget reflects a fiduciary mindset focused on maximizing long-term value for you and other federal employees and retirees. You’ll hear how the TSP is using participant feedback, new technology, and a culture of constant improvement to streamline operations—from cutting call times to deploying AI that helps customer service reps spend more time solving your issues and less time on paperwork. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

This episode explores how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cyber capabilities are redefining both frontline and back-office military operations. Mike Black, retired Air Force Colonel and Vice President for Defense at AFCEA International, joins Francis to share insights from AFCEA events around the globe—including what’s trending, what’s urgent, and what the joint force is prioritizing in this rapidly evolving landscape.Listeners will learn how the Department of Defense is adapting to these challenges through initiatives like SWIFT (Software Fast Track), signed into action just three months ago, and already changing the game. The episode also previews the upcoming TechNet Augusta conference, highlighting keynote speakers from Army Cyber Command and the Cyber Center of Excellence. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Former GSA executive, Erv Koehler, dives into the federal government’s long-running challenge with bid protests—and offers practical, innovative solutions. From football-inspired “timeouts” to rethinking price assessments, Erv explains how the government can cut down on frivolous protests without undermining legitimate contractor concerns.You’ll learn how the Government Accountability Office's recent stats—showing that over half of protests lead to some form of remedy—reveal both the value and the burden of the current protest system. He discusses how implementing a protest “timeout” policy could incentivize contractors to think twice before filing baseless objections.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Todd Harrison, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, joins Francis to examine the fiscal year 2026 defense budget proposal from the Trump administration, which totals $848 billion. Harrison discusses how the reconciliation process is being used to fund Department of Defense programs and compares it to the previous use of Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding. He explains the procedural and political differences between the two methods and outlines the implications for future budgeting, particularly in FY27. You’ll learn how these fiscal mechanisms influence national defense planning, what’s at stake for high-priority programs like Golden Dome, and how political dynamics could shape future funding decisions.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Chris Hamm, CEO of FIN Acquisitions and former director of FEDSIM at GSA, joins the program to discuss a provision in the Senate’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that aims to reduce frivolous bid protests in federal contracting. Hamm outlines the intent behind Section 816 of the NDAA, which seeks to create financial disincentives for contractors who file meritless protests. He explains why, despite the good intentions, the proposed clawback mechanism is unlikely to succeed due to limitations in appropriations law and challenges in enforcing profit recovery.You’ll hear Hamm describe how the current protest system can create incentives for incumbent contractors to delay transitions by filing protests, and how that affects the efficiency of federal acquisition. He compares the current protest environment to stoppages in a football game, and proposes an alternative model—similar to the NFL’s challenge system—to limit the frequency and impact of protests.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

In this episode of Fed Gov Today, you will get an inside look at a groundbreaking transformation taking place at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Acting Commander Kenneth Watson of DLA Land and Maritime joins the show to detail the agency’s Technical Data Management Transformation (TDMT), a bold initiative aimed at digitizing and modernizing how the DLA handles technical specifications for military parts and equipment. You will learn how DLA is working closely with the Army as a pilot case, using new tools to streamline data flows and create a more responsive, transparent, and efficient contracting process. The episode also explores the broader impact of this effort: increasing resilience across the defense industrial base, attracting new vendors, and reducing single points of failure in military supply lines. Ken shares his vision of TDMT as a “universal translator” for tech data, simplifying integration across various military services and ensuring industry receives accurate, timely information. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Former ODNI and DOD Chief Information Officer, John Sherman, joins the show to break down the sweeping implications of the Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act of 2025. If passed, this legislation could dramatically reshape the structure, mission, and operational dynamics of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the broader intelligence community.Sherman shares his personal perspective on why the legislation “mostly hits the mark,” what aspects give him pause—like the proposed closure of the National Intelligence University—and why the balance between reform and continuity is so critical. Drawing from his extensive experience inside ODNI and DOD, Sherman outlines both the opportunities and risks of redistributing major national intelligence centers to operational agencies like the CIA and FBI. He warns of the security vulnerabilities that could emerge during transitions and emphasizes the importance of keeping adversaries in mind during any structural shifts.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Today we dive into one of the most significant procurement transformations happening across the federal government—the consolidation of acquisition under the General Services Administration (GSA). Former FAS Commissioner and Alpha Tango Strategies founder, Alan Thomas, joins the show to dissect what’s driving this bold shift and why it matters to agencies, vendors, and small businesses alike.You’ll learn why the Department of Homeland Security’s sudden cancellation of its PACTS III and FirstSource III contracts—transferring that work to GSA—sent ripples across the acquisition community. Alan explains how DHS made this move to align with Executive Order 14057 on centralizing procurement and what this means for other agencies potentially following suit. He shares how this transition underscores a broader movement: fewer contracts, more enterprise-wide solutions, and a push for the government to finally “buy as one.”Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Francis welcomes Dr. Jerry McGinn—Executive Director of the Baroni Center for Government Contracting at George Mason University and former Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense—for a deep dive into one of the most urgent and complex questions in federal policy: Can the government truly lead innovation at scale? Jerry unveils new research showing a staggering 220% increase in Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract spending since 2018, while also revealing why much of that growth remains difficult to quantify in terms of real-world outcomes. You’ll learn why OTA contracts and SBIR programs have exploded in use, yet lack consistent measures of success; what truly incentivizes innovation in the federal marketplace (hint: it’s not just money); and how outdated definitions and regulatory hurdles are holding back the involvement of non-traditional contractors. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Listeners will learn how the L Funds work, why nearly 25% of participant allocations are now going into them, and how they automatically shift investments toward safer assets as retirement nears. Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, joins the show to break down what that milestone means and why it matters for your retirement planning. Jim also explains how the L Funds’ default status for new enrollees simplifies decision-making while still offering flexibility for participants to customize their strategy.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Former Director of the Office of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) at the Department of Defense, Doug Schmidt, unpacks one of the most pressing challenges in national security: the future of weapons testing in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven military landscape. Schmidt lends his insider perspective on the implications of a new directive from the Secretary of Defense —one that dramatically reshapes DOT&E with a leaner workforce and increased emphasis on automation and artificial intelligence.Listeners will gain a rare glimpse into the high-stakes tension between innovation and oversight, as Schmidt discusses the difficulties of testing emerging, low-cost, rapid-deployment systems from non-traditional defense contractors. He raises critical concerns about integration, validation, and maintaining operational realism in testing environments—especially as staff and institutional memory are diminished. Schmidt also explores how automation and AI, while promising, still require substantial R&D investment before they can reliably replace the human expertise essential to effective testing. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Former Federal CIO, Clare Martorana, unpacks the complex, fast-evolving role of data in driving government performance and public service. Clare explores how federal agencies are racing to keep up by improving data management, modernizing IT infrastructure, and nurturing cross-agency collaboration.She speaks openly about the patchwork progress across the federal ecosystem and the urgent need for sustainable funding strategies and partnerships with Congress to match the speed of innovation.You’ll also hear a powerful defense of bipartisan collaboration and continuity in federal tech programs like the Quality Service Management Offices (QSMOs) and the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF). Claire stresses that good tech policy is not red or blue—it’s purple.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Former Federal CIO, Suzette Kent, joins Francis to dissect the pivotal modernization challenges facing every federal agency. With the future of the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) hanging in the balance—especially as the Trump administration’s FY 2026 budget proposes zero dollars for it—Kent offers a candid, insider perspective on what the next generation of federal IT funding could (and should) look like.Listeners will learn what alternative funding mechanisms could emerge, and why evolving how we fund tech change is vital in an age of rapid innovation, cyber threats, AI adoption, and outdated legislative frameworks. Suzette emphasizes the importance of internal agency alignment—among CIOs, CFOs, and legal teams—to control their tech destiny rather than ceding those funds elsewhere.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Your retirement strategy just got a crucial update!Two top leaders from the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs, and Jim Courtney, Director of the Office of Participant Experience—join Francis to break down what's changing, what’s staying, and what it all means for your money.Listeners will get the inside scoop on the imminent retirement of the L 2025 Fund and the introduction of the L 2075 Fund, aimed at the newest generation of federal employees. You’ll learn how automatic defaults are streamlining the investment process for new hires, and how the TSP is hitting new highs with over 7 million accounts and nearly 3 million Roth participants. One major reveal in this episode is the upcoming Roth in-plan conversion, slated for launch in January 2026. Courtney shares insights from participant surveys, how interest levels are being gauged, and the strategic decision to create not just one—but two calculators to help participants understand and manage their conversions with ease. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Today, Francis is joined by Fazal Mohammed, Senior Manager for Solutions Architecture at AWS, who unpacks how federal agencies are rapidly modernizing and closing the innovation gap with the commercial sector.You'll hear how cloud platforms are empowering a new generation of "citizen developers" to build agile, scalable solutions that once took years to implement. Fazal explains how agencies are rethinking mission needs by leveraging tools like AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation—technologies that are no longer just "nice to have," but essential to delivering faster, better, and more efficient services to citizens and securing mission-critical operations.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Today, Francis sits down with Lance Scott, Chief Technology Officer of the Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization (FEHRM) program, for a deep dive into one of the most ambitious federal health IT undertakings in history. You’ll hear how three foundational pillars—data deduplication, provenance tracking, and automated data ingestion—are enabling real-time, intelligent access to critical health data, reducing costs and increasing clinician efficiency. Scott shares firsthand insights into how the VA’s Walla Walla pilot is scaling nationwide, and how AI-driven tools like natural language processing and ambient dictation are reducing “pajama time” for clinicians and revolutionizing decision support.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Today, Francis sits down with Dan Mathews to explore a foundational question: How can the federal government effectively reduce its real estate footprint? Mathews shares firsthand insights from his tenure at PBS, detailing how federal agencies are rethinking their physical presence to align with hybrid work trends and long-term cost savings. Listen and learn how interagency coordination, budgeting constraints, and political realities have shaped the pace of change.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Former OPM Associate Director, Ron Sanders, joins Francis to unpack a bold new hiring memo from the Office of Personnel Management and the Domestic Policy Council that could transform how agencies bring in new talent. You will learn about the unprecedented introduction of four mandatory essay questions for federal job applicants—a move aimed at curbing mass, low-effort applications and filtering for genuine interest and capability. Sanders explains what’s working, what’s worrisome, and what’s still undecided—including the risks of not collecting workforce diversity stats and the possible fallout from removing long-standing recruitment initiatives.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Learn how the most significant overhaul of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) in four decades could reshape the way the federal government buys goods and services. Julie Dunne, former Commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service at GSA and now Principal at Monument Advocacy, joins Francis to explain the key changes already in motion and what’s still to come. She details how the revisions aim to streamline acquisition, cut outdated rules, and emphasize the importance of time and commercial practices in government buying. Julie also explains the potential impact of new “sunset clauses” for non-statutory FAR provisions, which could help reduce regulatory clutter and improve efficiency over time.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Today, we explore a pivotal moment for agency leaders as budget season intensifies on Capitol Hill. With funding and restructuring requests on the table, Francis speaks with Tim Soltis, former Deputy Controller at the Office of Management and Budget, about what it takes to turn policy ideas into operational success. Soltis brings insights from his recent article, where he proposes a bold restructuring concept: lean, centralized leadership teams running core mission operations in key agencies like the Department of Defense, DHS, and the VA, to test whether a streamlined model can deliver better efficiency and accountability.You can find a link to Tim’s article on today’s show page at fedgovtoday.com.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

In today’s conversation you’ll hear why software is now just as critical as hardware in modern military operations—and what the Department of Defense is doing to keep pace with this shift. Former Deputy Navy CIO Commander, Julie Vida, joins Francis to explain how evolving battlefield realities, from GPS denial to cyber threats, are driving a transformation in how the Pentagon develops, acquires, and deploys software.You’ll learn how the Defense Department’s current focus on agile development, cloud readiness, and cultural change is shaping the future of warfighting technology. Julie shares why software must be designed for denied environments from the start—and why technologists must rethink their assumptions about where and how their tools will be used.From her time as a Navy helicopter pilot, Julie illustrates the critical need for trust in software—not just from the engineers who build it, but from the warfighters who rely on it. You’ll hear why collaboration between government and industry is essential to ensuring that software solutions are reliable, secure, and mission-ready.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Today, we dive deep into the future of artificial intelligence in government, guided by a remarkable dataset: over 10,000 responses to the Trump administration’s request for information on a new federal AI action plan. Former Department of Commerce CIO and now president of Cambio Digital Transformations, Simone Szykman, joins the show to discuss the five key themes he and his AI assistant—ChatGPT—extracted from the public’s feedback.Simone reflects on the challenges and implications of each theme, drawing from his experience as a federal CIO and thought leader. He outlines how energy-intensive AI infrastructure is raising both technical and environmental concerns, and why early policy guardrails are essential to avoid unintended consequences. He discusses the evolving definition of “responsible” and “inclusive” AI and how philosophical and political leanings may shape regulatory approaches. You can explore Simone’s full analysis on today’s show page at FedGovToday.com. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Will Schmitt, Chief of the Technical Portfolio Management Division, joins the show from TechNet Cyber in Baltimore. He reveals how DoD is categorizing Zero Trust approaches into three key courses of action (COAs): legacy uplift strategies, commercial service providers (like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Oracle), and standalone government-operated environments such as Dell-hosted clouds. Schmitt explains how each solution undergoes rigorous functional assessments—including 91 targeted activities and real-time Purple Team exercises that simulate real-world attacks.The episode highlights how DoD is moving away from vendor-specific tools toward an outcome-focused model with a shared language across agencies. Schmitt details how this collaborative evaluation process enhances agility, shortens assessment timelines, and makes systems more resilient against threats. He also shares how lessons learned from earlier implementations, like the Flank Speed program, are shaping current and future assessments.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Colonel Jeffrey Strauss of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) joins the program to discuss one of the Department of Defense’s most urgent challenges: technical debt. Colonel Strauss explains how divesting from legacy technology—sometimes as granular as removing individual network cards—frees up capacity and resources that can be reinvested in modern solutions. He likens the effort to personal debt management: eliminating outdated systems piece by piece to enable a stronger, more agile future.Francis and Colonel Strauss explore how DISA measures progress in this effort, emphasizing operational readiness, risk reduction, and the agency’s ability to meet evolving cyber threats. Strauss challenges vendors to think beyond flashy, short-term wins and instead align with the long-term strategy of building sustainable, backward-compatible technologies that match DISA’s pace and purpose. As he puts it, the payoff isn't just speed—it's capacity: the ability to go fast and do more, all while maintaining mission-critical readiness.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

In this episode of Fed Gov Today, Francis Rose sits down with Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, to explore how the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is modernizing to meet the evolving needs of federal employees and service members. From mobile app growth to overseas outreach and educational tools, Kaplan reveals how the TSP is becoming more user-centric than ever before.Kaplan opens with a striking figure: over 30% of TSP account logins now happen through the mobile app, a number that has more than doubled since early 2024. He attributes this surge to the increasing societal comfort with apps and digital tools. The TSP app now enables users to perform a wide range of functions—from checking balances to designating beneficiaries—all without needing to call the Thrift Line.Beyond the convenience factor, Kaplan stresses that the agency’s core mission is to “meet participants where they are.” This approach has led to the launch of a YouTube channel offering financial education videos and a partnership with the American Forces Network. This collaboration allows TSP to reach military personnel overseas with short, informative messages on topics like setting a secondary address for mail delivery—especially relevant for service members deployed abroad.A major innovation driving these changes was the transition to a modern record-keeping system, which allowed for enhancements like two-factor authentication and facial recognition in the mobile app. Kaplan hints at future improvements, especially as TSP prepares for the rollout of in-plan Roth conversions next year. These upgrades will be integrated into the app with calculators and support tools to guide users through the process.Kaplan also discusses the success of the Blended Retirement System (BRS), which has brought younger military personnel into the TSP earlier in their careers. Thanks to automatic enrollment and matching contributions, even short-term service members are building long-term retirement savings—a significant policy win that Kaplan says reflects strong collaboration among Congress, the executive branch, and TSP leadership.Addressing market volatility, Kaplan notes an uptick in Thrift Line calls and shifts in participant investment behavior, particularly toward more conservative funds like the G Fund. While TSP provides educational resources, he emphasizes that individuals should invest for the long term and avoid reactive decisions based on short-term market swings.Kaplan’s central message is clear: TSP is evolving not just to keep up with technology, but to better serve its 6.7 million participants through education, outreach, and tools tailored to a diverse and increasingly mobile workforce.

In this episode of Fed Gov Today, Francis Rose welcomes Kshmendra Paul, one of the federal government’s most influential voices in data strategy, to reflect on two decades of evolving federal data policy and implementation. Paul, who has served as the Chief Data Officer at the VA, Program Manager for the Information Sharing Environment (ISE), and in key roles at the Department of Energy and the Department of Justice, shares candid insights into the progress and pitfalls of federal data usage.Paul’s journey in government began post-9/11, driven by a deep sense of service. As Chief Enterprise Architect at DOJ, he was struck by the siloed nature of information systems. He argues that “Enterprise Architecture” was never meant to be a purely IT or CIO function—it should have served as a tool for enterprise transformation. This early experience shaped his enduring commitment to integrating data sharing, policy, and technology to drive operational improvements across government.A key focus of the episode is Paul’s tenure at the ISE, which he describes as a “master class in public choice theory.” He explains that many agencies acted in self-interest rather than aligning for the broader public good, making true information sharing a challenge. His work required navigating complex interagency dynamics, balancing federal priorities with state and local equities, and forging partnerships in unconventional areas outside his core expertise.Paul shares one of his proudest achievements at the VA—creating a “digital twin” of the agency by integrating over 1,000 datasets into an enterprise data model. This system gave leadership a unified, real-time view of operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The model not only improved decision-making but also produced tangible results, like saving $90 million in six months through smarter acquisitions. These successes, Paul emphasizes, weren’t purely technological—they were underpinned by strong governance and well-designed data policies.Looking forward, Paul proposes the creation of a Federal Chief Data Analytics Officer role, separate from the Chief Data Officer, with a clear mandate to drive operational decision support. He highlights that while the Evidence Act has helped institutionalize program evaluation, more must be done to embed real-time, data-informed policy analysis into federal management. He sees data analytics as the “killer app” of the Evidence Act era—central to making government decisions that are fast, relevant, and rooted in evidence.In conclusion, Paul underscores that lasting government reform begins with data and evidence, but it must be stewarded through policy, leadership, and guardrails that encourage sustained adoption. His message is clear: data isn’t just a tool—it’s the foundation of modern governance.

Today, Alissa Czyz, Director of Defense Capabilities and Management at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), joins Francis to expose a critical, costly challenge facing the Defense Department: mismanaged real property. Alissa shares how the Pentagon oversees a staggering portfolio of more than 700,000 facilities valued at $2.2 trillion, but a lack of consistent data across the military services is undermining its ability to manage and maintain these assets effectively.Alissa explains that although DOD issued standardized guidance nearly a decade ago to measure facility utilization, most services still rely on outdated or inconsistent methods. The Air Force only recently adopted DOD’s approach, while the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps continue to use their own inconsistent systems—leaving DOD without a true enterprise-wide view of how its property is being used or wasted. She outlines how the Army is piloting promising new tools to better measure space utilization, but inconsistencies persist across the services. She describes how installation-level control of facilities makes sense locally but creates a system-wide blind spot, preventing the Pentagon from managing risk and optimizing its enormous real estate portfolio. Alissa and Francis explore GAO’s five recommendations to DOD, including holding services accountable for consistent utilization measurements and requiring risk management processes that span entire services—not just single installations. You can read more about GAO’s findings and recommendations on today’s show page at fedgovtoday.com. And you can subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Today, former NSA Technical Director and Synack co-founder, Mark Kuhr, breaks down the rapid evolution of generative AI, agentic AI, and their deep impact on cybersecurity across government. Mark explains that the proliferation of AI tools, like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, creates urgent new risks for agencies around data control and network security. He stresses the importance of securing sensitive data by encouraging the use of government-developed AI tools instead of consumer-grade models, avoiding potential leaks similar to past shadow IT problems.Drawing on his public and private sector experience, Mark highlights the critical privacy concerns both sectors face as employees blend personal and work-related AI usage, often without proper controls. He discusses how the adoption of government-specific AI tools, like GSA’s new initiative, is a smart move toward safeguarding agency data. Mark also introduces agentic AI—the next frontier where multiple specialized AI agents collaborate autonomously to solve problems, mimicking human teamwork. Mark emphasizes that in a world where adversaries are using AI to exploit vulnerabilities within minutes, defenders must move just as fast—or faster—by automating security and vulnerability management. He discusses the urgent need to modernize legacy systems, evolve FedRAMP toward machine-to-machine compliance verification, and embrace AI-driven vulnerability scanning.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Today, we dive deep into the critical shifts happening in defense acquisition strategies. Former Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Nick Guertin, joins the program to unpack the Defense Department’s new guidance mandating a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to building military capabilities. Nick shares behind-the-scenes insights on how modularity and open standards aren't just technical buzzwords—they are essential to staying ahead in a world where adversaries are evolving rapidly.Nick reflects on his time leading transformation within the Navy, including establishing a new Deputy Assistant Secretary role focused on mission systems and championing the creation of a Naval Modular Open Systems Approach guidebook. He discusses how breaking systems into modular, upgradeable parts allows the military to adapt faster without the time and cost of massive overhauls. Francis and Nick explore how modularity balances innovation with potential risks like requirements creep, ultimately ensuring that forces stay mission-ready with flexibility built into every ship, airplane, and system from the ground up.You can find a link to the new guidance on today's show page at fedgovtoday.com. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Today we dive into the transformative potential of a new executive order that could finally shake up the federal acquisition system. Francis is joined by Stan Soloway, President and CEO of Celero Strategies and former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition Reform, for an insightful conversation on what the executive order really means—and why it could be a rare turning point after decades of inertia.Soloway peels back the rhetoric surrounding the EO and homes in on its substantive goals: modernizing the bloated and outdated 2,000-page Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and re-centering government procurement around commercially available software. He explains how this could revive FAR Part 12—the original commercial buying framework—and outlines why past reform attempts fizzled. Stan also highlights the critical role of investment in human capital and tech infrastructure, noting that meaningful change won’t happen without it.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Today, the spotlight is on zero trust—not just as a cybersecurity strategy, but as a cultural and operational shift across government. With the Department of Defense aiming to fully operationalize its zero trust strategy by 2027, the pressure is on agencies to go beyond checklists and truly embed zero trust principles into their missions. Joining Francis is Ryan Zacha, Solution Architect at Booz Allen, who shares deep insights into what it takes to make zero trust work—beyond the buzzwords.Ryan highlights successful government-industry partnerships like the Thunderdome program, which provides a scalable model for delivering cutting-edge security capabilities across the Department of Defense. He emphasizes the need for collaborative engagement where industry partners help federal teams analyze their current environments, identify capability gaps, and chart strategic implementation roadmaps.One of the biggest challenges, Ryan notes, is cultural—not technological. Many agencies have the tools and architectures they need, but fear and uncertainty around data classification and access control often stall progress. He urges agencies not to wait for perfect standards or top-down direction but to begin now with foundational data analysis and strategic planning. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Today’s conversation turns to one of the most pressing and controversial issues facing the Department of Defense: a sweeping mandate for workforce reduction. Former Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) Dov Zakheim joins the show to unpack the urgent memo issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which gives military services and agencies just two weeks to analyze and recommend personnel cuts.Zakheim warns that while the intention behind the workforce realignment—boosting efficiency and modernizing operations—is commendable, the rushed timeline may lead to damaging and shortsighted decisions. Drawing on his experience and a recent piece he authored for The Hill, Zakheim outlines why the process must extend all the way down the chain of command and allow new leaders time to find their footing.For a link to Zakheim’s article and the official memo, visit the show page at fedgovtoday.com. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

We dive deep into the future of the Defense Department’s cyber and technology workforce with retired Lieutenant General Susan Lawrence, former Army CIO/G-6 and current President and CEO of AFCEA International. As one of the key leaders at the recent 2025 Cyber Workforce Summit, General Lawrence shares exclusive insights into the event’s genesis, its explosive growth, and the collaborative efforts between government and industry to address the critical cyber talent gap.General Lawrence also reveals how today’s evolving threat landscape—what she calls “the speed of the threat”—requires rapid innovation and an all-hands-on-deck approach that includes civilian partners. She previews TechNet Cyber, AFCEA’s flagship event, which will feature the largest number of stages ever, showcasing thought leadership from DISA, OSD, Cyber Command, academia, and industry alike.Learn more about TechNet Cyber and register at fedgovtoday.com/events, and catch Fed Gov Today TV every Sunday on ABC 7 and YouTube for more exclusive insights from federal leaders.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Francis welcomes Dawn Simpson, Director of Financial Management and Assurance at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), to discuss the IRS's notable improvements in internal controls and the reliability of its financial data.Dawn outlines how the IRS addressed 21 prior-year deficiencies in information systems, leading to the removal of a previously reported significant deficiency. She explains the key areas of progress — particularly in access controls and configuration management — and why these enhancements matter not only for accurate year-end financial statements but also for real-time confidence in financial data throughout the fiscal year.She also offers insights into the ongoing nature of GAO’s audit work — highlighting how it’s common to resolve past issues while uncovering new ones — and stresses the critical role of manual monitoring in tandem with automated controls. One standout recommendation: agencies must ensure the data they extract from financial systems truly reflects their intended policies, such as depreciation calculations.Find links to Dawn’s work on IRS financial management and more details about upcoming events and episodes at FedGovToday.com. Subscribe and listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Former GSA Administrator, Emily Murphy, joins Francis to break down the implications of an executive order tasking GSA to once again become the government’s central buying authority. Murphy shares her insights on what it will take to successfully transition procurement functions from multiple agencies into GSA, including the structural, personnel, and cultural shifts required to make it work.Francis and Emily explore the lessons learned from early pilots with SBA and OPM, the complexities of retraining 1102s, and how GSA must retain its hard-won customer-first culture to avoid the pitfalls of the past. She underscores the importance of speed, agility, and agency collaboration to meet mission needs—warning that savings alone mean little if agencies can’t get what they need, when they need it.In addition, Emily shares candid reflections on GSA’s physical footprint, including the historical yet aging headquarters at 1800 F Street, and how the agency can remain operationally effective even if it relocates. She also discusses the ongoing federal property disposal process, the challenges of building decommissioning, and the future of the Public Building Service.Subscribe and listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

It’s business as usual at one key government agency—even as the federal workforce faces uncertainty. Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, joins the show to talk about a major milestone: the G Fund’s 38th birthday. Kaplan reflects on the TSP’s growth from its humble beginnings to serving over 7.2 million participants with $900 billion in assets. He breaks down why the G Fund remains a foundational piece of many retirement portfolios, especially as part of the increasingly popular lifecycle (L) funds. Kaplan also highlights record-high participation in matching contributions—88.5% for FERS and nearly 90% for the Blended Retirement System—crediting successful auto-enrollment and personalized outreach strategies that nudge federal employees to maximize their benefits. Find more details about your TSP account and the G Fund’s birthday at FedGovToday.com. Subscribe and listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Retired Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy and current CEO of the Navy League, Mike Stevens, joins Francis to deliver a stark message: the nation owes it to its sea service members to give them the tools, funding, and support they need—not only to accomplish the mission but to come home safely. Stevens dives deep into the persistent challenges the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard face, from budget uncertainty and the constraints of continuing resolutions to the critical weaknesses in the maritime industrial base. With global tensions rising and Navy carrier groups actively engaging threats, the conversation underscores the high stakes for readiness and sustainability. Stevens also shares a powerful perspective on the mental and emotional toll that long deployments and high-stress combat environments can take on enlisted service members—effects that often don’t surface until years later. Subscribe and listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Big changes are on the horizon for the FedRAMP cloud security program — and the reasons behind them are more than just procedural. Former Acting FedRAMP Director, Brian Conrad, joins Francis to break down what’s evolving, what’s staying the same, and why the ultimate goal is about delivering real security outcomes for federal data. Brian shares insights into the most common pain points industry partners faced under the old model — from finding an agency sponsor to navigating complex continuous monitoring requirements — and why upcoming automation efforts and direct authorization pathways could be game changers.He also dives into the potential for AI, the importance of industry-government collaboration, and the role emerging initiatives like GovRAMP could play in harmonizing requirements across all levels of government. Subscribe and listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The face of identity verification is changing—literally. Arun Vemury, Senior Advisor for Biometric and Identity Technologies at the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, joins the show to break down the Remote Identity Validation Rally, an ambitious initiative tackling the growing challenge of verifying digital identities in an age of deepfakes, AI-generated fraud, and high-tech document forgeries.Arun shares how DHS is partnering with TSA, Homeland Security Investigations, and NIST to rigorously test remote ID verification technologies—technologies that surged in use during the pandemic and are now under the microscope. From testing selfies and document photos against advanced fraud tactics, to analyzing solutions in sequestered environments without relying on the public cloud, DHS is pushing to ensure that these tools are accurate, secure, and reliable.Read more about the Remote Identity Validation Rally full today’s show page at FedGovToday.com. Subscribe and listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

We’re getting real about cloud strategy in government. If agencies are moving to the cloud—and most are—it’s time to stop treating it like a buzzword and start managing it like a business. Vijay D’Souza, Director of Information Technology and Cybersecurity at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), joins Francis to share insights from a brand-new guide that compiles 19 leading cloud practices from 18 private sector companies. Spoiler: it’s not just about tech. It’s about leadership, workforce readiness, acquisition smarts, and visibility into costs—especially through the emerging discipline of FinOps.D’Souza talks about what the federal government can learn from industry leaders, why workforce challenges are universal, and how multi-cloud strategies offer both flexibility and complexity. He also emphasizes the importance of strong leadership in cloud success and explains how fragmented cost management in government is holding agencies back from realizing the full potential of their cloud investments.Read Vijay’s full report on today’s show page at FedGovToday.com. Subscribe and listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

The General Services Administration is making a bold move to centralize procurement across the federal government, but not everyone is on board. In this episode of Fed Gov Today, former Pennsylvania Chief Procurement Officer, David Yarkin, joins Francis to discuss the challenges and opportunities of strategic sourcing. Yarkin shares insights from his time in Pennsylvania, where similar efforts led to significant cost savings—and the lessons learned along the way. He explains why agencies often push back against consolidation and how procurement leaders can navigate these challenges to deliver better results for taxpayers.Later, Yarkin dives into the measurable impact of procurement reform and why data-driven decision-making is key to success. He also discusses the lessons learned from past procurement failures and why technology is now essential in tracking vendor performance. For more details and to read David’s piece, visit today’s show page at FedGovToday.com. Subscribe and listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

We’re diving into a software problem that even DOGE would raise an eyebrow at. Federal agencies are sitting on a mountain of idle software licenses, sometimes with more subscriptions than employees to use them. Former Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Chief Technology Officer, Bob Gourley, joins Francis to discuss how agencies can cut waste, streamline software procurement, and adopt smarter licensing models. Gourley breaks down staggering audit findings—like an agency with 13,000 employees owning 37,000 WinZip licenses—and explains why this inefficiency persists. He outlines how the government’s $6 billion software budget could be optimized through enterprise-wide agreements, usage-based pricing, and open-source solutions with enterprise support. While centralizing procurement through GSA could bring cost savings, agencies also need the flexibility to make mission-driven decisions at a local level.For more details and to read Bob’s full analysis, visit today’s show page at FedGovToday.com. Subscribe and listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

The latest executive order on Chief Human Capital Officers (CHCOs) leaves as much unsaid as it does stated—and that could have major implications for the future of federal HR leadership. Former DHS Chief Human Capital Officer, Jeff Neal, joins Francis to break down what the EO doesn’t say about turning CHCOs into political appointees and why that matters. Jeff shares his own experience transitioning his role from a political appointment to a career SES position and explains how this change could influence agency leadership, decision-making, and the independence of HR leaders across government.Neal shares the real-world challenges CHCOs face in balancing politics with policy, the potential chilling effect on career executives, and why some fights are worth picking—and others aren’t. Plus, the latest insights on federal workforce trends, including why the government struggles to attract young talent and how hiring decisions today could shape the future of federal HR.For more details and to read Jeff’s full analysis, visit today’s show page at FedGovToday.com. Subscribe and listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Former DHS Chief Information Security Officer, Ken Bible, joins the show to discuss how agencies like DHS, FEMA, and CISA are navigating cyber workforce challenges under the Cyber Talent Management System (CTMS). He highlights the risks of attrition in an increasingly competitive cybersecurity landscape and explains why investing in and retaining cyber talent is crucial for securing operational technologies, industrial control systems, and the next wave of AI-driven security challenges.Tune in to Fed Gov Today TV this Tuesday, March 18, at 8:30 PM ET on WJLA 24/7 News. If you miss the live broadcast, catch it anytime on FedGovToday.com or the Fed Gov Today YouTube channel.Don’t miss the next episode, where we explore a major shakeup in federal human capital policy—converting every career agency Chief Human Capital Officer into a political appointee.Subscribe and listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

As federal employees approach the pivotal decision of retirement, understanding the ins and outs of the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is crucial. Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, sits down with Francis to break down the latest updates to the TSP fact sheet for departing federal employees. He clarifies common misconceptions—like the fact that you don’t have to close your TSP when you leave federal service—and explains the options for maintaining, rolling over, or withdrawing funds.Kaplan also sheds light on the top concerns from TSP participants, including required minimum distributions, tax forms, and installment payments for retirees. He discusses the infrastructure behind distributing over 1.3 million 1099-R forms and how the TSP’s recordkeeping contract ensures a high level of customer service—boasting a 94% satisfaction rate and an impressive average wait time of just 20 seconds.Plus, get a sneak peek into the future of TSP services, including upcoming in-plan Roth conversions, new financial planning calculators, and ongoing innovations to enhance participant experiences.Don’t miss the next episode, where we’ll dive into the future of the federal cyber workforce with Ken Bible, former Chief Information Security Officer at DHS. Subscribe and listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

We explore the growing challenge of AI risk assessment across federal agencies. Artificial intelligence is already playing a crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure, but ensuring these AI applications are secure from cyber threats remains a major concern. Tina Won Sherman, Director of Homeland Security and Justice Issues at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), joins the show to break down the latest findings on AI risk management and why no agency has fully met the necessary risk assessment standards.Tina explains how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in coordination with other federal agencies, is responsible for assessing AI risks in 16 critical infrastructure sectors, ranging from transportation and healthcare to energy and communications. While agencies submitted the required risk assessments, GAO found that none fully addressed all six foundational activities necessary for a thorough evaluation. The most significant gap? Not a single agency effectively evaluated the level of AI risk impact—a critical step in understanding vulnerabilities and implementing mitigation strategies. As the federal government continues to refine its approach to AI risk management, GAO makes a careful recommendation to DHS. With AI use cases expanding across agencies and private-sector partners, ensuring comprehensive risk assessments is more important than ever. You can find a link to the full GAO report on today’s show page at FedGovToday.com.Don't forget to catch Fed Gov Today TV this Sunday at 10:30 AM on ABC 7 Washington and on the Fed Gov Today YouTube channel, where top federal technology leaders discuss critical issues, including contract challenges, decision-making with data, and the enterprise approach to solving government tech problems. On the next episode of the podcast, we’ll tackle frequently asked questions about federal retirement as employees face major career decisions.Subscribe and listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Want to learn more about this conversation? Check out today's show page. Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

We dive into the burning question on every federal HR leader’s mind: What’s next for the federal workforce? The Internal Revenue Service just cut 6,700 jobs—less than half of the original 15,000 slated for layoffs—after an intense internal review. Former ODNI Chief Human Capital Officer, Dr. Ron Sanders, joins the show to break down how the IRS leadership tackled these painful cuts and what other agencies can learn from the process.Sanders, now President and CEO of Public Virtu, explains the delicate dance between career staff and political appointees in navigating these unprecedented workforce changes. He argues that agency leaders must assert control over their own workforce decisions, rather than bowing to external pressures. We also discuss the broader implications of workforce reductions across government and what role Congress will play in shaping future headcount targets.Plus, with AI-driven workforce management and high-profile agency shake-ups—like OPM shutting down its procurement shop—Sanders warns that these are just the “baby steps” in a long-term transformation of the federal workforce. Where does trust between political and career leadership stand in this shifting landscape? And how should federal employees respond to direct calls from top leadership?Stay tuned for Fed Gov Today TV this Sunday at 10:30 AM on ABC 7 in Washington, where we’ll explore how moving the Postal Service to the Commerce Department could play out. And don’t miss next Tuesday’s podcast, where we tackle protecting AI applications from cyber threats with the Government Accountability Office’s Tina Won Sherman.Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

In a conversation with the Government Accountability Office’s Travis Masters, Director of Contracting and National Security Acquisitions, we’re tackling the biggest acquisition challenges at the Department of Homeland Security and how agencies can fix them. He breaks down a recent GAO report that highlights critical roadblocks in DHS acquisition, including overwhelming workloads, lengthy hiring timeframes, and a lack of comprehensive workforce data.Travis explains how GAO selected four DHS components—Coast Guard, CBP, ICE, and TSA—for analysis, representing two-thirds of the department’s contract obligations in 2023. He shares insights from interviews with 55 acquisition professionals, revealing that heavy workload issues—caused by staffing shortages, role overlap, and inefficient processes—are a top concern. Additionally, hiring delays of up to 18 months, often due to security clearance bottlenecks, are making it harder to bring in needed talent.Travis outlines GAO’s four recommendations to DHS, emphasizing the need for clear strategies to link mitigation efforts to real challenges. He also shares actionable advice for other agencies looking to get ahead of similar acquisition hurdles.Don’t miss Fed Gov Today TV this Sunday at 10:30 AM on ABC 7 in Washington, featuring the Navy’s Acting Chief Technology Officer, Justin Fanelli, on the service’s digital modernization journey. You can also watch it live on YouTube or catch up anytime on FedGovToday.com.

Federal Chief Data Officers are coming into their own. What was once an additional hat many CDOs wore is now evolving into a distinct and primary role in federal agencies. Kirsten Dalboe, Chief Data Officer at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Chair of the Chief Data Officers Council, shares insights into the health and future of the federal CDO community. Kirsten discusses the results of a recent CDO Council survey, which highlights how the role is maturing, with over half of small agency CDOs reporting that their role has existed for less than five years. She explains how the survey is helping the CDO Council better understand and address the challenges CDOs face, including upskilling needs, resource gaps, and the growing importance of cross-agency collaboration.The conversation also touches on how CDOs are expanding into new areas like AI, privacy management, and geospatial data, reflecting the increasing influence of data strategies on overall agency objectives. Kirsten notes that the CDO role is gaining more authority in some agencies as leaders realize its critical role in mission delivery. She also highlights the council’s ongoing efforts to professionalize the CDO function and strengthen data culture across government.You can find a link to the CDO Council survey on today’s show page at FedGovToday.com. Don’t forget to check out the new TV show Speed to Mission, presented by AWS Marketplace, to learn how agencies are accelerating AI adoption through smarter procurement. Speed to Mission is available now on-demand at FedGovToday.com and the Fed Gov Today YouTube channel.The next Fed Gov Today podcast is coming next Wednesday. You can listen to every Fed Gov Today podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

Federal employees and retirees are seeing lower fees and better service in their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, joins the show to discuss how administrative cost reductions have led to lower fees for participants. With TSP expenses dropping over the past two years, participants are now paying just 3.6 basis points in administrative costs—down from 4.8 basis points in 2023. That translates to only 36 cents per $1,000 in retirement savings.Kaplan also highlights improvements to the TSP’s record-keeping system, Converge, which has driven higher participant satisfaction across all service channels. More federal employees are now using the TSP mobile app, and call center response times have improved. A recent participant survey shows overall satisfaction is on the rise, with 87% of those withdrawing their funds reporting they were happy with the TSP service.Looking ahead, Kaplan previews two major rollouts coming in 2025: in-plan Roth conversions, allowing participants to move funds within the TSP to a Roth account, and the launch of the L 2075 Fund, designed for younger employees targeting long-term retirement growth.For more insights and resources, visit FedGovToday.com, and don’t miss Fed Gov Today TV, airing Sunday mornings at 10:30 on ABC7 in Washington and available on-demand on YouTube. Stay up to date with the latest federal technology and workforce trends by following the Fed Gov Today podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

Francis sits down with Jenny Mattingley, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Partnership for Public Service, to break down the latest executive orders impacting the federal workforce. These new policies cover key areas such as the return-to-office mandate, a 90-day hiring freeze, the reintroduction of Schedule F—now called Schedule PC—and changes to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) policies. Jenny explains how these orders will affect federal employees, agency leaders, and the broader government landscape. She highlights the nuances of the return-to-office directive, which, while broadly stated, leaves room for agency discretion and legal considerations under the 2010 Telework Enhancement Act. She also discusses the implications of Schedule PC, which moves certain employees into a new employment category with fewer job protections, raising concerns about workforce politicization and retention.The conversation also explores the DEIA executive order, which has already resulted in employees being placed on administrative leave while agencies determine their future roles. Jenny underscores the significance of the hiring freeze, noting its immediate and long-term effects, particularly on agencies like the IRS. She also emphasizes the importance of monitoring not just the executive orders themselves but also the guidance coming from OPM and agency leadership, as these will shape how policies are implemented in practice. Finally, she provides insights into what federal employees and agency leaders should be watching for in the coming months, including potential legislative actions that could further reshape the federal workforce.Don’t miss our next episode on Tuesday, where Kirsten Dalboe, Chair of the Chief Data Officers Council, will discuss how agencies are leveraging data for smarter decision-making. Listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or On Demand at FedGovToday.com.

Francis sits down with Jonathan Mostowski, president of Agile Acquisitions and former US Digital Service strategist, to discuss ideas for improving federal acquisitions. Jonathan shares three key recommendations: turning expiring funds into opportunities for innovation, expanding access to Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) for more flexible acquisitions, and reforming the protest process to reduce delays and foster better collaboration between agencies and vendors. These proposals aim to address persistent challenges in government contracting, including bridging the “valley of death” in project funding and empowering agencies with greater acquisition agility.Jonathan also reflects on the implications of the US Digital Service’s recent rebranding to the US "Doge" Service and emphasizes the importance of transparency in debriefs to improve outcomes for both agencies and contractors. He shares insights from his book, Leading Agile Acquisitions, offering actionable strategies to drive culture change in government contracting.Additionally, Francis previews upcoming conversations from West 2025 in San Diego, featuring top sea service leaders like Navy Deputy CIO Barry Tanner and many more. Watch these interviews Sunday morning at 10:30 on ABC 7 in Washington or on the Fed Gov Today YouTube channel.Find links to Jonathan’s book and LinkedIn post on today’s show page at FedGovToday.com. Subscribe to the Fed Gov Today podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or On Demand at FedGovToday.com.

Francis chats with Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Policy and Capabilities, Charles Luftig, who discusses the exciting new partnership between the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the University of Virginia (UVA). The National Security Data and Policy Institute aims to bring together experts in data, policy, and national security to tackle critical challenges in an interdisciplinary way. Charles shares insights on how this collaboration will harness the power of open-source data, promote transparency, and deliver impactful results that benefit both the Intelligence Community (IC) and UVA. He also details how the partnership was established, the strategic importance of engaging with academia, and the role of open-source intelligence in shaping national security efforts.Charles highlights the significance of unclassified information and open-source data in driving innovation and collaboration across sectors. He explains how this partnership aligns with ODNI’s broader strategy to expand relationships with non-traditional partners like academia and the private sector. Additionally, he outlines the institute’s plans for short- and long-term projects, the metrics for success, and how the IC is preparing to tackle complex issues with fresh perspectives.Also in this episode, a look ahead to West 2025, co-hosted by AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute, happening January 28-30 in San Diego. Plus, a preview of the next Fed Gov Today TV, featuring an exclusive interview with Jason Miller, outgoing Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget, about the President’s Management Agenda and improvements in customer experience across federal agencies.Be sure to check out today’s show page at FedGovToday.com for more information about the National Security Data and Policy Institute. Don’t miss upcoming episodes of the podcast, including a conversation with Vicki Michetti, Deputy CIO for Enterprise IT Policy Governance at the Department of Energy, where she’ll share her agency’s portfolio management approach. Listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or On Demand at FedGovToday.com

On this episode, sponsored by Presidio Federal and IBM, we dive into the latest developments in federal cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and threat management. CISA has introduced a new plan to strengthen enterprise cybersecurity across federal agencies: the Federal Civilian Executive Branch Operational Cybersecurity Alignment Plan, known as FOCAL. Shelly Hartsook, Deputy Associate Director of Capacity Building at CISA, explains how FOCAL was developed, its five key priority areas, and how the plan aims to unify and streamline federal cyber defenses. From asset management and vulnerability mitigation to supply chain security and incident response, Hartsook outlines the collaborative efforts required to strengthen federal resilience against ever-evolving cyber threats.We also explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity with Jeff Crume, Cybersecurity Architect and Distinguished Engineer at IBM. Jeff discusses the dual role of AI in both enhancing cyber defenses and creating new vulnerabilities. He shares insights on how federal agencies can secure AI tools, combat the risks of shadow AI, and prepare for future quantum computing threats. Jeff also highlights practical strategies for leaders to safeguard sensitive data and implement quantum-safe encryption protocols before the threat becomes reality.Finally, Glen Williamson, Cybersecurity Engineering Branch Chief for Cyber Resilience at the Census Bureau, shares how his team is navigating the agency's cyber priorities. Williamson highlights the importance of staying ahead of emerging threats like phishing and leveraging FedRAMP to streamline security processes during the transition to the cloud. He also emphasizes the need for a skilled workforce with expertise in cloud technologies and AI to adapt to a rapidly changing threat landscape.For additional resources and insights, visit the show page at fedgovtoday.com. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date with the latest episodes, news, and events. Have a great holiday season, and thank you for listening!

On this episode of Fed Gov Today, we dive into the exciting developments shaping federal government programs and initiatives. First, we explore the Department of Homeland Security’s new Phase Zero initiative, aimed at building a symbiotic relationship between small businesses and the agency. Dusty Lang, Director of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program at DHS Science and Technology, discusses how the program fosters innovation by offering non-dilutive funding to small businesses, while DHS gains cutting-edge technologies to meet its mission needs. Dusty shares insights from the program’s recent symposium and its continued efforts to bridge knowledge gaps for new applicants, ensuring that small businesses can effectively partner with the agency.Next, we take a closer look at the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), where new contribution limits for 2025 are set to allow participants to save more than ever before. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, outlines the changes, including increased catch-up contributions for participants aged 60-63 and the benefits of a more streamlined contribution process. Kim also provides updates on the I Fund’s index transition and the upcoming Roth in-plan conversion option, set to launch in 2026. She highlights the importance of these changes in helping participants maximize their retirement savings.The episode also marks a bittersweet moment as Kim Weaver announces her retirement after 13 years of service in her role. Francis reflects on Kim’s impactful career and her dedication to providing clear and valuable information to federal employees and retirees. Kim expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to serve and introduces her successor, James Kaplan, who will carry forward the mission of supporting TSP participants.Don’t forget to follow Fed Gov Today on LinkedIn to keep up with all the latest episodes and content. Thank you for listening!

On this episode of Fed Gov Today, we explore the Department of Defense's (DoD) updated guidance on DevSecOps fundamentals, which streamlines previous versions and emphasizes critical aspects like the software supply chain and continuous Authority to Operate (ATO). Jason Weiss, former Chief Software Officer at DoD and now Chief Technology Officer for Public Sector at Second Front Systems, shares his insights on the significance of these updates. He discusses how this streamlined approach enhances cybersecurity, highlights the importance of integrating risk management frameworks, and reflects on the evolution of continuous ATO within the DoD.Later in the episode, we shift to the humanitarian achievements of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). TenaVel Thomas, Senior Executive Port Director at the Port of New York/Newark, discusses her team’s groundbreaking work in rescuing 130 victims of forced labor. She recounts the pivotal moment that led to the investigation, the collaborative effort with other law enforcement agencies, and the challenges of identifying and addressing human trafficking and forced labor cases. Her work earned her a 2023 Fleming Award for leadership and management, and her story sheds light on CBP’s critical role in protecting vulnerable individuals and enforcing the law.Don’t miss out on the latest from Fed Gov Today! Follow us on LinkedIn for updates, exclusive content, and notifications about new episodes.

On this episode of Fed Gov Today, we explore critical changes in federal acquisition and cutting-edge advancements in space technology that are reshaping government operations and defense strategies. Eric Crusius, a partner at Holland & Knight, joins the program to discuss how federal procurement policies might evolve under a new administration. He highlights shifts in executive orders and regulations, including clean energy initiatives and labor policies, and explores the potential return of the DoD’s "Night Court" program to reallocate funds from underperforming initiatives. We also delve into the future of space technology with Dr. Ken Obenberger, Senior Research Physicist at the Air Force Research Laboratory. Dr. Obenberger discusses his groundbreaking work on space plasma disturbances and their impact on military communication, navigation, and surveillance systems worth $4 billion. He explains how his research is enhancing space environment sensing and detection capabilities, including innovative applications like identifying volcanic eruptions in remote areas that could affect air traffic.For more information, visit the show page at FedGovToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn. Don’t miss the next episode of Fed Gov Today next Wednesday. Have a great week, and Happy Thanksgiving!

On this episode of Fed Gov Today, we dive into two transformative topics reshaping the federal government and the global environment. First, we explore the crossroads of federal IT modernization with insights from Kevin Cunnington and Siobhan Benita, executive advisors to the Global Government Forum. They discuss how the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) is fueling innovation across U.S. federal agencies and highlight the challenges CIOs face in workforce development, including recruiting, retaining, and upskilling talent for a digital-first government. Kevin and Siobhan also provide a global perspective, sharing lessons learned from other nations and offering actionable recommendations to position the U.S. as a leader in government technology. You can find the link to the report here: https://www.globalgovernmentforum.com/US-federal-CIO-study. This conversation includes a preview of the upcoming Government Service Delivery conference in May 2025, where these vital topics will be further explored.The second segment takes us deep into the Amazon rainforest with NASA scientist Dr. Douglas Morton, a Flemming Award recipient for his groundbreaking work in applied science. Dr. Morton explains how NASA’s Amazon Dashboard leverages advanced satellite technology to monitor and analyze fire activity in the Amazon region. He reveals the far-reaching environmental and economic consequences of these fires, the challenges of managing such a vast and vulnerable ecosystem, and how satellite technology has revolutionized our ability to track and mitigate these threats. Morton’s work offers a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of global ecosystems and the role of cutting-edge science in preserving them.Don’t miss out on the latest from Fed Gov Today! Follow us on LinkedIn for updates, exclusive content, and notifications about new episodes.

On this episode of Fed Gov Today, two groundbreaking developments in federal government initiatives take center stage. First, Buddy Dees, Director of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program Management Office at the Department of Defense, explains the significant updates to the CMMC program. Buddy breaks down the changes, including the shift to a three-tier model, the introduction of self-assessment options for lower-risk projects, and the continued alignment with NIST standards for streamlined cybersecurity compliance. In the second half of the show, Francis dives into a cutting-edge agricultural innovation with Dr. Aspen Workman of the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. Dr. Workman discusses her award-winning work using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to combat bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a disease that costs the cattle industry billions annually. This pioneering effort has created heritable resistance to the virus, ensuring lifetime protection for cattle, starting in utero. Dr. Workman shares the challenges and successes of collaborating with government, academia, and industry to translate lab discoveries into real-world solutions for farmers. For more details, visit the show page at FedGovToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn for updates and news.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today, presented by the Arthur S. Flemming Awards, we explore transformative efforts in public service that are making a global impact. First, Blair Pasalic, Director of Planning and Administration in the Office of Resource Sustainability at the Department of Energy, shares the remarkable logistics behind delivering over 900 pieces of electrical equipment to Ukraine, supporting the country’s critical infrastructure in its defense against Russia. Dr. Katherine Newcomer, a Commissioner for the Flemming Awards and leader at George Washington University, highlights the awards’ 75th anniversary. She reflects on the legacy of Arthur S. Flemming, whose dedication to public service and social equity continues to inspire today’s federal leaders. Shannon Griffin, a biologist at the EPA and recipient of a Flemming Award in the Basic Science category, discusses her innovative, non-invasive saliva-based method for tracking waterborne pathogens, a technique that played a pivotal role in understanding COVID-19 spread. Catch more about each of these leaders and the stories behind their achievements on today's show page at fedgovtoday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today, we dive into major developments across federal initiatives that impact both federal employees and national defense. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, joins to discuss a 44% increase in TSP roll-ins, a sign of growing participant confidence. She also highlights record-high matching rates and the impact of auto-enrollment on maximizing participant savings, especially among active-duty personnel. Russell Rumbaugh, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller, details the Marine Corps’ recent clean audit opinion—a significant milestone in defense audit progress. Rumbaugh shares insights into the Navy's broader audit journey, emphasizing the critical role of leadership and collaboration to break down "stovepipes" that hinder audit success. Dr. Jerry McGinn, Executive Director of the Baroni Center for Government Contracting at George Mason University, explores the state of the defense industrial base (DIB) through four case studies: WWII, the MRAP program, COVID-19, and support for Ukraine. Catch more insights and expert interviews on Fed Gov Today, with new episodes every Wednesday. Visit FedGovToday.com for additional resources and links

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, sponsored by Appian, we dive into three critical topics reshaping the landscape of federal IT modernization, business process transformation, and AI integration in financial management. Jenna Whitley, Acting Assistant Inspector General for Audit for Security and Information Technology Services at TIGTA, discusses the IRS’s progress on its modernization journey. As the IRS embraces AI, automation, and cloud technologies, Whitley highlights the improvements made possible through the $4.7 billion in supplemental funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. Matt Beran, Industry Lead for Global Defense and Intelligence Programs at Appian, shares insights into how federal agencies are rethinking their business processes with automation. He outlines the "Big Three" pillars—process orchestration, automation, and intelligence—that are helping agencies streamline workflows and improve mission-critical operations. Chi Okonkwo, Director of the Agency Financial Systems Office at NASA, talks about how AI is changing the game in federal financial management. From enhancing fraud detection to improving financial modeling, Okonkwo explains how AI can bring greater accuracy and efficiency to finance operations. She also shares best practices for piloting AI initiatives and scaling them across the agency, with a focus on data precision and workforce collaboration. For more information and resources related to today’s discussions, visit the show page at fedgovtoday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, sponsored by Cohesity. We explore key advancements in the Department of Defense’s Zero Trust strategy and AI compliance efforts. Les Call, Director of the Zero Trust Portfolio Management Office at the DoD, explains the new assessment tools and processes designed to make Zero Trust implementation more efficient. He outlines the shift from traditional Red Team assessments to automated, repeatable processes aimed at meeting the Pentagon’s 2027 Zero Trust goal. Craig Martell, CTO at Cohesity and former Chief Digital and AI Officer at the DoD, explores how agencies can balance AI compliance with practical execution. He addresses the challenges of managing AI errors and ensuring responsible AI innovation. Kevin Walsh, Director of IT and Cybersecurity at GAO, shares insights on how federal agencies are progressing in AI compliance, focusing on talent recruitment and governance.For more information and links to resources mentioned in the episode, visit the show page at fedgovtoday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, sponsored by the Women’s Center, we dive into key themes in healthcare data innovation and workforce resilience. Jesus Caban, Chief Data Scientist at the Program Executive Office for Defense Healthcare Management Systems (PEO DHMS), discusses the evolution of healthcare data sharing in the Department of Defense. He breaks down the challenges of normalizing data and explains how the DoD is working to standardize data across military health systems and with other healthcare organizations globally.In addition to healthcare data, the episode addresses the broader theme of workforce resilience. Rachna Krishnan, CEO of the Women’s Center, explores how resilience is increasingly tied to holistic wellness and community support. She explains how resilience in the workforce can lead to more productive, engaged employees, and how the lines between work and personal life continue to blur post-pandemic. Finally, the show celebrates government excellence by highlighting this year’s Service to America Medals (Sammies) and the stories behind the public servants recognized for their extraordinary contributions. Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, shares insights into how nominees are selected and the importance of recognizing outstanding federal employees.Read more and find links to additional resources on today’s show page at fedgovtoday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we tackle three pressing issues shaping the future of government technology, policy, and data security. James Burd, Chief Privacy Officer at CISA, explains how privacy and cybersecurity are now inextricably linked. Discover why it’s no longer possible to protect one without the other, and what agencies are doing to manage these intertwined risks. As the State Department approaches the three-year mark of its modernization plan, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma details the progress. Learn how new bureaus, workforce initiatives, and cutting-edge technology are transforming U.S. diplomacy in the digital age. Nathan Manzotti, Director of the Data Analytics and AI Centers of Excellence at GSA, warns of a new challenge: synthetic content risk. He explains how AI-generated misinformation could compromise regulatory decisions and what steps are being taken to counteract this threat. For more information and resources related to today’s discussion, visit the show page at fedgovtoday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, sponsored by Maximus, we explore the evolving cyber threat landscape from the FBI's perspective, strategies for small businesses to team up with larger government contractors, and a radically different approach to IT modernization. The FBI’s Internet Crime Report reveals over 880,000 cybercrime complaints in 2023, with losses exceeding $12.5 billion. Deputy Director of the FBI, Paul Abate, shares insights from the Billington Cybersecurity Summit, discussing the rising cyber threat from nation-states like China, Russia, and Iran, as well as the FBI’s no-fail mission to prevent and respond to threats.Additionally, Larry Reagan from Maximus explains the benefits and challenges of small business teaming in government contracting, and Pavan Padugu, CTO of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, outlines his agency’s “radically different” approach to IT modernization aimed at transforming and streamlining processes for the future. Catch all the details in today’s episode, available on fedgovtoday.com.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Technology Strategy includes five key initiatives. One of them is to “build artificial intelligence, cloud and high performance computing into [the] GEOINT mainstream.” On today’s show, you’ll meet three leaders who are executing that part of the NGA strategy. Mark Munsell is Director of Data and Digital Innovation at NGA, and a recent guest on the Fed Gov Today TV show, “AI In Depth.” Rachael Martin is Maven program lead at NGA, and Anna Rubinstein is the agency’s ethical AI lead. You’ll learn what NGA is doing with AI now, and what’s ahead for their AI program.

This Fed Gov Today program is sponsored by Leidos.The Labor Department has a new acting Chief Information Officer. Gundeep Ahluwalia, the outgoing Labor CIO, was on Fed Gov Today TV this week, talking about his time at the agency. Lou Charlier is the Acting CIO at Labor. He tells you how the agency is approaching AI, and its zero trust cybersecurity efforts.The White House’s AI.gov features use cases for artificial intelligence all across government. The stories on the site detail how agencies determine which AI tools work for the mission challenges they’re trying to solve. Seth Abrams is chief technology officer for homeland and force protection at Leidos; Carolyn Chipman is their Vice President for Homeland and Force Protection Growth. They tell you how to analyze potential use cases, how to introduce AI products into your agency’s workflow, and what’s over the horizon for agencies across government.

The Thrift Savings Plan has seven recommendations from the Government Accountability Office about its two-year old record keeping system. Jennifer Franks of GAO told you about them on a recent edition of the Fed Gov Today podcast. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, tells you how the TSP is responding now, and has already responded, to the recommendations GAO made, and to the needs of its participants.The newest Fed Gov Today T-V special is available on demand now. “Securing the Depths: Addressing Workforce Challenges in the Submarine Industrial Base” discusses the Navy’s challenges in finding more than 100,000 people to build subs to defend the nation. The show includes speakers from the Navy and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. EY sponsors the show, and you can watch it any time at FedGovToday.com and the Fed Gov Today YouTube channel.The Department of Health and Human Services has a new structure for its technology, cybersecurity, data, and AI work. The leader of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT will lead the new organization. Micky Tripathi, the new organization’s head, takes on the title of Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. He explains what the agency’s goals are with the new structure.

Twelve recommendations to strengthen the inspector general community are part of a new book from the former IG at the Departments of Justice and Defense. Glenn Fine was Inspector General at Justice from 2000 to 2011, and the acting IG at DoD from 2016 to 2020. His book is titled “Watchdogs: Inspectors General and the Battle for Honest and Accountable Government.” In this conversation, he'll tell you what's behind those recommendations, and what new IGs in government should know about the job that's ahead of them.

The Federal Acquisition Service at the General Services Administration has a unique opportunity to reshape itself, and that reshaping could happen through five ideas. That’s according to Larry Allen, President of Allen Federal Business Partners. He’s writing about those five ideas in his “Week Ahead” newsletter, and he explains his five ideas on today’s show.More than 35,000 professionals inside the Defense Department make up the pricing and contracting workforce. The composition of that workforce, and the skills they need to do the job, are changing as technology and other factors change. At the National Contract Management Association’s World Congress recently, John Tenaglia, Principal Director for Defense Pricing and Contracting at the Defense Department, tells me he looks at talent building in two different ways.The Thrift Savings Plan’s Converge record-keeping system is more than two years old now. The TSP encountered a number of problems with the deployment of the system starting in July of 2022. Jennifer Franks, Director of Information Technology and Cybersecurity at the Government Accountability Office, reviewed the implementation of the system, and tells you what she found.

This podcast is sponsored by Presidio Federal and IBM.New guidance to overhaul FedRAMP is out from the Office of Management and Budget. OMB Director Shalanda Young writes the guidance “is responsive to developments in Federal cybersecurity and substantial changes to the commercial cloud marketplace that have occurred since the program was established.” One of the changes Director Young refers to there is the emergence of the multi-cloud model. Beau Houser, Chief Information Security Officer at the Census Bureau, describes his agency’s multi-cloud journey, and what it had to do to get where it’s gone.The cloud security that Beau Houser talked about building at Census, and in collaboration with other statistical agencies, contributes to another important executive branch priority. Agency leaders tell me just about all of the customer experience enhancement applications they use live in the cloud. Philip Carruthers, Cyber Domain Strategy Leader for IBM Public Sector, explains how to leverage the intersection of the cloud and CX.Customs and Border Protection is almost two years into its most recent IT strategic plan. The CIO at CBP, Sonny Bhagowalia, includes Core Enterprise Cloud Computing as one of the objectives of that strategic plan. Mark James, Executive Director of the Enterprise Cloud Services Division at CBP, tells you how CBP is building cloud into its IT strategy, and how it knows that the agency is executing that strategy successfully.

Presented by Booz AllenEvan Carey, Acting Director at the National Artificial Intelligence Institute, Department of Veterans Affairs discusses the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and its efforts to integrate AI into its operations to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of medical documentation and community care records. The VA is focusing on using AI to streamline the creation of documentation, particularly for encounters with veterans, and to manage the complex and often voluminous documentation received from community care providers. This involves developing a robust infrastructure to support AI technologies, including testing and integration phases. The discussion also explores how AI could lead to significant workflow redesigns, particularly in improving the handling of large data sets and ensuring data security and privacy. Emphasis is placed on the ongoing need for infrastructure that bridges the gap between technological advancements and practical clinical applications.Bryan Castle, Director of AI Engineering at Booz Allen provides insights into how organizations are approaching the adoption and scaling of AI technologies. He explains that while some organizations are beginning with small-scale, research-focused AI projects, others are establishing large, centralized AI functions. The discussion highlights the necessity of a multidisciplinary workforce to effectively implement and scale AI solutions, akin to the diverse expertise needed to develop and distribute a vaccine. Cassels also discusses the role of open-source frameworks in AI, noting that Booz Allen's open-source framework, Assemble, is designed to provide flexible, future-proof solutions that can adapt to new innovations and avoid vendor lock-in. This approach helps organizations overcome common challenges, such as operationalizing AI and transitioning from experimental to enterprise-level implementations.Alexis Bonnell, CIO and Director of Digital Capabilities Directorate at the Air Force Research Lab discusses the development and objectives of the NIPR GPT project, a generative AI initiative aimed at improving knowledge accessibility and reducing bureaucratic workload for military and intelligence personnel. The project began with the recognition that AI could transform the way knowledge is accessed and utilized, moving beyond traditional data organization methods. The initiative was driven by a volunteer team motivated by the potential to enhance information retrieval and make it easier for users to engage with critical knowledge. The discussion covers the practical aspects of implementing AI, including understanding user needs, developing infrastructure, and shaping policies to support the project’s goals.

The Defense Department’s new Fulcrum IT Advancement Strategy includes four lines of effort. One of them is focused on customer experience. Savan Kong is Senior Advisor in the User Experience Portfolio Management Office in the Office of the CIO at DoD. At TechNet Cyber recently, he tells me his office is driving what customer experience looks like across the department.One of the jobs of the Defense Department’s Joint Forces Headquarters DoD Information Network is what it calls “organizing the cyber battlespace”. Dell Foster is one of the DODIN leaders responsible for that. He’s Executive Director of JFHQ DODIN. At TechNet Cyber 2024, he tells me what that term means to him.The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health will look for solutions from small businesses through a new funding opportunity. It’s one way ARPA-H is trying to leverage special contracting authority the agency has. Ben Bryant is Deputy Director for the Business Innovation Division at ARPA-H. At the ACT-IAC Health I-T Summit recently, I asked him how that special contracting authority works.

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT inside the Department of Health and Human Services has prepared the draft “2024-2030 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan”. At the ACT-IAC Health Innovation Summit recently, Peter Karras, Deputy Director for the Strategic Planning and Coordination Division at ONC, tells me the strategy is both a progression and an evolution.ACT-IAC Vision 2030: the Federal Tech Revolution

No matter who wins the presidential election this November, a new round of political appointees is likely to make its way to Capitol Hill to seek the approval of the Senate. Maj. Gen. Arnold Punaro (USMC ret.) will probably be involved in helping at least some of them prepare for confirmation. Arnold’s new book, "If Confirmed: An Insider’s View of the National Security Confirmation Process," is exactly what the title says it is. Arnold’s guided thousands of appointees through the confirmation process in his decades on the Hill, including a dozen Secretaries of Defense, and a dozen Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Arnold takes you through the confirmation process as only an insider could, with stories and advice on what you can expect if the next administration, or a future one, calls on you to serve.

The new Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers Council just passed the six-month mark of its existence. The White House Executive Order on AI specifies that every agency should designate a Chief AI Officer. Two leaders who’ve led AI efforts at agencies are writing about what agencies should look for in those CAIOs. Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan (USAF ret.) was the first Director of the Algorithmic Warfare Cross-Functional Team (Project Maven) and the first Director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center at DOD. Joel Meyer is President of Public Sector at Domino Data Lab. He’s former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Strategic Initiatives, where he helped stand up DHS’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force. Jack and Joel are writing about “The CAIO’s role in driving AI success across the federal government.” Joel askes in a separate piece, “Can the US government compete for the world’s best AI talent?” They join me for a deep dive into how the Federal government can find success in AI.

The Thrift Savings Plan is on a new glidepath. That path should help its members… that are investing for the long term. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the TSP, tells what the path is, and how it will work.The Central Intelligence Agency is building a chatbot to help its people verify open-source information quickly. The agency’s working with other members of the intelligence community to create the bot. On the newest Fed Gov Today TV, I asked Randy Nixon, Director of the Open Source Enterprise at the Central Intelligence Agency, who he wants to use the bot, and what he wants them to do with it.

This Fed Gov Today podcast is sponsored by Microsoft.Today’s show is “Innovating on the Frontlines: Securing the Future with AI and Cybersecurity.” The evolving intersection of security and AI is the focus today. Leaders from the Department of Homeland Security, Microsoft, and the Department of Defense will tell you where their organizations are, and where they’re going on security and AI; and how they’ll get there. DHS has several pilot programs in place now to leverage generative AI. It will judge the success of those programs on several metrics. Chris Kraft, Deputy Chief Technology Officer for AI and Emerging Technology at DHS, tells you what those programs are, and how the agency will judge them.The acceleration of AI use is causing military and civilian agencies to rethink their cybersecurity strategies. The path to doing that is taking two tracks. Vishal Amin, General Manager of Defense Security at Microsoft, tells you how to merge security and AI for success now, and in the future.Cyber and AI professionals in government usually talk to me about their work from two perspectives: securing applications, and using AI for security. At the ACT-IAC Emerging Tech and Innovation Conference recently, Danielle Metz, Director of Information Management and Technology, and Deputy Chief Information Officer in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, tells me using and securing AI in the Pentagon is a work in progress.

This Fed Gov Today podcast is sponsored by Verizon.Today’s show is titled “Bridging Horizons: Innovating Customer Experience in Federal Civilian Services. The President’s Management Agenda and a series of executive orders have pushed agencies to transform the way they deal with agency customers. Leaders from FDA, VA, and Verizon dig into the challenges, opportunities, and technological innovations shaping the future of citizen service.The Food and Drug Administration is ready to take a leap… in its customer experience journey. Josh Lehman, Chief Customer Experience Officer and Director of the Office of Customer Experience at FDA, tells you how the agency approaches customer experience, and how it’s about to change that approach.The FDA’s forthcoming CX strategy is just the latest example of agencies taking a deliberate approach to the issue. But not every step in that journey goes smoothly. Brian Pancia, Senior Client Partner for Solutions for Public Sector and Digital Experience at Verizon, tells you about the struggles he sees with CX at agencies, and how to deal with them.Several pieces of policy and legislation put data at the center of the decision making process for agencies. Leaders say data is becoming one of their most important tools in improving customer experience. At the ACT-IAC Emerging Tech and Innovation Conference recently, Evan Albert, Director of Measurement and Data Analytics at the Department of Veterans Affairs, tells me how his agency uses data to measure and improve its performance for veterans.

NASA has a new technology leader to work in its digital transformation. Patrick Newbold is about five months into his tenure there, after joining the agency from the Social Security Administration. At the ACT-IAC Emerging Tech and Innovation Conference recently, he tells me digital transformation is about more than technology.The Defense Department is in year two of its latest Small Business Strategy. That strategy includes three objectives. The first one is unifying small-business related activities. Farooq Mitha is Director of DoD’s Office of Small Business Programs. At SOF Week 2024, he tells me he needs to coordinate efforts from everywhere in the department to achieve that objective.Federal government leaders now have several guiding documents on using and buying artificial intelligence. New guidance from the Office of Personnel Management covers the growing AI workforce, and the General Services Administration has released acquisition guidance on AI too. Rob King is the Chief Data Officer at the Energy Department. At the ACT-IAC Emerging Tech and Innovation Conference recently, he says no one can ignore the disruption AI is causing,especially generative AI.ACT-IAC Health Innovation SummitInnovation in Government from SOF Week

All the military services, and pretty much the whole federal government, says they’re looking for innovative solutions. The hang-up can be what “innovation” actually means to each organization. Lt. Col. David Brewer (USAF) is Total Force Integration Liaison in the Disruptive Technology Division at Air Force Futures Center 3 Integration and Innovation. At the Emerging Tech and Innovation Conference, he tells me why innovation isn’t a noun, and why he thinks people are using the term incorrectly.The Office of Federal Procurement Policy is fresh off the celebration of its 50th anniversary. One of the tools it’s provided to agencies is the Periodic Table of Acquisition Innovations. The table came out of a working group ACT-IAC’s Institute for Innovation put together. Jim Cook is Chair of the Institute. At the Emerging Tech and Innovation Conference, he tells me the institute is expanding its focus from just creating connections.The Bureau of the Fiscal Service is on what it calls a transformation journey, like a lot of other federal agencies. BFS is engaging its employees, and the federal organizations it serves, to guide that journey. Joe Gioeli is Deputy Commissioner of Transformation and Modernization at BFS. At the Emerging Tech and Innovation Conference, he tells me that journey began with what the agency calls a Future Readiness Assessment.ACT-IAC Health Innovation SummitInnovation in Government from Sea Air Space

A new artificial intelligence tech sprint is under way at the Department of Veterans Affairs. 152 teams are competing in the sprint, on two tracks. Donna Hill, Deputy Director of Operations at the National Artificial Intelligence Institute at the VA and manager of the AI Tech Sprint, tells you how the sprint works, and what the agency is looking for.The Defense Department is working with five international partners to co-fund research and development projects. That work is happening in the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate. On the newest Fed Gov Today TV from SOF Week in Tampa, Roger Newberry, Director of the Directorate, tells me how those relationships work.Two of the F-35 program’s key metrics are how much the planes cost, and much the services can use them. According to new data from the Government Accountability Office, both those metrics are trending in the wrong direction. At agency headquarters recently, Diana Maurer, Director of Defense Capabilities and Management at GAO, tells me what she and her team found when they looked at both markers.ACT-IAC Emerging Technology & Innovation ConferenceInnovation in Government from Sea Air Space

Some records are falling in your Thrift Savings Plan. More federal employees are bringing money into the TSP than ever, and the Plan is breaking other records too. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, tells you about some of the other records the TSP is breaking, and why the Board thinks those records are falling.Federal agencies have new guidance from the Office of Personnel Management on using generative artificial intelligence responsibly. The guidance includes nine general recommendations for employees and use-case examples with specific recommendations. On the latest edition of Fed Gov Today TV, Rob Shriver, Acting Director of OPM, explains how the agency hopes agencies will use the guidance.The Comptroller General of the United States is celebrating his 51st year in the Federal government. Gene Dodaro started at the Government Accountability Office in 1973 and became the Comptroller General in December of 2010. At GAO headquarters in Washington recently, I asked him what’s changed, and what’s stayed the same, since he started at the agency and since he took over as Comptroller General.Innovation in Government from Sea Air Space

This show is sponsored by EY.The federal government is beginning month eight of work on the White House’s plan for “Delivering a Digital First Public Experience.” That work, and work tech leaders from other countries are doing around the world, was the focus of an event in Washington recently called Government DX. Dozens of US federal government leaders joined their peers from around the world, on stage and off, to learn how to solve digital transformation challenges from each other. Clare Martorana, the Federal Chief Information Officer, and Harry Coker, the National Cyber Director, were on stage together at Government DX. They joined me exclusively after their session, and I asked Clare to tell a story about digital government that she had just told on stage.Government DX featured leaders from around the world talking about how they’re taking on some of the same problems US federal leaders are attacking. One of those is artificial intelligence. Amy Jones is US Public Sector AI Market lead for EY. At Government DX, I asked her if government is getting better, worse, or neither at connecting its data to AI.

The Department of Energy says it’s planning for technology that might not exist for ten years or more. Given the leaps in tech in the past ten years, leaders say that planning requires great flexibility. Brian Epley is Deputy Chief Information Officer at the Energy Department. At the ACT-IAC Climate Change Summit recently, he tells me about the partnerships he wants to help maximize that flexibility.Agency Priority Goals in the President’s Management Agenda include several goals that cut across multiple agencies. Former government leaders say agencies still struggle with cross-agency collaboration. Mark Osler is senior advisor for Coastal Inundation and Resilience at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He tells me what he’s seen that works, and doesn’t work, between agencies.

The federal government is missing a “prime opportunity” to cut the size and cost of its real estate footprint, according to the Public Buildings Reform Board. The board finds the government is missing modernization opportunities too. Dan Mathews, a member of the Public Buildings Reform Board and former commissioner of the Public Buildings Service at the General Services Administration, details what the board thinks that opportunity is, and how to capture it.The Military Health System is reimagining how it provides care to its customers. Its digital transformation is just one part of that makeover. Naomi Escoffrey is Chief Accelerator Officer and Innovation Program Manager at the Defense Health Agency. On the newest episode of Innovation in Government from HIMSS, she tells me other military health leaders around the world face some of the same challenges DHA does.Federal government leaders have a unique opportunity to learn from IT leaders from around the world, in person, this week. GovernmentDX is coming to the Reagan Building downtown on Thursday and Friday. Kevin Sorkin is Chief Executive Officer of Pendragon International Media, and Siobhan Bonita is moderator of the Global Government Forum. Kevin and Siobhan are hosting GovernmentDX. They tell me why federal government leaders, especially leaders outside the IT specialties, should come.

Today, a special program. Monday I hosted the Chiefs Panel, the opening event of the Sea Air Space conference. My thanks to the Navy League of the United States, the hosts of Sea Air Space, for inviting me to moderate the Chiefs Panel. You’ll hear that event on the program today, with the Chief of Naval Operations… Admiral Lisa Franchetti; the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Christopher Mahoney; the Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Linda Fagan; and the Administrator of the Maritime Administration, Rear Admiral Ann Phillips (USN ret.)The first question I asked went to CNO Franchetti, about the new fiscal year 2025 budget request, and how it supports her recent strategy document, “America’s Warfighting Navy."Navy League YouTube channel

The President’s Management Agenda doesn’t include an explicit mention of shared services. But one leader says there are plenty of references that imply agencies should use shared services. Chad Clifford is Executive Director of the Grants Quality Service Management Office at the Department of Health and Human Services. At ACT-IAC’s Shared Services Summit at the Carahsoft Conference Center in Reston recently, he tells me why he thinks that is.Eight hubs around the country will be the building blocks of a “Microelectronics Commons.” Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks calls the Commons an effort to bridge what some observers call the “valley of death” between research-and-development and production. Dr. Dev Shenoy is Principal Director for Microelectronics and Director of the Defense Microelectronics Cross-Functional Team in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. On the new Fed Gov Today TV, he tells me what the Commons is, and what DoD wants to accomplish with it.Your biometric markers could be the path to access your retirement information. The Thrift Savings Plan is introducing biometric elements to its identity verification. Kim Weaver is Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. She tells me how it will work for participants, and what the TSP will have to do to make it work.Zero Trust In Depth special showACT-IAC Climate Change Summit infoThe Navy League’s Sea Air Space

Accenture Federal Services sponsors this edition of the Fed Gov Today podcast.The Defense Department says its Cyber Workforce Framework will be a key tool in developing the team that will implement the department’s cyber strategy. That framework comes out of a directive called 8140.01. Matthew Isnor is Program Lead for Cyberspace Workforce Development in the office of the Chief Information Officer at the Department of Defense. At West 2024 recently, he says the goal is to make the Defense Department an employer of choice, and he tells me how the department will do it.Human centered design is one of the key principles of the customer experience pillar of the President’s Management Agenda. A new principle, though, might take that concept one step further. Michael Gavin is Managing Director, and Lauren Oliver is Principal Director, for the experience practice at Accenture Federal Services. Together they explain how the concept of “human by design” works.The Defense Innovation Unit calls its next iteration “DIU 3.0.” That new iteration has eight lines of effort, according to DIU leadership. Capt. Alex Campbell (US Navy) is director of the maritime portfolio at DIU. At West 2024 recently, I ask him where DIU has come from, and what’s behind DIU 3.0.

The Navy League sponsors this edition of the Fed Gov Today podcast.The Office of Naval Intelligence is delivering three new cloud-based capabilities that it says will “revolutionize the delivery of critical ONI intelligence, data and development tools to the fleet.” Zeke Maldonado is Chief Information Officer and Director of Technology and Innovation at the Office of Naval Intelligence. At West 2024 recently, I ask him what the duties are that come with his extra title, and his role in delivering new capabilities.The Chief of Naval Operations, ADM Lisa Franchetti, lists warfighting, warfighters, and foundation as her three priorities in a document she calls “America’s Warfighting Navy.” She talked about each of those recently on Fed Gov Today TV. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens (USN ret.) is the Chief Executive Officer of the Navy League of the United States. He’s the 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. I ask him what message the fleet should take from having warfighters listed as one of CNO’s highest priorities.Sea Air Space detailsThe Navy’s Carrier Strike Group 12 is in its home port of Naval Station Norfolk now, after it returned from a deployment in January. During that deployment, the strike group welcomed a new Information Warfare Commander. Capt. Christi Montgomery (USN) moved to that job last summer from her post as Commander of the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center. At West 2024 in San Diego recently… she tells me about her new areas of responsibility.Fed Gov Today Zero Trust In Depth webinar detailsACT-IAC Shared Services Summit details

The Transportation Security Administration is testing touchless ID at several airports across the country. The goal is to make clearing security easier and faster for travelers. Kristin Ruiz is Deputy Chief Information Officer at TSA. At the ACT-IAC Digital Transformation Summit recently, she tells me why the project is a good example of TSA’s approach to digital transformation.The Office of Personnel Management says its Workforce of the Future initiative “lays the foundation for the Federal government to be recognized as a model employer.” The newest element of that initiative is the Workforce of the Future Playbook. Kim Holden is Principal Deputy Associate Director for Workforce Policy and Innovation at OPM. On the newest edition of Fed Gov Today TV, I ask her why OPM chose the playbook format.The Agriculture Department is launching its first Digital Service Fellows program. The department says the program will “operate on a tour-of-service model where fellows are appointed for a two-year minimum term on a full-time basis, with the potential option to serve a total of four years.” Fatima Terry is Acting Executive Director and Deputy Director of Digital Services at the Department of Agriculture. At the ACT-IAC Digital Transformation Summit recently, she told me how the program will work.BAH DE24 detailsFed Gov Today Zero Trust In Depth webinar detailsACT-IAC Shared Services Summit details

Agency leaders tell me the digital transformation efforts they’re undertaking are focused on mission and not just better technology. One mission outcome that’s becoming - or already is - important to agencies is customer experience. Beth Martin is a digital services expert at the Office of Personnel Management. At the ACT-IAC Digital Transformation Summit recently, she tells me how OPM is merging customer experience and digital transformation, both tactically and strategically.The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric Smith, has a three-pronged priority strategy for his service. The Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Information, Lt. Gen. Matthew Glavy, says each of the three priorities intersects with his areas of responsibility. At West 2024 in San Diego recently, he tells me how.The Thrift Savings Plan lists twelve risks on the latest edition of its Enterprise Risk Management framework. The Thrift Board has plotted those dozen risks on an Enterprise Risk Profile Dashboard. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, explains how the TSP analyzes and chooses risks to track, and what the data on the dashboard mean.BAH DE24 detailsFed Gov Today Zero Trust In Depth webinar detailsACT-IAC Shared Services Summit details

The Air Force Research Lab digital transformation strategy has four key components: faster research, streamlined transitions, better decisions, and low-friction business and operations. The leader of that transformation at AFRL says she sees five deadly sins for digital transformation. Alexis Bonnell is CIO and Director of the Digital Capabilities Directorate at AFRL. At the ACT IAC Digital Transformation Summit recently, she tells me what those five deadly sins are.The Department of Homeland Security will bring more than 50 artificial intelligence experts into its new AI Corps this year. DHS says it will model the corps after the US Digital Service. On the newest Fed Gov Today TV, DHS CIO Eric Hysen tells me how the Corps will work, and his goals for it.The Labor Department is working with the General Services Administration and the US Postal Service on a new digital system that will give citizens options to verify their identification when they apply for unemployment benefits. It’s one example of the digital efforts the department is making. Akanksha Sharma is Director of Digital Transformation at the Department of Labor. At the ACT-IAC Digital Transformation Summit recently, she tells me there are some important ingredients for digital transformation.AFCEA TechNet Emergence detailsFed Gov Today Zero Trust In Depth webinar detailsACT-IAC Shared Services Summit details

“Government Can Deliver” is a rallying cry of technologists and program leaders all across government. It’s also the title of the new book from the former Chief Information Officer at the IRS and DHS, Richard Spires. My thanks to Richard for the invitation to MC a book signing event at the headquarters of the Partnership For Public Service yesterday. At that event, I ask Richard what prompted him to put the book together and what he wants people to learn from it.The new Chief of Naval Operations lists three items on her agenda of priorities. Admiral Lisa Franchetti calls that agenda “America’s Warfighting Navy”. On Fed Gov Today TV from West 2024 in San Diego last week, she tells me her goal for the document.The Chief Information Officer of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Doug Cossa, has five priorities for 2024. He told you about them on Fed Gov Today TV; you can watch that conversation on demand at FedGovToday.com. Tops on his list is modernizing the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System. EP Mathew, Deputy CIO at DIA, tells me his role in modernizing JWICS, and the other four priorities of the DIA OCIO.AFCEA TechNet Emergence details

The General Services Administration is rolling out several artificial intelligence projects to make the jobs of its contracting officers easier. Several of those projects revolve around automating tasks. Jeff Koses is Senior Procurement Executive at GSA. At ACT IAC’s AI Procurement Forum at Carahsoft headquarters in Reston, he says his agency has a lot going on in the acquisition AI space.The kinds of AI acquisition projects Jeff talked about are happening all over government. The Office of Federal Procurement Policy keeps tabs on all of those programs. Joanie Newhart is Associate Administrator of Acquisition Workforce Programs OFPP, at the Office of Management and Budget. At ACT IAC’s AI Procurement Forum at Carahsoft headquarters in Reston, she says OFPP is the connective tissue for agencies across government.AFCEA TechNet Emergence detailsRichard Spires book event registration

The artificial intelligence executive order the White House released in October calls for agencies to “improve A-I procurement.” Agencies may soon actually start to use AI to do that. Polly Hall is Senior Advisor to the Chief Procurement Officer at the Department of Homeland Security. At ACT IAC’s AI Procurement Forum recently at Carahsoft headquarters in Reston, she says the use cases for AI in acquisition are exploding.The questions at hand for AI in acquisition include both sides of the procurement coin. One side is how agencies will buy AI technology; the other is how agencies will add AI to their acquisition processes to buy everything. Karla Smith Jackson is Senior Procurement Executive, Deputy Chief Acquisition Officer, and Assistant Administrator for Procurement at NASA. At ACT IAC’s AI Procurement Forum recently at Carahsoft headquarters in Reston, she tells me what’s ahead for AI in acquisition at her agency.AFCEA TechNet Emergence detailsRichard Spires book event registration

The Department of Veterans Affairs lists three items among its highlights for 2023. The Chief Technology Officer, Charles Worthington, and CIO Kurt DelBene named VA’s Health and Benefits mobile app; improvements to VA.gov; and expanding the online Veterans Legacy Memorial program as those three items on the latest episode of the Office of Information and Technology’s monthly LinkedIn Live series, #TalkingTech. After the episode finished, I asked them both about several of the projects they talked about on the show.

The newest “Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence Adoption Strategy” from the Chief Digital and AI office at the Pentagon focuses on the convergence of those three elements. Experts believe the impact on warfighting will be profound. Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan (USAF ret.) is former director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center. He’s writing about AI and geopolitics, and we discuss what he sees now, and in the future.CIOs across government are tracking a lot of different initiatives and priorities: zero trust, AI governance, cloud migration, digital modernization, and more. Energy CIO Ann Dunkin recently called those items the “ever expanding agenda.” On the latest Fed Gov Today TV, I ask her what she means by that.The fifth edition of the President’s Cup Cyber Competition is under way at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Michael Harpin is Competitions Section Chief at the Cyber Defense Education and Training Branch at CISA. He tells me who’s eligible, how they can practice, how they can participate, and what’s in it for CISA - and the contestants.ACT-IAC event: Making AI Work For Us

The Air Force will apply data to determine readiness of pilots. That’s one of a number of areas the Air Force will apply data… to measure its success. Colt Whittall is Founder and CEO of BRAVO17, and former Chief Experience Officer of the Air Force. He linked to an article on LinkedIn titled “Readiness Redefined But Not Measured” where the author, Matthew Ross, writes about the pilot readiness data. I ask Colt what resonated with him in that article, and how organizations in government can measure for success in various situations.The State Department is moving its top-secret network to the cloud. That move is happening in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research at State. Jimmy Hall, Jr. is the Chief Information Officer for the Bureau. At DODIIS 2023, he tells me about the mission of the Bureau, and how the cloud move will work.“Innovation In Government: DODIIS” TV show details

A new National Defense Industrial Strategy is coming from the Pentagon any day now. The model to operationalize that strategy already exists in the MRAP story, according to Jerry McGinn. He’s Executive Director of the Baroni Center for Government Contracting at George Mason University, and former Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manufacturing and Industrial Base. He’s writing about it in Breaking Defense, and tells you why the MRAP story is worth watching.The Chief Information Officer of the Defense Department, John Sherman, is launching a new user experience initiative across the department. It’s part of the response to the “Fix Our Computers” complaints from DOD employees. At DODIIS 2023, I asked John Sherman how the initiative will work, and what he wants to accomplish.A new Cyber Workforce Development Institute is coming from the Office of the National Cyber Director. The White House says ONCD is working with agencies to prepare them for what’s coming. Jordan Burris is Vice President for Public Sector Strategy at Socure, and former Chief of Staff in the Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer. I ask him what he sees ahead for building the federal cyber workforce.“Innovation In Government: DODIIS” TV show details

Some of the numbers for your TSP will change in 2024, and some will stay the same. And, the TSP is digging into a social science. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, tells you what’s changing, and how the TSP is trying to get its message across better with social science.Civilian agencies in the federal government have thousands of use cases for artificial intelligence. Those use cases are starting to yield results for those agencies. Kevin Walsh, Director of the Information Technology and Cybersecurity Team at the Government Accountability Office, details what his team found when they inventoried those use cases.“Innovation In Government: DODIIS” TV show details

Federal agencies have a roadmap now for delivering digital-first experiences to the customers they serve. The guidance the Office of Management and Budget calls “Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience” can be a roadmap for the vendor community too, according to Clare Martorana, the Chief Information Officer of the United States. On Fed Gov Today TV recently, I asked her what she meant by that.You heard Clare reference the roll-out of the digital-first guidance, and her presentation about it at ACT-IAC’s Executive Leadership Conference 2023 in our TV conversation. Today’s podcast includes some highlights of that presentation, starting with her view of the relationship between government and industry. Right after her presentation at ELC, I joined her on stage for a fireside chat about the digital first guidance.

This podcast is sponsored by SAP Concur.The Chief Information Officer of the Navy, Jane Rathbun, says her service’s enterprise work platform, Flank Speed, will be the foundation of the Navy’s zero trust effort. The Navy stood up Flank Speed when the pandemic forced almost the entire service into remote work. Darren Turner, chief technologist for the Department of Navy Chief Technology Office, tells you how the Navy stood up Flank Speed, and where the program will go in the future.Enterprise platforms like Flank Speed are just one type of transformation agencies are undertaking now. Almost every agency has a legacy system of some kind that’s ripe for modernization. Marques Tibbs-Brewer, Vice President of Federal Government Operations for SAP Concur, reveals three important aspects of transformation that aren’t technological.The Department of Veterans Affairs is ready for the next phase of its transition to a new financial management system. That system features nine functions across the entire agency. Terry Riffel, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Financial Management Business Transformation, at the Financial Management Business Transformation Service at the Department of Veterans Affairs, explains why customization is out of the question in the FMBT modernization process.

A change may be coming to your Thrift Savings Plan account. The TSP will use a new benchmark for the International Fund. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, explains what the change means for participants, and what differences, if any, you’ll see in your account.A theoretical shift is under way at the Patent and Trademark Office. That shift is turning into real-life examples now. On the newest edition of Fed Gov Today TV, Jamie Holcombe, the Chief Information Officer at the Patent and Trademark Office, explains the concept behind the shift from projects to products.Emergency managers across the federal government have a new opportunity to learn from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and from each other. FEMA’s taking entries for its Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship. Deanne Criswell, the Administrator of FEMA, details the program, and what she wants federal leaders from all agencies to get out of it.AFCEA DC Winter Gala info

The new Chief Information Officer at the Interior Department is the old CIO at the Farm Service Agency at the Agriculture Department. Darren Ash moved from USDA to Interior a little more than a year ago. He worked closely at USDA with that agency’s CIO, Gary Washington. At AFCEA Bethesda’s Energy, Infrastructure, and Environment Summit recently, I hosted a discussion with Darren and Gary. To begin the discussion, I asked Darren how his current agency and his former agency work together.

The General Services Administration is pioneering human centered design in a number of areas. One of those areas in acquisition. Mike Shepherd is Director of the Catalog Management Office at GSA. At ELC 2023, I ask him about the state of the art in human-centered design in contracting.More than half of agencies have moved off legacy telecom contracts, onto the Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions contract. Agencies have a May 2024 deadline now to move to EIS or request an extension. Laura Stanton is Assistant Commissioner for the Office of the Information Technology Category at the Federal Acquisition Service at GSA. Her office is leading the EIS work for the agency. At ELC 2023, she says she has four priorities right now.The customer experience pillar of the President’s Management Agenda is driving a lot of activity in areas of CX that agencies haven’t thought about before. Beth Martin is a digital services expert at the Office of Personnel Management. After her panel discussion at ELC 2023, I asked her what misunderstandings she’s seen about CX efforts.

A reorg is complete inside the Federal Acquisition Service at the General Services Administration. The Commissioner of FAS, Sonny Hashmi, told you about it on the Nov. 1st Fed Gov Today podcast (if you missed it, you can listen on demand at FedGovToday.com). At ELC 2023, Laurie MacNamara, Chief Customer Officer at TTS within FAS, says the position TTS has, and she has within it, are unique.Agile development has taken over as the development method of choice for IT management projects in government. But the techniques of agile… aren’t limited to tech. At ELC 2023, Arianne Gallgher-Welcher, Executive Director for the Department of Agriculture Digital Service, says her team is applying agile concepts to change management too.The Federal CIO, Clare Martorana, says the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management are partnering to stock federal agencies with the people they need. At ELC 2023, I asked the Director of OPM, Kiran Ahuja, about OPM’s role in that partnership.

This Special Fed Gov Today podcast is sponsored by Verizon.The Labor Department’s customer experience efforts include its response to a major piece of legislation. The American Rescue Plan Act features several services the Labor Department provides. Lesley Sheffield, Senior IT Project Manager for ARPA Unemployment Insurance Modernization at Labor, details the path that Labor has taken to modernize the UI process, and the road ahead.The Internal Revenue Service has added more than 5,000 customer service representatives since the Inflation Reduction Act passed. Agencies like the IRS say they are looking at tools to make their CX efforts more efficient, in addition to more people power. Stephen Sopko, Managing Client Partner at Verizon, covers some of those tools, and how to apply them effectively.The Department of Homeland Security’s formal customer experience operation is still relatively new. The agency’s CIO, Eric Hysen, stood up the office officially in September. At ELC 2023, Dana Chisnell, Executive Director of Customer Experience at DHS, tells me leaders at her agency have made big commitments to CX.

The beginning of December will mark the one-year anniversary of Ann Lewis’s tenure as Deputy Commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service at the General Services Administration, and Director of GSA’s Technology Transformation Services. She followed Dave Zvenyach as TTS’s head; he left in August 2022. At ELC 2023, I ask Ann about her vision for TTS.The acquisition arm of the General Services Administration is doing a technology transformation like a lot of parts of the Federal government. Charlotte Phelan is Assistant Commissioner for Strategy and Innovation in the Federal Acquisition Service at the General Services Administration. She’s leading that transformation effort at FAS. At ELC 2023, I ask her how much of the transformation is similar to other organizations in government, and how much is unique to acquisition.The job of Chief Information Officer for the Office of the Secretary of Defense is a relatively new one inside the Pentagon. Danielle Metz took that job a little more than a year ago, and on the main stage at last year’s ELC, she told me about some of her objectives. At ELC 2023, she tells me what her office has accomplished in the past year.Appian Government event, November 29, 2023

The Air Force Research Laboratory has a new Chief Information Officer. Alexis Bonnell has served in government before, including as Chief Innovation Officer at the US Agency for International Development. At ELC 2023, I ask her about her priority list in her new job.The President’s Management Agenda includes a pillar on rebuilding the federal workforce. One element of that is a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Isaac Hernandez is Senior Risk Advisor at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. He spoke on a panel at ELC 2023 on “DEIA and the Employee Experience.” At the conference, I ask him what message he wants people to take away from that panel.The new artificial intelligence Executive Order and the new draft guidance on updating FedRAMP are two of the newest items that will impact the Federal Acquisition Service at the General Services Administration. The Commissioner of FAS, Sonny Hashmi, spoke about those items and many others on the main stage at ELC 2023. After his remarks on stage, I asked him what his main message was.ServiceNow “Modern Logistics & Maintenance” event, Nov 8th, 2023Appian Government event, November 29, 2023

The Navy is on the hunt for a new Principal Cyber Advisor. Chris Cleary’s tenure as PCA expires after three years. CDR Juliana Vida (USN), former Deputy Chief Information Officer of the Navy, details what makes a good PCA, and what makes a good relationship among the PCA, CIO, and CISO in a department.Chris Cleary on Fed Gov Today TVLeaders at the Office of Personnel Management say they’ll use data to drive decision making about the federal workforce. OPM’s working to give agencies data and tools to make workforce decisions, too. On the newest edition of Fed Gov Today TV, Robert Shea, Chief Executive Officer of GovNavigators, former Associate Director at the Office of Management and Budget, and former Commissioner on the Commission on Evidence-based Policymaking, explains why he thinks OPM is on a transformation journey.The Thrift Savings Plan is rolling out a new feature at TSP.gov. It’ll help you track loans from your account more easily. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, explains how the tracker works, and other features the TSP will debut in the future.ServiceNow “Modern Logistics & Maintenance” event, October 25, 2023Appian Government event, November 29, 2023

10/24/23: A 3-pronged approach to solving cyber at sea; financial managers get a new tool in the toolboxThe Navy is celebrating a cyber anniversary. The service’s Cyberspace Superiority Vision document turns one year old this month. Chris Cleary is the Principal Cyber Advisor of the Navy. On the newest Fed Gov Today TV, he says the Vision has gotten a lot of uptake in the department over the past year.Financial management practitioners all across the government are finding new ways to use AI to drive mission and to manage agency budgets better. One FM leader says AI is a change management issue, not a technology issue. Vinay Singh is the Chief Financial Officer at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Joe Baptiste is Senior Manager for Technology Consulting at EY. They both were guests on the new Fed Gov Today special show “AI In Depth”. In this highlight of that show, Vinay explains why he believes A-I is a change management issue.ServiceNow “Modern Logistics & Maintenance” event, October 25, 2023Appian Government event, November 29, 2023

Federal CIO Clare Martorana says AI will be an important part of the federal government’s Customer experience efforts. One of the agencies using AI to improve the experience of the people it serves is the Department of Veterans Affairs. Gil Alterovitz is Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at the VA. Joe Boye is System Engineer for Palo Alto Networks. They both were guests on the new Fed Gov Today TV special, “AI In Depth”. In this highlight of that show, I ask them about success in serving agency customers, whether internal or external, with AI.A new task force is working on the generative AI challenge inside the Defense Department. Task Force Lima is part of the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Office at the Pentagon. Lt. Col. Pedro Ortiz of Task Force Lima tells me about the mission of the task force, and his role in that mission.ServiceNow “Modern Logistics & Maintenance” event, October 25, 2023Appian Government event, November 29, 2023

Agencies across government are looking at use cases for artificial intelligence projects. Leaders say they’re trying to avoid forcing technology onto their challenges. Use cases for AI is only one of several topics you can learn about on the new Fed Gov Today special show “AI In Depth.” This highlight of that show features Dimitri Kusnezov, Under Secretary for Science and Technology at the Department of Homeland Security, and Dominic Delmolino, Vice President for Worldwide Public Sector Technology & Innovation at AWS.The Defense Department’s artificial intelligence efforts are coalescing around the DoD Data Strategy. Every part of the department is executing on that data strategy. Dan Folliard is the Chief Digital and AI Officer at U.S. Special Operations Command. In part two of this conversation, I ask him how much of the structure he’s building parallels the CDAO office at the Pentagon. Part one of this conversation is here.ServiceNow “Modern Logistics & Maintenance” event, October 25, 2023Appian Government event, November 29, 2023

Three agencies have As on the new FITARA scorecard. And eight agencies have better grades on this scorecard than they did on the last one. David Powner, Executive Director of the Center for Data-Driven Policy at MITRE and former Director of IT Issues at the Government Accountability Office, reviews the new grades and changes to the scorecard; compares those changes to the ones an ACT-IAC all-star team (including Dave) has proposed; and what he thinks should come next for the scorecard.Four components make up an “artificial intelligence accountability framework” from the Government Accountability Office. Those four components include data; governance; performance; and monitoring. Taka Ariga, Chief Data Scientist and Director of the Innovation Lab at GAO, tells you how his team identified those components, and how end users should use the framework.The Defense Department’s artificial intelligence efforts are coalescing around the DoD Data Strategy. Every part of the department is executing on that data strategy. Dan Folliard, Chief Digital and AI Officer at U.S. Special Operations Command, details what he’s doing at SOCOM, and how he’s doing it; and how SOCOM is a microcosm of the broader Department of Defense.ServiceNow “Modern Logistics & Maintenance” event, October 25, 2023Appian Government event, November 29, 2023

The continuing resolution Congress passed, and President Biden signed, puts the next shutdown deadline just before Thanksgiving. The current CR runs out November 17th. Margaret Weichert, former Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget, and Gordon Bitko, Executive Vice President for Public Sector at the Information Technology Industry Council and former Chief Information Officer at the FBI, discuss what federal government leaders should do between now and November 17th in case they’re in this spot again.The tax return backlog at the Internal Revenue Service cost more than $3 billion in interest taxpayers got because their refunds were late. That payment is just one consequence of the IRS’s transition to digital records. Bryce Kisler, Assistant Inspector General for Audit in the Office of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, explains what those roadblocks are, and how the agency can fix them.ServiceNow “Modern Logistics & Maintenance” event, October 25, 2023Appian Government event, November 29, 2023

This edition of Fed Gov Today is sponsored by Leidos. Today, the second episode of conversations from the Department of Veterans Affairs National Artificial Intelligence Institute’s International Summit for AI in Health Care, September 6-8 in Washington. First episode from TuesdayThe VA says it’s working toward a concept of trustworthy AI throughout its health care system. At the VA AI Summit, Dr. Michael Kim, Chief of Staff of the NAII, tells me it’s important that both health providers and patients trust the AI applications those providers use.VA leaders at the Summit, and through this interview series, have used the term “trustworthy AI” to describe what they’re seeking, and what they want their end users and patients to understand about the technology. VA is also exploring the digital twins concept that A-I will enable. Narasa Susarla, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Lead, and Chief Architect and Chief Engineer of the Health Group, at Leidos, explains the intersection between trustworthy AI and digital twins, and how digital twins will help you do your job better.Experts in health care, and across the technology spectrum, say generative AI has huge potential. They also talk about the risks that it may bring. At the VA AI Summit, Dr. Shareef Elnahal, Undersecretary for Health at the VA, tells me he believes avoiding generative A-I solutions would be a huge mistake.Photo: sign from the National Artificial Intelligence Institute’s International Summit for AI in Health Care (Fed Gov Today)

This edition of Fed Gov Today is sponsored by Leidos.Today and Thursday, conversations from the Department of Veterans Affairs National Artificial Intelligence Institute’s International Summit for AI in Health Care, September 6-8 in Washington.The VA is optimistic about moving AI solutions from prototype and testing to deployment. Part of that transition is engaging end users in that deployment. Evan Carey is Deputy Director for AI Networks at the National Artificial Intelligence Institute. At the VA AI Summit, he tells me moving from testing to implementation isn’t a new challenge.One theme throughout the sessions at the VA AI Summit is the potential to address burnout among healthcare providers. You’ll hear more about that issue on today’s show, and Thursday’s podcast too. Ning Yu, Chief Natural Language Processing Research Scientist at Leidos, explains how AI can help with burnout and a number of other challenges health care providers and systems face.Making health care provision more efficient, more equitable, and more accessible are three goals the VA has for using AI in its healthcare system. Dr. Andrew Borkowski is Founding Chief of the Artificial Intelligence Service at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa, FL; and Facility Lead for the NAII. At the VA A-I Summit, he tells me how AI can help the VA achieve those goals.

A 10-year roadmap for agency digitization is out from the Office of Management and Budget. The guidance is called “Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience.” Suzette Kent, CEO of Kent Advisory Services and former Federal Chief Information Officer, explains what’s in it, and what it means for agencies and the government as a whole.“Data as a strategic asset” is not a new term in the federal government. But the kinds of data agencies are tracking, collating, and using to make decisions is growing - fast. Dorothy Aronson, Chief Information Officer and Chief Data Officer at the National Science Foundation, describes how the nature of data management is changing at NSF, and how her technology infrastructure and workforce are changing with it.The Thrift Savings Plan has set a new record. More people are bringing their money into the TSP than ever before. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, tells you how that happened, and why. She also explains the impact of the potential shutdown on TSP participants, and how to learn more about the shutdown’s impact on the TSP.

A government shutdown wouldn’t just stop work for the two point one million federal employees of the government. It would stop work on almost all the contracts that almost all the contractors that work for the government work on. Soraya Correa, Executive Director of the Contract Management Institute at the National Contract Management Association, and former Chief Procurement Officer at the Department of Homeland Security, tells you what has to happen if a shutdown impacts government acquisition. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency will drive toward five strategic objectives. Those objectives (enhance operational readiness; attract and develop your workforce; build resiliency by strengthening partnerships; strengthen stewardship of GEOINT resources; accelerate technology acquisition and integration) will push the agency to what its Director, Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth, calls “a new mission and end state.” VADM Whitworth tells you what’s coming to meet each of those five objectives.New updates to the President’s Management Agenda include bringing more customer experience professionals into government, faster. OMB’s Loren Dejonge Schulman told you about them on Fed Gov Today TV recently. Chris Mihm, Adjunct Professor of Public Administration at the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and former Managing Director for Strategic Issues at the Government Accountability Office, explains what’s new - and what’s missing - in the updates to the PMA.

Early fiscal year 2024 is the target date for a reorganization at the General Services Administration. GSA will restructure the Federal Acquisition Service. Alan Thomas, Chief Solutions Officer at Leadership Connect and former Commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service at GSA, tells you how the reorg will work, and what it will mean for GSA and its employees; GSA customers; and industry. He also details new bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Technology Modernization Fund.150 contracting officers around the world will get extra training in supply chain risk management. That extra training will focus on the cyber supply chain. Michael Derrios, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition and Senior Procurement Executive at the State Department, tells you what those COs will learn, and how it will help them do their jobs better - and make the State Department more secure.A new initiative from the Defense Department will try to counter China with large quantities of autonomous systems. Breaking Defense reports Deputy Secretary of Defense Katherine Hicks says the Replicator project will “leverage platforms that are small, smart, cheap, and many.” Deborah Lee James, Chair of the Defense Business Board and 23rd Secretary of the Air Force, explains how services can lean in quickly on Replicator, without replicating work they’ve already done.

A new initiative from the Defense Department will try to counter China with large quantities of autonomous systems. Breaking Defense reports Deputy Secretary of Defense Kath Hicks says the Replicator project will “leverage platforms that are small, smart, cheap, and many.” Dov Zakheim, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and former Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), writes about Replicator at themessenger.com. He tells you what would make Replicator work, and what could hold it back.Federal agencies are getting some help in hiring customer experience personnel. It’s part of the latest update to the President’s Management Agenda from the Office of Management and Budget. Lauren DeJonge Schulman, Associate Director for Performance and Personnel Management at OMB, details the new options, and new milestones, in the PMA.The Homeland Security Department is 450,000 square feet smaller now in the National Capital Region than it was at the beginning of the fiscal year. That number came from Randolph Alles, Deputy Under Secretary for Management and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary for Management at the Department of Homeland Security, at a House Oversight & Accountability subcommittee hearing last week. Dan Mathews, President of Mathews Associates and former commissioner of the Public Buildings Service at the General Services Administration, explains what agencies can do about their footprints, and how to think strategically - and long-term - about the federal real estate portfolio.

The Merchant Marine service is dealing with some of the same people problems the rest of government is dealing with. RADM Ann Phillips (USN ret.) is Administrator of the Maritime Administration at the Transportation Department. On the latest edition of Fed Gov Today TV, she explains why the people problem is her biggest issue right now.Several federal agencies are increasing the number of days each pay period employees have to come into the office. The White House is asking agencies to “aggressively execute” back-to-office strategies this fall. President Biden’s Chief of Staff, former Deputy Director for Management at OMB Jeffrey Zients calls in-person work “critical to the well-being of our teams.” The House Oversight and Accountability Government Operations and the Federal Workforce subcommittee called four agency leaders to testify today about their telework posture. The four leaders are Karen Marrongelle, Chief Operating Officer of the National Science Foundation; Robert Gibbs, Associate Administrator for the Mission Support Directorate at NASA; Dan Dorman, the Executive Director for Operation at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and Randolph Alles, Deputy Under Secretary for Management and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary for Management at the Department of Homeland Security. In these highlights of the hearing from today, you’ll hear questions for the witnesses from Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) and Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA).

The Department of Veterans Affairs is the recipient of one of the most recent Technology Modernization Fund awards. The TMF Board says the $7.4 million award “aims to help the VA tackle the digitization of forms at scale.” Maria Roat, Founder and CEO of MA Roat Consulting and former Deputy Chief Information Officer of the United States, details the potential pitfalls of digital modernization projects, and how to avoid them.The Internal Revenue Service will soon have more than 90,000 employees for the first time in more than ten years. The Commissioner of the IRS, Danny Werfel says the agency is looking for data scientists, accounting pros, and many more skill sets. On the newest edition of Fed Gov Today TV, I ask the new Chief Human Capital Officer at the IRS, Traci DiMartini, who she’s looking for.The National Background Investigation Services system is on the way to replacing the legacy system the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency uses for security clearances. But the original operational goal of 2019 is now 2024 for full capability. Alissa Czyz, Director of Defense Capabilities and Management at the Government Accountability Office, explains how the program slid, and how to get it back on track.

The Federal Government is getting better at moving money from one agency to another. But it still has work to do in a number of money management areas. Dawn Simpson, Director of Financial Management and Assurance at the Government Accountability Office, explains what those issues are, and how to fix them.Customs and Border Protection has a 70% goal to hit by the end of this month. That’s the percentage of its applications it has targeted to be in the cloud by the end of fiscal 2023. On the newest edition of Fed Gov Today TV, Sonny Bhagowalia, Chief Information Officer at CBP, tells me about the progress he’s making toward that goal.More than 160 medical centers and clinics in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system are using virtual and augmented reality to treat a wide range of conditions. The treatments are helping veterans with both physical and mental health challenges. Anne Lord Bailey is Director of Clinical Tech Innovation and Immersive Technology Lead, and Caitlin Rawlins is Deputy Director for Clinical Tech Innovation and Extended Reality Network Lead, at the Veterans Health Administration at VA. They and their team are finalists for a Service To America Medal in the Science, Technology, and Environment category. They tell me how they discovered these solutions, how they work, and what’s ahead for virtual and augmented reality in health care.Photo: VA Headquarters in Washington, DC (courtesy Government Accountability Office)

The Commerce Department is counting down to a big cloud move at the end of this month. On the latest edition of the Fed Gov Today TV show, the Chief Information Officer at Commerce, Andre Mendes, tells you what’s coming October 1st.The Chief Information Officer at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is making a culture shift. Robert Costello told me about it in a one-on-one conversation on stage at Carahsoft’s GovForward: FedRAMP Headliner Summit, produced by GovExec, August 23rd. This conversation was the last item on the program, and I started with a retrospective of the day’s discussions.

The White House is asking agencies to “aggressively execute” back-to-office strategies this fall. President Biden’s Chief of Staff, former Deputy Director for Management at OMB Jeffrey Zients calls in-person work “critical to the well-being of our teams.” John Sawyer, Director of Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues, and Michael Hoffman, Director of the Center for Economics, both at the Government Accountability Office, have new research on telework and how it’s affecting productivity.The Thrift Savings Plan is tracking 25 pieces of legislation that may affect its future. If some of those bills become law, they could change the way you save for your retirement. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, tells you what they are, and what they might mean for you.Graphic: Thrift Savings Plan logo, courtesy of TSP

The Office of Management and Budget is working on a 10-year plan to modernize federal IT. Chris DeRusha, the Federal Chief Information Security Officer, says legacy system modernization is “the number one biggest rock that needs to get moved for us to be able to secure our systems.” Richard Spires, principal at Richard A. Spires Consulting and former Chief Information Officer at the Department of Homeland Security and the Internal Revenue Service, is author of “Success in the Technology Field.” His new book is titled “Government Can Deliver”, and he explains what’s in the book that can help with the tech modernization the government is undertaking.The Defense Department’s Cyber Workforce Strategy has a new implementation plan to guide the department’s execution of the strategy. That implementation plan includes four goals the department believes will guide its success. Mark Gorak, Principal Director for Resources & Analysis in the office of the Chief Information Officer at the Defense Department, explains the four goals, how the department will hit them, and how it will measure progress.

The National Finance Center does payroll, human resources, and retirement services for 650,000 federal employees across 170 agencies. It’s up against the same modernization challenges other federal government organizations are facing. Margie Graves, Senior Fellow at the IBM Center for The Business of Government, and former Deputy Chief Information Officer of the United States, led a team for the National Academy of Public Administration that advised the NFC how to stay ahead of the curve. She tells me what her team found, and how NFC can keep moving in the right direction. The Department of Health and Human Services small business contracting goal for Fiscal 2023 is 22%. The agency has goals for subcategories of small businesses for this fiscal year too. On the newest edition of Fed Gov Today TV, I ask Shannon Jackson, Executive Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization at HHS, about the progress he’s making toward those goals.The war in Ukraine has dozens - or maybe hundreds - of second- and third-order effects in addition to the suffering and violence because of war fighting. One of those is the security of nuclear materials in the region. Zachary Johnson, Foreign Affairs Specialist at the National Nuclear Security Administration, is a finalist for a Service to America Medal in the Safety, Security, and International Affairs Category. He shares the management and relationship-building principles that keep nuclear materials safe in some of the worst conditions in the world.

GovForward FedRAMP Headliner Summit August 23Big changes are coming to the 8(a) program at the Small Business Administration. Vendors will soon have to tell their own stories about why they should be in the program. Joe Jordan, President and CEO of Actuparo and former Administrator of Federal Procurement Policy, explains why both contractors and SBA could have some trouble ahead.The newest service in the military is preparing to battle the nation’s adversaries if it ever becomes necessary. But the Space Force is battling an internal challenge too. The Vice Chief of Space Operations, Gen. David “DT” Thompson (USSF), says the service has to deal with what he calls “bureaucratic inertia.” On the newest edition of Fed Gov Today TV, I ask him how that fight is going.Civilian and national security agencies are speeding up the use of DevSecOps for software. That software is fueling both mission delivery and back-office functions. Paul Puckett is Chief Technology Officer at Clarity. He’s former Director of the Enterprise Cloud Management Agency at the Army. I introduced Paul on stage as the keynote speaker at the Carahsoft DevSecOps Conference on Thursday. After his speech, titled “Keep/Start/Stop: Retro On A Decade Of DSO”, I asked him what message he wanted to convey in his remarks.Photo: Paul Puckett at Carahsoft DevSecOps Conference, August 17, 2023.

GovForward FedRAMP Headliner Summit August 23The new edition of one of the federal government’s guiding performance documents is out. The update to Circular A-11 includes references to strategic reviews, customer experience, and evidence-based policymaking. Robert Shea, Chief Executive Officer of GovNavigators, former Associate Director at the Office of Management Budget, and former Commissioner on the Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking, explains what’s in the update, and what it means.The Department of Veterans Affairs is in the seventh year of what it calls the “VA Way.” The agency says the “VA Way” is “the department’s customer experience formula that connects all VA employees to our I CARE values.” On the newest edition of Fed Gov Today TV, I ask Nathan Sanfilippo, Executive Director for Multi-Channel Technology in the Veterans Experience Office at the VA, about the intersection of the “VA Way” and his office.An update is coming for the Defense Department’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. Washington Technology reports the Pentagon and the Office of Management and Budget expect the update to come next month. Ron Marks, President of ZPN Cyber and National Security Strategies, nonresident senior fellow at the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council, and former special assistant to the assistant director of central intelligence for military affairs, tells you what the update, and the timeline for its release, mean for the department and the defense industrial base.Photo: Cover of update to Circular A-11, courtesy of the Office of Management and Budget.

The State Department’s “Tech for Life” initiative will give each employee her or his own phone number to connect to the department’s IT. The CIO at the State Department, Kelly Fletcher, says the department is running two pilot programs this summer. Karen Evans, Partner at KE&T Partners, and Managing Director of the Cyber Readiness Institute and former E-gov Administrator at OMB, and former Chief Information Officer at the Department of Homeland Security, explains why she thinks “Tech For Life” is a ground breaker.Kelly Fletcher on “Tech For Life” on Fed Gov Today TVThe Air Force is about a year and a half out from the “Fix Our Computers” LinkedIn post that sparked a rethinking of internal customer experience in the service. But that post wasn’t the beginning of the service’s customer experience journey. Colt Whittall has been Chief Experience Officer at the Air Force and Space Force for about four years. On the newest edition of Fed Gov Today TV, I ask him what the Air Force’s U-X operation was thinking, and doing, when the “Fix Our Computers” furor started.The Defense Innovation Unit is taking on the Pentagon’s need for speed in hypersonics. The Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing Capabilities program’s goal is more hypersonic tests, more often. Barry Kirkendall, Technical Director for Space at DIU, tells you about the program’s mission and goals.Photo: Barry Kirkendall via LinkedIn

The Department of Veterans Affairs is moving to a new supply chain management solution. The agency’s solicitation has been on the street for a couple weeks now. Greg Giddens, Partner at Potomac Ridge Consulting and former Principal Executive Director of the Office of Acquisition, Logistics and Construction at VA, tells you what he sees in the solicitation, and what he reads between the lines.The Department of Homeland Security is on a zero trust journey like the rest of the federal government. On the newest edition of Fed Gov Today TV, I ask the Chief Information Security Officer at DHS, Ken Bible, where his agency is on its journey.2023 is the 45th anniversary of the Civil Service Reform Act that established the Senior Executive Service. Data about the SES shows some important trends. Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, tells what the data show, and what he thinks it means.Photo: Ken Bible on Fed Gov Today TV, August 6, 2023.

The next generation of the Army’s Project Convergence is scheduled for the beginning of next year. Federal News Network reports Project Convergence-4 will focus on battlefield scenarios. Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan (USAF ret.), former director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, tells you what really matters in AI research, and how a movie he watched recently sparked that thought.The Air Force’s innovation arm has five new lines of effort in its third iteration. AFWERX says the goal of its effort is “expanding technology, talent, transition, and capabilities.” Mark Ingram, Chief Strategy Officer at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Integrated Capabilities Directorate, and finalist for a Service to America Medal in the Emerging Leaders category, traces the history of AFWERX, and considers what the AFWERX of the future will look like.Photo: Mark Ingram, courtesy U.S. Air Force

Scientists could save the earth from an object that’s coming at us from outer space thanks to a test NASA has done. The Double Asteroid Redirection Test team at NASA, called DART, has proven it can change the path of something coming toward earth by smashing a spacecraft into it. Brian Key is Program Manager, and Scott Bellamy is Mission Manager, in the Planetary Missions Program Office at the Marshall Space Flight Center at NASA. They’re finalists for a Service to America Medal in the Career Achievement category. They tell you how their team did its work, and what other organizations can learn from their success, even if they’re not in the space business. Photo: Members of the DART team celebrate on Sept. 26, 2022, as images live-streamed from the spacecraft show it successfully impacted the asteroid Dimorphos, completing the world's first planetary defense test mission. (Credits: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL/Ed Whitman)

The Defense Department says it considers diversity a “strategic imperative”. But data seems to show diversity hasn’t changed much in the last decade. Brenda Farrell, Director of Defense Capabilities and Management at the Government Accountability Office, tells you what she looked at, and what she found, about diversity in DoD.A network based at the National Cancer Institute has “changed the way national guidelines for cancer screening are established.” One of the leaders of that network is up for a Service to America Medal. "Rocky" Feuer is Chief of the Statistical Research and Applications Branch in the Surveillance Research Program at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. He’s a finalist for a Service To America Medal in the Volcker Career Achievement category. He reviews his career and work, and what’s ahead for him, and for cancer research.The Thrift Savings Plan is celebrating year two of the implementation of its Converge system. It’s looking at metrics to gauge how the transition continues, and what it should do next. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, covers what those metrics are, and what year two of Converge will look like for TSP participants.Photo: NIH’s Rocky Feuer (photo credit: Partnership for Public Service)

The Internal Revenue Service will award a procurement worth up to $1.7 billion to modernize its Integrated Enterprise Portals platform. The agency says that platform “served over 11.4 billion page views to 660 million site visitors globally.” Richard Spires, principal at Richard A. Spires Consulting and former Chief Information Officer at the Department of Homeland Security and the Internal Revenue Service, tells you how the IRS can maximize the money it will spend on its modernization.Richard’s first book: Success in the Technology FieldNew book coming soon: Government Can DeliverThe National Treasury Employee Union will have a new leader soon. That transition will happen next month. Tony Reardon is the outgoing President of the National Treasury Employees Union. I asked him about the current state of the civil service and the employees that make it up, and what he sees ahead for his successor and other federal employee leaders.Sexual harassment complaints are down 92% aboard research vessels the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminstration operates. NOAA’s Deputy Undersecretary for Operations, Benjamin Friedman, says that change required transforming “the whole operation and its culture.” Rear Admiral Nancy Hann, Director of NOAA’s Commissioned Corps and Director of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, is a finalist for a Service to America Medal in the Management Excellence category. She told me how she and the NOAA team built a structure, and a culture, that’s cutting the harassment numbers, and serving employees better.Photo: NOAA’s RADM Nancy Hann (Image credit: NOAA/Lt. Kevin Doreums)

This edition of Fed Gov Today is sponsored by Eleven09 and Carahsoft.The Coast Guard is running into some problems with its new Offshore Patrol Cutter program. Those problems are stacking up on top of some issues with the ships the new program will replace. Marie Mak, Director of Contracting and National Security Acquisitions Issues at the Government Accountability Office, took a close look, and testified about it on Capitol Hill. She tells you where the Guard is going wrong, and how to recover.The Defense Department says it’s on track to hit its 2027 goal to implement its zero trust strategy. The Federal zero trust strategy has hard deadlines and goals for every agency too. At Edge 23, Kyle White, co-founder and Managing Partner of Eleven 09, tells me what he sees agencies are still trying to figure out about zero trust.Representatives of the Science and Technology Directorate and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency at DHS are at the National Homeland Security Conference in Chicago this week. The leader of the S&T Directorate, Dimitri Kusnezov, writes on the S&T blog that he’ll speak about, and seek to learn about, Maritime Safety and Security; support for first responders; and artificial intelligence, among other topics. At Edge 23, I ask him how much of his job involves specific technologies, and how much involves the concepts around those technologies.Photo: DHS’s Dimitri Kusnezov at Edge 23 in San Diego

This edition of Fed Gov Today, from the Edge23 Security Summit in San Diego, is sponsored by Hitachi Vantara Federal and Carahsoft.The Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section at the Justice Department is more than halfway through its third decade fighting cyber crime. It’s taken down some of the biggest dark web and cyber crime organizations in the world. Mick Stawasz is Deputy Chief for Computer Crime at CCIPS. At Edge23, I asked him how the threat landscape is changing.You heard Mick Stawasz talk about the evolution of cyber crime, and what he and his team are doing to stay competitive. The key element, though, may not be technological. Phil Fuster is Chief Revenue Officer at Hitachi Vantara Federal. At Edge 23, I asked him what agencies should do to defend against cyber crime better.The Federal Government Zero Trust Strategy includes deadlines for goals agencies have to meet by next September. The goals come out of the Zero Trust Maturity Model from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. La Monte Yarborough is Chief Information Security Officer at the Department of Health and Human Services. At Edge23, I asked him about where HHS came from, and where it’s going, on its zero trust journey.Photo: HHS CISO La Monte Yarborough at Edge 23 in San Diego

This edition of Fed Gov Today, from the Edge23 Security Summit in San Diego, is sponsored by Okta and Carahsoft.The motto of Edge 23 is “Managing Risk in Turbulent Times.” Zero trust is the primary driver of cyber policy and action in government right now. At Edge 23, Barry West, Founder and CEO of West Wing Advisory Services, and former Chief Information Officer at FEMA and the Commerce Department, tells you where else cyber leaders in government should focus beside zero trust.Those zero trust strategies Barry West discussed include specific steps that agencies must take. To take those steps, government leaders are asking industry what tools they need to get the job done. At Edge 23, Jim Lambert, Area Vice President for Civilian at Okta, tells me what pieces agencies need to execute their strategies.The Department of Homeland Security’s Burden Reduction Initiative is saving time and hassle for people who interact with the department and its components. The initiative is part of a broader customer experience effort at the agency. At Edge 23, Beth Cappello, Deputy Chief Information Officer at the Department of Homeland Security tells me about a milestone DHS has hit with the initiative.Photo: DHS Deputy CIO Beth Cappello at Edge 23 in San Diego

This edition of Fed Gov Today, from the Edge23 Security Summit in San Diego, is sponsored by Splunk and Carahsoft.Civilian and military agencies across government are building systems to collaborate more closely with industry. One of the goals of most of these cells is to learn what’s possible from industry, instead of writing lists of requirements. Don Upson is Founder and Chairman of the Government Business Executive Forum, host of Edge 23. At the conference, I asked him if he thinks government leaders are hungry to learn about solutions from industry.The White House’s Zero Trust Strategy is generating strategies at individual agencies. Some of the timelines in the White House strategy, and the agency strategies, mean those agencies are already in tactical mode on ZT. At Edge 23, I asked Bill Rowan, Vice President of Public Sector at Splunk, what tactical steps he sees agencies taking to deliver on those strategies.A new list of artificial intelligence competencies from the Office of Personnel Management includes 44 general competencies and 14 technical competencies. OPM says agencies can “use the AI competencies to select, assess, and train AI talent as confirmed by a job analysis.” At Edge 23, I asked Jamie Holcombe, Chief Information Officer of the Patent and Trademark Office, what mature use of AI looks like in the federal government, and when he thinks that’s coming.Photo: USPTO CIO Jamie Holcombe at Edge 23 in San Diego

The Office of Management and Budget’s new cyber investment priorities for fiscal 2025 match the National Cybersecurity Strategy. Those priorities align with the Federal Zero Trust Strategy too. Karen Evans, Partner at KE & T Partners, Managing Director of the Cyber Readiness Institute, and former E-Gov Administrator at OMB, explains what’s in the priorities list for the federal government enterprise, and individual agencies.The Defense Department could get $1 billion to fund hedge capabilities. The House Appropriations Committee has approved the fund in its version of the fiscal 2024 spending bill. Michael Brown, partner at Shield Capital and former Director of the Defense Innovation Unit, helped develop the fund’s concept while at DIU. He tells you why he believes it’s more important now than ever.The Army is moving closer to replacing one of its core platforms. Five vendors are developing concept designs for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle to replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Mona Sehgal, Acting Director for Contracting and National Security Acquisitions at the Government Accountability Office, reviews what her team found in an in-depth look at the OMFV planning process.Photo: Bradley Fighting Vehicle M2A4, photo courtesy of U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center

The leader of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Jen Easterly, says her agency is “not tracking a significant impact against the civilian .gov enterprise” because of the MOVEit hack. But there is more CISA can do to help civilian agencies fight cyber attacks, according to Ron Sanders, the President and CEO of Publica Virtu; former Associate Director at OPM; and former Chief Human Capital Officer at the IRS, and the intelligence community. He’s writing about what CISA can do that it’s not in Gov Exec, and he tells you what steps he thinks CISA can - and should - take.The revival of legislation that would bring back Schedule F has the spotlight on poor performers again. But some experts are leveraging that revival to talk about broader human capital management reform. Jenny Mattingley, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Partnership for Public Service and former Day 1 Impact Fellow at the Office of Management and Budget, reviews some possible points to watch for.Three aviation crashes since 2015 have reshaped the way the U.S. military operates. One aircraft accident investigator has played a critical role in all three. Dave Clark, Air Safety Specialist and Aircraft Mishap Investigator for Naval Safety Command, and finalist for a Service to America medal from the Partnership for Public Service in the Career Achievement category, tells you about his office’s mission, and his work.Photo: Dave Clark, courtesy of Partnership for Public Service

The Department of Veterans Affairs and the IRS are two agencies dealing with backlogs for citizen services. The VA has a claims backlog in the Veterans Benefits Administration; the IRS has a backlog of tax returns. Paul Lawrence, former Undersecretary for Benefits at the Department of Veterans Affairs and his co-author Mark Abramson have a piece in Gov Exec titled “Helping Production Agencies Deliver.” They’re also co-authors of the book “Succeeding as a Political Executive: 50 Insights from Experience.” Paul explains how production agencies can get ahead of their workloads - and stay ahead.Several Department of Homeland Security components are collaborating on vetting programs. One of the components involved is the Transportation Security Administration. Neal Latta, Assistant Administrator for Enrollment Services and Vetting Programs at TSA, discusses the technologies that are changing the vetting process, and how his agency is working with others inside DHS to deploy and maximize them.Photo: Neal Latta, Assistant Administrator for Enrollment Services and Vetting Programs, TSA, testifies at a House Transportation and Maritime Security subcommittee hearing, May 10, 2023 (screengrab from committee web site)

The Department of Veterans Affairs is rolling out its new Workforce Dashboard. The agency has set a monthly update schedule for the dashboard. Tracey Therit, Chief Human Capital Officer at VA, tells you what the dashboard tracks, who its customers are, and what they can do with the information there. She also describes how the dashboard will continue to evolve over time.Photo: Tracey Therit, Chief Human Capital Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs, at Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing “Strengthening Methods of Recruitment and Retention for VA’s Workforce”, March 22, 2023 (screengrab from committee web site)

The nominee to become the next Commandant of the Marine Corps says technology is integral to preparing his service for the future fight. The Senate Armed Services Committee questioned Gen. Eric Smith, the current Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, at his confirmation hearing Tuesday. In this highlight of the hearing, the Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) asks Gen. Smith about the Marine Corps’s tech posture. Gen. Smith also answers questions from the committee’s ranking member, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS).The Department of Homeland Security and its components are looking at 32 startup companies and the technology they can deliver in critical areas. Those companies demonstrated what they can do at the Silicon Valley Innovation Program Demo Week 2023. Melissa Oh, Managing Director of the SVIP at DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate, tells you what her office took away from Demo Week, and what it will do next.WATCH: “Innovation in Government from GEOINT” on demandPhoto: Gen. Eric Smith testifies to the Senate Armed Services Committee, June 13, 2023 (screen grab from committee web site)

This edition of Fed Gov Today, featuring the ACT-IAC Health Innovation Summit 2023, is sponsored by Red Hat and Carahsoft.Innovation is coming fast for health care providers all across the federal government, according to speakers at the Health Innovation Summit. The people who run the support infrastructure will benefit from innovation too. Ryan Dempsey Argentieri is Deputy Director of the Office of Technology at the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. At the Summit, I asked her if health innovation right now is mostly patient centric, or provider centric.The work Ryan described is just some of the tactical work that’s going on at the agency level. Strategic opportunities will explode in health care IT in the coming years too. Ben Cushing, Chief Architect for Health and Life Sciences at Red Hat, and former Application Engineer at the National Institutes of Health, tells you what to look for in the coming months and years.The Deputy Chief Information Officer at the Department of Health and Human Services is new to the agency, and to health IT, but she’s not new to the Federal government. Jennifer Wendel joined HHS recently from the FBI. At the Health Innovation Summit, she described her portfolio at HHS.Photo: Speakers at the ACT-IAC Health Innovation Summit 2023 (L-R): Amanda Lienau, VA; Ryan Dempsey Argentieri, ONC; Col. Thomas Cantilina, DHA; Srini Iyer, Leidos (photo credit Ben Marglin via LinkedIn)

On the latest episode of the Innovation In Government television show from SOF Week, you learned about five pillars the Operator Relief Fund bases its help around for Special Operators. The pillars are sleep; alcohol; hormones; nutrients; and psychological. At SOF Week, I asked Derek Nadalini, Beneficiary Advocate for the Operator Relief Fund, how his group settled on those five pillars.Defense department leaders say their supply chains are one of their most important priorities. A lot of the discussion focuses around the continuity of those supply chains, but capacity is becoming more important too, according to those leaders. Jerry McGinn, Executive Director of the Baroni Center for Government Contracting at George Mason University and former Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manufacturing and Industrial Base, writes about the DIB in Breaking Defense, and tells you more about his prescription for the supply chain.The Chief Information Officer of the United States says she is “super optimistic” about the potential of artificial intelligence for citizen experience. She describes a numbers game that could deliver big impact for citizens. Pam Isom, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of IsAdvice & Consulting, former Executive Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Technology Office, and former Deputy Chief Information Officer at the Energy Department, offers ideas to maximize that potential.Photo: Francis Rose and Derek Nadalini at SOF Week, May 10, 2023

The intelligence community is moving to the cloud through its Commercial Cloud Enterprise. But one of the I-C’s leaders says the community doesn’t have a multi-cloud strategy. Bob Osborn, Chief Technology Officer for Global Governments for ServiceNow & former CIO of the National Nuclear Security Administration, describes what goes into a multi-cloud strategy, and how to make it work.The United States has a “generational opportunity” to cooperate with partners. That opportunity exists in tech development and the defense industrial base, according to Bill Greenwalt, visiting senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute; a founder of the Silicon Valley Defense Group; former deputy undersecretary of defense for industrial policy; and former senior staff member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He and his co-author Tom Corben write about the generational opportunity, and Bill tells you how to make the most of that opportunity.Federal agencies would buy software very differently under a bill in Congress. The “Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act” is under consideration in both the House and Senate. Mary Davie, President of Mary Davie Consulting, former assistant commissioner of the Office of Integrated Technology Services at the Federal Acquisition Service, and former Deputy Associate Administrator for the Mission Support Directorate at NASA, advises agencies about what they’ll have to prepare for if the bill becomes law.ACT-IAC Health Innovation Summit 23, Reston VA, June 8, 2023Photo: Mary Davie (NASA)

The next evolution of FedRamp is here. A new blog post at FedRamp.gov is titled “Revision 5 Baselines Have Been Approved and Released.” Dave Wennergren, CEO of ACT-IAC & former Chief Information Officer of the Navy, former Deputy Defense Department CIO, and former assistant Deputy chief Management Officer at DOD, explains what the new guidelines mean, and what comes next for industry and agencies.Agencies and other stakeholders have a new list of action items to make their digital modernization efforts work. David Powner, Executive Director of the Center for Data-Driven Policy at MITRE and former Director of IT Issues at the Government Accountability Office, writes about them with his colleague Nitin Naik, and he tells you what’s on the roadmap they’ve written, and how agencies can navigate it.The Thrift Savings Plan is taking a page out of the President’s Management Agenda. It’s reshaping its customer experience organization to serve TSP participants better. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, tells you why the FRTIB has unveiled its new Office of Participant Experience, and what it will do.ACT-IAC Health Innovation Summit 23, Reston VA, June 8, 2023Photo: David Powner testifies to the House Oversight and Reform subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation, May 10, 2023 (screen grab from committee site)

This podcast was recorded at GEOINT Symposium 2023, hosted by the US Geospatial Intelligence Foundation, in St. Louis, MO, May 22-23, 2023.Technology isn’t the aspect of the metaverse government leaders are strategizing for. Personal privacy and personal security are important considerations for government leaders too. Dan Opstal, Acting Director of the National Civil Applications Center at the U-S Geological Survey, hosted a panel about privacy and security in the metaverse at GEOINT 2023. After that panel, he told me about the intersection of the metaverse with his job.The Chief Information Officer at NGA is new to the job, but he’s not new to the agency. Mark Chatelain has only been the CIO there since February, but he’s been at NGA since before it was NGA. At GEOINT 2023, I asked him how his tenure there informs the way he leads the technology shop.ACT-IAC Health Innovation Summit 23, Reston VA, June 8, 2023Photo (L-R): Francis Rose & Mark Chatelain at GEOINT 2023 (Fed Gov Today photo)

This podcast was recorded at GEOINT Symposium 2023, hosted by the US Geospatial Intelligence Foundation, in St. Louis, MO, May 22-23, 2023. The theme of this year’s event is “From Maps To Metaverse.” Many of the discussions here focused on the metaverse. Christy Monaco, Vice President of Programs at the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation and former Chief Ventures Officer at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, explains how the Foundation decided on that theme.NGA is exploring what it calls non-linear career paths to solidify recruitment and retention. Ian Zearfaus, Director of the Human Capital Advanced Capabilities Office at NGA, discusses how non-linear career paths benefit employees and the agency.One of the panels here about the metaverse addressed bringing it to the geoint field. One of the panelists was the Deputy Chief Technology Officer at NGA, Christopher Johnson. I asked him how the practitioners on this panel define the metaverse.ACT-IAC Health Innovation Summit 23, Reston VA, June 8, 2023Photo (L-R): Francis Rose & Christopher Johnson at GEOINT 2023 (Fed Gov Today photo)

Congress could find budget savings in federal agency software, according to a veteran of the Hill. He calls those contracts “software vampire squid.” Matt Cornelius, former Senior Professional Staff Member for the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and former Senior Technology and Cybersecurity Advisor at the Office of Management and Budget, writes about software licensing in FCW, and he tells you about legislation that could kill the squid.Federal employees would all become at-will employees if two members of Congress get their way. The Public Service Reform Act would eliminate most of the ways federal employees have to appeal personnel decisions, too. Jeff Neal, former Chief Human Capital Officer at the Department of Homeland Security, explains the nuances of the bill and why he believes it would be bad for the federal workforce.ACT-IAC Health Innovation Summit 23, Reston VA, June 8, 2023Photo (L-R): Francis Rose, Jeff Neal on Government Matters

The debt limit debate on Capitol Hill could have some impact for operations at federal agencies. Those implications for agencies could be somewhat familiar and different at the same time. Janice Haith, industry strategic advisor at Oracle and former Deputy Chief Information Officer of the Navy, tells you why, and how to prepare for it.Operators across the government are using the Team Awareness Kit for a variety of situational awareness uses. Its program center says TAK is the “core of a suite of georeferenced imagery and communications tools that allow for scaled operational planning, data sharing, visualized elevation data, and target management.” Ryan McLean, Director of the TAK Program Center, explains what TAK, how it works, and how it exists as a unique entity inside the DoD ecosystem.ACT-IAC Health Innovation Summit 23, Reston VA, June 8, 2023Photo: TAK logo, courtesy of TAK.gov

The Inspector General’s office at the General Services Administration has a new look at the Transactional Data Reporting pilot on the Multiple Award Schedule. That new look finds more problems on top of the problems the IG office found before. Larry Allen, President of Allen Federal Business Partners, doesn’t think the problems the IG found are problems, and he explains why.U.S. Special Operations Command is running some innovative programs to get special operators the equipment they need. Those programs come from SOCOM’s Science and Technology Directorate. Lisa Sanders is Director of Science and Technology at SOCOM. At SOF Week 2023, she told me about her directorate’s mission.Photo: Francis Rose and Lisa Sanders at SOF Week 2023

The Defense Logistics Agency says its supplier base shrunk 22% between 2016 and 2022. DLA leadership released supply chain data at the Supply Chain Alliance Conference and Exhibition in Richmond earlier this month. Tara Murphy Dougherty, Chief Executive Officer of Govini and former Chief of Staff for Global Strategic Affairs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, describes how data can help the department shore up its supply chain.The Air Force will follow the zero trust strategy the Defense Department released recently. That strategy is supposed to be fully operational by 2027. Wanda Jones-Heath is the Principal Cyber Advisor of the Air Force. In a highlight of my exclusive conversation with her on this week’s Fed Gov Today TV show, I asked her about the factors that drive the evolution of the threat landscape. The Secretary of the Air Force says his service, and the rest of the military, needs timely appropriations to deliver effectively on its mission. Frank Kendall explained why on Fed Gov Today TV last week; you can watch that episode on demand at FedGovToday.com. Before the House Armed Services Committee, Secretary Kendall, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. C.Q. Brown, and Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman answered a question from Committee Chairman Congressman Mike Rogers about the impact of a continuing resolution on the priorities the services laid out in the FY24 budget request.Photo: Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman listen to opening comments while testifying before the House Armed Services Committee for the Department of the Air Force fiscal year 2024 budget request, Washington, D.C., April 27, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich)

Today is day three of Public Service Recognition Week. Part of the observation of that week each year is the release of the finalists for Service to America Medals. Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, outlines what goes into choosing the finalists each year, and some of the great stories of the work this year’s finalists do. The Defense Information Systems Agency says its big cybersecurity project is ready for prime time. The Director of DISA, Lieutenant General Robert Skinner, says his agency will scale Thunderdome after a successful prototyping phase. In this highlight of my exclusive conversation with General Skinner on this week’s Fed Gov Today TV show, he gave me an overview of Thunderdome. The Defense Innovation Unit is spreading the word about what it can do - and can’t do - for the Defense Department and industry. It was doing just that at Tech Net Cyber last week. Johnson Wu, Cyber Commercial Executive for the Cyber Portfolio at DIU, explains why even though DIU has been around since 2015, there are still a lot of misconceptions about it.Photo: Defense Innovation Unit headquarters; DIU photo.

The Chief Information Officer of Space Systems Command, Col. Jennifer Krolikowski, says she’s “cautiously optimistic” about generative artificial intelligence. DefenseScoop reports military services are just one part of the government deciding how they want to use the technology. CDR Juliana Vida (USN ret.), chief strategy advisor at Splunk and former Deputy Chief Information Officer of the Navy, reviews how generative AI snuck up on people, and how tech leaders can stay ahead of the curve.The Internal Revenue Service will get what it calls a “historic opportunity” to modernize its operations through the Inflation Reduction Act. The agency’s IRA Strategic Plan details what, and who, it will spend the money on. Danny Werfel, Commissioner of the IRS, tells you how many people he can hire, what they’ll do, and what technology the agency can transform with the IRA money.Photo: IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel on Fed Gov Today TV, April 30, 2023

The Office of Personnel Management’s new data strategy includes four goals. OPM says those four goals will push the agency toward becoming “the nation’s premier employer and provider of human capital data.” Robert Shea, Chief Executive Officer of Gov Navigators and former Associate Director at the Office of Management Budget, tells you what to look for as OPM works to deliver on the strategy.A deep transformation is coming for the Space Force, according to the Secretary of the Air Force. That transformation is necessary because of China’s priority in space. On Sunday’s episode of Fed Gov Today TV, the 26th Secretary of the Air Force, Frank Kendall, explained why he focused on space transformation at the recent Space Symposium. He also detailed his request to Congress to allow his service to start work on programs before funding is in place.AFCEA International TechNet Cyber, May 2-4, 2023Photo: Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall on Fed Gov Today TV, April 30, 2023

The National Cybersecurity Strategy is part of the Biden administration’s preparation for cyber attacks against the federal government and the private sector. Former Federal CIO Tony Scott, now CEO of Intrusion, calls them “cyber shocks” in a new presentation in collaboration with the IBM Center for the Business of Government and the National Academy of Public Administration. He joins me to talk about steps governments should take to prevent cyber shocks, and deal with them when they happen.The Thrift Savings Plan has plans in place to analyze and treat potential risks to its operation and its participants. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, discusses how the TSP formulates and executes those plans, and how it decides which risks need the most attention.AFCEA International TechNet Cyber, May 2-4, 2023Photo: Thrift Savings Plan logo, courtesy Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board

This edition of Fed Gov Today is sponsored by Interos and Carahsoft.April is Supply Chain Integrity Month. The theme this year is “Supply Chain Risk Management: The Recipe for Resilience.” Devin Lynch, Director of Supply Chain and Technology Security in the Office of the National Cyber Director, wrote a blog post about the recipe, and joined me to dig deeper into it.Federal agencies have a two-sided challenge with supply chain integrity. They’re working on internal-facing, and external-facing, supply chain issues. Jennifer Bisceglie, Chief Executive Officer of Interos, discussed how agencies can manage both at the same time.Devin Lynch covered some of the ingredients in the “Recipe for Resilience” that forms the theme of Supply Chain Integrity Month. And he called out the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency as one of ONCD’s partners in the effort. Jack Cable, senior technical advisor at CISA, helped me understand his agency’s role.You’ve heard my guests talk about the role of the intelligence community in the integrity of the supply chain. Jeanette McMillian, Assistant Director of the Supply Chain and Cyber Directorate at the National Counterintelligence and Security Center in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, reviewed what the IC has to offer the supply chain integrity effort.Photo: Supply Chain Integrity Month graphic courtesy of CISA.

The House Oversight and Reform Committee will review the new edition of the Government Accountability Office’s High Risk List Wednesday. GAO publishes an updated list every two years; the newest list came out last Thursday. Michelle Sager, Managing Director for Strategic Issues at GAO, reviews what’s new about this year’s list.The Coast Guard is expanding its cyber work, and the size of its cyber workforce. It’s growing its offensive cyber capabilities and building new paths for people to do that work. Rear Admiral Jay Vann, commander of Coast Guard Cyber Command, describes how his service is approaching that workforce challenge, and dealing with the unique cyber position the Guard occupies.AFCEA International TechNet Cyber, May 2-4, 2023Photo: Rear Admiral John “Jay” Vann, courtesy U.S. Coast Guard.

The Air Force is on the hunt for a new Chief Information Officer. Lauren Knausenberger will leave that job June 2nd. She’s been in that post since August 2020. Lauren is my guest for the entire show today, to discuss zero trust, the cloud, and her other priorities and achievements as she prepares to wind down her service as Air Force CIO.Photo: Lauren Knausenberger, Department of the Air Force chief information officer, holds a communications and cyber all-call during a visit to Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 3, 2022. Knausenberger toured the installations’ cyber infrastructure and spoke with personnel from the 18th Communications Squadron about their mission, equipment, innovation and capabilities in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Savannah L. Waters)

This edition of Fed Gov Today is sponsored by SAIC.The Air Force calls its Cloud One offering a multi-cloud, multi-vendor ecosystem. Cloud One hosts more than 100 applications. Maj. Andrew Beckman, Program Manager for Cloud One, introduces you to some of his team, and explains how Cloud One’s multi-cloud environment drives mission success for the Air Force. The Air Force’s multi-cloud environment is just one example of that approach in the federal government. More and more agencies are taking that approach for the reasons Major Beckman laid out. Bob Genter, president of the Defense and Civilian Sector of SAIC, says that approach works for several key reasons.Most cloud practitioners refer to the cloud “journey” when they discuss the concept. Every agency is in a different place on that journey. Noell Rebellez, Federal lead for Cloud Services in the Office of the Chief Information Officer at the Department of Labor, updates you on where his agency is on its cloud journey, and where it’s going.

This edition of Fed Gov Today is sponsored by Carahsoft and Hitachi Vantara.The Fleet C4I and Readiness Department at Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic is responsible for what it calls three thrust areas. The Department lists cybersecurity; innovative culture; and high velocity learning as those three thrusts. Greg Lancaster, head of the Fleet C4I and Readiness Department, tells me more about his department, and its mission.The Navy will use data to help it make arguments to Congress about which ships to decommission. ADM Daryl Caudle, Commander of US Fleet Forces Command, tells Defense News having that data could make the decommissioning process easier. Phil Fuster, Chief Revenue Officer at Hitachi Vantara Federal, says one of the biggest challenges he heard about from military leaders at Sea-Air-Space is managing mission data.The Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star is headed to Phase III of its Service Life Extension Project. The Guard lists the Polar Star as one of its ships operating in the Pacific Area. VADM Andrew Tiongson, Commander of the Pacific Area and Commander of Defense Force West for the Coast Guard, discusses presence in his area of responsibility.AFCEA International TechNet Cyber, May 2-4, 2023Photo: VADM Andrew Tiongsen, USCG at Sea Air Space

4/14/23: The Best Places to Work in the Federal GovernmentNASA is the Best Large-Agency Place to Work in the Federal Government again this year, according to the Partnership for Public Service. This year’s rankings include some big moves in both directions for agencies - for a lot of reasons. Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership, reviews the new numbers, and recommends action for agencies to reverse the downward trends of the last several years.AFCEA International TechNet Cyber, May 2-4, 2023Photo: Max Stier, by T.J. Kirkpatrick for the Partnership for Public Service

This edition of Fed Gov Today is sponsored by Carahsoft and Dell.The new National Strategy for the Arctic Region takes a 10-year view of that region of the world. The strategy says it will be “a framework to guide the U.S. Government’s approach to confronting the new challenges and opportunities in the Arctic.” CDR Casey Gon, Director of the National Ice Center, and Commanding Officer of the Naval Ice Center, says his command, and its work in the Arctic, is a collaboration of the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.The importance of cloud technology to the future fight is moving beyond technology leaders in the military. Leaders at every level list edge computing as a key component of warfighting tools like JADC2. Manny Yusuf, Chief Cloud Architect at Dell Technologies, tells me warfighting isn’t the only use for the cloud in the military.Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic will use results from a recent communications experiment to contribute to the development of JADC2. The exercise included manned and unmanned ships at Sullivan’s Island, SC. I asked Pete Reddy, Executive Director of NIWC Atlantic, about his organization’s mission.ACT-IAC Climate Change Summit, April 17, 2023AFCEA International TechNet Cyber, May 2-4, 2023Photo: Pete Reddy, NIWC Atlantic Executive Director, with Francis Rose at Sea Air Space

This edition of Fed Gov Today is sponsored by Carahsoft and Salesforce.Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command features six major commands. One of them is Fleet Weather Center Norfolk. Capt. Erin Acosta, Commanding Officer of Fleet Weather Center Norfolk, says her command is a sister command to Fleet Weather Center San Diego.Readiness is still top-of-mind for the military, including the sea services. Leaders from each of the services referenced readiness in remarks at Sea Air Space 2023. Aaron Duchak, Regional Vice President for Salesforce, says industry can help the services with their readiness challenges.The Coast Guard says its new Unmanned Systems Strategic Plan will drive change in three areas. The Guard lists mission execution improvement; defense against unlawful use of unmanned systems; and establishing and enforcing a regulatory framework for using unmanned systems and automation in the Marine Transportation System safely and lawfully. VADM Kevin Lunday, Coast Guard Atlantic Area Commander and Commander of Coast Guard Defense Forces East, says A-I is a topic everyone should be interested in.ACT-IAC Climate Change Summit, April 17, 2023AFCEA International TechNet Cyber, May 2-4, 2023Photo: VADM Kevin Lunday, USCG with Francis Rose at Sea Air Space

This edition of Fed Gov Today is sponsored by Carahsoft and Nightdragon.The Commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Linda Fagan, says her service is in a race for talent. RDML David Barata, Commander of the Coast Guard’s Personnel Service Center,tells me how the Coast Guard competes for that talent.Industry will play a bigger part than ever in solving problems for the sea services, according to leaders at Sea Air Space. Industry leaders say they’re ready to contribute. Dave DeWalt, Founder and CEO of Nightdragon, tells me he sees a lot of that collaboration happening now.The Navy is reviewing results from its first-ever Naval Space Summit. The Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, convened the Summit at the end of March. VADM Jeffrey Trussler, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare N2/N6 and Director of Naval Intelligence, tells me his key message is the importance of space capabilities to distributed maritime operations.ACT-IAC Climate Change Summit, April 17, 2023AFCEA International TechNet Cyber, May 2-4, 2023Photo: Vice Admiral Jeffrey Trussler USN with Francis Rose at Sea Air Space

This edition of Fed Gov Today is sponsored by Carahsoft.The U.S. Naval Observatory says its mission is to “define and apply the physical environment, from the bottom of the ocean to the stars.” The Observatory is only a few years away from its 200th birthday. At Sea-Air-Space 2023 this week, Geoff Chester, Chief Historian of the Naval Observatory, tells me about the unique place the Observatory holds in naval history.Two common themes run through the comments leaders of the sea services made at Sea-Air-Space this week. All of the service chiefs mentioned modernization and people in the Chiefs Panel I hosted to kick off Sea-Air-Space on Monday. Mike McCalip, Vice President for Government Programs & Strategy at Carahsoft, lists the topics he heard the most about from the military leaders in attendance.The Coast Guard is dealing with the same recruiting and retention challenges as the other military services. The Commandant of the Coast Guard says her service is investing in finding new people. In an exclusive conversation with Fed Gov Today at Sea-Air-Space 2023 this week, Admiral Linda Fagan calls the Guard’s personnel situation a race for talent.AFCEA DC 2023 Tech Summit, April 11, 2023AFCEA International TechNet Cyber, May 2-4, 2023Photo: Commandant of the Coast Guard Admiral Linda Fagan at Sea-Air-Space with Francis Rose

The Chief Information Officer of the Defense Department says the Pentagon now has enterprise cloud computing capabilities at all three security levels. John Sherman told Congress last week that capability will be a key tool in implementing its zero trust strategy. Brig. Gen. Paul Fredenburgh (USA ret.), Executive Vice President for the National Security and Defense Engagement Department for AFCEA International, former deputy commander of Joint Force Headquarters DoDIN, and former Director of C4 for IndoPaCom, tells you how the Pentagon, DISA, and Cyber Command will strategize their cyber future at TechNetCyber next month.The Thrift Savings Plan is cutting the cord on the legacy system its new Converge record keeping system replaced. And the TSP will look at new choices it may be able to give you soon. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs for the TSP, updates you on the Converge transition, how the TSP is handling your PII, and how it’s examining options a new law provides for.The Department of Veterans Affairs is rethinking how it provides care to veterans. That rethinking includes how it will modernize and restructure its infrastructure. Sharon Silas, Director of the Health Care team at the Government Accountability Office, reviews work her team has released, looking at how VA is planning that rethinking.Photo: VA Medical Center, North Las Vegas, NV; photo courtesy Nellis Air Force Base.

Government leaders should - and can - move faster to deploy artificial intelligence solutions, according to a group of industry leaders. Those leaders tell me generative AI will enable government to do a lot more than it’s doing today. Angela Sheffield, Senior Director of Artificial Intelligence at Raft, and former Senior Program Manager for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the National Nuclear Security Administration, tells you how the government can fully realize the potential of AI.New budget guidance from the Biden Administration outlines how it will align the money it’s asked Congress for with its President’s Management Agenda. It’s titled “Delivering a High Performance Government.” Chris Mihm, Adjunct Professor of Public Administration at the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and former Managing Director for Strategic Issues at the Government Accountability Office, explains what agencies should look for as Congress and the administration work toward a FY24 budget.The Defense Department is operating in a “war for talent”, according to the Defense Business Board. The Board says the Pentagon’s talent acquisition process has to change in a number of ways. Deborah Lee James, Chair of the Defense Business Board, 23rd Secretary of the Air Force, and author of “Aim High, Chart Your Course and Find Success”, reviews the findings of the Board’s work on the civilian talent pipeline at DoD, and what the department should do next.Photo: Cover of the new Defense Business Board talent pipeline report.

This program is sponsored by Carahsoft and NVIDIA.The Director of the Office of Personnel Management will release a cyber talent management plan soon, according to testimony to the House Oversight and Reform Committee. That commitment is one of several Kiran Ahuja made in testimony that you heard in part on Fed Gov Today recently. Angela Bailey, founder and CEO of Anandalife, former Chief Human Capital Officer at the Department of Homeland Security, and former Chief Operating Officer and Associate Director for Employee Services at OPM, offers both an agency perspective, and an OPM perspective, on what CHCOs in government need from OPM, and what it can deliver.The Department of Defense is reviewing results from 12 flight tests that used artificial intelligence to fly the aircraft. It’s just one example of how advanced AI tests are getting in the government. Margaret Amori, head of Nvidia Inception North America, tells me at Nvidia GTC 2023 the questions government is asking about AI today are a lot different than they were five years ago.The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization at the Department of Health and Human Services is prepping for two industry outreach sessions in April. It’ll conduct a vendor engagement session April 11th, and an “office hours” session for 8A companies April 13th. Shannon Jackson, Executive Director of the Office, tells me about HHS’s small business goals, and how they’re doing in meeting them.Photo: Shannon Jackson, courtesy U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The new National Cybersecurity Strategy aligns with the Defense Department’s key cyber initiative. The Chief Executive Officer of the organization partnering with DOD on that initiative calls the strategy a rebalancing of cyber responsibilities. Matthew Travis, CEO of the Cyber AB, explains how the CMMC program intersects with the strategy.The Defense Department is extending a pilot program that allows vendors to store spare parts in warehouses the Defense Logistics Agency runs. But it may not be following its own rules to evaluate whether the program works. Diana Maurer, Director of the Defense Capabilities and Management team at the Government Accountability Office, details how the program works, what problems her team found, and what the Department should do about them.Photo: The Pentagon. Credit here

The new Defense Department Cyber Workforce Strategy includes four pillars for the department to focus on. The Department says an implementation guide is coming soon. Brig. Gen. Greg Touhill (USAF ret.), Director of the CERT Division at the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University and former federal Chief Information Security Officer, explains how to get the strategy from document to execution.A small drone company, Cyberlux, partners with one of the biggest defense contractors, Huntington Ingalls Industries, to get its products in the hands of war fighters. The Wall Street Journal reports efforts are under way to make that path the rule instead of the exception. Stan Soloway, President and CEO of Celero Strategies, a member of the Defense Business Board, and former deputy undersecretary of Defense for acquisition reform, explains the paths DOD is taking to make that technology acquisition easier.The Office of Personnel Management is developing ways to collect data to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of telework and remote work. The Director of OPM, Kiran Ahuja, answered questions about that, and a lot of other federal workforce issues, at a House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing. The highlight of the hearing on today’s show features questions from Reps. Pete Sessions (R-TX) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA) for Director Ahuja.AFCEA DC luncheon March 22, 2023Photo: OPM Director Kiran Ahuja testifies at a House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing, March 9, 2023 (screen capture from committee website).

This program is sponsored by Denodo.The Department of Veterans Affairs says it will rely on its VistA electronic health record system for another five to ten years. The VA’s transition to the Cerner health record system is on hold now. VA officials outlined their plan for maintaining VistA at a hearing of the House Veterans Affairs Technology Modernization subcommittee Tuesday. Jim Gfrerer, founder and Principal at Fidelis Technology and former Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology and Chief Information Officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs, was a witness at the hearing. He tells me what he sees moving forward for maintaining VistA, and transitioning to a new system.The E-Gov Act is 20 years old now. Six of the seven former Federal Chief Information Officers and E-Gov Administrators gathered recently for an exclusive conversation about the past, present, and future of federal I-T. That hour-long conversation is available exclusively at FedGovToday.com, featuring Mark Forman, Karen Evans, Steve VanRoekel, Tony Scott, Suzette Kent, and the current Federal CIO, Clare Martorana. This special presentation is sponsored by Denodo. In today’s highlight, Tony Scott, Mark Forman, and Clare Martorana describe the strategy-building process that allows them to think ahead about building the federal IT enterprise, instead of just blocking and tackling.The Defense Department’s financial management system is on the Government Accountability Office’s High Risk List again. It’s been on the list now for nearly 30 years. Kevin Walsh, Director of the Information Technology and Cybersecurity Team at GAO, reviews new findings of progress the Department is making - and isn’t making - to get its financial house in order.Photo: Jim Gfrerer, former VA CIO (screen capture from House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing footage)

This program is sponsored by Denodo.The Department of Veterans Affairs says it will rely on its VistA electronic health record system for another five to ten years. VA officials outlined their plan for maintaining VistA at a hearing of the House Veterans Affairs Technology Modernization subcommittee Tuesday. Roger Baker, consultant at Roger Baker Consulting, former Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology and Chief Information Officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and former advisory board member for Cerner, was a witness at the hearing. He tells me what he sees moving forward for maintaining VistA, and transitioning to a new system.The E-Gov Act is 20 years old now. Six of the seven former Federal Chief Information Officers and E-Gov Administrators gathered recently for an exclusive conversation about the past, present, and future of federal I-T. That hour-long conversation is available exclusively at FedGovToday.com, featuring Mark Forman, Karen Evans, Steve VanRoekel, Tony Scott, Suzette Kent, and the current Federal CIO, Clare Martorana. This special presentation is sponsored by Denodo. In today’s highlight, Steve VanRoekel says the I-T transformation concepts the government is working on aren’t new, and Suzette Kent tells me why she thinks what you call things matters.The Government Accountability Office will examine the Thrift Savings Plan’s transition to its new recordkeeping system. The Thrift Savings Plan says operation of the Converge system is improving. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, explains the metrics the TSP is using to measure improvement for Converge.Photo:

This program sponsored by Denodo.Brig. Gen. Denise Brown is in her seventh month as the Director of the Army’s Networks and Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Services and Integration. One of her primary jobs is to move the Army’s Unified Network Plan forward. At AFCEA DC’s most recent luncheon event, BG Brown explains her team’s role in strategic competition.The E-Gov Act is 20 years old now. Six of the seven former Federal Chief Information Officers and E-Gov Administrators gathered recently for an exclusive conversation about the past, present, and future of federal I-T. That hour-long conversation is available exclusively at FedGovToday.com, featuring Mark Forman, Karen Evans, Steve VanRoekel, Tony Scott, Suzette Kent, and the current Federal CIO, Clare Martorana. This special presentation is sponsored by Denodo. In today’s highlight, Clare Martorana says the work her predecessors did set the table for progress the government makes under her watch.The Office of Management and Budget will run pilot projects to support nine citizen life experiences. OMB says the pilots build on President Biden’s customer experience executive order. Loren DeJonge Schulman, Associate Director for Performance and Personnel Management at OMB, reviews the nine experiences and the ways OMB will measure their performance.AFCEA DC Ukraine/Russia luncheon March 22, 2023Photo: White House social graphic via White House

From West 2023 in San Diego, CA, sponsored by Carahsoft.A lot of the focus at West 2023 was on the Pacific. But the war in Ukraine was top of mind too. Maj. Gen. Erich Staudacher (GEAF ret.), General Manager of AFCEA Europe, says the similarities in the Pacific and in Europe should inform the way industry works with governments.Navy leaders are shifting the way they look for solutions to problems. They say they’re asking industry about what’s available more, and moving away from dictating what the service requires companies to build. Capt. Christi Montgomery, Commanding Officer of Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, tells me how she engaged with industry when she visited West 2023.Operation Flank Speed is the Navy’s “biggest cloud technology advance,” according to RADM Tracy Hines, Navy Cyber Security Division Director in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Cybersecurity is one of the benefits the Navy claims in the program. RADM Hines tells me everyone in the Navy is in the cyber field now.AFCEA DC Ukraine/Russia luncheon March 22, 2023Photo: RADM Tracy Hines (L) and Francis Rose, February 15, 2023 at West 2023. Photo via Fed Gov Today

Fact sheet about the new National Cybersecurity Strategy from the White HouseThe complete National Cybersecurity Strategy (PDF)State Department statement on National Cybersecurity StrategyThe new National Cybersecurity Strategy is out from the Biden Administration. It updates the last National Cyber Strategy that came out in 2018. It’s built on five pillars: defending critical infrastructure; disrupting and dismantling threat actors; shaping market forces to drive security and resilience; investing in a resilient future; and forging international partnerships to pursue shared goals. Suzanne Spaulding, senior adviser for homeland security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, former under secretary for the National Protection and Programs Directorate at the Department of Homeland Security, and former commissioner on the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, details what she sees in the strategy for government and industry.The new strategy includes new elements, but it says right in the document that it builds on the work of federal agencies and previous administrations. Suzette Kent, CEO of Kent Advisory Services and former Federal Chief Information Officer, outlines what is new, and what continues and accelerates from before.The new strategy includes an objective to strengthen the cyber workforce. Agencies are already working on ways they can build their cyber workforces. Karen Evans, Partner at KE&T Partners, Managing Director of the Cyber Readiness Institute, former E-gov administrator at the Office of Management and Budget, and former Chief Information Officer at the Department of Homeland Security, explains what the strategy will do, and enable, across the federal workforce and the companies that serve the government.Photo: Cover of new National Cybersecurity Strategy, released March 2, 2023

From West 2023 in San Diego, CA, sponsored by Carahsoft.SEAL teams around the world are just one group that gets its comms support from Naval Special Warfare Tactical Communications Command One. The command supports other special operations forces and conventional forces too. Commander Blythe Blakistone, commander of TCC1, tells me about her command’s mission.The Navy is using unmanned systems in a lot of different ways, not just in high-end weapons systems. One way the service is deploying unmanned systems is in data collection. Wade Ladner, Technical Director of the Naval Oceanographic Office, tells me his office’s survey data and ocean observation collection is unique.A new cyber workforce strategy is coming from the office of Defense Department Chief Information Officer John Sherman “any day now.” One of the leaders responsible for executing that strategy when it comes out will be Patrick Johnson. He’s Director of the Workforce Innovation Directorate in the Office of the CIO at DoD. He tells me the Pentagon can learn a lot about building a cyber workforce from industry.The intelligence community should talk more about the threat China poses to the United States, and how it’s executing on that threat already, according to Rear Admiral Michael Studeman. He’s Commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence and Director of the National Maritime Intelligence Integration Office. He delivered a speech at West 2023 that described a pretty stark outlook on the threat from China and Russia. After his speech, he tells me what exactly he wanted to convey in those remarks.AFCEA DC Ukraine/Russia luncheon March 22, 2023Photo: RADM Michael Studeman (L) and Francis Rose, February 15, 2023 at West 2023. Photo via Fed Gov Today

From West 2023 in San Diego, CA, sponsored by Carahsoft.Three weather operations provide data for the Navy. Those operations include Fleet Weather Centers in Norfolk, VA and San Diego, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Oahu. Captain Kate Hermsdorfer, Commanding Officer for Fleet Weather Center San Diego, tells me who her command’s customers are, and what her command does for them.The Department of Defense is working on a zero trust pilot that it says could cut its zero trust journey from five years to one. The director of the Zero Trust Portfolio Management Office, Randy Resnick, says the department will run the pilot in conjunction with the four vendors on the JWCC contract. Brian O'Donnell, Vice President of Sales at Carahsoft says at West 2023 this year cyber, as always, is top of mind for defense IT practitioners.The Coast Guard’s data modernization strategy includes elements of cloud computing and other information technology pieces. But the Chief Data Officer of the Guard says people are an important part of that strategy too. At West 2023, Coast Guard CDO Capt. Brian Erickson tells me investing in his workforce is important to the Guard’s data success.Photo: Capt. Brian Erickson, USCG (L) & Fed Gov Today host Francis Rose at West 2023, Feb. 15, 2023.

From West 2023 in San Diego, CA, sponsored by Carahsoft and Infoblox.The Defense Department is part owner of the effort to modernize the “Public Safety Communications Ecosystem.” It shares that work with the Department of Homeland Security. Sridhar Kowdley is Program Manager in the Office of Science and Engineering… in the Science and Technology Directorate at the Department of Homeland Security. At West 20-23, he laid out the interoperability challenge his office is working on.The Defense Department’s Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) is just one example of how the services are trying to get joint right, technologically. Chris Usserman is Director of Security Architecture at Infoblox Federal. At West 20-23, he tells me there are several focuses he sees ahead for military technology.The Chief Information Officer of the Navy is leaving his post. Federal News Network reports Aaron Weis’s last day on the job will be March 17th. At West 20-23, Weis tells me the same thing he told his team in an email announcing his departure: his goal is to leave the Navy in better condition than he found it.Photo: Aaron Weis (L) and Francis Rose at West 2023. Photo by Fed Gov Today.

From West 2023 in San Diego, CA, sponsored by Carahsoft and Forescout.The Navy’s Cyber Defense Operations Command is demonstrating capabilities that other services, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense, say they want. The Navy’s Chief Information Officer, Aaron Weis, says NCDOC has shown those capabilities off to leaders at the military’s highest levels. You can hear more about that from Aaron Weis on Thursday's edition of Fed Gov Today. At West 2023, Capt. Christina Hicks, the Commander of NCDOC, tells me about her command’s mission.The Defense Information Systems Agency used the West 2023 conference to spread the news about its involvement in the Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability (JWCC) contract. Several DISA leaders talked to attendees about the contract. Mike Walsh is President of Forescout Government Systems. At West 2023, Mike tells me he heard two huge trends on the floor of the conference, and offers his take on the DISA discussion on cloud.A new cyber workforce strategy is coming from the office of DoD Chief Information Officer John Sherman. That strategy will include updates the department released last week to its “Cyberspace Workforce Qualification & Management Program.” Mark Gorak is Principal Director for Resources & Analysis in the Office of the Chief Information Officer at DoD. At West 2023, he tells me he had two main messages for the conference. One is that workforce strategy is VERY close to ready for prime time.Photo: Mr. Mark Gorak. Creator: Leonard Fitzgerald | Credit: U.S. Army Photo by Leonard Fitzgerald

The General Services Administration’s calls its new OASIS+ contract “next generation Best-in-Class Multi-Agency Contracts for complex non-IT services.” The agency says it's learning some lessons from its other big contracts to make OASIS+ work better for both agency customers, and the vendors that will sell through it. Tiffany Hixson, Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Professional Services and Human Capital Categories at GSA, and governmentwide Professional Services Category Executive, joins FedGovToday to reveal the new OASIS+ timeline, new tools the agency is using on the contract, and a new approach to onboarding vendors.GSA's OASIS+ web siteAnalysis of OASIS+ from BDOFrom Nov. 2022: A Hanscom AFB contracting event including OASIS+ talks

Dr. Raj Iyer's last day as the first civilian Chief Information Officer of the Army was Sunday, February 12. He leaves after a two-plus-year tenure as Army CIO. He took the job after former Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy split the former CIO/G-6 job when Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford retired in 2021. Raj reviews the progress he believes the Army has made under his tenure, and where his successor should take the Army's IT portfolio next.More on Iyer's departure at C4ISRNet.Photo: Francis Rose & Dr. Raj Iyer, September 16, 2022, FedScoop event, Ritz Carlton Hotel, Pentagon City, VA

Reinvestment in the G Fund in the Thrift Savings Plan is on hold for now. It’s because of a debate in Congress. Kim Weaver, director of external affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, explains why TSP participants shouldn't worry. (0:59)The leader of the Defense Information Systems Agency is asking industry to "be invested" in working with his organization. Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner made that comment at AFCEA DC’s luncheon event at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington last week. In a highlight from that event, Lt. Gen. Skinner lays out his message for industry. (10:54)Photo: Glenn Robinson via LinkedIn

The passwords of 5% of employees at the Interior Department include the word "password." That’s one of a number of issues the Interior Inspector General’s office found on the department’s network. Kate Ledesma is Senior Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at SecurityScorecard, and former Senior Advisor at CISA. She covers some tools agencies have to protect themselves against their own employees making bad cyber choices. She also previews the forthcoming National Cyber Strategy; and CISA's internal digital transformation. The software meltdown at the Federal Aviation Administration that grounded thousands of flights recently is 30 years old. NBC News reports a senior government leader told them it’s not scheduled for replacement for six more years. Kevin Walsh is a Director of the Information Technology and Cybersecurity Team at the Government Accountability Office. He has contributed to GAO's work on legacy IT. He explains how agencies can get ahead of legacy IT applications, and how to set priorities for funding and execution.The State Department says one of the goals behind its new EVOLVE contract will be to "enable the department to buy technology services from companies with track records to implement Secretary Blinken’s modernization agenda." Dr. Kelly Fletcher recently celebrated her three-month anniversary as the Chief Information Officer at the State Department. She lays out what she found when she joined State; how she's simplifying the agency's infrastructure through the "Tech For Life" initiative; and how EVOLVE will help her hit her goals for IT transformation at Foggy Bottom and around the world.Photo: Kelly Fletcher, delivering a keynote last year at AFCEA's TechNet Cyber conference, when she was acting Defense Department CIO, is now the new CIO at the State Department. Credit: Michael Carpenter

The Navy is three months into execution of its Cyberspace Superiority Vision. The Navy's Principal Cyber Advisor, Chris Cleary, signed out the vision at the end of October. The vision includes three core principles: Secure, Survive, and Strike. Cleary describes how he and his Navy colleagues devised the vision, how they're implementing it, and how they'll measure its success.Read the Navy's Cyberspace Superiority Vision here.Photo: SAN DIEGO (Mar. 4, 2020) Mr. Chris Cleary, Department of the Navy Chief Information Security Officer, provides opening remarks at the inaugural Command Information Security Officers (CISOs) Forum, hosted onboard Naval Information Warfare Systems Command’s Old Town San Diego Complex. CISO’s from Navy and Marine Corps systems commands got together to share experiences and discuss a variety of topics including risk management framework, cybersecurity and information assurance. (U.S. Navy photo by Rick Naystatt/Released)

The newest edition of the FITARA scorecard shows seven agencies increased their scores, 17 agencies held steady, and no agencies went down. The latest edition of the scorecard includes new cyber metrics. Federal CISO Chris DeRusha, USAID CIO Jason Gray (whose agency was the only one to get an A on the scorecard) and GAO Directors Carol Harris and Jennifer Franks testified about the new scorecard at a hearing of the House Oversight and Reform Government Operations subcommittee Thursday.Part One of this episode includes questions for the witnesses from Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH); ranking member Jody Hice (R-GA); Chairman Gerry Connolly (D-VA); and Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA).Part Two features one of the architects of the FITARA scorecard, David Powner, former Director at GAO and now Executive Director of the Center for Data-Driven Policy at MITRE. He was also part of the team that developed recommendations for updating the scorecard for ACT-IAC.Hearing video here.Federal News Network story David Powner and I discussed here.ACT-IAC recommendations here.Photo: USAID CIO Jason Gray; Federal CISO Chris DeRusha; GAO Directors Carol Harris and Jennifer Franks. Screenshot of hearing video, House Oversight and Reform Committee

The Defense Department will use four vendors to provide cloud services through the Joint Warfighter Cloud Capability contract. The Department made the announcement Wednesday afternoon; the official rollout was at a news conference Thursday with DoD CIO John Sherman; DISA Director Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner; DoD Deputy CIO for Information Environment Lily Zeleke; and the Director of DISA's Hosting and Compute Center, Sharon Wood. Today's show leads off with a highlight of the news conference; you can watch the entire news conference here.More on JWCC from Federal News Network, DefenseScoop, and Nextgov.Acquisition experts Joe Jordan, former Administrator of Federal Procurement Policy, and Stan Soloway, a member of the Defense Business Board, explain why they're not surprised by the award, and what comes next for the agency, and the vendors who will compete for task orders on the contract.PHOTO: Department of Defense Chief Information Officer John Sherman, Defense Information Systems Agency Director U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner, Department of Defense Deputy CIO for Information Environment Lily Zeleke, and DISA Hosting and Compute Center Director Sharon Wood hold a press briefing on the Department of Defense’s award of the Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability (JWCC) contract at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Dec. 8, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)

The Defense Department is launching an investment office to channel money to the technologies it needs for the future fight. The Office of Strategic Capital will live inside the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu. Michael Brown led the Defense Innovation Unit for four years; he’s a visiting scholar at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University now. In this exclusive conversation on the sidelines of an event the Navy League’s Center for Maritime Strategy co-hosted in Arlington Tuesday, he lays out his vision for the next generation of innovation in national defense.

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