A federal judge ordered the Department of Veterans Affairs to restore its labor contract with its largest union. The VA says it has complied with that ruling, but documents show that it isn’t actually implementing the contract’s provisions. The case focuses on an executive order President Donald Trump signed last year barring many agencies from collective bargaining. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration says it is open to hiring more federal employees, but with one big caveat. The Office of Personnel Management says that should only happen if agencies can cut down their contractor support. OPM Director Scott Kupor expanded on that idea and many of the administration’s other priorities during a House subcommittee hearing this week. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry GertonA flagship government and industry leadership program is getting a fresh start with a new class and a new vision for 2026 After last year’s deadly mid‑air collision, Reagan National’s tower is finally getting modern tools built to cut workload and reduce risk on the ground As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, a new guide asks Americans to think differently about their role in democracySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The National Urban League says many people are exhausted by political noise but still care deeply about the country’s future. Its new guide, released ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, is meant to meet people where they are and give them practical ways to engage. Joining us to explain the thinking behind it is Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The FAA’s Terminal Flight Data Manager system is now fully operational at DCA, bringing predictive tools, integrated surface displays, and a shared real‑time picture of the airfield. The goal is simple: fewer delays, stronger coordination, and a smoother experience for millions of passengers each year. We explore what travelers will notice and what comes next with Doug Lieberman, Vice President and CTO of air traffic for Leidos.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

ACT-IAC has relaunched its Partners Program with a 2026 class built for a moment when government and industry are looking for steadier leadership. The new cohort brings together senior leaders who want to deepen their impact and learn from a Pathfinder team drawn from across agencies and major contractors. We get the big-picture view of this new chapter from ACT-IAC President and CEO, Dave Wennergren.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Department of Homeland Security shutdown has now stretched for more than 40 days. And Transportation Security Administration employees say they’ve reached a breaking point. TSA call outs are leading to delays at some airports. And the agency is losing staff as it prepares for record-high levels of travel this summer. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

These days you can bet on almost everything from sports to politics to the stock market. At the Department of the Navy, PEO Digital is making big bets on technology. As part of its shift to a more lean, startup mindset, the Navy is making small investments in technologies that they hope will deliver big results. For more on how the Navy’s Program Executive Office Digital is testing and deciding on its technology bets, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller talked to Louis Koplin, the acting program executive officer for the Navy’s PEO Digital.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With U.S. markets down and volatility on the rise, war in the Middle East is adding a new layer of anxiety for TSP investors. History shows markets have reacted to past conflicts in uneven, but often surprising ways, and those lessons matter for today’s decisions. Joining me to talk through what to do, what to avoid, and how strategies differ for workers and retirees is financial planner Art Stein.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Fixing the talent pipeline doesn’t require a single sweeping reform — but it does require coordination War headlines and market volatility might rattle TSP investors—but history offers some important perspectiveSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bipartisan Policy Center's new report argues that piecemeal reforms can’t solve today’s labor and skills challenges. Instead, it calls for a shared strategy that shapes decisions across education systems, workforce programs, and employers. We’ll explore what that would mean in practice with Margaret Spellings, former Secretary of Education and current president and CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The State Department carried out widespread layoffs last summer. But it’s still scrutinizing its workforce. The Department is planning to potentially remove or reassign more Foreign Service employees who don’t meet new performance standards. This comes as the Trump administration is planning to limit the number of federal employees who can receive top marks on their annual performance reviews. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than 350,000 federal employees left the government in 2025, whether voluntarily or by force. But some positions and agencies were more heavily targeted by the Trump administration, while others saw increases in their numbers. An in-depth analysis of data from the Office of Personnel Management reveals key details of where the federal workforce stands today. Federal News Network's Drew Friedman gets more from Drew DeSilver, a senior writer at the Pew Research Center.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton As climate pressures intensify and no federal entity owns a national water agenda, a new strategy argues the U.S. needs a water reset now, not years from now As U.S. Marines move offshore near Iran, Washington is expanding its military options without committing to boots on the ground A new center wants to turn regulatory “big ideas” into results that actually work on the groundSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new document from The Aspen Institute makes a blunt point: America’s water systems are strained by climate, growth and aging infrastructure, and the nation has no coherent plan to deal with these challenges. The report calls for a national framework to modernize infrastructure, reform governance and elevate water as a core economic issue. To find out more about what it will take to move this from proposal to action, I'm joined by Dr. Newsha Ajami, founding director of the Risk, Resilience, and Recovery program at Stanford.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Americans hear about Marines deploying toward the Middle East, it can sound like the first step toward a ground war. In reality, these forces are often used to prevent leaders from being boxed into one. To explain what this deployment does; and doesn’t mean, I’m joined by combat veteran and national security expert, Colonel William Dunn.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The regulatory landscape around climate policy is shifting, and many agencies are left with outdated tools to manage modern risks. The Federation of American Scientists' Center for Regulatory Ingenuity hopes to give them a clearer path, offering practical guidance, partnerships and support for innovative approaches. We’ll talk through that mission with Dr. Hannah Safford, Associate Director of Climate and Environment at FAS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal employees are reporting significantly diminished engagement in their jobs and declining views of political leadership. New survey results from the Partnership for Public Service show major drops in satisfaction and morale during 2025. That’s after a year of upheavals across the federal workforce. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s been nearly 10 months since the Trump Administration unveiled its “merit hiring” plan. And the plan has changed a bit since then, along with the administration’s overall workforce goals. Strict quotas for workforce reduction are gone, for example. And there’s a new emphasis on pooled recruitment for technical jobs. Scott Kupor is the director of the Office of Personnel Management. He shared a progress report with Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The administration is telling American diplomats to challenge foreign data‑localization laws, raising fresh concerns for firms that move data across borders. Those rules are multiplying overseas, creating real tension for companies already navigating privacy, compliance and fast‑moving AI demands. To understand the practical implications of this new approach, I'm joined by Robert Cruz, vice president for regulatory and information governance at Smarsh.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton GSA has issued its first-ever acquisition clause aimed squarely at artificial intelligence—and contractors are already warning it could be a game changer The U.S. is pushing back on foreign data‑sovereignty rules, and it could reshape how global companies handle their information As GSA prepares its next Schedule refresh, contractors are weighing how AI fits into rules that weren’t built for itSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The General Services Administration is rolling out the government’s first acquisition regulation clause written specifically for artificial intelligence systems. It sets sweeping new rules on data ownership, licensing, disclosure and who’s on the hook when AI is used in contract performance—raising red flags across the contracting community. We’ll break down what’s in the clause, who it applies to, and why industry groups are pushing back, with Dan Ramish, Partner with Haynes Boone.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve been talking about what’s changing in GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule and how contractors will have to respond. The next question is how industry is reacting, especially as agencies try to buy AI through systems that weren’t designed for it. To take us there, I’m joined by Jim Carroll, CEO of the Professional Services Council.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration is sending industry mixed messages when it comes to artificial intelligence. On one hand, the White House is emphasizing the use of commercial products and standards. But on the other, recent actions by DoD and GSA send the exact opposite message. For more on how the administration is causing confusion and concern in the federal market when it comes to AI, Federal News Network's executive editor Jason Miller joins me to discuss.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Trump’s new choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security is advancing toward Senate confirmation. Markwayne Mullin had his nomination hearing before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee last week. In some areas, he tried to present a sharp contrast to outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins with more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over one million people have now participated in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance. The purely voluntary program helps to detect and respond to emerging public health threats. To learn more about the scope of the program and what this milestone means, Federal News Network’s Eric White spoke with Heather Reese, who leads the TGS program at the CDC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A strategic alliance between the Federal Laboratories Consortium and FedTech is looking to speed up how federally funded research becomes real‑world technology With travel season ramping up, the CDC just hit a record number of volunteers to help monitor any viruses on the move Practical politics—and some strategic horse trading—may be returning to CongressSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Facing pressure to act on national security and domestic priorities, lawmakers appear more willing to negotiate across issue lines. That includes DHS funding and confirmations, questions about authorizing military operations and funding them, and unresolved bills touching surveillance, housing, and financial policy. To assess whether this moment leads to real progress, we’re joined by Capitol Hill Correspondent for WTOP, Mitchell Miller.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new alliance between the FLC and FedTech is aimed at solving a long‑standing gap; connecting federally funded R&D with entrepreneurs ready to build real products and companies. The partnership promises practical support for labs, small businesses, and regional innovation ecosystems. We explore what’s ahead with Paige George of the Federal Laboratory Consortium.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Postal Service says it’s close to running out of cash and may need to cut delivery days. USPS is asking lawmakers to step in and offer some assistance. Congress passed major postal reform legislation in four years ago, but the mail agency is still seeing multi-billion dollar annual net losses. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Pentagon’s ambitious “Golden Dome” missile defense system is getting more expensive. New estimates from the Defense Department put the price tag at $185 billion; that's $10 billion more than the president originally said it would cost. But some analysts say the new estimate is no more believable than the president’s initial price tag. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The University of Texas at El Paso is strengthening its ability to test next‑generation drone and counter‑drone systems and to apply them to challenges like border security, disaster response, and infrastructure monitoring. It’s part of a growing shift where unmanned systems are becoming essential tools for agencies and communities, not just experimental platforms. We’ll explore what that means for UTEP’s future with Aerospace Center Executive Director Dr. Shery Welsh.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A mixed‑reality rollout from the Army National Guard is giving students a firsthand look at the skills and careers behind disaster response With drones now touching everything from security to agriculture, The University of Texas at El Paso is gearing up to train the people and build the technology that this new landscape demands A new “drone killer” cartridge aims to give Marines a simple, low‑cost way to stop small drones with the rifles they already carrySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As adversaries lean heavily on small drones for surveillance and strikes, U.S. forces need a response that doesn’t slow them down. Engineers focused on low cost and plug‑and‑play integration and early testing suggests they may have found it. We talk through the capability with Brian Hoffman, Man-Portable Weapons Chief Engineer at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new program called “Disasterville” brings National Guard missions into schools through a mix of physical props and virtual reality, letting students step into the middle of a flood, wildfire, or earthquake response. It’s part of a broader effort to build awareness of the Guard’s role in disaster relief. Here to explain the effort is Staff Sergeant Adam Szabo from the National Guard Bureau.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has launched a “ruthless” review of how the military’s legal offices are organized. Experts say while there is room to streamline these offices’ operations, the review will likely be used to thin out the ranks of military lawyers. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration’s new national cyber strategy is starting to translate into agency actions. But there are still a lot of questions about what comes next with the implementation of the strategy. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Traditional guardrails eroded quickly during the Trump administration’s first year, with ethics bodies sidelined and inspectors general forced out while DOGE tested the limits of its authority. The result was a federal landscape with fewer protections and less capacity just as major decisions were being made. To dig into what that means for rebuilding, I’m joined by Faith Williams of the Project on Government Oversight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As federal workers and contractors navigate sudden disruption, Maryland leaders are focused on keeping families housed, connected, and economically mobile. Housing tied to transit and new pathways into emerging industries are central to that strategy. We'll learn more from Congressman Glenn Ivey of Maryland and Bryan Franklin, Deputy Director of LISC-DC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton What happened inside government last year explains many of today’s gaps in capacity and accountability The message from Maryland: losing a federal job doesn’t have to mean leaving the region So many personnel policies are shifting at the same time that even seasoned federal workers are struggling to follow which changes matter most right nowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Several weeks into the DHS shutdown, front‑line employees from TSA to the Coast Guard are working without pay as airport delays mount and families feel the strain. At the same time, the administration is accelerating major personnel changes, from Schedule Policy/Career conversions to new RIF rules that could redefine job security for tens of thousands of federal workers. We’ll connect all of those threads now with John Hatton, Staff Vice President for Policy and Programs at NARFE.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Donald Trump promised he would wage a “war on fraud” at his State of the Union address. Now those plans are coming into focus. A new executive order calls on nearly a dozen benefits-paying agencies to come up with ways to reduce fraudulent payments. Vice President JD Vance will lead the task force. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Agencies have a new opportunity to get help with modernizing their HR functions. A new “HR shared service center” from the Office of Personnel Management launched this week. If agencies opt into OPM’s offer, for a fee, they’ll get access to a suite of IT tools to streamline their human capital management capabilities. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton New limits on executive pay and dividends are changing expectations across the defense sector, even if the effects haven’t hit earnings yet A major reboot of the government’s small‑innovation programs is finally moving after months of uncertainty GAO finds persistent gaps and data problems in OMB’s federal program inventory, limiting its value for oversight and decision‑makingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The administration’s new rules on executive pay, dividends and other financial tools haven’t moved defense earnings, but they’re already reshaping how companies think about future contracts. Those limits could eventually influence everything from talent pipelines to supply‑chain stability as they get written into deals over the coming year. We get the latest market signals and industry reactions from Paul Murphy of Bloomberg Government.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The federal program inventory was meant to give policymakers a clear picture of what the government does and how much it spends. GAO says that picture remains incomplete, with missing programs, outdated listings, and inconsistent data undermining confidence in the site. Here to walk through GAO’s findings and what OMB needs to fix is Dawn Locke, Director in GAO’s Strategic Issues team. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Senate has advanced a bill that would reauthorize the SBIR and STTR programs through 2031 after a long lapse, and it comes with some notable changes for small R&D firms. The package adds tougher foreign‑risk screening and introduces new “Strategic Breakthrough” Phase II awards that can reach up to $30 million. We’ll look at what those shifts mean for innovators and contracting officers with Emily Murphy, former GSA Administrator.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As soon as President Donald Trump signs the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer program reauthorization act into law, the Department of Navy will be ready. While the House still needs to do its job and pass the SBIR bill, the Navy has been using the last six months to update its program. With a sneak peak into the Navy’s plans for the future of its SBIR program, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Navy is in the middle of a year-long push to embed fifth-generation wireless technologies across its systems and installations. And the service’s 5G Integrated Product Team says it’s “making progress” on expanding network coverage. Jason Fox is the director of the 5G IPT in the Department of the Navy Office of the Chief Information Officer. He talked with Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday about that progress.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton CBO's latest assessment shows a federal outlook defined by rising costs, structural imbalances and tough choices ahead A military widow who turned her deepest loss into a decade of service is being honored with one of TAPS’ highest awards From the Strait of Hormuz to the factory floor, today’s Middle East operations are reshaping what the Pentagon asks of its contractorsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ongoing U.S. military operations in the Middle East are stretching supply chains, increasing demand for munitions and intelligence, and raising new questions about how long industry can sustain the pace without supplemental funding. Behind every deployment, contractors are providing the logistics, technology, and support that make operations possible. Joining me to break down what this moment means for industry is President of the Professional Services Council, Stephanie Kostro.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

According to the Peterson Foundation, this year’s CBO outlook lays out a budget weighed down by structural forces; from health‑care costs to an aging population that outpace the revenue coming in. It’s a forecast shaped by competing political pressures and economic realities that don’t move in the same direction. We’ll explore whether there’s any realistic path to addressing those imbalances with Brett Loper, Executive Vice President of Policy at the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For more than a decade, Sara Wilson has been a steady presence for families navigating military grief, from Good Grief Camps to crisis support in some of the hardest moments. Her peer‑to‑peer networks, advocacy work, and calm guidance have strengthened the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, or TAPS, community at home and abroad. She joins me ahead of receiving the Senator Ted Stevens Leadership Award at this year’s TAPS Honor Guard Gala.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Defense Department has begun taking a series of equity stakes in companies deemed critical to national security. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have questions about the new strategy. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The General Services Administration is set to lead an acquisition system consolidation across government. That’s because GSA will be designated a “quality service management office” for acquisition. For more on what that means and what comes next, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton As HHS looks to speed up AI in clinical care, the big questions are burden, trust and what comes next AI is now a competitive edge in federal capture, and small firms need to adjust fast Escalating conflict abroad is now driving debates over war powers, energy prices and the fate of key funding billsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Democrats are signaling they may force votes tied to the Iran conflict while leadership scrambles to keep DHS funding and other priorities on track. Energy interventions meant to blunt price spikes are adding new economic pressure that could reshape the legislative lineup. We’ll look at how these forces converge on Capitol Hill with Loren Duggan, Deputy News Director at Bloomberg Government.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Department of Health and Human Services asked clinicians, patients, developers and health systems how the agency should guide the use of AI in health care delivery. That feedback will shape the Department’s approach to trust, interoperability and responsible adoption. We talk through what happens next with Deputy National Coordinator for Policy at HHS, Mark Atalla.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI is reshaping the skills contractors need to compete. Small businesses in particular need to adjust how they use these tools inside their proposals. An intentional approach can help a proposal stand out in a crowd. We get practical guidance from Desmond Brown, former Executive Director, Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Department of Veterans Affairs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a year of workforce overhauls, the Trump administration is continuing to charge forward with major changes for federal employees. The new Schedule "Policy-slash-Career" classification is on the brink of becoming reality. Revisions to the performance management system will soon take shape. Many of these looming changes come directly from the Office of Personnel Management. At a Federal News Network event last week, reporter Drew Friedman sat down with OPM Director Scott Kupor to hear his take on some of these new policies. Here's an excerpt of that conversation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers are facing extended wait times to receive their tax refunds from the IRS. In the past many of them would normally receive a paper check from the agency. But the Trump administration is phasing those out in favor of electronic payments that are faster and less prone to errors. In some cases, taxpayers are now waiting months for their refunds. News Network’s Jory Heckman has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A smaller IRS staff could mean a longer wait for returns Applications are open for a program that helps Navy and Marine Corps families pay for school through grants and interest‑free loansSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Navy‑Marine Corps Relief Society has opened its 2026–27 Education Assistance Program, giving spouses and children a chance to apply for scholarships and interest‑free loans that can ease the cost of higher education. The Society supports hundreds of families each year through this program, and demand for this cycle is already building as more households look for help balancing school, service, and rising costs. We get the latest on who qualifies and how the program works from RADM (Retired) Dawn Cutler, Chief Operations Officer for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tax season is underway, but the agency at the center of it is dealing with a shrinking workforce and the loss of tools meant to make filing easier. Those gaps are raising worries about whether the IRS can keep up, especially when it comes to customer service. For more, Federal News Network’s Eric White spoke with former Treasury Department Deputy Chief of Staff Julie Siegel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Four of the six major programs run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services saw their improper payment rate increase in fiscal 2025. Medicare Part C, Medicare Part D and Medicaid all saw upticks in how much money went out the door that shouldn’t have. While not all improper payments are considered fraud, CMS is planning an all out effort to reign in fraud specifically, and improper payments more broadly. For more on how CMS will take on this systemic challenge, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Homeland Security shutdown is delaying key public meetings over forthcoming cyber incident reporting regulations. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency had planned on holding the meetings this month. But much of CISA’s operations have been curtailed by the shutdown. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton DPAA’s family updates remain the heart of a mission that still spans the globe in search of answers As the situation in the Middle East worsens, Americans seeking a way out are once again turning to Congressional caseworkers — and the workload is beginning to look uncomfortably familiar Questions about pay, leave payouts, and retirement rules can catch a lot of federal employees off guardSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some feds are seeing unexpected effects from the new special pay rate for law enforcement and from year‑end retirements that didn’t line up with when agencies process annual leave payouts. New retirees also face a set of early housekeeping steps that can make a big difference in how smoothly their benefits begin. We sort through the practical details with federal retirement expert Tammy Flanagan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DPAA’s mission is to account for missing service members from World War II through Vietnam, work that depends as much on scientific progress as on the trust they build with families. Their Family Member Updates have become one of the few places where relatives can hear, face‑to‑face, what’s happening in long‑standing cases. Joining us to explain why those touchpoints remain essential are Col. Derek Rankin and Mr. Tim McMahon. Col. Rankin is Chief of Staff at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Mr. McMahon is Armed Forces Medical Examiner System DNA Operations director.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With official guidance thin and evacuation routes uncertain, Americans overseas are flooding Congressional offices for help, recreating the same crisis‑driven scramble we saw after the fall of Kabul. Caseworkers, who were never meant to be emergency responders are again stepping into life‑and‑death situations as they try to fill gaps left by strained federal operations. We’ll dig into what’s happening on the ground with Anne Meeker, deputy director of the Popvox Foundation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A multibillion-dollar backlog of building maintenance projects has grown too large for the federal government’s landlord to effectively manage. That’s according to a board that advises the General Services Administration on buildings it should sell or dispose of. The board recommends a “radical reduction” of buildings GSA owns. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman join us with more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Army is beginning to use a promotion authority Congress approved in 2018 that could give some officers more flexibility in how they move through the ranks. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis gives us an update.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A sudden change to how VA evaluates disabilities triggered immediate backlash from veterans and their advocates The Army is about to open its first operational makerspace in Europe, a new hub where soldiers can turn ideas into real solutions for the mission Amid mounting warnings that Iran or its proxies could strike back, GAO says HHS isn’t fully aligned internally on the public‑health preparedness programs states rely on mostSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 21st Theater Sustainment Command. cuts the ribbon March 13 on its Innovation Lab at Kaiserslautern, Germany, built to help Soldiers tackle problems closest to the mission. The lab ties frontline needs to Army Development Command’s ability to prototype and test new concepts. We look at what Soldiers can build, how ideas move through the pipeline, and what success looks like in year one with Major Ron White, Chief Innovation Officer of the Army's 21st TSC. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The heightened threat environment has put a spotlight on federal readiness, but a new GAP review shows HHS still lacks formal mechanisms to coordinate its two major preparedness programs. Those gaps matter when states face overlapping health hazards from outbreaks to extreme weather to hostile‑actor disruptions. GAO’s Mary Denigan‑Macauley joins us with the details.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

By bypassing notice‑and‑comment and issuing an interim final rule, VA shocked groups that normally get a heads‑up on major policy shifts. Veterans responded with near‑universal concern about how treatment‑controlled symptoms would be judged. We hear why the response was so sharp from Carl Blake, CEO of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration is out with a new national cyber strategy. The administration’s focus is on making cyber adversaries pay for trying to hack into government networks or critical infrastructure. But there are a lot of familiar themes from past cyber strategies as well. To break it all down, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Errors and inconsistencies in a public list of political appointees are raising concerns over the data’s reliability. A new analysis of the so-called “PLUM” book, from the Government Accountability Office, finds that the list of federal executives does not contain all data required by statute. It’s also missing key information across several agencies and senior-level positions. Here with the details, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It will hopefully never happen to you, but what if you're taken hostage and therefore unable to file a tax return? It's probably one of the last things on your mind during a traumatic experience, so the IRS does have a plan in place to make sure a victim doesn't face any unfair consequences from their ordeal. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration recently took a look at those protocols. To learn what they found, Federal News Network's Eric White spoke to one of the auditors who conducted the review at TIGTA, John Da Cruz.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Defense Department says it has officially notified Anthropic that the company and its products are deemed a supply‑chain risk, a move that could require defense vendors to certify they aren’t using Claude in DoD work. The designation stems from a breakdown over AI guardrails and the Pentagon’s insistence on “all lawful purposes,” raising questions about the scope of the Department’s authority and how a challenge would play out. We’ll sort the law from the headlines and what contractors need to do now with Zach Prince, partner at Haynes Boone.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton As debates sharpen over military use of AI, the Aerospace Industries Association is outlining a path for agentic systems in defense The Pentagon’s “supply‑chain risk” label for Anthropic now forces a legal and operational reckoning across the defense industrial base What does the IRS do if someone is kidnapped and not able to pay taxes?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AIA says agentic AI could unlock faster, more adaptive decisions across the defense industrial base, but only if agencies and contractors address risks and real‑world friction. The conversation is unfolding as policymakers debate how military AI should be governed and what limits are necessary. Tim White, Vice President of Engineering and Technology at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), is with me to outline the path ahead.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal cybersecurity leaders say they’re looking to artificial intelligence to help thwart cyber adversaries who are increasingly using AI themselves. Gharun Lacy is the deputy assistant secretary of state for cyber and technology within the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security. And Joseph Aguayo is the deputy chief information security officer at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. They talked with Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday. Lacy speaks first.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Army is overhauling its direct commissioning program as it tries to bring more civilian tech experts into uniform. Service officials say the program will “completely upskill” Army organizations over time. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis is here with an update. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Experts say the next month could bring disruptive cyber activity from Iran and its aligned groups, and they’re urging organizations to shore up defenses now. The concerns center on the likelihood of targeted operations against the sectors with the highest visibility and the weakest points of entry. We'll examine what the threat picture looks like—and how leaders can harden their operations quickly—with James Turgal, VP of global cyber risk at Optiv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton U.S. organizations should prepare for potential retaliation in the cyber domain as tensions with Iran escalate NIH sets up camp near one of the worst environmental disasters ever A stalled DHS funding fight at home and rising tensions abroad are pushing Congress into another week of high‑stakes maneuveringSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Three years after a freight train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, residents are still worried about the health risks from the controlled burns that sent toxins into the air. Now, the National Institutes of Health has set up a new research office on the ground to monitor those impacts. Federal News Network’s Eric White spoke with the person running that effort, Dr. Ashlinn Quinn, to find out how it's going.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leadership changes sparked by DHS Secretary Noem’s departure and Oklahoma Senator Mullin’s potential role have stirred new political drama but provided no path forward on the Department of Homeland Security’s funding freeze. Add to that a Congress increasingly split over war‑powers resolutions and the path to any Middle East supplemental, and the next few months look anything but predictable. We connect the political and procedural dots with Mitchell Miller of WTOP.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Agencies may soon make their layoff decisions based on performance, rather than tenure. A new proposal from the Trump administration seeks to reverse agencies’ current order of operations when deciding who to remove, or retain, in a reduction-in-force. Here with the latest, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The last 12 months have been tough for small business government contractors, to say the least.There is increased scrutiny on not just the 8(a) program, but on all small business set-aside contracts. The Small Business Innovation Research Program has been on pause since October. And then there was the longest-ever government shutdown that delayed work and contract awards. But it’s all not bad news as there is now some light at the end of the SBIR tunnel. For more on how small businesses can navigate this tough time, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller caught up with Kim Reidy, the director of the Office of Small Business Programs for the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command and Shadi Azoum. the program manager of the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs also at NAVWAR, at the West conference in San Diego.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal workers and military families are navigating one of the most complex tax seasons in recent memory. New rules on overtime, car‑loan interest, and Social Security are changing how many households will file. Here to break down the changes and what they mean in practice is Mike Meese, president of Armed Forces Mutual.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

OPM says the creation of Schedule Policy/Career aims to increase accountability, but it may instead introduce new vulnerabilities for federal researchers. Critics warn that the change could affect not only scientific judgment today but the long‑term pipeline of expertise inside government. Peter Bonner from the Federation of American Scientists joins me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton The Schedule Policy/Career rule raises alarms about the independence of federal science New rules implementing the Administrative False Claims Act could expand how federal agencies pursue smaller fraud cases This year’s tax rules introduce new benefits and new confusion for federal workers and the militarySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Civilian Board of Contract Appeals has issued new procedural rules to implement the Administrative False Claims Act, a revamped law that gives federal agencies greater ability to pursue smaller fraud cases involving government contracts. The changes could expand enforcement tools and raise new compliance considerations for contractors doing business with the federal government. To help unpack what the new rules mean and how companies should prepare, Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Dan Ramish, Counsel at Haynes Boone.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Top Department of Homeland Security officials could be deposed in a lawsuit challenging staff cuts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The case centers on whether DHS is allowed to enact major workforce reductions at FEMA. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Department of the Navy is conducting a departmentwide organizational review that could lead to significant restructuring of its civilian workforce and reductions in civilian personnel. The review is part of a broader Defense Department effort to reshape its civilian workforce and align personnel and resources with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s priorities under the National Defense Strategy. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau less active and running with fewer resources, many states no longer get the data they need to finish their own consumer protection cases. A new multistate lawsuit aims to restore the bureau’s full funding. We wanted to understand what that means for states like Maryland, so Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Bill Meeks, Director of the Lending and Finance Unit in the Consumer Protection Division for Maryland’s Attorney General.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A massive reinvestment push is reshaping military housing, aiming to fix the hazards families have lived with for years AI systems are only as safe as the environments where they’re trained and tested — a point now hitting home across DoD and the federal government With CFPB weakened, states are fighting to regain the data and support they need to protect consumersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before an AI agent can support a mission, teams need to know how it handles uncertainty, manipulation, and unexpected inputs. That requires sandboxes built for evaluation rather than production. We talk through what that entails with AI red‑team specialist Bri Frost, Director of Product Management at Cloud Range.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Across hundreds of military communities, the housing system is finally confronting aging infrastructure and the reliability gaps that affect daily life for families. The work happening now is a real‑world test of how policy decisions and oversight translate into improvements at scale. We get an inside look at how those choices are made and measured from Brian Stann, CEO of Hunt Military Communities.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration’s drive to create one human capital management system for all of government is running into the unfortunate realities of government contracting. Two new protests are putting the Office of Management and Budget’s aggressive timeline to fully transition every major agency to this consolidated modernized system by July 4, 2027 at risk. For an update on the administration's HR IT modernization program, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The General Services Administration has updated its contractor cybersecurity requirements. The standards are similar to the Pentagon’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program. But there are also some key differences in GSA’s standards that are causing consternation in industry. For more, Federal Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two very different cyber cases — a DFARS‑driven settlement and a criminal indictment involving FedRAMP misrepresentations; are giving contractors a preview of DOJ’s posture for 2026. Both point to a more aggressive and more varied enforcement landscape. We’re talking through what that means with Andrew Liebler and Lance Taubin of Alston & Bird.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The president has proposed a historic $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027. But with the possibility of divided government after the midterms and the risk of another yearlong continuing resolution, that funding boost could stall before it ever reaches the Pentagon. There may be another route for the White House to go though, the budget reconciliation process. To find out how that could work, Federal News Network' Eric White spoke with John Ferrari, non-resident scholar with the American Enterprise Institute.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Two December cases show DOJ is shifting its cyber enforcement into higher gear The administration’s biggest defense request yet may depend on a budget maneuver to survive the next Congress GAO says the Space Development Agency’s timeline for missile-warning satellites may be outpacing realitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GAO says the Space Development Agency is at risk of falling behind on missile-warning capability because of technology readiness gaps and schedule planning weaknesses. The report also warns that users don’t have enough transparency into how requirements are set, and DOD still lacks a reliable life‑cycle cost estimate. We'll walk through the detail's with GAO’s Jon Ludwigson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hundreds of former USAID employees and their supporters gathered in downtown Washington, D.C., last week. Their rally marked exactly one year since the agency shuttered, and thousands of staff members were escorted out of their offices. At the rally, former employees called out impacts of the Trump administration’s dismantling of USAID, while also considering their path forward. Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman was there.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal agencies are releasing their new use case inventories for artificial intelligence. Across the government, there now are more than 2,500 AI use cases, an increase of more than 800 since last year. And with the rise of agentic AI, agencies are positioning themselves to drive toward more automation and efficiencies. Kelly Fletcher is the chief information officer for the State Department. And Kris Saling is the chief technology advisor for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. They talked about the state of their AI rollouts with Federal News Network’s Jason Miller. Fletcher leads off this excerpt from the discussion.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coming up on the Federal Drive with Terry GertonFrom poll‑worker shortages to new federal proposals, 2026 could test election systemsA once‑gutted government tech program is coming back to life as OPM prepares to hire its first TechForce cohortDoD’s move against Anthropic and its plan to deploy all FY 2026 funding at once could reset the market for federal contractorsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Election offices are heading into 2026 with real pressure on staffing, administration, and public confidence. New proposals at the federal level could add to the workload as local officials prepare for a complex election cycle. We break down the biggest challenges with Donald Palmer, Chairman of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The federal market now faces a double shock: an abrupt supply‑chain risk ruling against a major AI vendor and a funding plan that concentrates four years’ worth of spending into one. Both will shape how primes and subs manage risk, inventory their tools, and pursue new work in 2026. We break down the implications with Stephanie Kostro, President of the Professional Services Council.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A remnant of DOGE is about to get a new life under the Trump administration. OPM plans to issue its first TechForce job offers this week, as the agency wraps up reviews for software engineers and data scientists who would serve two‑ to four‑year tours on modernization projects. To find out how this effort will work — and how it differs from past attempts to bring more technologists into government —Federal News Network’s Eric White spoke with Lauren Chambers, a Ph.D candidate at the UC Berkeley School of Information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Natural disasters at military installations have caused billions of dollars in damage over the past decade, but the Defense Department began tracking those costs just recently. That data, however, remains incomplete and at times inaccurate. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Kristy Williams, director of defense capabilities and management at the Government Accountability Office, about the Pentagon’s efforts to improve natural disaster cost tracking.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The acting director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency for the past 10 months is out. Madhu Gottu-mukkala was transferred to another position at the Department of Homeland Security last week. His departure comes amid deep uncertainty at the cyber defense agency. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton EPA’s State Revolving Funds move billions into water infrastructure; an internal audit says the agency isn’t accurately tracking how that money is spent New data may change what we know about staffing, stability and capacity on Capitol Hill Congress is as busy as ever and DHS is still not fundedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Behind every hearing, bill, and negotiation are staff whose careers have never been consistently tracked. A new dataset brings order to that picture and gives Congress and the public a clearer sense of its workforce. The architect of the HillClimbers Index is Omar Awan, and he joins me now to show how this new visibility can guide decisions on staff size, compensation, and day‑to‑day operations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

According to the OIG, EPA regions underreported improper and unknown payments in the SRF program by tens of millions of dollars, driven by documentation gaps and incomplete reporting. The findings point to weaknesses in the agency’s largest funding stream and the controls meant to protect it. We walk through the implications with Devon Padula from the EPA Office of Inspector General.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congress is busy as ever. Hearings, the State of the Union, potentially major legislation, and oh yea, the Department of Homeland Security is still not funded. I got an update on what is top of mind on Capitol Hill right now from Loren Duggan, Deputy News Director for Bloomberg Government.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Agriculture Department is selling one of its headquarters buildings, as part of an ongoing agency reorganization. USDA is putting its South Building near the National Mall over to the General Services Administration, which plans to put it on the market. Senior officials say the building is underutilized and faces a billion-dollar maintenance backlog. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Marine Corps has a readiness problem. Only about 45% to 50% of its amphibious groups have the ability to be forward deployed. For more on how the Marines are working with the Navy to achieve a readiness rate of 80%, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller sat down with Lieutenant General Jay Bargeron, the deputy commandant for plans, policies and operations for the Marine Corps, at the recent WEST conference in San Diego, California.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A year after the midair collision near Reagan National, the NTSB's findings raise fresh questions about the safety gaps that allowed it to happen Could there be a way to make economic sanctions more mission oriented?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the main tools foreign policy leaders have to exert pressure on other governments is through the use of economic tools. Sanctions, export controls, investment restrictions, and financial measures have been used with much more frequency rather than more invasive methods. But has their recurring use made it more difficult to lose sight of their main purpose in the first place? I recently spoke to Lt. Col. Mary Hossier, Department of the Air Force senior military fellow at the Center for a New American Security, who makes the case that a more doctrinal approach, such as those used by the military, may help keep the main goals in sight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Families have filed suit alleging the 2025 crash was both foreseeable and preventable, as investigators detailed long‑standing risks in the capital’s most sensitive airspace. With urgent NTSB recommendations on the table and renewed scrutiny of how DCA’s flight corridor is managed, we look at what should have happened at every step to prevent a tragedy like this and what should happen next with aviation attorney Timothy Loranger.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An overhaul of the government’s performance management system is coming down the pipeline. New proposed regulations from the Office of Personnel Management would change the annual review process for virtually the entire federal workforce. That includes a plan to limit how many federal employees can be ranked as so called “high performers.” Here with more is Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An expunged record at the state level may not be enough to qualify for military service. A federal appeals court says the service branches can enforce stricter enlistment standards than those set by the Defense Department, and don’t have to honor state expungements when evaluating potential recruits. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke to Ira Rushing, associate with Tully Rinckey PLLC, about how the court’s decision could impact current service members or potential recruits.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton As AI transforms the workforce, a new report finds veterans may have an edge, and the data shows exactly which career paths offer the strongest long‑term payoff A record‑shattering year for False Claims Act recoveries is forcing a sharper look at where the money flows and why DOJ’s enforcement firepower keeps circling back to healthcare How to make sure your nest egg is thrivingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You've got the money, you'd like it to continue to grow throughout your retirement, where should you put it? It's an age old question that you get a different answer to depending on who and when you ask it. I certainly don't know the answer, so let's talk to someone who does. Certified financial planner Art Stein joins me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Using exclusive retention data, Redeployable and Hire Heroes USA tracked where veterans actually stay and grow in the civilian workforce, even as AI reshapes entire industries. Their analysis spotlights six fields with strong job growth, high veteran staying power, and low automation risk — a combination that signals long‑term stability. We’ll break down why these fields stand out and what the research means for veterans making career decisions right now with Ben Read and Charlotte Creech. Ben is the Co-Founder and CEO of Redeployable and Charlotte is Chief Program Officer at Hire Heroes USA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The government brought in an all‑time high of $6.8 billion in False Claims Act recoveries last year, with healthcare driving most of the action. DOJ is zeroing in on managed care billing, drug‑pricing tactics, and medical‑device safety — and it’s adding discrimination in hiring and pay as a new area of focus. We’ll unpack what that means for companies and why enforcement keeps following the money with Kate Seikaly (CYCLE-y) of Reed Smith.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Defense Department’s much-delayed background investigation system is years behind schedule and billions over budget. DoD officials say they have a plan to finally deliver the system in the coming years. But lawmakers are concerned about more schedule slips and a lack of permanent leadership to oversee the program. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Education Department is handing off more work to other federal agencies, as part of plans to dismantle its operations. It’s sharing some of its duties with the departments of State Department and the Department of Health and Human Services. Education transferred some of its employees to the Labor Department last year. But so far, no employees have been detailed to State or HHS. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your final day of working can approach fast once you have it set. At least, that's what I've been told. The changes however can be even more rapid after you do retire. So what can you expect your first few months of not having to punch the clock every day? We welcome Private Wealth Adviser with RMG Advisors Thiago Glieger.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GAO reviewed how agencies work with Tribes to share decisions on natural and cultural resources and found that while these agreements can provide meaningful, long‑term participation, they’re built unevenly from agency to agency. Some agencies have the legal authority to create deeper partnerships, while others, including the Forest Service and NOAA’s marine sanctuaries don’t, limiting Tribal influence over similar lands and waters. We’ll explore what it will take to close those gaps with GAO’s Anna Maria Ortiz.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A check-in with the office in charge of running the Capitol building What to expect in the first months of your retirement Tribes are gaining long‑term roles in managing natural and cultural resources, but GAO says those agreements could be far more consistent and far more effectiveSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With 2026 underway, we thought we'd check in with office in charge of running the Capitol, the building that is. It's been over 230 years since George Washington laid the cornerstone for the building, and obviously it's come a long way. To find out what's in store for the future, Federal Drive host Terry Gerton talked to the one person who best knows that answer, Architect of the Capitol Thomas Austin.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two decades ago, NASA Administrator Michael Griffin said the space agency has become too dependent on outside contractors, hollowing out some of the skills the agency needs in-house to oversee and evaluate programs. Similar concerns rose to the top when NASA kicked off its Vision 2040 project in 2018. Now it’s NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman’s turn to pave over this well-known ground. In this week’s federal report, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller writes about why this latest attempt to refocus and reinvigorate NASA’s workforce may be different. Jason joins me now to discuss.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the threat of a shutdown gone for most of the government at least, contractors can now shift their focus to some eventful business opportunities. For one thing, NASA is going through a transformation. Plus the upcoming FIFA World Cup could present some interesting opportunities. For more on that, we welcome Jim Carroll, CEO of the Professional Services Council.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton For victims, a quick stop at an ATM or gas station can turn into wiped‑out accounts and days of financial chaos after a skimmer steals their card data If you think an old tax issue is behind you, the IRS may be about to prove otherwise With shutdown threats mostly behind them, contractors focus on eventful opportunitiesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With enforcement ramping up and penalties increasing, the Voluntary Disclosure Program is becoming the safest way to resolve past tax mistakes before they turn into something bigger. We’ll walk through the risks, red flags, and first steps with Valerie Makarewicz and Tino Lisella, Partners at Carlton Fields.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Card‑skimming is no longer a local nuisance; it’s become a coordinated, multi‑state fraud pipeline built on speed, technology and volume. The Secret Service is tracing how these crews operate, and partnerships with banks and local police are helping shut them down. We’ll look at the scope of the threat and the impact on victims with Secret Service Special Agent Michael Peck.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The National Institutes of Health continued to lean into the use of artificial intelligence last year. The NIH has now initiated more than 100 AI pilots over the last few years. Those efforts ramped up as the health agency also navigated staffing cuts and other turmoil in 20-25. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

House Democrats are pressing Bureau of Prisons leaders on their plans to address long-time staffing shortages. For years, low staffing at BOP has contributed to operational issues and unsafe conditions across the federal prison system. A letter sent Friday to BOP’s Director says the workforce issues have reached a “crisis point.” Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton The BIOSECURE Act is coming, and no contractor is as “biotech‑free” as they think Congress.gov is gearing up for another round of user research after a revealing set of interviews late last year A new Supreme Court ruling has upended the President’s global tariff plan just as Congress faces fresh pressure to avert a partial shutdown at Homeland SecuritySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new federal law is about to require contractors to map their supply chains, vet their vendors, and prove they’re not relying on banned biotech companies. Many firms will discover exposure they didn’t know they had. We’ll explain what’s at stake with Alex Major, Partner and Co‑Chair of the Government Contracts & Global Trade Practice at McCarter & English.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After completing interviews with congressional and public users in November and December, the Congress.gov team is preparing for a new research phase this spring. The insights from last year’s sessions are guiding the next steps in modernizing the user experience. I'll explore the takeaways and what’s ahead with Chief of the Design Division, OCIO, at the Library of Congress, Kristin Davis.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Supreme Court’s decision striking down the administration’s tariff framework landed in the middle of a crowded stretch on Capitol Hill, where talks to end the DHS partial shutdown have turned to carving agencies out for standalone funding. Lawmakers are also weighing everything from reconciliation plans to aviation safety and the latest FISA fight. We break down what to watch in the days ahead with WTOP’s Capitol Hill Correspondent, Mitchell Miller.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Transportation Department is pushing back against the old adage, “if it ain’t broke, why fix it?” Instead, DOT is looking at all of its technology systems and infrastructure and asking how they can drive better outcomes, particularly through modernization. For more on how Transportation is modernizing many of its legacy systems, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller caught up with Pavan Pidugu, the chief digital and information officer at the Department of Transportation, to learn more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the key highlights of the Defense Department’s recent memo on multi-factor authentication for unclassified and secret networks is the clarification that DoD Public Key Infrastructure — not the common access card itself — is the department’s primary authenticator. Previous policies would often go back and forth between describing the CAC or PKI as DoD’s primary credential, creating confusion. Plus, the memo finally introduces passwordless authentication methods designed to give service members faster, more flexible access to systems. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Alex Antrim and Adam Oliver, senior solutions engineers at Yubico..See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DOJ’s first antitrust whistleblower reward signals a more aggressive approach to rooting out market‑allocation and procurement‑related fraud, especially in digital marketplaces. With employees now financially incentivized to report before companies self‑disclose, the competitive landscape for leniency has shifted. We explore how enforcement is changing with Ann O’Brien, partner at Shepherd and Co-Leader of the firm's Antitrust and Competition Practice Group.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

OMB’s new memo rescinds the Biden‑era requirements and shifts software and hardware security to an agency‑driven, risk‑based model. SBOMs and attestations move from “must” to “may.” That means CIOs and CISOs can tailor what they ask for from vendors, but they’ll also carry the burden of proving those choices keep mission systems safe. We’ll dig into what this change unlocks and where it could create blind spots with Jean‑Paul Bergeaux, Federal CTO at GuidePoint Security.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton The White House has scrapped the one‑size‑fits‑all SBOM mandate and told agency leaders to own their cyber risk. Now flexibility meets accountability The government’s first $1 million antitrust whistleblower award could reshape how companies think about risk... and about their own employees A new Executive Order aims to rethink how the nation tackles addiction, shifting from treatment alone to a broader, community‑anchored approach to recoverySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The White House’s new Great American Recovery Initiative reframes addiction as a chronic disease that needs steady support, not just clinical services — a shift meant to close the gap between how many Americans struggle with substance use and how few receive help. It calls for stronger coordination across government, healthcare, and communities to make recovery more accessible, more connected, and more rooted in real life. We’ll dig into what that means on the ground with Melissa Sosinski, host of Empathy Affect podcast, who’s spent years talking with leaders and people with lived experience about what recovery really looks like.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Postal Service typically sees its best financial results in the first quarter of each fiscal year. That’s because of the year-end holiday season and sometimes a surge in political mail. But USPS is starting this fiscal year with a $1.3 billion net loss. It posted a rare net profit for the same period last year. The American Postal Workers Union says USPS should focus on affordable services and improved service to win back customers. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman spoke with APWU President Jonathan Smith. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the last several weeks, lawmakers have been examining several bills that would affect federal employees in different ways. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, in particular, recently advanced legislation that may bring changes to federal benefits and hiring practices. Joining me with a review of these bills is Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With Gene Dodaro’s 15‑year term closed out and Orice Williams Brown serving in an acting capacity, Congress and the administration now face a high‑stakes selection governed by one of the most bipartisan appointment processes in government. The next leader must balance independence, expertise and credibility to keep GAO’s work above politics. POGO’s Janice Luong joins us to break down what comes next.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry GertonMajor shifts across climate, labor, immigration and other key policy areas made 2025 a year of rapid regulatory changeThe search for the next Comptroller General is turning into a mystery — no one knows when the process will even begin It’s starting to feel like Census Groundhog Day ... the same warning signs from 2020 are showing up again for 2030See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A presidential handoff at noon on January 20 triggered an abrupt reversal across federal policymaking, with agencies shifting from one set of priorities to another almost instantaneously. That whiplash was intensified by a surge of midnight rules on the way out and rapid reversals on the way in, as well as a renewed push by President Trump to expand executive authority. We’ll walk through how that turbulence is reshaping regulation with Finn Dobkin and Matias Vesperoni of the George Washington University Regulatory Studies Center. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Census Project says the warning signs are back, calling the path to 2030 a “Census Groundhog Day” moment that echoes the troubles of 2020. From lagging timelines to unresolved operational risks, the report suggests the bureau is once again running out of runway. Steve Jost and Howard Feinberg join us to explain what’s at stake. Steve is Senior Advisor for Avoq, and a consultant to The Census Project. Howard is Senior VP for Advocacy at the Insights Association and co-director of the Census Project.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Department of Homeland Security is in shutdown mode, but most DHS employees are continuing to work through the lapse in appropriations. Many DHS personnel will also have to work without pay until the White House and lawmakers negotiate a funding deal. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins meSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Defense Department has locked itself into another decadeslong lease this time for privatized military barracks, expanding a housing model that has posed significant challenges for military family housing for decades. A Senate lawmaker now warns that the 50 year agreement will limit the Pentagon’s ability to change contract terms and hold private companies accountable for inadequate living conditions. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GAO reports that millions of residents still receive severe‑weather alerts only in English, and that the National Weather Service’s AI translation initiative risks stalling without better planning and stronger coordination. Technical constraints, resource shortages, and policy barriers are slowing progress nationwide. We look at what GAO recommends and how agencies can close trust‑eroding gaps with Cardell Johnson, Director, Natural Resources and Environment at GAO.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A year into the job, the VA secretary reflects on what he’s learned, what he’s changing, and what he hopes to tackle next For feds and retirees, uncertainty is creeping in as customer‑service problems and new personnel rules raise fresh questions about stability and fairness in the systemWhen severe weather hits, alerts only save lives if people can understand them, and GAO says millions still can’tSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

OPM’s customer‑service struggles are coming at the same time the agency is rewriting policies that affect job security and appeals. We’ll unpack what it all means for people counting on a stable, fair system with John Hatton, staff vice president for policy and programs at NARFE.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Secretary Doug Collins is a year into his tenure at the VA. He joins me now for a look back at what he learned over the past year and how those lessons informed his plan to reorganize the Veterans Health Administration. We'll also examine how VA is making progress in benefits eligibility decisions and payments. He'll lay out what’s changing and why. and what he hopes to accomplish in the year ahead. Here's my conversation with Secretary Collins.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Data from the Department of Veterans Affairs shows it cut health care hiring times by more half. The Trump administration directed agencies to speed up time-to-hire governmentwide. But a closer look at the VA’s data shows that it’s using different metrics than it’s used in the past. For a closer look at the numbers … Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration is telling agencies to proceed with terminating their collective bargaining agreements if they haven't already a new advisory from the Office of Personnel Management follows two executive orders last year that directed most agencies to cancel their union contracts. That's despite ongoing litigation against the president's orders here with the latest is Federal News Network's Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry GertonA new congressional caucus is stepping up to defend the federal workforce at a critical moment Fiscal uncertainty and payment delays are putting new pressure on contractors working across DHS and State The DHS partial shutdown is stretching on, and this week’s negotiations are taking place with Congress out of townSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The standoff over DHS funding is now shaping operations across the department, the next round of negotiations, and the political backdrop for the State of the Union later this month. The SAVE Act moves to the Senate and the President touts an executive order. We sort out what’s moving and what’s not with Loren Duggan, Deputy News Director at Bloomberg Government.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Contractors supporting DHS are navigating a mix of shifting reviews, uneven funding streams, and slow reimbursements for work already completed. Those delays are now rippling through companies that don’t get upfront payments and rely on predictable cash flow to keep projects moving. We break down what’s driving the bottlenecks and who’s feeling it most with Stephanie Kostro, Executive Vice President for Policy at the Professional Services Council.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a year of deep disruptions to the career civil service, lawmakers have created a bicameral caucus to defend federal workers and modernize the systems they rely on. Its goals range from protecting nonpartisan public service to improving pay, retention, and professional development. One of the leaders behind the effort is Rep. James Walkinshaw of Virginia. He joins me now to walk through the strategy and goals for the new caucus.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's President's Day, and today on the 'Best of' The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton we look back at some of our discussions highlighting important research on federal management issues. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command stood up a new cyber directorate last August to take a more comprehensive approach to cybersecurity across the enterprise. The office is zeroing in on three priorities: speeding up zero‑trust adoption, strengthening secure software practices and bringing cutting‑edge defensive technologies into the fight. For more on why Navwar created the directorate and where it’s headed, Federal News Network’s Jason Miller spoke with Rachel Bondi, the deputy director for the cyber innovation unit and CTO for mission systems afloat, at the West Conference in San Diego.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The full impact of continuing resolutions is hard to pin down for the Defense Department, but a government watchdog says the funding lapses consistently lead to delays, higher costs, added administrative work and operational disruptions — including a facilities sustainment contract at Joint Base San Antonio that more than doubled after CR‑related delays. They also disrupted training and exercises and forced financial staff to rework budgets to navigate CR limits instead of supporting the mission. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Rashmi Agarwal, a director on the Government Accountability Office’s defense capabilities and management team.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A renovation job at Fort Meade turned into a dispute over delays, badges, background checks, and ultimately, whether the government can be held responsible for acting like… well, the government In 2026, law‑enforcement hiring isn’t a staffing challenge. It’s a risk‑management challenge hiding inside a staffing challengeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As law enforcement agencies at every level scale up recruiting, legacy background tools can’t track officer movement or surface red flags early enough to matter. Joining me to explain why those gaps show up first in hiring, and what a modern, shared digital platform would let agencies see that they can’t see today is the Founder of Guardian Alliance Technologies, Justin Biedinger.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Armed Services Board rejected Meltech’s multimillion‑dollar claim, ruling that Fort Meade’s updated security rules were sovereign acts, the kind the government issues for everyone, not targeted at a single contract. And even if they weren’t, the record showed plenty of unforced errors by the contractor. Today, we walk through the case, the doctrine at its core, and the practical lessons for contractors working behind the gate with Partner at Haynes Boone, Zach Prince.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Department of the Navy is putting the finishing touches on a new AI strategy. Officials say it’s a direct response to lessons learned from recent conflicts and the increasing speed at which adversaries are able to adapt their tactics and technologies. The strategy has undergone two rounds of review, and it’s expected to be signed soon by the Secretary of the Navy. As Federal News Network’s Jared Serbu reports, officials say they’re trying to build on the Navy’s own operational experience, and on and best practices from industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Central Intelligence Agency is lifting the veil on some acquisition reform priorities. Earlier this week, the CIA announced a new acquisition framework that focuses on speed and innovation. The agency says it wants to better harness cutting edge commercial technologies. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new review shows Department of Veterans Affairs clinicians are using AI tools for documentation and decision support, but there’s no system in place to detect mistakes or respond to risks. Without better oversight, the technology could unintentionally affect patient diagnoses and care. Here to explain the warning and what needs to happen next is the VA's Inspector General, Cheryl Mason.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Geton A new IG audit finds DoD isn’t fully tracking F‑35 contractor performance, raising questions about oversight on the Pentagon’s costliest program VA rolled out new AI tools quickly, but without a system to catch mistakes, patient safety is on the lineFederal employees have new rules, new documents, and new timelines to keep an eye on this yearSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Accessing the right tax forms, tracking changes to 2026 pay and TSP contribution limits, and navigating the retirement backlog are all hitting federal employees at once. We’ll walk through what’s new, what’s changing, and what to expect as the year unfolds. Joining me is federal benefits expert Tammy Flanagan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The F‑35 is the Pentagon’s most expensive weapons program, and the Department relies on contractors to keep it performing as promised. But a new DoD Inspector General audit says the Department isn’t consistently tracking or documenting that performance, leaving gaps that affect cost, schedule, and readiness. We'll look at what the auditors found and what DoD is doing about it with Chris DePerro, Supervisory Auditor, Program Director, Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In just a few weeks, tens of thousands of career federal employees could lose their civil service protections. Positions that get converted to the new Schedule Policy/Career will no longer have the ability to appeal an adverse action or termination. But additional guidance is out, showing some other benefits employees might lose if they are reclassified. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The IRS is notifying back-office employees that they will temporarily cover frontline filing season work through this summer. Training for these detailed employees will begin nearly a month after the start of this year’s tax filing season. The agency’s taxpayer service division lost a significant number of employees last year. The IRS also fell short of its hiring goals this season. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New research from Brookings shows that rural counties with stronger access to post offices have more small‑business activity, even when broadband and other factors are the same. That suggests the postal network is doing far more economic heavy lifting than policymakers assume. We’ll dig into the findings with Elena Patel, co-director of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center and a senior fellow in the Economic Studies Program at the Brookings Institution. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A medical breakthrough that sounds like science fiction is on the horizon: printing organs that could match any patient, on demand When we look at USPS only through a profit lens, we miss the economic engine sitting in plain sight A system meant to reduce prison recidivism can’t do its job if the inputs are wrongSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GAO found the Bureau of Prisons struggling with timely assessments and unreliable program data, making it harder to know whether incarcerated people are getting the programming the First Step Act requires. Add in delays applying earned time credits, and the whole recidivism‑reduction strategy wobbles. GAO’s Gretta Goodwin joins me to talk about the risks and the fixes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For patients waiting on transplants, the gap between supply and need has always been measured in lives. ARPA‑H’s new program aims to close that gap entirely by pursuing bioprinted organs that don’t require a donor and don’t trigger rejection. It’s a bold bet on what medicine could look like next, and we'll explore the details with the Program Manager of the PRINT program, Ryan Spitler.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration’s newly finalized “Schedule F” policy is making big headlines. But there are also several other significant changes coming for the federal workforce. Three recent proposals look to give the Office of Personnel Management more authority, something that could bring significant changes for employees. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Next week, the Army plans to debut what’s meant to be a “generational” change in the way it provides food to soldiers. At Fort Hood, Texas, the service plans to launch its new “campus style” dining concept, a model that could eventually replace legacy dining facilities around the world. But to do it at just one installation, the Army had to overcome some significant bureaucratic and acquisition hurdles. If it’s successful, the service will need to figure out how to remove those hurdles entirely. Details from Federal News Network’s Jared Serbu.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal employees spend decades learning how to save, but far less time learning how to draw those savings down safely. From balancing pension, Social Security, and TSP withdrawals to avoiding early‑retirement missteps, distribution planning is its own discipline. We break down how to build a reliable monthly paycheck in retirement with Thiago Glieger of RMG Advisors.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The landscape of government buying is shifting, with one agency already showing real savings after moving to a new government‑wide cloud purchasing approach. At the same time, the collapse of a major technology contract vehicle is sending agencies and vendors looking for new paths forward. And as small‑business rules get a closer look, many firms are discovering requirements they didn’t realize applied to them. We’ll break down what all of this means with former GSA Administrator, Emily Murphy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton After a tough year for federal employees, how do leaders still on the job keep their teams motivated and moving toward better performance? Turning a lifetime of savings into a steady retirement paycheck takes more than a rule of thumb The rules of federal buying are being rewritten, and everyone is feeling the shiftSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dave Lebryk has spent a career leading teams through calm and crisis across the federal government. Now, after stepping away from public service, he’s watching former colleagues shoulder one of the toughest years in recent memory. We’ll tap into his perspective on how leaders still on the job keep themselves grounded, keep their teams motivated, and keep pushing for better performance even when the system is strained.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is looking to get the rollout of a new multi-billion-dollar Electronic Health Record back on track, after pausing the project for three years. The VA is planning for its new EHR from Oracle-Cerner to go live at 13 sites in 2026. It'll start with four sites in Michigan in April. Unlike previous deployments, the upcoming go-lives to take place in waves. Since 2023 the project has been on pause while the VA addressed outages and productivity declines at sites that adopted the new EHR. For a closer look at this project, Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman spoke with VA’s Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration is preparing to roll out several major cybersecurity policy updates in the coming weeks and months. At the top of the list is a new national cybersecurity strategy. But there are several other cyber developments worth watching. For more on that, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new paper argues that the real action inside multimember commissions isn’t in public votes or partisan balance; it’s in the internal mechanics that shape every regulatory outcome. Here to unpack how these bodies actually function, why their design matters more than ever, and what’s at stake as legal and political pressures mount is assistant professor of law in the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University, Todd Phillips.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry GertonA new Pentagon‑funded study is testing whether autonomous oxygen therapy can take lifesaving care out of a medic’s hands and put it into an intelligent system, changing how patients are treated in the most dangerous and remote environmentsWashington talks a lot about regulations—but rarely about how the regulators themselves operateA pivotal week for Congress as the clock runs down on DHS funding and lawmakers look for a path out of another shutdown fightSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With just five days left before the DHS continuing resolution runs out, lawmakers are weighing a mix of short‑term fixes and longer‑shot options to keep the department open. Those talks are unfolding alongside a crowded agenda that includes the SAVE Act, questions about crypto and banking, and the launch of a new Federal Workforce Caucus. We’ll also look at what upcoming oversight hearings could mean for the funding debate with WTOP Capitol Hill correspondent Mitchell Miller.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Defense Department is backing a new study to see whether an autonomous oxygen system can help medics deliver safer, more precise care in the field. The University of Colorado Anschutz team will test the O2matic technology in real prehospital settings to see if it can lighten medics’ workload, conserve oxygen, and improve survival in both military and civilian emergencies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A fiscal watchdog group says the Trump administration’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative could cost as much as $3.6 trillion over the next 20 years, far exceeding the White House’s projected $175 billion. The group also argues the effort faces “insurmountable” technical hurdles and that it is likely that Golden Dome will simply not work. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Gabe Murphy, policy analyst at Taxpayers for Common Sense.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tens of thousands of career federal employees will soon be made easier to fire. That's after Office of Personnel Management issued a final rule on “Schedule Policy/Career.” Once fully implemented, the new employment classification will exempt many employees from long-standing job protections. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton AI is stepping directly into America’s scientific engine room as OpenAI expands its work with the Department of Energy Technical debt puts federal cybersecurity at risk. The question now is how to break out of the cycleBehind DoD’s contract review is a bigger question: how far can enforcement go without undercutting small‑business programs themselves?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aging network infrastructure is consuming maintenance dollars that should be funding modern, secure architectures, especially as agencies try to integrate AI. It’s a spiral that deepens cyber risk and delays progress. We’ll look at options for getting out of that cul‑de‑sac with Cisco’s Senior Director for Technology Policy, Eric Wenger.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Small business set‑asides are mandated by statute, anchored in the rule of two, and central to competition in the defense industrial base. The Secretary’s memo adds new tests for mission necessity, subcontracting compliance, and market pricing — all under compressed deadlines. Here to explain what this could mean for contractors across every socioeconomic category is partner at Haynes Boone, Dan Ramish.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

OpenAI’s new agreement with the Department of Energy marks a shift from pilot projects to full‑scale collaboration inside the national labs. The partnership aims to speed up scientific discovery across all domains by putting AI models into real research workflows. Here to walk through how that integration works, and what it means for the next phase of scientific progress, is Global head of innovation policy at OpenAI, James Hairston.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The long-journey of getting agencies to adopt shared services for back office functions like financial management or human resources has quietly made real progress over the last decade. But a new report by the Government Accountability Office shows agencies have yet to solve some of the long-standing challenges to adopting shared services. For more on what GAO found and where shared services is heading next, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Army has launched a service-wide survey of all existing contracts to determine where limited access to technical data is hindering soldiers’ ability to maintain and repair their own equipment. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the nation prepares to mark America’s 250th birthday, the National Archives is taking some of its most treasured records on the road. It's also unveiled a newly renovated flagship exhibition, giving visitors an immersive, high-tech look at 250 years of U.S. history. To learn about these endeavors and other activities slated for the occasion, Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Grace McCaffrey, Acting Executive of External Affairs and Communications at NARA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Patent reform is back on the table, and a leading Senator says the stakes for American innovation couldn’t be higherYou can't properly celebrate America's 250th birthday without the artifacts that created itSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawmakers pushing for new rules say uncertainty in U.S. patent eligibility is putting innovators at risk and giving global competitors room to run. The proposal would clarify what can be patented, streamline coordination between federal agencies, and open the door for clearer pathways to generics. I'll explore the ideas driving the reform effort with one of the bill's sponsors, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A short-term partial government shutdown is over after House lawmakers have reached a deal to fund much of the federal government. A majority of agencies now have funding through the end of the fiscal year. That’s except for the Department of Homeland Security. It’s under a two-week stopgap spending bill, buying lawmakers more time to negotiate additional guardrails on federal immigration operations. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration has withdrawn the United States from the Open Government Partnership, an international initiative the U.S. helped create nearly 15 years ago. Administration officials say the OGP was ineffective and waste of money. But critics of the move say it’s another example of the Trump administration backsliding on transparency and accountability. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After early cuts at HHS and USAID translated into thousands of lost jobs and hundreds of millions in foregone wages, Maryland officials wanted a sharper view of what was happening. The result is a new modeling tool that lets policymakers see the impact of federal spending shifts at the county and agency level. Joining us to explain how it works is Ben Siegel, Deputy Comptroller of Maryland for Policy.See the dashboard here: https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/news/maryland-comptroller-and-smith-school-release-federal-spending-scenarios-and-dashboardSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Thousands of Maryland jobs and millions in wages are tied to federal decisions. A new tool makes those consequences visible Emerging technologies are quickly becoming the backbone of national power ... but most leaders still aren’t trained to understand them Are federal programs doing enough to stop fraud before it happens?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Krach Institute is throwing open the doors to its Tech Diplomacy Academy, aiming to train leaders worldwide on the technologies reshaping security and freedom. We'll dig into why tech diplomacy has become essential, and how free societies can stay ahead as the stakes rise with the CEO of the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue, Michelle Giuda.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GAO found major gaps in anti-fraud practices across grants, contracts, and loans. Only one program of five examined met all nine leading safeguards. Hannah Padilla, Director, Financial Management and Assurance at GAO, explains where agencies must act first to strengthen oversight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is looking to shift more of its health care workforce to facilities facing a growing veteran population. That’s the latest from the VA’s long-awaited agency reorganization. That also means drawing down staffing levels in places where the veteran population is shrinking. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Air Force has quietly eliminated all in-person and virtual hearings for Special Access Program (SAP) appeals, replacing them with a paper-only process. It's still unclear whether the Air Force will allow individuals to submit written responses instead of a personal appearance. It is also possible that decisions will rely entirely on existing security files, with no opportunity for individuals to respond, which would be a loss of due process. For more. Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis spoke with Dan Meyer, partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC..See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Big changes are finally reshaping how the Pentagon buys and innovates, and the next wave of reform is already underway If you care about America’s innovation pipeline, you need to understand what’s happening to Bayh‑Dole and the small businesses it was built to support New guidance from GSA is carrying forward last year’s push to rein in consulting contracts, roll out the FAR overhaul, and put real pressure on value‑added resellersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GSA is moving quickly on multiple fronts from refreshing its major GWACs to gathering fresh data from VARs—signaling a continued shift toward tighter oversight of how agencies buy services and technology. At the same time, Treasury’s cancellation of its Booz Allen Hamilton contracts has raised new questions about how far that scrutiny will go across the government. We’ll sort out the implications for agencies and contractors with the president of the Professional Services Council, Stephanie Kostro.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Research shows Bayh‑Dole has fueled thousands of inventions, patents and startups, but disruptions like SBIR’s expiration and 8(a)’s turmoil are testing the system. Jere Glover and Joe Allen are here to explain how those shocks ripple into federal R&D, commercialization and long‑term competitiveness. Jere Glover serves as the Executive Director of the Small Business Technology Council. Joe Allen is Executive Director of the Bayh-Dole Coalition.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 2026 NDAA marks one of the most significant shifts in defense acquisition in more than a decade, from reshaping how the Pentagon buys to opening new paths for commercial innovation. It also sets the stage for DoD’s next round of ecosystem reforms, with lawmakers already at work on the 2027 bill. We’ll break down what’s really changing and what it means for industry with former Pentagon official Stephanie Barna.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A coalition of unions and nonprofits is challenging cuts to staff at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In a new lawsuit, they allege the workforce reductions violate laws that restrict the Department of Homeland Security from making sweeping changes at FEMA. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For more than 30 years, Washington has churned out idea after idea to boost federal agency performance. We’ve seen everything from the Clinton administration’s Reinventing Government push, to the Bush administration’s PART reviews, to the Government Performance and Results Act. Now, a group of former senior federal executives, calling themselves We the Doers, say there’s a better way, drawing on more than 88 years of combined service. For a look at what they’re proposing, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller spoke with Maureen Klovers and April Harding, the group’s co-founders.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Boards are reassessing governance and risk as a new executive order broadens what counts as defense‑contractor underperformance A standout year for the TSP, from a foreign‑stock surge to a long‑awaited bond rebound, is giving investors plenty to build on for 2026 Congress may have sorted out most of its spending drama over the weekend, but the final stretch of the 2026 appropriations process is far from simpleSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a chaotic stretch on Capitol Hill, Congress seems to have settled most of the remaining 2026 funding fights. But even with the dust clearing, the path forward on the final bills still isn’t entirely locked in. Here to break down what the House will tackle this week and what the split over DHS funding could mean for the agencies caught in the middle is deputy news director for bloomberg government, Loren Duggan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new executive order is putting fresh pressure on defense companies to show they’re investing and performing the way the government expects. The broad language means boards may have to rethink how they manage delivery, oversight, and capital decisions across the whole enterprise. We get into what leaders should be doing now with Chris Griesedieck, partner at Venable.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The TSP’s performance in 2025 ended on a much stronger note than anyone expected after a rough start to the year. International stocks pulled ahead, bonds finally delivered meaningful gains, and U.S. markets stayed lofty despite all the noise. We’ll look at what mattered, what didn’t, and what comes next with financial planner Art Stein.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration’s effort to cap the fees charged by value‑added resellers appears to be slowing down. The General Services Administration has put out a new request for information, and that pause is giving some vendors relief that the agency is taking more time to understand the market. For more on what the RFI signals and how industry is reacting, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a year of talks with industry on how to improve the program, FedRAMP is turning inward. Leaders of the government’s cloud security assessment program say they’re increasing their engagements with federal agencies and the Office of Management and Budget as they continue to work toward a faster, less costly version of the program, called “FedRAMP 20 X.” But they say they’ve already made significant improvements, and with a smaller budget. Here's Federal News Network's Jared Serbu with the details.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Can automation in government coexist with transparency and public trust? Founding Fathers with a little extra bounce, a new bobblehead set marks America’s 250thSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new limited‑edition bobblehead set is celebrating America’s 250th in a fun, historic way. It turns the Declaration of Independence into a collectible featuring key Founding Fathers. We’re talking about the idea behind it with Phil Sklar, co‑founder and CEO of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI promises speed, but efficiency isn’t democracy’s goal. Michael Livermore, Professor of Law and Co-Director of the LawTech Center at the University of Virginia, explains why ignoring that tension could reshape governance in troubling ways.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After spending five years and tens of millions of dollars developing a new travel management system, the Defense Department abruptly scrapped the effort in 2023 and reverted to the legacy Defense Travel System it was meant to replace. A government watchdog looked into why the program failed and how the Pentagon can avoid repeating the same mistakes. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Vijay D'Souza, Director of GAO’s Information Technology and Cybersecurity.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The IRS says it’s ready for this year’s filing season which began on Monday. But the agency faces a slew of challenges. A looming government shutdown would limit its ability to serve taxpayers. The agency also missed several key hiring goal for the filing season and is scaling back expectations for how many calls from taxpayers it will answer. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From pandemics to AI disruption, foresight helps agencies anticipate what’s next. But a new report finds that capability is shrinking fast across the federal government. Here to share what’s behind the trend and what’s at stake are Kara Cunzeman and Robin Champ. They are co-founders, along with Suzette Brooks-Masters, of the Federal Foresight Advocacy Alliance (FFAA)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Facing mounting energy threats, the Pentagon is betting on industry partnerships to build resilience fast When government stops looking ahead, the risks multiply. A new survey shows foresight is fading fast 2026 could bring more than budget battles for federal employeesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Executive orders on energy dominance are reshaping defense priorities. We’ll explore how public-private partnerships, federal land leasing and emerging tech like microgrids can strengthen military energy resilience, with Tom Holm, Executive Director of the Energy Defense Council.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beyond funding debates, federal workers are facing big shifts in how performance is measured and retirement claims are processed. From Schedule Policy/Career implementation to tackling a growing retirement backlog at OPM, we’ll explore what’s changing and what it means with John Hatton of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The hits keep coming for federal consulting contractors. First, the Trump administration questioned the value of these types of contracts, leading to a significant reduction in existing deals and the slow down of awards of new solicitations. Now the Treasury Department is taking aim specifically at one of the biggest vendors. Treasury cancelled all 31 of its contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton. For more on why Treasury is taking these actions and what it means for the consulting market more broadly, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The homeland security spending bill is now at the heart of Congress’s latest shutdown fight. And that bill would solidify cuts made by the Trump administration to three Department of Homeland Security oversight offices. For more, Federal News network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A recent report from GAO finds widespread structural and safety issues in public libraries, with 61% reporting health hazards and most struggling to fund repairs. David Marroni, Director, Physical Infrastructure, GAO explains what’s driving the problem and what solutions are on the table.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A sweeping vision for a bigger Navy is running head‑first into the hard realities of the shipyards expected to build it Your local library may be a polling place, an emergency hub...and a building in crisisSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Long before anyone talks about a “golden fleet,” the starting point matters and today’s shipbuilding base is running well below the level political rhetoric implies. Capacity is strained, delivery timelines keep slipping, and shifting requirements make it even harder for industry to plan or invest. We’ll map the gap between ambition and what’s actually achievable with Seamus Daniels, a Fellow in Defense Budget Analysis at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is officially lifting a hiring freeze on its health care workforce after shedding tens of thousands of positions last year. But the VA which saw its first-ever workforce net decrease is unlikely to hire its way to a higher headcount than what is currently has. Senate Democrats say VA facilities are still facing strict staffing caps as the department moves ahead with its reorganization. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman is here with more details.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Change the Air Foundation recently found that nearly 97% of service members reported at least one significant problem in their military-provided home — with mold, mildew and water damage cited most frequently. Now, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing for meaningful protections for military families, including holding private military housing companies financially responsible for the health and safety of the homes they lease on military bases. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A closer look at what Congress protected in the FY 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science bill and how lawmakers plan to hold agencies accountable for how that funding is used On the eve of a major public‑service award, a look at why integrity, courage, and principled leadership still define excellence in government The Defense Department is taking a closer look at 8(a) contracts, and reshaping how innovation is managedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Defense Department is sending two clear signals to the contracting community this month: it’s reviewing large 8(a) contracts, and it’s reshaping how innovation moves through the Pentagon. We’ll walk through what’s under review, what’s changing in the innovation ecosystem, and what industry should be paying attention to right now with Jim Carroll, CEO of the Professional Services Council.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tomorrow night, the National Academy of Public Administration will present the Elliot L. Richardson Prize for Excellence in Public Service, an award rooted in a legacy of integrity and constitutional courage. Ahead of the ceremony, we’re talking about why Richardson’s example still matters, what the prize is meant to honor, and why this year’s recipients, Janet Yellen and Gary Locke, reflect that standard of service. Joining us is James‑Christian Blockwood, President and CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congress has cleared the FY 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill, rejecting proposed cuts to major science and research agencies and adding new oversight requirements on how federal funds are spent. We’ll talk about what that funding signals about congressional priorities, how it affects agencies like NASA, NOAA, and NIST, and why oversight has become a central focus as agencies move to execute their budgets. Joining us is Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With House spending bills finished, the spotlight turns to what Congress tackles next from health care funding and ACA subsidies, to renewed crypto legislation, and early plans for a sweeping 2026 reconciliation package aimed at lowering costs. Sorting through those priorities and what they mean for the months ahead is Mitchell Miller, congressional and health policy reporter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governmentwide, agencies saw a loss of about 320,000 federal employees over the course of 2025. As he marked one year in office, President Trump called those cuts to the federal workforce “tremendous.” But good government groups are painting a much darker picture of what’s to come. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The economics of drone operations are about to change. One operator supervising ten autonomous aircraft could redefine cost and margin for delivery and inspection. That future hinges on Part 108, a proposed FAA/TSA rule that moves what are currently waiver-only experiments to a national standard. Here to break down the implications is James McDanolds, Program Chair at Sonoran Desert Institute’s School of Uncrewed Technology.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A sweeping audit could reshape the 8(a) program and federal contractors are bracing for what comes next The drone economy is about to take off fast. A $355B market and a new rule could make Drones-as-a-Service the next big thing With House spending bills done, focus turns to the Senate where work is expected to wrap up this week, ahead of the January 30th deadlineSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The SBA, Pentagon, and Treasury are running simultaneous audits of the 8(a) program, each targeting different risks but all aimed at restoring integrity to a system the administration says has been widely misused. The scale of the oversight is something the contracting community hasn’t seen before. We'll explore what ties these reviews together and what contractors might expect with Emily Murphy, senior Fellow at the George Mason University Baroni Center for Government Contracting and a Former GSA Administrator.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For government oversight and accountability officials, 2025 was a year of deep change and uncertainty. President Donald Trump fired inspectors general, removed the heads of independent agencies, and sought to reduce the level of internal oversight within government. But members of the oversight community say their job is more important than ever as they prepare for challenges both near and long term. Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday reports.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is getting ready to award what’s likely to become one of the biggest service contracts in government history, possibly a trillion dollars over the next decade. It’s the follow-on contract vehicle for the private sector health care services VA started paying for under the MISSION Act. Officials say it’ll bring more rigorous management to the department’s role as a health care payer. But members of Congress have questions — and say they were left in the dark about the contract, right up until the moment VA issued the RFP last month. Details from Federal News Network’s Jared Serbu. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton An interesting case at the Court of Federal Claims could shape future energy savings performance contracts An organization's new name signals a broader mission to support both Airmen and Guardians FedRAMP is getting faster, new automation and pilots promise approvals in months, not yearsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With FedRAMP 20x and the 2026 Phase 2 pilot, the government is moving toward automation, machine-readable evidence, and collaborative monitoring. We’ll explore what these changes mean for SaaS providers and how companies can cut costs and timelines without sacrificing security with Irina Denisenko, CEO of Knox Systems.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Congress is largely backing the Defense Department’s efforts to overhaul its acquisition system, lawmakers are pushing back on some of the Pentagon’s reform requests. They are also concerned that the department's workforce cuts will cripple its ability to implement the reform agenda. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After more than 80 years as the Air Force Aid Society, the nonprofit is rebranding as the Air & Space Forces Aid Society to reflect its commitment to both communities. Here to explain the change, what it means for military families, and how the organization is meeting urgent needs is the CEO of AFAS, Retired Air Force Major General Ed Thomas .See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A case before the Court of Federal Claims highlights how shifting requirements in an ESPC project sparked a costly dispute and what it could mean going forward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Office of Personnel Management is out with more details on how agencies should implement the new “rule of many.” It’s a recruitment technique that changes how hiring managers rank and select job candidates. The Trump administration says the “rule of many” will streamline and improve the hiring process. But implementation also depends on agencies’ resources and how willing they are to change their approach. Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman gets more from vice president of government affairs at the Partnership for Public Service, Jenny Mattingley.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congressional appropriators are one step closer to reaching a comprehensive spending deal for the rest of the fiscal year before a stopgap spending bill expires at the end of the month. They’ve released the final four spending bills needed to fully fund the federal government. The bill spares many agencies from deep budget cuts. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman joins us with more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton IRS CI posts a record year: $10.6 B in financial crimes uncovered and cyber seizures soaring—a big year for tax fraud enforcement Quiet firings with big consequences...why the lack of transparency when relieving military leaders matters Market data shows surprising winners and losers among top federal contractors after a year of turmoilSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Abrupt removals of top military leaders are happening with little explanation, raising alarms about accountability and readiness. Virginia Burger from the Project on Government Oversight is here to break down the findings and the path forward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A volatile year across the federal marketplace produced results few expected, with some major contractors posting strong gains while others slipped under the weight of delays and cancellations. New analysis shows how shifting defense priorities, executive‑order signals and program setbacks reshaped the landscape for investors. We break down the biggest surprises and what they signal for 2026 with Paul Murphy, senior contracts analyst with Bloomberg Government.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

IRS Criminal Investigation closed FY 2025 with $10.59  billion in identified financial crimes and a 60% surge in seized digital data. Justin Campbell, Acting Deputy Chief, IRS Criminal Investigation, is here to explain what fueled this record-breaking year and how CI is preparing for the next wave of financial crime.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

States are racing to regulate AI, creating a patchwork that Kevin Frazier warns could stifle innovation. Now, a sweeping executive order asserts federal preemption and launches a litigation task force to challenge state laws. Frazier joins us to unpack the constitutional stakes and whether Congress will finally step in.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A new year brings new opportunities. Where should contractors focus in 2026? With a new executive order clearing the path for federal AI standards, the question now is whether Congress will finish the jobGAO warns disaster readiness gaps could leave communities exposed when the next storm hitsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transportation Security Administration employees will continue to have a union after a new court ruling. That’s because a federal judge blocked TSA’s latest attempt to dissolve a 2024 collective bargaining agreement that covers some 47,000 airport screeners. Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me with more on the case and what comes next.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GAO’s latest high-risk report flags uneven preparedness across states and localities, despite billions in FEMA grants and expanded training programs. We’ll explore what drives these disparities, how performance is measured and the implications of a bigger local role in future disasters, with Christopher Currie, Director, Homeland Security and Justice at the Government Accountability Office.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 8(a) small business contracting program is coming under the microscope of its biggest user. The Defense Department is joining a growing list of agencies auditing the use of sole source contracts through the 8(a) program. For more on what DoD’s decision to launch the audit means for the future of the 40-year-old program, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Deltek’s latest analysis highlights the top federal programs and sectors poised for growth. Here to share what’s on the horizon and how contractors can position for success is Senior Vice President of Information Solutions at Deltek, Kevin Plexico.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's no secret that the Department of Homeland Security has big goals when it comes to law enforcement recruiting. But DHS’s inconsistent hiring practices could trip up the department’s ambitious targets. That’s according to a new report from DHS’s inspector general. For more on the findings, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Defense Department has long tried to simplify and reform the reserve duty status system, which has become too complex and has created pay and benefits inequities. Lawmakers are now pushing to streamline the system. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coming up today on "The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Government CIOs are racing to deploy AI for better digital experiences, but citizens say security and transparency matter moreA fresh push for industrial capacity is taking center stage in the administration’s “Arsenal of Freedom” tourFrom ACA subsidies to a stalled crypto overhaul, lawmakers are juggling more than spending deadlines this weekSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Digital government depends on trust, yet a Gartner survey shows citizens want control over their data and clarity on how it’s used. From lifecycle protection to transparency dashboards, federal agencies face a mandate to rebuild confidence while accelerating transformation. Here to outline the priorities is Gartner Senior Director Analyst, Mike Shevlin.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With just days left before the January 31st deadline, Congress has passed some key 2026 funding bills—but the biggest and most contentious ones are still waiting. Lawmakers are also wrestling with ACA subsidy talks, a crypto bill that keeps slipping off the calendar and new tensions with Europe over Greenland. For the full picture, we turn to Loren Duggan, Deputy News Director for Bloomberg Government.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pete Hegseth’s visit to Lockheed Martin’s F‑35 facility spotlighted themes like mission readiness, manufacturing scale and at‑home production of critical capabilities. But he's walking a tightrope between encouraging industrial partners and tightening oversight through a new executive order. We'll walk through the challenges with Stephanie Kostro, President of the Professional Services Council.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Polygraphs remain a gatekeeper for sensitive roles at agencies like CISA and DoD, but a recent failure involving CISA’s acting director has sparked debate. Are these tests reliable, and what safeguards exist against misuse? Joining us to examine the controversy is Dan Meyer, Equity Partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's Martin Luther King Day, and today on The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton we’re sharing with you some of our recent stories on security issues. We’ll hear from… William Turton on reports FBI Director Kash Patel granted polygraph waivers to Dep. Dir. Bongino and two senior aides.Dan Meyer on the use of polygraphs for sensitive roles at agencies like CISA and DoD, and what safeguards exist against misuse.Carl Ghattas will help us understand the complexity of planning security operations for mega events like the upcoming world cup.Frank Rosenblatt on the process for determining whether military orders are lawful or not. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than half of the Social Security Administration’s frontline employees are earning less than what’s necessary to afford a basic standard of living in their communities. That’s according to a new report by Strategic Organizing Center, a research partner for the American Federation of Government Employees. SSA employees say that amid workforce challenges the agency is unable to keep up with the needs of beneficiaries. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From old uniforms to entire frigates. When the military services have a piece of equipment they no longer need, it heads to the Defense Logistics agency's disposition Services Group. Quite often, DLA is able to find a new home for those items, but the agency is trying to significantly increase how often that happens, including by maintaining digital want lists from the military services so they can keep track of demand signals. Mike Cannon is the director of DLA disposition services. He talked about some of the latest developments on the reutilization front with Federal News Network's Jared Serbu.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton National service is struggling to connect with younger Americans, the problem may be both the message and the messengerNew tech could shield warfighters from one of the deadliest threats on the battlefield: gamma radiationSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The National Strategic Research Institute has launched a year-long study to identify breakthrough solutions for radiation protection, ranging from advanced nanocomposite shielding to medical countermeasures. The effort could pave the way for next-generation gear, including an entirely new protective suit, according to Director, Medical Countermeasures, National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska, Dr. Terry Thiem.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Research from Fors Marsh shows recruiting challenges go beyond eligibility to issues of perception and influence. From military campaigns to civilian programs, agencies need new strategies to make service resonate with a generation that expects speed, clarity and authenticity. Dr. Brian Griepentrog, president of Research and Advisory Services at Fors Marsh, is here to share what works and what doesn’t.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Defense Department doesn’t have reliable data on the number of civilian employees eligible to telework or work remotely. That is according to the Government Accountability Office. The watchdog also found the department has never evaluated the impact of those programs on the department’s goals such as recruitment and retention. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Alissa Czyz, Director in the defense capabilities and management team at GAO.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s been nearly a full year since the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has had a Senate-confirmed director. Cyber experts say the leadership void is preventing CISA from moving forward on key cybersecurity issues. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday is here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new USPS OIG audit finds millions of square feet sitting idle or underutilized, raising questions about cost, efficiency and missed opportunities. From consolidation hurdles to creative reuse, the report outlines why this matters and what options are on the table. Joshua Bartzen, Audit Director at the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, is here to share the findings and recommendations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Resilient supply chains start with knowing what really matters, and what doesn’t Underused space across USPS facilities could be a hidden drag on modernization and budgets Authorized investigations shouldn’t mean unpredictability, why transparency and clear deadlines matter for agency fairnessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new Brookings Institution report warns that U.S. readiness hinges on a sharper definition of the national security industrial base. Michael O’Hanlon joins me now to explain why, without clear criteria, policymakers risk misallocating resources and leaving critical sectors exposed.Read the report here: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/building-greater-resilience-and-capacity-in-the-us-national-security-industrial-base/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Agencies are authorized to conduct enforcement investigations, but opaque and unpredictable processes can undermine accountability and trust. Here to outline practical steps agencies can take to improve transparency, set clear timelines, and balance openness with confidentiality is Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Law at George Washington University, Aram Gavoor.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are getting closer to reaching a comprehensive spending package for the rest of fiscal 2026. In the latest step, House and Senate appropriations reached a deal on a new set of spending bills covering financial services, foreign affairs and national security. The spending plan spares the IRS and the State Department from major cuts and calls on speeding up the disposal of excess federal real estate. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman joins us with more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Clearer numbers on the federal workforce are coming into view. That’s with the Office of Personnel Management’s major update to one of its largest data assets, FedScope. The now renamed “federal workforce data” website aims to deliver information faster, and with more frequent updates. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GAO reviewed CMS’s distribution of 1,000 new Medicare-funded residency positions and found urban hospitals dominating while rural facilities face steep barriers. Here to explain what’s behind the pattern and what changes could help balance geography and specialties before the program ends is Leslie Gordon, Director for Medicare at GAO.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton More than 100 former DOJ civil rights attorneys say the division meant to protect vulnerable communities is being dismantledA recent VA audit finds major gaps in homeless screening follow-up that put some veterans at risk of falling through the cracksWho’s getting Medicare-funded residency slots, and why equity still lagsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A December 9th letter signed by over 100 former Justice Department civil rights lawyers warns that the Division is “under attack,” citing actions that undermine enforcement and erode judicial independence. Here to explain what’s at stake and what it means for everyday Americans, is Paul Kiesel, attorney and founder of Speak Up for Justice.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new Veterans Affairs Inspector General audit shows 61% of veterans flagged for homelessness at VistA sites didn’t get proper follow-up, exposing systemic weaknesses in the referral processes. Here to explain what went wrong, the risks for veterans and how the VA can fix it is Steve Bracci, a Deputy Assistant Inspector General for the Office of Audits and Evaluations at VA OIG.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The nation’s newest military service still has a lot of work to do to chart its future. The Space Force had been planning to use a new “Futures Command” to handle that work, and it was supposed to be up and running by last year. That didn’t happen as scheduled. But the idea’s not dead either. Leaders say they’re still planning a new organization to help shape the service’s future, but they also needed to make sure it aligns with the new administration’s priorities. Details now from Federal News Network’s Jared Serbu.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve spent anytime on LinkedIn over the last month, you may have seen what seems to be a constant stream of executives leaving federal service. Whether they are retiring, took the deferred resignation program or just through normal attrition, the exodus of federal executives feels more acute than ever before. In the federal report this week, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller takes a deep dive into the data and offers federal executives who recently left some advice to find success in the private sector. Jason joins me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Behind every health policy and intervention is data, but some of that data may soon be gone. A new analysis warns of cascading effects on research, programs and health equity, unless action is taken now. Joel Gurin, President and Founder of The Center for Open Data Enterprise is here to explain what’s at stake and what might be done.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton The data behind America’s health decisions is starting to disappear, with potentially serious consequencesAir quality data may not tell the whole story, and that could put communities at riskLawmakers Push for VA Mental Health Reform as Congress convenesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act aims to give the VA dedicated capacity to research emerging treatments for PTSD and other invisible wounds. We’ll hear from Representatives Lou Correa from California and Jack Bergman from Michigan, the lawmakers behind the push, and what it means for veterans and families.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Environmental Protection Agency may be relying on air quality data that underreports pollution. Biased data can mean declaring areas clean when they’re not. A recent report from the agency's IG warns that gaps in EPA oversight could expose communities to harmful pollution. Assistant Inspector General Paul Bergstrand is here to explain the risks and the fixes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The IRS is weeks away from the start of a busier-than-usual filing season. But a group of senators is warning that the agency may be stretched too thin to respond to taxpayers’ needs. The agency lost about a quarter of its workforce last year and is embarking on a major shakeup of its IT operations. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal Emergency Management Agency started off the new year by not renewing appointments for 50 disaster management staff. That cut is sparking concerns about potential FEMA plans for deeper staff reductions. For more on the situation, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Consumer “Made in USA” claims require products to be “all or virtually all” U.S.‑made, while federal procurement uses different and tightening domestic content tests under the Buy America Act and the Berry Amendment. That complexity is colliding with the President’s new PMA goal to “Deliver Results and Buy American.” It raises the stakes for verification, disclosure, and enforcement. Here to sort out what contractors must do to stay compliant is counsel at Reed Smith and former FTC “Made in USA” program manager, Julia Ensor.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The House has passed the Commerce Justice Science minibus, but lawmakers face a packed agenda before the January recess. Appropriators aim to release text for the next bundle including State Foreign Ops, Financial Services and Homeland Security soon, even as DHS funding hangs in the balance after a fatal ICE shooting. We’ll also track ACA subsidy talks in the Senate, war powers votes brewing on both sides of the Capitol and how Republicans plan to regroup after their retreat. We hear from Mitchell Miller, Capitol Hill correspondent for WTOP.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton The President’s PMA push to “Deliver Results and Buy American” meets a thicket of rules that contractors can’t afford to misread In a crowded federal contracting space, Hive Group bets on innovation The House clears a key spending package and ACA subsidy extensionsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal agencies face mounting pressure to modernize without sacrificing security or compliance. Will Fortier, CEO of Hive Group, joins us to discuss the tech and process innovations driving mission value, the critical decisions behind Hive’s growth, and what the next five years look like for federal contracting in this episode of "Government Contractors to Watch" sponsored by JP Morgan Chase.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Donald Trump took aim at defense contractors Wednesday, announcing new restrictions on executive pay and stock buybacks as part of the administration’s push to speed procurement and revitalize the defense industrial base. Trump said companies "are not permitted in any way, shape or form to pay dividends or buy back stock, until they are able to produce a superior product, on time and on budget." He also said he would ask Congress for a $1.5 trillion defense budget in fiscal 2027.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Office of Personnel Management is out with new guidance on telework and remote work for federal employees. The updated policy now emphasizes as much in-person presence as possible across government. OPM’s revisions aim to better align with the Trump administration’s return-to-office orders. Here with the details, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The federal government’s oldest legal obligations to provide health, education, and economic support for Tribal Nations remain chronically underfunded and uniquely vulnerable to shutdowns. A new Brookings Institution analysis argues Congress should shift more Native American funding to mandatory spending to protect treaty commitments. Here with more details is the report's author, Brookings Fellow Robert Maxim. Read the report here: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-government-shutdown-shows-the-need-to-reform-how-the-federal-government-funds-native-american-tribes-and-communities/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton The latest shutdown exposed real problems in how Washington funds Indian Country Ever tried fixing your own car? The right-to-repair fight is heating up as costs soar and Congress weighs a national lawSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Despite strong bipartisan support and rising repair costs, right-to-repair provisions were stripped from the NDAA. Now, all eyes are on the REPAIR Act as lawmakers debate whether Americans should control how and where they fix their vehicles. Justin Rzepka, executive director of the Consumer Access to Repair Coalition, breaks down what’s at stake.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Secret Service is aiming to hire thousands of new employees over the next two years. To meet its goals, the agency is trying to cut its hiring timelines in half. The Secret Service’s recruiting push is just the latest in a hiring spree happening across federal law enforcement agencies. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawmakers said the fiscal 2026 defense policy bill would deliver “the most significant acquisition reforms in a generation,” but some of the most ambitious changes lawmakers were pushing for during negotiations didn't make it into the final. Still, some provisions that survived negotiations could meaningfully change how the Defense Department buys technology, especially from small businesses and nontraditional contractors. Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis has more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton SIGAR’s final report closes a chapter on Afghanistan oversightCongress let ACA subsidies expire; Carolyn Bourdeaux explains the impact and why offsets matter for the debt crisis ISOA’s Global Summit is coming up...connecting government and industry for stability operations worldwideSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SIGAR was born in 2008 to fill a critical gap in accountability for U.S. reconstruction efforts. Its last report distills hundreds of audits into hard truths: systemic weaknesses that outlasted the mission and reforms that never fully took hold. As the watchdog sunsets in early 2026, Acting Inspector General Gene Aloise explains what happens next—and why those lessons matter now more than ever.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From fragile states to disaster zones, ISOA helps bridge U.S. agencies and private sector capabilities. Its upcoming Global Summit in Washington will spotlight partnerships, small business opportunities, and trends shaping stability operations. Here with the details is Howie Lind, President of ISOA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Affordable Care Act’s enhanced subsidies expired at year’s end, leaving millions facing higher premiums and lawmakers facing tough choices. Here to explain the real-world impact, why offsets matter, and what Congress must do to balance health care access with fiscal discipline is former member of Congress and now Executive Director of the Concord Coalition and Concord Action, Carolyn Bourdeaux.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton From paychecks to policy shifts, 2025 tested military families. We'll look ahead to what’s next in 2026 An accurate census shapes how billions flow to states and cities America’s data system is losing staff, funding, and trust. Could a new strategy backed by law turn the tide?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congressional appropriators are rejecting some of the most severe agency budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration. It’s the latest step lawmakers are taking to pass a comprehensive spending plan for the rest of the fiscal year … and avoid a partial government shutdown at the end of the month. They’re also looking to put additional guardrails on unilateral agency reorganizations that could further shrink the federal workforce. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Financial strain, workforce upheaval, and uncertainty marked the past year for servicemembers and veterans. Mike Meese, President of Armed Forces Mutual, looks back at the biggest challenges of 2025 and ahead to the policies that could shape 2026.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The census is more than just a headcount. It's the foundation for funding schools, clinics, and roads. A new report shows why accuracy matters more than ever. Sean Moulton from the Project on Government Oversight is here with the details.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new report warns that America’s federal statistical system is “at risk,” citing steep staffing losses, shrinking budgets, and eroding public trust. The analysis outlines nine steps to stabilize the system and modernize data delivery. Nancy Potok, former chief statistician of the United States, explains why the fix may require an entirely new organizing strategy backed by law.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Here's some good news for 2026, the buzzword in federal IT and acquisition community will not be artificial intelligence. But don't worry, AI and all the things around it will continue to be a hot topic. For more on the federal IT and acquisition topics, some experts say they'll be watching closely, Federal News Network's executive editor Jason Miller joins me with details from his annual survey. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is embarking on big changes. Next year, it's looking to get the rocky rollout of the new electronic health record back on track. VA medical facilities already using the system have been beset with problems for years. Meanwhile, the VA is planning to roll out the biggest reorganization of its healthcare operation in decades. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman is here with more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Defense Department is expanding secure methods of authentication beyond the traditional Common Access Card, which will give users more alternative options to log into its systems when CAC access is impractical or infeasible. A new Pentagon memo lays out when alternative multi-factor authentication tools can be used and updates the list of approved authentication tools for different system impact levels. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Department of Defense has unveiled its first wave of 31 class deviations under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, a move aimed at cutting red tape and accelerating procurement. At the same time, a draft executive order could impose new limits on buybacks, dividends, and executive pay for defense firms. Here to walk through what these changes mean for industry and mission delivery is Stephanie Kostro, President of the Professional Services Council.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stricter federal compliance rules and mounting backlogs have exposed a critical weakness in how states process SNAP benefits. Modernizing document workflows in these outdated, paper-heavy systems could be the key to faster, more accurate aid delivery for millions of families. Andrew Joiner, CEO of Hyperscience, is here to share how AI can help solve the paperwork bottleneck.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Technology emerges as the key for states to meet Medicaid work verification rules and avoid coverage gaps before the December 2026 deadlineThe SNAP program is under pressure, and states are drowning in paper as new mandates kick inThe news cycle for defense contractors is not slowing down as 2026 gets startedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A federal mandate now requires states by December 2026 to confirm 80 hours of work or qualifying activities for Medicaid enrollees each month. Here to explain how automation could help states comply with these complex requirements and protect beneficiaries is General Manager and Senior Vice President at CITIZ3N, Rob Miller.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The past year in federal cybersecurity policy was full of uncertainty; a change in administration, expiring authorities and the emergence of artificial intelligence all brought plenty of questions to the cybersecurity landscape. Going into 2026 cyber policymakers and experts are hoping for more clarity. For more on what to expect in the year ahead, Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday joins me now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Heading into 2026 the Trump administration appears to only be getting started on its plans for overhauling the career civil service. Further changes for the federal workforce are on the horizon, and many of them are laid out in the goals of the new President's management agenda. Here with a look at what's ahead for federal employees is Federal News Network's Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton From gift lists to government systems, agentic AI is changing how we plan and prepareFrom language services to tech-driven defense, SOSi is making the most of innovation to stay ahead in federal contracting Congress returns with deadlines looming and big questions on spending and landmark legislationSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Julian Setian has scaled SOSi into a mid-tier powerhouse without outside equity or set-asides while betting big on innovation. From AI to ISR, he shares the pivotal shifts that define SOSi’s niche and its vision for the next five years in this episode of "Government Contractors to Watch" sponsored by JP Morgan Chase. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve used AI to plan holiday travel or organize gift lists, you’ve seen its convenience. Agentic AI takes that autonomy further, promising to streamline operations and strengthen security, but it also demands new policies and workforce skills. Jason Oxman, President and CEO of the Information Technology Industry Council, explains what government must do now to prepare.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Both chambers return with packed agendas: the House eyeing ACA subsidies, hearings, and unfinished appropriations, while the Senate juggles confirmations and spending bills. Looming over it all are big 2026 questions, will January end in a CR or a shutdown, who might rise or fall in leadership, and whether major legislation like CISA reauthorization, workforce protections, and AI rules can break through gridlock. Loren Duggan, Deputy News Director at Bloomberg Government, is here with his predictions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's January 2nd 2026, and today on the 'Best of' The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton, the closing panel for the Professional Services Council's VISION conference. Terry spoke with Vince Holloway, co chair of PSC defense panel and Kirsten Webb, co chair of their civilian agencies panel about how government contractors adapted to the disruptions of 2025 what strategies worked and what lessons were learned. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's New Year's Day 2026, and coming up on the 'Best of' The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton, we share some of our regular guests with their predictions for 2026.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The FAA has been working to update its aging air traffic control system, literally, for decades now. But 2026 is looking to be a big year on the FAA modernization front. The One Big Beautiful Bill Congress passed earlier this year puts more than $12 billion toward air traffic control modernization. And the FAA’s new administrator expects to obligate about half of that by the end of this fiscal year. Federal News Network’s Jared Serbu has an update on the agency’s modernization plans and how they’ve changed under the new administration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Pentagon faces a shortage of more than 20,000 cyber professionals, and across the country, the civilian cyber shortfall is estimated at over 750,000. This raises big questions about how to build a stronger pipeline. Veterans bring mission focus and technical aptitude, but challenges remain in training, credentialing, and connecting talent to opportunity. Ryan Dunford of Bit Wizards is here to explore what works and what’s next for bridging the gap between military service and cyber careers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Bid protests crafted by AI are increasing, but when they cite cases that don’t exist, the fallout is realNIH aims to enroll a million Americans in a health study, but first it must close critical gaps in protecting their data The Pentagon says it's short more than 20,000 cyber professionals...one group says veterans could help fill the gapSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The All of Us Research Program aims to build one of the largest health databases in history, but an OIG audit found weaknesses in the National Institutes of Health’s oversight and access controls that could put sensitive participant data at risk. Charles Summers from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is here to discuss what needs to change to protect privacy as enrollment grows.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As contractors lean on AI to draft bid protests, some filings have cited cases that don’t exist or don’t support their claims. We’ll explore why this is happening, the legal risks and what AI means for speed and accuracy in acquisition with Stephen Bacon, partner in the Government Contracts Practice Group at Rogers Joseph O'Donnell. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal retirement delays are gaining more attention and criticism in Congress. House Democrats are pressing the Office of Personnel Management for answers on how it’s addressing abnormally high retirement numbers. The application surge, largely caused by the deferred resignation program, is slowing down retirement processing for thousands of former feds. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2025 for a change, federal acquisition dominated the news cycle. From the FAR overhaul to GSA's OneGov strategy to the increased scrutiny on consultants, contracting was front and center for much of 2025. For more on some of the top news stories across the federal technology and acquisition landscape, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me with insights from his annual survey of experts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton On a remote Alaskan glacier, a mission of recovery and respect continues 2026 could be the year government contracting shifts from disruption to execution From DOJ to VA, Kshmendra Paul’s journey shows what lasting public service looks likeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a mission shaped by harsh terrain and deep responsibility: recovering and identifying service members lost in an Alaskan crash more than 70 years ago. Kate Grosso and Carlos Colon, medicolegal investigators with the Department of Defense, share what it takes to make that happen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After nearly two decades shaping data sharing and governance across federal agencies, Kshmendra Paul has been elected a NAPA Fellow. We’ll talk about his proudest accomplishments, what this honor means, and his advice for the next generation of public servants.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Senate wrapped up 2025 by confirming 97 Trump appointees, bringing the total to 417 for his second term, a move that restores some predictability for industry and speeds up acquisition decisions. From procurement momentum to defense modernization and small-business integration, PSC is tracking the trends that will shape the year ahead. Joining us to break it down is Jim Carroll, President and CEO of the Professional Services Council.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Department of Homeland Security's year was marked by high profile immigration enforcement operations and turbulence behind the scenes. DHS also received a historic influx of new funding under the tax and reconciliation bill passed by Congress in July, but the department faces some big management challenges as it prepares for a consequential year ahead. Justin Doubleday joins me now for more on DHS Year in Review. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2025 has been a transformational year for the Defense Department. The Air Force scrapped most of its sweeping Reoptimization Initiative announced under previous leadership. The Army undertook one of its most significant acquisition and organizational reform efforts in decades. Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis joins me now to highlight some of the biggest changes that happened across the Defense Department this year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The State Department’s Global Air Monitoring Program gave diplomats and citizens abroad real-time data on air pollution and drove transparency worldwide. Its shutdown leaves a gap with serious health and economic consequences. We’ll explore what’s at stake and what it would take to restore the program with retired foreign service officer Tahra Vose.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A hidden DoD lab sounds like a cyber-thriller, but its real mission is shaping the future of digital investigations When the U.S. stops tracking global air quality, the world feels it An FBI practice meant to safeguard national security was quietly set aside for top leadershipSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New reporting shows FBI Director Kash Patel granted polygraph waivers to Deputy Director Dan Bongino and two senior aides. That's an unprecedented step in the bureau’s clearance process. William Turton of ProPublica explains what that decision means for vetting standards and oversight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Few people outside the Pentagon know about the Defense Department's CyberCrime Center's Cyber Forensics Lab, but its work underpins Defense Department criminal investigations, major defense contractor cases, and even Justice Department prosecutions. Today, we’ll uncover how this team’s cutting-edge capabilities strengthen national security and redefine what’s possible in digital forensics with the lab's director, Kevin Rivera.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's Friday, December 26th, and today on the 'Best of' the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton, we're sharing conversations with some amazing people and what motivates their public service.Diana BurleyElizabeth Kolmstetter Dr. David GoffSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's Thursday, December 25th, Christmas Day and today on the 'Best of" the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton, we're sharing some of our conversations with amazing people on what motivates their public service. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration reshaped many agencies this year. But the General Services Administration became the focus point of many governmentwide changes. The Department of Government Efficiency set high cost-cutting goals for GSA. Next year, an agency watchdog take a closer look at whether it met those targets. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a tumultuous year for the federal workforce, many feds are in a much different position now than they were at the start of 2025. The Trump administration's workforce reductions hit some agencies harder than others, but no matter which way you slice it, the loss of 300,000 employees has significantly reshaped government. Here with more on this is Federal News Network's Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a year of shutdowns, cuts and uncertainty, many former federal employees are struggling with stress and identity loss. Therapy4Feds offers free and low-cost counseling to help them cope and rebuild. We’ll talk with founder Roz Beroza about why she launched the program and how people can get support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From TSP contributions to investment choices and building a stronger safety net, a few smart moves now can set federal employees up for confidence all year long. Certified Financial Planner Thiago Glieger joins me with helpful hints to building a strong financial plan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A sweeping NDAA change could strip away decades of cost rules for most defense contractors The start of a new year is the perfect time to reset your financial game plan Therapy4Feds offers a lifeline for former federal employees facing tough timesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The new law exempts nontraditional defense contractors from FAR cost principles, certified cost or pricing data, and Defense Department business systems requirements, potentially affecting more than 90% of the defense industrial base. We’ll break down what this means with Dan Ramish, partner at Haynes Boone.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Donald Trump announced last week that every service member would receive a $1,776 bonus right before Christmas. The president suggested that the money would come from excess tariff revenues. Turns out, the money is coming from funds Congress already approved to boost military housing allowance. Federal News Network Anastasia Obis has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology drives many cyber workforce and education initiatives under the NICE program. And for the last decade, Rodney Petersen has been the familiar face in charge of leading NICE. Petersen is retiring at the start of the new year. He recently sat down with Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday to discuss the evolution of the cyber workforce during his time in government and what comes next in the age of artificial intelligence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The new National Defense Authorization Act spans thousands of pages, but one theme stands out: speed. The Professional Services Council says the law will accelerate delivery of critical technologies and give innovative companies a clearer path to support the warfighter. PSC President Stephanie Kostro joins us to break down what matters most, without making you read all 3,000 pages.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act includes key protections from the Military Family Bill of Rights, a framework created by spouses and parents to guarantee safety, dignity, and transparency for those who serve alongside service members. Brandi Jones, Organizing Director at Secure Families Initiative, is here to explain what these changes mean and why families fought for them.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton The NDAA could redefine life for military families by including a Bill of Rights they helped write The NDAA is signed, and at over 3,000 pages, it could be your holiday read. But buried in all that text are big changes for defense acquisition A new honor for a leader who’s shaped cybersecurity policy and talent across sectorsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Diana Burley has helped define national cybersecurity standards, advised agencies and built bridges between research and practice. Now, she’s been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, a milestone that reflects her impact on the future of the cybersecurity and the workforce. She joins me to offer some insights from her long career in public service.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vendors who file frivolous bid protests will now be held more accountable under a provision in the 2026 defense authorization bill. The “loser pays” language is trying to actively discourage incumbent contractors from filing protests just to keep getting paid. New data from the Government Accountability Office shows vendors are becoming more discerning when it comes to filing complaints, seemingly making this new language less necessary. Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me to discuss the current bid protest landscape. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Agencies may soon see more robust requirements when preparing federal employees to join the Senior Executive Service. A new proposal from the Office of Personnel Management looks to reform and standardize SES candidate development programs across government. But without the right attention, planning, and resources, some say OPM’s efforts could fall flat. Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman gets more from the Partnership for Public Service’s vice president of government affairs, Jenny Mattingley.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before recess, lawmakers moved a few priorities forward but also left major challenges behind. Deputy News Director for Bloomberg Government, Loren Duggan, joins us with the scorecard and the stakes for January.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton DHS calls it a once-in-a-lifetime chance for STEM students—and the clock is ticking 2025 reshaped federal cybersecurity, from new mandates to tougher compliance rules The holiday break comes with unfinished business on Capitol HillSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate is accepting applications for its HS-POWER internship program. The program offers hands-on work on mission-critical technologies with DHS mentors. Here to tell us more about the program and the January 5th application deadline, is Deputy Director, Office of University Programs at the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, Jennifer Foley.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This year brought sweeping changes to how agencies and contractors secure sensitive data, from the rollout of CMMC to tighter restrictions on controlled unclassified information. Townsend Bourne, Partner at Shepherd Mullin, explains why 2025 was a turning point and what it means for risk management going forward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Treasury Department is officially suspending Direct File, a free online tax filing platform the IRS launched last year. The department said it’s exploring alternatives. That includes strengthening its partnership with tax preparation companies through its Free File program. Direct File expanded to 25 states during this year’s filing season and saw higher favorability scores. But Treasury said the program cost too much and didn’t see enough usage to keep scaling it up. For more on what happens next, Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman spoke with the CEO of Code for America, Amanda Renteria.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The future at the Federal Emergency Management Agency remains murky after the Trump administration recently delayed a long-anticipated report from the FEMA Review Council. The uncertainty around the council’s recommendations cap a year of flux at FEMA. Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me with more details.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anthropic says Chinese hackers used its Claude chatbot to automate a cyberespionage campaign against tech firms, financial institutions and government agencies, marking what could be the first large-scale AI-driven attack. Joining me to explain what this means for defenders and what’s next for nation-state tactics is the former department head of AI security at MITRE and co-founder of AI security consulting firm, Fire Mountain Labs, Dr. Josh Harguess.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton When hackers weaponize AI, the rules of cyber defense change overnight New provisions in the shutdown-ending funding deal aim to modernize Congress with data tools and casework innovations championed by POPVOX Foundation A recent court ruling could reshape how agencies source under the Trade Agreements ActSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The bipartisan package that ended the shutdown includes measures to upgrade legislative operations, from a Data Map for AI readiness to Case Compass for smarter constituent service. Danielle Stewart of POPVOX Foundation explains how these changes tackle Congress’s “pacing problem” and what comes next.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Court of Federal Claims ruled that the VA violated the Trade Agreements Act by awarding a drug contract to a non-compliant supplier, rejecting the agency’s argument that high cost justified bypassing the law. The decision underscores that TAA imposes an outright sourcing prohibition and not a price preference. Here to explain what this means for federal procurement is Partner at Haynes Boone, Dan Ramish.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Office of Personnel Management wants to bring a surge of technical expertise into the government’s ranks. The agency is aiming to recruit 1,000 new federal employees for the inaugural class of the “U.S. Tech Force." The new hiring effort comes after hundreds of thousands of feds left government this year. Here with details, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Military Family Advisory Network is conducting its biennial survey to better understand the needs of military and veteran families worldwide. The stories shared through the survey lead to real change. The research has helped shape major policy and quality-of-life reforms, including the Military Housing Privatization Initiative’s Tenant Bill of Rights and a Congressional quality-of-life panel for service members and their families. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Military Family Advisory Network’s Chief Executive Officer Shannon Razsadin. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

America’s air traffic system is showing cracks, and the shutdown only widened them. Chris Edwards of the Cato Institute is here to explain why budget dependence and failed modernization make the system fragile, and why he believes a Canadian-style model could be the fix.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Service members face a simple truth with complex consequences: follow lawful orders, refuse unlawful ones Can a year in government spark a lifetime of innovation? What reforms can fix our fragile air traffic control system?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recent comments from lawmakers have raised alarms about unlawful orders, but the real question is how service members decide what’s legal. Frank Rosenblatt from The Orders Project explains the rules and the risks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NobleReach wants to make public service a stop on the career journey, not a permanent detour. Its Scholars program places early-career professionals in federal roles tackling AI, cybersecurity, and more. We’ll explore how the initiative is evolving and what it means for talent mobility with NobleReach CEO Arun Gupta.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Agencies have 90 days to update acquisition polices to ensure that the artificial intelligence tools they purchase are truth seeking and ideological neutral. A new memo from the Office of Management and Budget details new requirements starting March 11 for contracts awarded for large language models. Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me with more on what agencies will have to do to meet the administration's new AI guidelines.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Early in the Trump administration the Department of Government Efficiency directed the General Services Administration to take major cuts to leased office space. GSA officials say they successfully terminated hundreds of leases this year, but far fewer than goals set by DOGE. These updated figures come at a time when government officials are taking stock of DOGE’s impact, and whether agencies came close to achieving the Trump administration’s government efficiency goals. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman joins me with more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Six months after launch, the Impact Project has grown in scope and added a Security Map that reveals patterns in threats against public servants. Abby Andre, the project's founding executive director, explains what the data shows and how it can guide action.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton The Impact Project expands its reach with a new Security Map that exposes threats facing public servants How lean can government get before essential services start to fail? GAO says the Coast Guard’s biggest shipbuilding program faces major design and cost risksSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Holiday travel and tax season remind us how much we rely on federal workers. Elaine Kamarck of the Brookings Institution is here to explain what happens when staffing cuts push government past its breaking point and why the drive for efficiency can create systemic risk.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Coast Guard urgently needs 25 Offshore Patrol Cutters to replace aging ships, but GAO found serious challenges, from unstable designs to unclear cost baselines that put the $17 billion program at risk. Shelby Oakley, Director of Contracting and National Security Acquisitions at GAO, is here to break down the risks and what needs to change before Stage 3 ship construction begins.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal retirement processing has slowed substantially this year due to the Deferred Resignation program. As the Office of Personnel Management continues modernizing retirement systems, another application surge looms.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration is moving to strip away the union rights of Transportation Security Administration employees for the second time this year. As part of its latest move, DHS would dissolve TSA’s collective bargaining agreement early next year. The union that represents TSA employees has vowed to fight this latest action in court. Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me with the latest.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration’s deferred resignation program helped lead to a massive and unexpected surge in retirement applications, now flooding the government’s retirement systems. But amid that application influx, the Office of Personnel Management has also rolled out a major effort to modernize the legacy federal retirement system. Many experts see the launch of OPM’s “online retirement application” as a long-awaited improvement. But with high retirement volumes, some remain wary of the timing. As part of her special report this week, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman gives us the details.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal employees are seeing signs of stability. Retirement processing is improving, workforce protections are holding, and pay raise prospects are clearer. But with continuing resolutions and hiring freezes still in the mix, the path forward requires careful planning. Here with a look ahead is National Association of Retired Federal Employees Association, Vice President for Policy and Programs, John Hatton.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Emily Murphy is here with her insights on how federal acquisition changed in 2025 and what’s likely to be coming in 2026 There are some hopeful signs of stability for the federal work force as retirement backlogs are easing, RIF protections are holding, and a modest 2026 payraise looks likely From NASA to CISA, she’s shaped the federal workforce for three decades, and now Elizabeth Kolmstetter is joining the ranks of NAPA FellowsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Elizabeth Kolmstetter has led talent strategy across nine agencies, launched programs in engagement and analytics, and earned some of government’s highest honors. Now she's joining the ranks of Fellows of the National Academy of Public Administration. She joins me today to reflect on her career and the future of public administration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2025 brought major shifts in how the government buys, from centralization to the FAR rewrite. Emily Murphy, senior fellow at the George Mason University Baroni Center for Government Contracting, is here to look back at the lessons learned and ahead to the trends shaping acquisition in 2026.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the past year, there’s been a major uptick in the government’s use of the False Claims Act to take companies to task for cybersecurity violations. The Trump administration has announced six separate False Claims Act settlements. And enforcement has been especially aggressive for companies who do business with the Defense Department. Sara McLean is a former assistant director of the fraud section in the Justice Department’s Commercial Litigation Branch. She talked with Federal News Network’s Jason Miller about the enforcement trend.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration’s “deferred resignation program” this year led to more than 150,000 employees leaving their jobs, in exchange for months of paid leave. But for many of those who took the DRP, the offer came with an added opportunity. Thousands also qualified for early retirement. Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman spent the last several months conducting interviews, reviewing documents, and gathering data about federal retirement processing. She found that the DRP helped lead to a massive and unexpected surge in applications, now inundating the government’s retirement systems.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A final regulation issued on Halloween has reshaped the Public Student Loan Forgiveness programA new bill could turn military experience into energy-sector strength Defense, health care, oversight and spending; these four fronts are exposing deep divides on Capitol HillSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the NDAA fight over helicopter flights near Reagan National to stalled health care extensions, unfinished oversight on a deadly boat strike and nine spending bills still hanging in the balance, Congress is juggling high-stakes battles with no easy compromises. Mitchell Miller, Capitol Hill correspondent for WTOP, is here with the fault lines shaping the final stretch of the year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The electro industry powers everything from national security to AI leadership, but a shortage of skilled workers threatens progress. The National Electrical Manufacturers' Association sees veterans as the solution and backs the Veterans Energy Transition Act to make it happen. We’ll explore the stakes and the bill with Peter Ferrell, senior director of government relations at NEMA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Department of Education has finalized regulations that redefine Public Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility, barring organizations with a “substantial illegal purpose.” Randall Thomas, Partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius explains what this means for borrowers, employers and compliance going forward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than a dozen federal statistical agencies are falling behind on producing high-quality data sets that impact the U.S. economy and government policy. The American Statistical Association finds changes under the Trump administration have led to certain public-facing data sets being delayed, suspended or canceled. It’s also flagging declines public trust scores in data sets produced by the federal government. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency doesn’t want to leave companies hanging when they reach out with a bold new innovation or tech development. So CISA this month unveiled its “Industry Engagement Platform,” where people can sign up to communicate directly with agency officials. For more on the new platform, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday spoke with the chief information officer at CISA, Bob Costello.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton New rules in the NDAA aim to cut red tape in defense contracting—but will they deliver? Federal leaders face the challenge of restoring stability and agency performance after months of workforce disruptionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NDAA rewrites the playbook for cost accounting and pricing, with changes that could ease burdens but raise new questions. We’ll explore the details and the stakes with Zach Prince, partner at Haynes Boone.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Months of disruption have left some federal employees disengaged and others burned out. Laurin Parthemos of Kotter explains what leaders must do to restore stability and psychological safety and find a "new normal" going forward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 8(a) small business contracting program is in a fight for its life. From Capitol Hill to the courts to now the executive branch, the 47-year old program is facing questions about its legitimacy and challenges to its true impact like never before. For more on how the increased level of scrutiny is putting the 8(a) contracting program in the cross hairs, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It took several years, including some false starts, but the Defense Department’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program in now a reality. The final rules are in place, and several hundred contractors have already earned their third party certifications. But most of the initial implementation work will happen over the next year. For a look at the work ahead, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday talked with Matthew Travis. He’s the CEO of the Cyber Accreditation Body, the nonprofit organization that helps manage the certification process.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Can fixing the Pentagon’s back office make the front lines stronger? Procurement could decide whether AI succeeds or fails in governmentAI is stepping into the fight for supply chain resilience and battlefield readinessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new guide from the Open Contracting Partnership frames procurement as the key to effective AI adoption in government. It highlights how agencies can manage risk, cut through vendor hype, and foster collaboration between IT and acquisition teams. We’ll explore those insights with Kathrin Frauscher, Deputy Executive Director at the Open Contracting Partnership (OCP). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new Deloitte report argues that inefficiencies in HR, finance, IT, and acquisitions are draining resources from warfighting. It calls for an AI-first overhaul to fuel lethality and readiness. Tom Muir, former Department of Defense leader and Specialist Executive with Deloitte is here to explain what it will take to transform mission support and why this time might be different.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Defense leaders warn that fragile supply chains and maintenance bottlenecks could undermine readiness. Advanced AI-powered world models can help integrate real-time logistics data, predict disruptions, and accelerate manufacturing agility. Here to explain what “smart logistics” means for the military and the defense industrial base is Jon Gerrity, CEO of Tagup Inc.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A federal judge in San Francisco is temporarily blocking the State Department from finalizing hundreds of employee layoffs. Foreign Service employees were slated to be officially separated from the agency last week. But federal employee unions are making the case that State and several other agencies aren’t fully adhering to a provision in the shutdown-ending spending bill. That provision temporarily blocked the Trump administration from carrying out layoffs. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Pentagon’s plan to fix its decades-old material weaknesses, specifically its inability to reliably track government property in the possession of contractors, is failing. The Defense Department inspector general warns that if the services don’t implement a department-wide solution soon the Pentagon risks missing its goal of achieving a clean audit opinion by 2028. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Mark Thomas, DoD IG’s supervisory auditor.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Government Accountability Office reviewed the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection’s reliance on soft-sided facilities amid surging apprehensions and billions in contract obligations. Here to explain what GAO found, why it matters for cost and oversight and what’s next for border infrastructure planning is Travis Masters, Director of Contracting and National Security Acquisitions at GAO.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton DOJ ordered a sweeping data collection from U.S. attorneys on Trump-era priorities days before ThanksgivingThe EEOC powers up for swift action with full funding, a quorum and new priorities With billions spent on temporary border facilities, GAO says DHS needs a better planSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With full funding restored and a quorum in place, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is moving fast to enforce Trump administration executive orders. Here to discuss what employers should expect, and how to prepare, is Debra Leder, Partner in Labor and Employment at Akerman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Justice Department has directed all 93 U.S. attorneys to compile extensive data on enforcement mandates including immigration, political violence, and sanctuary jurisdictions. Bloomberg Law’s Ben Penn explains what triggered the move, what DOJ wants, and the implications for prosecutorial independence.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration has just laid out its President’s Management Agenda. The PMA details the administration’s vision to drive changes in government for the next few years. But with many of President Trump’s goals already underway, the PMA’s priorities may look familiar. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Can our safety net programs survive stress and deliver more than short-term relief? GSA’s next-generation contract vehicle is expanding—and small businesses need to pay attention Jamie Morin helped shape defense strategy from inside the Pentagon. Now he’s being honored for his contributions to public serviceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jamie Morin has been elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, recognizing his leadership in defense budgeting, cost analysis and strategic planning. He's here to reflect on what drew him into public service, what’s changed in public administration, and how he hopes to contribute to the Academy’s mission.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

OASIS+ enters Phase II with five new service domains and draft scorecards expected December 16 ahead of a January 12 solicitation date. The expansion could reshape competition and compliance for federal contractors, especially small businesses. Stephanie Kostro, President of the Professional Services Council is here to share her insights.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former federal employees say they lost their jobs as part of the Trump administration’s plans to remove diversity, equity and inclusion programs. But some claim their most recent jobs had nothing to do with DEI. They’re now part of a class-action lawsuit challenging their removal. For more on this case, Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman spoke with an attorney representing the plaintiffs, Mary Kuntz. But first you’ll hear from one of the plaintiffs themselves Mahri Stainnak. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shutdowns and crises expose the fragility of programs meant to protect the most vulnerable. Clarence Carter, Tennessee’s Human Services Commissioner and author of "Our Net Has Holes In It," is here to discuss lessons from his decades of reform and how to build a safety net that works for people, not politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The National Flood Insurance Program is a lifeline for communities in flood-prone areas, but during the shutdown its borrowing authority plunged and new policies froze. That disruption rippled through housing markets and raised questions about the resilience of federal disaster programs. Joining us to review what happened and what’s next is Nicole Upano, Assistant Vice President of Public Policy at the National Apartment Association.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Centralization is back in vogue, but is it the right model for government shared services? The federal flood insurance program is key to stable housing markets, the shutdown revealed its fragility House drama over the defense bill sets the stage for a high-stakes December on Capitol HillSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hundreds of thousands of federal employees have left their jobs this year, due to the Trump administration’s efforts. Now, the Office of Personnel Management is telling agencies to start rethinking their senior executive staffing too. The request comes as OPM introduces a number of other changes for federal managers. Here with the latest, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the Army, a new acquisition bureaucracy is starting to take shape. It means new names for some longstanding Army organizations. But at its core, the reorganization is about letting Army officials manage the acquisition system as portfolios of capabilities, with less of a focus on individual programs. That idea’s been championed by outside reform advocates for years. But now it also has the support of the secretary of Defense. We get the details from Federal News Network’s Jared Serbu.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawmakers are scrambling to bring the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to the floor next week amid partisan clashes. The Senate is preparing a vote on health care subsidies, while appropriations talks remain stalled, and a Supreme Court case on Humphrey’s Executor looms large in the background. Loren Duggan, deputy news director at Bloomberg Government, is here with the inside scoop.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration’s second-term strategy leans toward consolidating acquisition, HR and financial management under a centralized approach. That's a departure from the marketplace model of its first term. John Marshall and Steve Goodrich are here to discuss what that means for agency autonomy and service quality. John is the founder and CEO of the Shared Services Leadership Coalition. Steve chairs the SSLC board.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This year continues to be challenging for the federal workforce. While federal offices reopened and hundreds of thousands of federal workers went back to work after the longest shutdown in history, many say nothing is back to normal. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more from an exclusive Federal News Network survey. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The State Department’s diplomatic workforce is feeling overburdened, under-resourced and more likely to leave in the next few years. That’s according to a recent survey from the American Foreign Service Association. The State Department conducted widespread layoffs this year. It also closed and consolidated hundreds of offices as part of an agency reorganization. Foreign Service officers say they’re spread thin because of these changes. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Congress catches up on its shutdown backlog, tax legislation is back in play. But now those conversations are under the shadow of an election year. Anna Taylor, Managing Principal of Deloitte’s Tax Policy Group, joins us to break down what’s realistic for year-end packages and the road ahead for tax policy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

VA's outdated infrastructure and regional silos make care coordination painfully slow, especially for mental health. Sean O'Connor, navy veteran and Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at DexCare is here to explain why modernization is urgent and how real-time access could transform veteran care.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton The VA's size and complexity may be keeping top tech minds away, and veterans pay the priceWhat can individuals and businesses expect when the tax filing window opens in just a few weeks? A protest from a winner? A recent case shows why timing matters when challenging solicitation termsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Court of Federal Claims has rejected a post-award protest from Active Deployment Systems, which argued ICE awarded too many IDIQ contracts for detention services. The decision underscores that disputes over solicitation language and pricing structures must be raised before bidding, not after award. Zach Prince, Partner at Haynes Boone, explains what lessons we can take from this case.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Technology Modernization Fund is running out of time. In eight days, the reauthorization will expire for the eight-year old governmentwide account to help agencies update IT systems. That is unless Congress acts to extend the TMF. For more on what it would mean if the Technology Modernization Fund would expire, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has just advanced an array of bills, including many that would impact the federal workforce. Some legislation, such as a bill to overhaul the probationary period, passed just along party lines. But other bills, like one that would standardize training for federal executives, received unanimous committee support. Here with the latest, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry GertonA new CFPB rule strengthens credit data standards, helping lenders assess risk and borrowers access affordable creditPSC's vision conference proved that forecasting government contractor workload for 2026 is no easy taskOutdated SEC communications rules are putting compliance and competitiveness at riskSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Timely payments, rescinding stop-work orders and monitoring long-term impacts are top priorities as agencies restart operations. We’ll also look at key takeaways from PSC’s Vision Conference with CEO Jim Carroll.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association is urging the SEC to modernize its communication and recordkeeping rules. Robert Cruz, Vice President of Information Governance at Smarsh, joins us to explain why the current framework is falling behind, how firms are navigating enforcement risks, and what a workable compliance model could look like.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has issued a new rule that reinforces national standards for credit reporting. It confirms that federal law takes precedence over conflicting state rules, a move the Consumer Data Industry Association says will improve consistency, lower costs, and protect access to credit. Dan Smith, President and CEO of CDIA, is here to explain what the rule means for lenders, borrowers, and the future of credit data.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Department of Health and Human Services is centralizing the processing of reasonable accommodation requests from its employees. As a result, it’s facing a months-long backlog. HHS employees say the department is making it harder for employees with disabilities to receive telework as a reasonable accommodation as the Trump administration enforces a return to office mandate. For more on this, we’re joined by Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new federal spending forecast is out and it paints two different pictures for defense and civilian agencies. The Professional Services Council projects that defense spending will keep climbing through 2035. But civilian agencies aren’t so lucky, analysts predict that non-defense budgets are likely to remain flat or shrink. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new semester-long program is giving 75 students hands-on experience with advanced AI tools used in defense and cybersecurity. The AWS Generative Artificial Intelligence Training aims to prepare cadets and civilian trainees for careers in national security. Jamie Cogbill, Deputy Director, Defense Civilian Training Corps at Virginia Tech's National Security Institute, is here to fill us in on the details.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Virginia Tech and Amazon Web Services are teaming up to train the next generation of national security leaders in generative AIAn objective, unemotional investment strategy for your TSP...easy to say but hard to do in uncertain times GenAI adoption is reshaping roles and raising tough questions about workforce strategySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From skill-based adoption patterns to displacement risks, what do these AI trends mean for government jobs and the policies that support reskilling? We’ll explore the long game for integrating GenAI with Dr. Ramayya Krishnan, Director of the Center for AI Measurement Science and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After weeks of missed paychecks and with another shutdown deadline just a few weeks away, financial stress is real, and emotions can drive costly investment mistakes. How do you rebuild emergency savings, stay disciplined, and prepare for the next market downturn without derailing long-term goals? We’ll get practical steps and common pitfalls from financial planner Art Stein.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senior executives have some new training and development opportunities from the Office of Personnel Management. The optional courses cover many of the Trump administration’s new priorities for the federal workforce. OPM initially launched the trainings in November, but the agency says there will be continuous updates to the content moving forward. For more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman sat down with OPM Director Scott Kupor. Here's part two of their conversation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senior executives have some new training and development opportunities from the Office of Personnel Management. The optional courses cover many of the Trump administration’s new priorities for the federal workforce. OPM initially launched the trainings in November, but the agency says there will be continuous updates to the content moving forward. For more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman sat down with OPM Director Scott Kupor. Here's part one of their conversation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Four military aid societies are joining forces under the theme #MakeGivingYourSuperpower to raise critical funds for service members and their families, especially those hit hard by the shutdown and holiday strain. With Lockheed Martin pledging to match donations up to $1 million, retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Robert Ruark, President and CEO of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, explains why this year’s effort matters more than ever.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over a month of frozen federal functions stalled Small Business Administration loan approvals and cut off IRS data that lenders rely on. Those disruptions rippled through housing markets and raised questions about systemic vulnerabilities. Here to walk through the lessons and what’s next is Dave Bohrman, Co-Founder and VP of Marketing at Tax Guard.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton This Giving Tuesday, one campaign aims to turn generosity into a lifeline for military familiesFrom Capitol Hill to GSA, Katy Kale has spent decades behind the scenes making government work and now she’s being honored for itThe shutdown may be over, but its ripple effects on lending and tax compliance are just beginningSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Katy Kale has been elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, recognizing her long career in federal service and her commitment to operational excellence. She's here to reflect on what drew her into public administration, what’s kept her going, and how she hopes to shape the field’s future.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Defense Department wants to shake up how it works with value-added resellers. In a draft memo obtained by Federal News Network, the Pentagon would place a 5% cap on most fees charged by resellers. DoD will start with a specific special item number or SIN for IT products. For more on what DoD is planning, Federal News Network’s executive editor Jason Miller joins me now with exclusive details.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Customer satisfaction with benefits and services provided by the federal government is higher than it’s been in nearly two decades. That’s despite a tumultuous year where agencies have seen a major downsizing of the federal workforce. Scores are higher on average, but the latest scorecard from the American Customer Satisfaction Index shows a few agencies are seeing lower scores. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman spoke with associate professor of marketing at Michigan State University and director of research emeritus at ASCI, Forrest Morgeson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A new book reveals how a covert U.S. campaign targeted the Sinaloa Cartel and drove a 40% reduction in fentanyl deaths POGO has new recommendations to improve the 2026 NDAA before it's finalized Congress faces a packed December agenda and big decisions on healthcare subsidiesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Project On Government Oversight wants Congress to repeal outdated war authorizations, avoid expanding military roles at the border, and strengthen oversight of defense contracts. Their NDAA recommendations also call out the gap between GAO’s reform backlog and lawmakers’ push to undo key acquisition statutes. Greg Williams, National Security Analyst at POGO is here to walk through the priorities and risks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the White House plan to extend healthcare subsidies to the search for a new Comptroller General as Gene Dodaro retires, December brings high-stakes debates on Capitol Hill. Mitchell Miller of WTOP breaks down what’s ahead and what shifting GOP dynamics mean for policy and legislation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The federal government quietly launched its most ambitious anti-cartel operation in decades, targeting Chinese chemical suppliers and the Sinaloa Cartel with cyber tools, diplomatic pressure, and law enforcement muscle. Jake Braun, author and former White House official, reveals how the strategy unfolded and what’s at stake if Washington backs off.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's Friday, November 28, 2025 and today on the 'Best of' the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton, we look back at some our our conversations about recommendations from the Government Accountability Office.What's missing from the National Strategy to address domestic terrorism? Big opportunities to improve how the nation disposes of its nuclear waste Aviation meteorologists help keep flights safe, but there aren’t enough of them?Billion-dollar disasters are increasing and FEMA’s workforce may not be ready to respondSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's Thanksgiving Day and today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton, we look back at some our our interviews looking at Space.The Army is updating its missile defense strategy and shifting command focus to better protect the homeland It sounds like the start of a sci-fi thriller, nuclear reactors on the moon Robots in space? A new GAO report says they could change everything—from satellite repairs to space junk From Apollo to Artemis—Air and Space gets a high-tech rebootSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The D.C. Armory transformed into a place of gratitude last week as D.C. National Guard members and their families lined up for free Thanksgiving meals at an annual event hosted by the nonprofit Operation Homefront. With grocery prices rising and many service members still feeling the financial strain of the recent shutdown, the organization says demand for assistance has surged. Food requests alone are up 57% from last year. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Operation Homefront Senior Director Vivian Dietrich about their Holiday Meals for Military program. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senior executives across government have some new opportunities for development. The Office of Personnel Management has just launched two new training series. They’ll focus on topics like budget, policy and human capital management while also incorporating many of the Trump administration’s overhauls to the federal workforce this year. Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman gets more from OPM Director Scott Kupor.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Forty former state attorneys general signed a letter urging Congress to fund judicial security after threats tracked by the US Marshal Service surged in recent years. Federal News Network's Jared Serbu spoke with Former Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel to learn how federal judges took the unprecedented step of asking for help and what's driving intimidation from federal courtrooms to state judiciaries nationwide.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Future Tech Enterprise fed 29 years of procurement responses into an AI model and cut an RFQ team from seven people to one. Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with CEO Bob Venero to understand why he believes the Defense Department should use the same technology to evaluate bids faster and cheaper. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Contracted medical exams are the foundation for determining disability benefits, but GAO says oversight gaps put exam quality and veterans’ benefits at risk. We’ll discuss what needs fixing and why it matters with GAO Director Elizabeth Curda.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry GertonWhen federal judges fear for their families, the entire justice system is under attack What comes next for federal workers after AI takes over the mundane tasksThe first step in a veteran’s disability claim can make or break the outcomeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new survey finds that nearly every service member living in privatized military housing has experienced serious problems in their home and many of those issues go unresolved. The Change the Air Foundation recently launched the Safe Military Housing Survey, one of the most comprehensive efforts yet to collect data the Defense Department has never been able to track accurately. The nonprofit found that three quarters of respondents were dealing with mold and microbial growth, which is extremely hazardous to a person's health. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Erica Thompson, a military spouse and the military families’ liaison for the Change the Air Foundation, and Brandon Chappo, director of public policy at the foundation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When it comes to getting spare parts for military systems, it’s not always as easy as simply placing an order. Sometimes the original manufacturers no longer exist. Sometimes wait times are excruciatingly long. That’s one reason the Navy wants to make the best use it can of the materials it already owns. A new effort by Naval Supply Systems Command aims to help do that by reusing as many items as possible from decommissioned units, instead of sending them away for disposal as surplus property. Robert Medina is the deputy director for NAVSUP’s West Coast Consumable Asset Reutilization Program, and Doug Murphy is the material management and warehouse utilization product and service lead. They talked about it with Federal News Network’s Jared Serbu. Murphy speaks first. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

EPA enforcement cases have plummeted, even as non-compliance rates climb. Now, a major staffing cut at the Justice Department's environmental section and a federal shutdown that paused inspections leave enforcement at a crossroads. Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Former EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator Stacy Geis about the resource drain crippling environmental enforcement and whether states can fill the widening gap.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton When a quarter of polluting facilities ignore the law, who's left to enforce it? A new center aims to modernize federal lending at a scale few realize exists Federal agency business forecasts have gone dark, and companies are struggling to plan without themSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Companies depend on accurate forecasts to plan bids and workforce, but some agencies have let those tools slip despite Office of Management and Budget guidance. Stephanie Kostro, President of the Professional Services Council, is here to explain what’s driving the gaps and previews PSC’s Vision Federal Market Forecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The government manages a $5 trillion credit portfolio across more than 125 programs, and a new organization wants to bring technology, consistency, and integrity to that system. We’ll explore the mission and vision of the Center for USA Lending with its founder, Doug Criscitello.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congress directed the Trump administration to rescind shutdown-era layoffs as part of a spending deal that ended the government shutdown. Some employees targeted by layoffs say they haven’t been brought back and that the language in the continuing resolution supports their push for reinstatement. But agencies say some of their reductions in force will remain in effect. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman is here with the details. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Trump’s transition into the White House earlier this year was not exactly usual. The administration departed from several norms of the presidential transition process, leaving open some big questions for the future. The Partnership for Public Service has some key takeaways from the latest presidential transition along with recommendations for reforming the process. Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman gets more from the Partnership’s vice president of government affairs, Jenny Mattingley.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawmakers are racing to finalize the National Defense Authorization Act, with a vote expected in early December. At the same time, nine appropriations bills remain unresolved after the shutdown deal, and the Senate is preparing for a high-stakes vote on health care premiums before year’s end. Loren Duggan, deputy news director for Bloomberg Government is here with what to expect when Congress returns after Thanksgiving.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Albania has appointed an AI system named Diella as a cabinet-level ‘minister’ overseeing public procurement. The move raises big questions about accountability, transparency, and whether algorithmic governance is a glimpse of the future or a risky one-off. Federal News Network's Eric White explores what this means for democracy and decision-making with Sam Adebayo, a contributor for Forbes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Advisory boards are disappearing across the federal government, often over agency objections. The cuts weaken scientific input and shift decision-making toward political appointees. Robert Iafolla from Bloomberg Law breaks down the fallout and what it means going forward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton What happens when a government gives an algorithm a seat at the cabinet table? The Trump administration is eliminating expert panels at a historic pace, reshaping how agencies make decisions What's happening with the 2026 appropriations bills?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Office of Personnel Management has kicked off another major human resources modernization effort. And unlike its effort to consolidate 119 different HR systems across the government, this one came with little fanfare. OPM is planning to revamp the USA Hire platform, which provides agency hiring managers candidate assessment tools, with the goal of making evaluations more efficient and leading to higher quality of applicants. For more on OPM's newest HR IT modernization initiative, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Army is taking the next step in its ambitions to start using small nuclear reactors to power critical infrastructure on at least some of its bases. This week, the service started the solicitation process for its Janus program via the Defense Innovation Unit, and assuming the technology works out the way the Army thinks it will, we now also know some of the first bases that are most likely to benefit from it. Details here from Federal News Network's Jared Serbu,See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The National Armaments Consortium works with the Department of Defense to accelerate innovation in armaments technology. With five new industry veterans joining its Executive Committee, NAC is sharpening its focus on supply chain resilience, workforce development, and acquisition reform. I'll explore what’s changing for NAC with Ben Harris and Joe Buzzett. Mr. Harris is the executive director of the National Armaments Consortium. Mr. Buzzett is NAC's Executive Committee Chair.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A Supreme Court securities case has frozen animal welfare enforcement across thousands of labs The National Armaments Consortium is gearing up for 2026 with fresh direction and a focus on armaments innovationSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USDA issued just five Animal Welfare Act fines in the 14 months after the Supreme Court's SEC v. Jarkesy decision, down from 63 in the prior period. Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Animal Welfare Institute attorneys Ashley Ridgway and Joanna Makowska to understand what a securities fraud case has to do with animal protection enforcement.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A government watchdog is sounding the alarm about a growing national security threat, one that comes from the everyday digital traces service members and their families leave online. A new Government Accountability Office report warns that publicly accessible data from social media posts and location tracking to routine Defense Department press releases can be pieced together by bad actors to identify military personnel and disrupt military operations. GAO says the Pentagon has taken some steps to address the threat, but its efforts remain scattered and lack coordination. For more, Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis spoke with Joe Kirschbaum, director of the defense capabilities and management team at GAO.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A federal union is suing the Bureau of Prisons over the recent cancelation of its collective bargaining agreement. The lawsuit comes after BOP ended its contract in September, arguing that the union had become an "obstacle to progress." The American Federation of Government Employees is now alleging that the agency's decision violated the law. Here with more, Federal News Network's Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Smart tax planning happens in November, not April. Private wealth advisor Thiago Glieger explains why federal employees earning over $145,000 face a major TSP catch-up contribution change in 2026 and how borrowing from TSP beats credit cards during financial hardship, and what tax-saving strategies can reduce next year's bill.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Imagine entering the Carousel of Progress at Disney World, but instead of showing you the possibilities of life in the future, it showed you what a government of the future may look like. That's the aim of The Future State Initiative. In collaboration with the Federation of American Scientists, it conducted an exercise imagining what the U.S. government should look like in 2050. Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Loren DeJonge Schulman, Senior Advisor for Government Capacity at the Federation of American Scientists.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The group Disabled American Veterans is stepping up with a nationwide virtual job fair on November 25 and its next Patriot Boot Camp for veteran entrepreneurs in February 2026. These initiatives aim to help veterans and military families find meaningful work and build thriving businesses. Here with more on these two programs is Dan Clare, DAV’s Chief Communications & Outreach Officer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton What if we stopped fixing government at the margins and redesigned it from scratch? Two big opportunities are on the horizon for veterans, one to land a job, another to launch a business When paychecks stop and tax season looms, what moves should federal employees make?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A bipartisan bill that would end the Trump administration's rollback of collective bargaining rights for most federal employees is guaranteed to get a full House vote now that the majority of lawmakers support it. A group of 218 lawmakers have signed on to a discharge petition that would force a floor vote. A Republican lawmaker co-sponsored the bill, and two other Republican lawmakers helped get this bill moving. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman is here with more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Communications Commission is set to reverse cyber security rules for telecommunications providers. The Commission will meet Thursday to rescind requirements that were put in place following the Salt Typhoon hacks. For more, Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday joins me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A recent decision from the Federal Communications Commission has the nation's public libraries concerned. It had to do with a program aimed at providing publicly available high speed broadband internet, particularly in rural areas. However a recent vote by the agency ends its support of the program. For a look at how public libraries will look to adjust, we welcome Sam Helmick, President of the American Libraries Association. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New data from Cytactic shows that 70% of security leaders say internal misalignment creates more disruption than the threat actor itself. From unrehearsed plans to unclear authority, organizations are struggling to respond effectively even with strong tech in place. Josh Ferenczi, Head of Strategy at Cytactic, explains what leaders should do now to close the readiness gap.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton When the hotspots go dark, who connects the unconnected? When a cyberattack hits, breakdowns inside the organization may be as dangerous as the hackers themselvesThis firm is using employee ownership and AI to stay ahead in federal contractingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Saalex started as a small business with big ambitions. Today, it’s a mid-market federal contractor betting on innovation, agility, and shared ownership to thrive in a fast-changing government landscape. Chairman and CEO Travis Mack shares how the company scaled up and why an AI-first culture is central to its future in this episode of "Government Contractors to Watch" sponsored by JP Morgan Chase. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week's conclusion of the record breaking government shutdown was great news for federal employees in general, but for a few thousand feds, it was even better news. They'd been told they were about to lose their jobs completely, and those positions are now safe. That's thanks to a provision of the legislation that undid reductions in force that happened during the shutdown. Recent court documents shed more light on exactly how many employees the Trump administration tried to fire during that timeframe. Federal News Network's Jared Serbu is here with more details on what we learned from those tallies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Defense Logistics Agency may have solved two problems. Every agency tends to struggle with attracting new and innovative companies and changing the culture of its workforce to work with those companies. DLA's tech accelerator team has shown over the last several years that it can use private sector methods to take an agile approach to solving problems, using interviews, data and market research. For more on the tech accelerator team, Federal News Network's executive editor Jason Miller, talked with David Koch, the Director of Research and Development at the Defense Logistics Agency.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The nation's waterways may have some more reckless driving on them. Among the Trump administration's cuts to government spending, the Coast Guard planned to cut funding for boating safety grants to states and non profits. To find out what this could mean for the maritime community and to get a little more insight into how they work, Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with David Kennedy, Government Affairs Manager for the boat insurance company, BoatUS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton What keeps recreational boaters safe, and what happens if the funding dries up? Now that the shutdown is over, contracting officers have a lot to catch up on Can digital engineering cut a decade-long test program in half?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Contracting officers and contractors are facing a mosaic of updates, everything from FAR deviations to new DoD priorities like speed and portfolio-based acquisition. Emily Murphy, Senior Fellow at the Baroni Center for Government Contracting at George Mason University, is here with advice on how 1102s and businesses can keep it all straight while dealing with increasing workloads. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Army is racing to field a prototype assault aircraft by early 2027 that flies twice as fast and twice as far as the Black Hawk. Colonel Jeffrey Poquette and Bell's Ryan Ehinger explained to Federal News Network's Jared Serbu how 215 flight hours on the V-280 Valor demonstrator proved tilt rotor technology works, why maintainers with virtual toolboxes are fixing design problems before metal gets cut, and how digital twins for every aircraft will slash 70% of lifecycle costs typically spent on sustainment.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Congress works to finalize the fiscal 2026 defense policy bill, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren is calling out a leading industry group for trying to block bipartisan right to repair efforts that would give soldiers the ability to fix their own equipment. Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis is here to help us sort it out. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration is looking to hire thousands of federal law enforcement personnel as part of expanded immigration enforcement efforts. But the courts handling these cases aren't seeing the same surge in resources. Several immigration judges recently fired by the Justice Department say the court system is losing staff and it's unable to address a multi million case backlog. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman is here with more details.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From back pay delays to contractor backlogs, agencies face a cascade of challenges as they restart operations. Bill Hoagland, senior vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center, has seen shutdowns and recoveries before. He's here to explain what it takes to restore continuity and prepare for the next funding deadline.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

ERT’s legacy in space and Earth science is evolving under CEO Mark Lee. His strategy blends innovation, infrastructure, and collaboration to position the company for complex federal projects. Lee shares how ERT is scaling without compromising the mission in this episode of "Government Contractors to Watch" sponsored by JP Morgan Chase. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After weeks of gridlock, the government is open, but scars from the shutdown remain and the clock is ticking toward January 30. Lawmakers face a packed agenda, from appropriations to hearings and a health care vote, with little room to avoid another showdown. Joining us with the outlook is Mitchell Miller, Capitol Hill Correspondent for WTOP.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton What really happens in a shutdown and what does it really take to reopen the government?This federal contractor is reinventing itself by shifting from services to solutionsThe lessons lawmakers took from the shutdown, and what they have to do before funding runs out again on January 30th.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thousands of federal contractors today are watching their inboxes, waiting for a message from their agency customers that their invoices for work done over the last two months have been accepted. Many of those bills are more than 30 days old, triggering interest payments due to the companies. At least one veteran owned HUBZone firm has about $20 million in outstanding invoices that are now more than 30 days old. Federal News Network's executive editor Jason Miller joins me to discuss why agencies now face a new challenge with the shutdown ending, complying with the Prompt Payment Act. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The bill that reopened the government also includes a temporary extension of a landmark cyber information law, the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 expired on October 1. Now it's in force again, at least until January 30. Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday joins me with more on what could be a complicated reauthorization path for CISA 2015.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The FAR Council eliminated a third of commercial contracting clauses, streamlined registration, and rewrote major acquisition rules in a summer; all released just before the shutdown. Now agencies are adopting the revolutionary FAR overhaul at different speeds, leaving contractors navigating a patchwork of new procedures while dealing with expiring contracts and furloughed contracting officers. Former GSA Administrator Emily Murphy breaks down what's actually revolutionary about these changes, why vendors must comment on what works (not just what doesn't), and the hard choices contractors face when deciding whether to extend work at their own risk during the lapse. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton When the FAR gets a revolutionary overhaul and the government shuts down, who's reading the fine print? Army personnel leaders are pushing hard to modernize how the service manages its people.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From digitizing pay and HR processes to professionalizing recruiters and accelerating policy change, Army personnel leaders are pushing hard to modernize how the service manages its people. Lieutenant General Brian Eifler, Army G-1, and Sergeant Major Christopher Stevens met me at the AUSA conference to discuss how technology and leadership are shaping retention, readiness, and the future of the total force.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A spending deal to end the longest government shutdown also keeps some agencies funded through the end of the fiscal year. That includes the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is still going through an agency reorganization. Lawmakers have included language that ensures the VA doesn't shed too many employees. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman is here with more insight. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.