Fed Gov Today
By: FedGovToday.com
Language: en
Categories: Government, News, Business, Management
Veteran host Francis Rose gives Federal government decision-makers news and information about management, workforce, IT, and acquisition, to help those leaders do their jobs better.
Episodes
Don’t Automate a Mess: Scaling AI and Automation in Government
Oct 27, 2025Francis sits down with George Kaczmarskyj, Principal for Government and Public Sector at EY, to discuss how federal agencies can transform their workflows with automation and AI—without falling into the trap of “automating a mess.” You’ll learn how early automation efforts often rushed to apply technology to outdated or inefficient processes, and why success today depends on stepping back to reassess and redesign before automating. He highlights how a process-first mindset, rather than a tool-first approach, enables agencies to eliminate unnecessary steps, optimize outcomes, and ensure that humans remain involved where it matters...
Duration: 00:18:13Rebuilding Trust: The New Playbook for Government and Industry After the Shutdown
Oct 26, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:30When the Shutdown Ends: The Chaos and Comeback Inside Federal Agencies
Oct 23, 2025Former FBI Chief Information Officer and current Executive Vice President for Public Sector at ITI, Gordon Bitko, joins Francis to unpack what agency leaders and contractors should expect when the doors open again. Bitko explains how months of uncertainty disrupt technology rollouts, contract execution, and long-term modernization efforts, especially as critical initiatives like the FAR rewriteand AI implementation lose valuable momentum.
You'll learn how the shutdown’s ripple effects extend beyond paused projects. Many agencies will find themselves facing a changed workforce — missing contracting officers, retired experts, and vacant leadership roles — making coordi...
Duration: 00:10:15Beyond the Checkbox: How Continuous ATO Is Changing Federal Cybersecurity for Good
Oct 22, 2025Francis speaks with Dina Saleh, Federal Solutions Architect at Synack, who explains how C-ATO replaces the old, static ATO system with continuous testing, monitoring, and updates that improve both security and efficiency.
You’ll learn how continuous authorization helps eliminate the “death loop” of paperwork and compliance fatigue that once overwhelmed federal teams. Dina notes that many agencies still struggle with data overload—drowning in endless vulnerability reports and alerts that make it difficult to prioritize real threats. Synack’s approach, she says, acts like a “cheat sheet for the exam,” filtering out noise and focusing o...
Duration: 00:12:12Frozen Funds: How the Shutdown Paralyzes Federal Contractors
Oct 19, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:30Inside the Shutdown: Federal Workers, AI Gaps, and a Nation on Pause
Oct 12, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:30The Smell of Shutdown: What Really Happens When Government Stops
Oct 07, 2025Former GAO Managing Director Chris Mihm joins the show to unpack the realities of the ongoing government shutdown — now on day seven. Mihm, now an adjunct professor at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School, shares stories from shutdowns past that blend humor and hard-earned wisdom. From the unforgettable “refrigerator incident” after the 2018–2019 shutdown — when the stench of forgotten lunches greeted returning employees — to his unique experience representing GAO overseas during the 2013 lapse in appropriations, Mihm’s anecdotes reveal that not every shutdown implication is mission critical… but some are unforgettable.
Beyond the stories, Mihm discusses the real operation...
Duration: 00:15:47After the Shutdown: How Federal Leaders Can Reboot, Reconnect, and Rebuild
Oct 06, 2025On this special edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, Former Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Julie Dunne, now principal at Monument Advocacy, joins the show to share leadership strategies for navigating the return to work once the government reopens. Dunne compares the uncertainty of the current moment to the early days of COVID-19 and emphasizes the importance of stepping back, identifying top priorities, and leading with clear, proactive communication.
You’ll hear how federal leaders can motivate and support their teams during the transition back to...
Duration: 00:11:19Shutdown Day 3: What Federal Employees Need to Know About Their TSP
Oct 03, 2025On Day 3 of the government shutdown, there is at least one area where federal employees can find reassurance—the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) remains fully operational. In this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, James Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, explains how TSP participants are protected during a lapse in appropriations. From automatic loan payment adjustments to reliable call center support, Kaplan details the steps the TSP has taken to ensure participants don’t need to take additional action during the shut...
Duration: 00:08:21Shutdown 2025: What's Closed, What's Open, and What Comes Next
Oct 02, 2025On this special edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, the federal government shutdown officially begins — and with it come questions about what’s closed, what’s open, and what federal leaders can do to prepare for the return to business. Former Undersecretary of Defense Comptroller Mike McCord and Gov Navigators CEO Robert Shea, a former OMB leader, discuss the immediate impacts on agencies, employees, and taxpayers, and why communication and leadership are more critical than ever. Former GSA leaders Sonny Hashmi and...
Duration: 00:25:14Inside NGA – Part 3: Admiral Frank Whitworth on AI, Innovation, and Intelligence for the Warfighter
Oct 02, 2025In Part 3 of his conversation with Francis Rose, Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth, Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), shares the bottom line up front: what warfighters, the Secretary of Defense, the DNI, and even the President need from NGA right now. In the third and final part of our exclusive conversation from the Intelligence and National Security Summit, Admiral Whitworth explains how NGA is building a more fluent, AI-enabled workforce to meet the challenges of the future. From AI and machine learning bootcamps to mobile training teams, NGA is investing in fluency that empowers analysts to innovate...
Duration: 00:13:29Cyber Resilience vs. Data Resilience: Why Backups Alone Won’t Save You
Oct 01, 2025Francis Rose speaks with Marlin McFate, Public Sector CTO and CISO at Cohesity, about the evolving definition of cyber resilience. McFate explains why it’s critical to distinguish between data resiliency—long focused on recovering from natural disasters—and cyber resiliency, which accounts for persistent adversaries, loss of trust in systems, and the risk of reinfection after an attack. He shares Cohesity’s cyber resiliency model, including the foundational step of ensuring backups survive and remain trustworthy, so they can anchor investigation, forensics, and recovery efforts.
AI, GEOINT & the Future of Intelligence – Part 2: VADM Frank Whitworth on NGA’s Mission & Workforce Morale
Sep 30, 2025Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth, NGA’s Director, joins Francis for part two of their in-depth conversation from the AFCEA and INSA Intelligence and National Security Summit at National Harbor. Admiral Whitworth explains how NGA is embracing commercial imagery, unclassified data, and open-source intelligence to stay ahead of adversaries — while also meeting the needs of a rapidly changing world.
You’ll hear how NGA’s “Year of NGAI” initiative is aligning programs, standards, and workforce development around artificial intelligence and machine learning, with new directorates focused on mission integration, responsible stewardship, and standards enforcement. Admiral Whitworth al...
Duration: 00:16:33OneGov Is Changing the Game: Faster Modernization, Stronger Cybersecurity, Smarter Spending
Sep 28, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:30Inside NGA’s Golden Age of GEOINT – Part 1: Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth on Data, AI & National Security
Sep 25, 2025On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth, Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), joins Francis for an in-depth conversation about what he calls the “golden age of GEOINT.” Speaking from the AFCEA and INSA Intelligence and National Security Summit at National Harbor, Admiral Whitworth explains why NGA is better positioned than ever to provide actionable intelligence — thanks to the convergence of advanced sensors, AI and machine learning, and a thriving commercial imagery sector.
He details the agency’s mission priorities, including targeting, warning...
Duration: 00:13:04Inside VA’s Tech Transformation: Cyber Dominance, AI, and the Future of Veteran Services
Sep 23, 2025On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, you'll get an inside look at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ sweeping technology transformation. Francis is joined by Eddie Poole, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Acting Assistant Secretary, and CIO at VA, for a wide-ranging conversation about modernizing one of the federal government’s most complex IT operations. Eddie shares how his team retired 29 legacy systems, shifted from an administratively heavy structure to an operationally focused one, and freed up resources to deliver better IT services that align with the VA’s miss...
Duration: 00:19:07Inside the Energy Sector Cyber War: AI, Adversaries, and the Pentagon’s Plan to Stay Ahead
Sep 21, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:30Inside Interior’s IT Shakeup: Lou Eichenbaum on Zero Trust, Culture, and Collaboration
Sep 18, 2025On this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we go inside the sweeping IT transformation at the Department of the Interior. Former Interior CISO Lou Eichenbaum joins Francis to discuss how the department consolidated all of its IT resources and 2210s into a single organization — without a CIO — as part of a bold modernization initiative. Lou shares how phase one of the effort incorporated zero trust principles, expanded vulnerability assessment tools, and drove MFA compliance from 30% to 97% in just over three years.
He also opens...
Duration: 00:11:15Teaching Space Robots to Think: Naval Research Lab’s Reinforcement Learning Breakthrough
Sep 16, 2025This edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, takes you to the cutting edge of robotics in space. Dr. Samantha Chapin, Space Roboticist, and Dr. Kenneth Stewart, Computer Research Scientist at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), share how their team is using reinforcement learning — a flavor of machine learning inspired by dog training — to teach robots to operate autonomously in space. They explain why human time in space is so precious, how reinforcement learning allows robots to adapt in unpredictable environments, and why the International Spac...
Duration: 00:11:59Agile Warfare: Inside the Army’s Digital & Electromagnetic Revolution
Sep 14, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:30CMMC Is Here: What Every DOD Vendor Must Know Before November 10
Sep 11, 2025In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, the clock is ticking for vendors that do business with the Department of Defense. The long-anticipated final rule for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is officially out, and it takes effect November 10. That means solicitations will soon include CMMC requirements — and with more than 100,000 companies needing assessments, competition for assessors will heat up fast.
Government contracts expert, Eric Crusius of Hunton Andrews Kurth, joins Francis to break down the rule’s three-tier model, the phased roll...
Duration: 00:10:16VA Whistleblower Oversight: GAO Finds Gaps and Missed Follow-Through
Sep 09, 2025In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive deep into how the Department of Veterans Affairs manages whistleblower cases. Tom Costa, Director of Education, Workforce, and Income Security at the Government Accountability Office, joins the program to share GAO’s latest insights on recordkeeping, settlement tracking, and the need for stronger follow-through on corrective actions designed to protect whistleblowers.
Costa discusses why whistleblower retaliation cases at VA have shifted since 2020, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and explains why differences between VA...
Duration: 00:14:24Veterans First: VA’s Drive to Modernize IT, Accelerate Benefits & Harness AI
Sep 07, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:30Back to School for Your Retirement: TSP Lessons You Can’t Afford to Skip
Sep 04, 2025It’s back-to-school season, but this time, the lessons are for your future financial security. On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive into the Thrift Savings Plan’s growing library of resources designed to help federal employees and military service members make smarter retirement decisions. Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, joins Francis to share how participants can access online learning, live webinars, and bite-sized YouTube videos to better understand everything from investment options and in-service withdrawals to long...
Duration: 00:11:27The CIO Crisis: Why Short Tenures Threaten Federal IT Modernization
Sep 02, 2025On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive into the persistent challenges slowing down federal IT modernization. Despite growing urgency to upgrade systems and strengthen cybersecurity, the average CIO tenure remains just two to two and a half years—barely enough time to build relationships, understand sprawling enterprises, and execute meaningful strategies.
Francis sits down with Nick Marinos, Managing Director of Information Technology and Cybersecurity at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), to discuss why DHS has 43 open GAO recommendations across IT, financial man...
Duration: 00:20:53From 32 to 282: The Explosive Rise of Generative AI in Federal Agencies
Aug 28, 2025On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive into one of the fastest-growing shifts in federal technology: the skyrocketing use of generative AI across government. According to new findings from the Government Accountability Office, generative AI use cases jumped ninefold in just one year—growing from 32 in 2023 to 282 in 2024. Candice Wright, Director of Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics at GAO, joins Francis to break down what’s driving this surge, which agencies are leading the way, and how AI is reshaping government operations.
Wr...
Duration: 00:11:46The FAR Overhaul: Cutting Red Tape or Losing the Point?
Aug 26, 2025On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, procurement law expert, Alan Chvotkin, partner at Centre Law Group, joins the program to unpack the ongoing overhaul of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). From its original goal in 1984—to create a single, uniform, government-wide standard for buying goods and services—to today’s piecemeal reforms, Alan explains what’s been fixed, what’s been lost, and what still needs attention.
He highlights the FAR Council’s recent rule change on System for Award Management (SAM) registration...
Duration: 00:15:03Inside NGA’s AI Future: Cloud Evolution, Zero Trust & Cybersecurity at Mission Speed
Aug 24, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:30The AI Bargain: What $1 Government Deals Really Mean
Aug 22, 2025Former Administrator of Federal Procurement Policy and current Octoparo CEO, Joe Jordan, joins Francis to unpack the new government-wide deals on artificial intelligence. From the so-called “$1 AI licenses” to the promises of massive cost savings, Joe explains why these teaser agreements may not be as transformative as they sound—and why agencies must think just as hard about how to exit contracts as they do about entering them. He shares lessons learned from past technology procurements, warns against the dangers of lock-in, and highlights the importance of piloting, transparency, and taking smart risks that can fu...
Duration: 00:12:48Who Will Lead? The Federal Executive Crisis No One Talks About
Aug 21, 2025This episode dives into the leadership crisis facing federal government executives. Former OPM Associate Director, Ron Sanders, joins Francis to unpack why senior executives feel isolated, without peers or mentors to guide them, and how new executive development programs from OPM are attempting to fill the void. Sanders reflects on the failures of the Federal Executive Institute (FEI), why generic leadership training doesn’t cut it, and what truly matters for senior leaders in the U.S. government—understanding the Constitution, the law, and the unique responsibilities of American civil service…
Subs...
Duration: 00:16:04The $1 AI Revolution: What Government’s Next Big Move Means
Aug 19, 2025On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, former Joint Artificial Intelligence Center Director Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan (USAF, Ret.) joins to discuss a turning point for artificial intelligence in government. With the General Services Administration striking deals to make AI tools available across agencies for as little as $1, Shanahan breaks down what these agreements mean for federal users, the defense community, and the broader industrial base.
From experimental pilots to life-or-death missions, Shanahan stresses the importance of rapid experimentation, rigorous testing, and government-led evaluation before AI is...
Duration: 00:18:51From Seabed to Space: Inside NRL’s Game-Changing Tech & Congress’s Big Protest Dilemma
Aug 17, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:30IRS Scraps Broken Kiosk Program After Years of Taxpayer Frustration
Aug 15, 2025In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, you will learn why the IRS is pulling the plug on its long-troubled taxpayer self-service kiosks. Eleina Monroe, Chief of Staff for Inspections and Evaluations at the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), reveals how more than half of the 100 kiosks in 37 field offices were out of service—some for over a year—due to outdated trackball navigation, unrepairable parts, and vague contractor requirements. Monroe explains that a lack of contract oversight and missing performance standards left taxpayers without func...
Duration: 00:10:09AI Meets Diplomacy: How the State Department is Harnessing Tech to Shape Global Relations
Aug 14, 2025Francis sits down with retired Foreign Service officer Don Kilburg to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the world of diplomacy. Drawing from his new book, AI Use Cases for Diplomats, Kilburg outlines why he believes AI isn’t just a helpful tool but a responsibility for global leaders to embrace.
He discusses his 100 practical AI use cases for diplomats, designed as both a field manual and a vision for the future, and explains why AI and diplomacy must evolve together to address global cha...
Duration: 00:13:41Modernizing Acquisition: The FAR Overhaul and the Future of Federal Technology
Aug 10, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:30Unleashing Federal Innovation: Giving CTOs the Power to Say No
Aug 07, 2025Colonel Mac McHenry, US Marine Corps Reserve (Ret.) and senior advisor at the Defense Innovation Unit, joins the show to discuss why Chief Technology Officers in government are struggling to drive innovation—despite being tasked as strategic visionaries. Drawing from his recent RealClearDefense article, “The Toothless Technologist,” Mac explains how the government imported the CTO model from the private sector but failed to give it the operational influence needed to be effective.
You’ll hear a candid breakdown of how federal acquisition and organizational silos are holding back tech prog...
Duration: 00:17:26Why Every Unspent Dollar Makes TSP Stronger: Inside the Thrift Plan’s Budget Discipline
Aug 05, 2025Francis welcomes Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, to explain how the TSP prioritizes spending less—not more—in order to keep more dollars invested directly in your account. Kaplan details how the agency’s consistent track record of executing below budget reflects a fiduciary mindset focused on maximizing long-term value for you and other federal employees and retirees. You’ll hear how the TSP is using participant feedback, new technology, and a culture of constant improvement to streamline operations—from cutting call times to deploying AI that helps...
Duration: 00:14:02From Red Tape to Real-Time: How OneGov & AI Are Powering the Pentagon’s Tech Leap
Aug 03, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:30AI, Cyber, and the New War Zone: Inside the Military’s Non-Kinetic Battlefield
Jul 31, 2025This episode explores how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cyber capabilities are redefining both frontline and back-office military operations. Mike Black, retired Air Force Colonel and Vice President for Defense at AFCEA International, joins Francis to share insights from AFCEA events around the globe—including what’s trending, what’s urgent, and what the joint force is prioritizing in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Listeners will learn how the Department of Defense is adapting to these challenges through initiatives like SWIFT (Software Fast Track), signed into action just three months ago, and al...
Duration: 00:13:14Time Out on Protests: Can Data and Discipline Fix Federal Contracting?
Jul 29, 2025Former GSA executive, Erv Koehler, dives into the federal government’s long-running challenge with bid protests—and offers practical, innovative solutions. From football-inspired “timeouts” to rethinking price assessments, Erv explains how the government can cut down on frivolous protests without undermining legitimate contractor concerns.
You’ll learn how the Government Accountability Office's recent stats—showing that over half of protests lead to some form of remedy—reveal both the value and the burden of the current protest system. He discusses how implementing a protest “timeout” policy could incentivize contractors to think twice before filing base...
Duration: 00:13:55Legacy Code, Missing Plans, and the AI Surge Shaking Federal IT
Jul 27, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:30Reconciliation, OCO, and the FY27 Budget Risk: Todd Harrison Explains
Jul 24, 2025Todd Harrison, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, joins Francis to examine the fiscal year 2026 defense budget proposal from the Trump administration, which totals $848 billion. Harrison discusses how the reconciliation process is being used to fund Department of Defense programs and compares it to the previous use of Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding.
He explains the procedural and political differences between the two methods and outlines the implications for future budgeting, particularly in FY27. You’ll learn how these fiscal mechanisms influence national defense planning, what’s at stake for high-priority progr...
Duration: 00:11:22The Hidden Crisis in Federal Contracting: Why Protests Keep Winning
Jul 22, 2025Chris Hamm, CEO of FIN Acquisitions and former director of FEDSIM at GSA, joins the program to discuss a provision in the Senate’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that aims to reduce frivolous bid protests in federal contracting. Hamm outlines the intent behind Section 816 of the NDAA, which seeks to create financial disincentives for contractors who file meritless protests. He explains why, despite the good intentions, the proposed clawback mechanism is unlikely to succeed due to limitations in appropriations law and challenges in enforcing profit recovery.
You’ll hear...
Duration: 00:14:28From Zero to Hero: How the Army’s AI Surge Is Rewriting the Rules
Jul 20, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:30Cracking the Code: How DLA’s Tech Data Overhaul Will Strengthen the Pentagon’s Supply Chain
Jul 17, 2025In this episode of Fed Gov Today, you will get an inside look at a groundbreaking transformation taking place at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Acting Commander Kenneth Watson of DLA Land and Maritime joins the show to detail the agency’s Technical Data Management Transformation (TDMT), a bold initiative aimed at digitizing and modernizing how the DLA handles technical specifications for military parts and equipment.
You will learn how DLA is working closely with the Army as a pilot case, using new tools to streamline dat...
Duration: 00:13:52Rewiring the IC: Can Reform Strengthen Security Without Missing a Beat?
Jul 15, 2025Former ODNI and DOD Chief Information Officer, John Sherman, joins the show to break down the sweeping implications of the Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act of 2025. If passed, this legislation could dramatically reshape the structure, mission, and operational dynamics of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the broader intelligence community.
Sherman shares his personal perspective on why the legislation “mostly hits the mark,” what aspects give him pause—like the proposed closure of the National Intelligence University—and why the balance between reform and cont...
Duration: 00:13:16Inside Force Design 2028, DoD Deadlines, and a New Era of Federal Oversight
Jul 13, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:30One Federal Wallet: Why GSA’s Acquisition Consolidation Could Reshape All of Government
Jul 10, 2025Today we dive into one of the most significant procurement transformations happening across the federal government—the consolidation of acquisition under the General Services Administration (GSA). Former FAS Commissioner and Alpha Tango Strategies founder, Alan Thomas, joins the show to dissect what’s driving this bold shift and why it matters to agencies, vendors, and small businesses alike.
You’ll learn why the Department of Homeland Security’s sudden cancellation of its PACTS III and FirstSource III contracts—transferring that work to GSA—sent ripples across the acquisition community. Alan explains how...
Duration: 00:15:44Flexing Federal Muscle: How Uncle Sam Can Truly Drive Innovation
Jul 09, 2025Francis welcomes Dr. Jerry McGinn—Executive Director of the Baroni Center for Government Contracting at George Mason University and former Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense—for a deep dive into one of the most urgent and complex questions in federal policy: Can the government truly lead innovation at scale?
Jerry unveils new research showing a staggering 220% increase in Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract spending since 2018, while also revealing why much of that growth remains difficult to quantify in terms of real-world outcomes. You’ll learn why OTA contracts and SBIR pr...
Duration: 00:10:41Retirement on Autopilot: How the TSP’s L Funds Are Changing the Game
Jul 01, 2025Listeners will learn how the L Funds work, why nearly 25% of participant allocations are now going into them, and how they automatically shift investments toward safer assets as retirement nears. Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, joins the show to break down what that milestone means and why it matters for your retirement planning. Jim also explains how the L Funds’ default status for new enrollees simplifies decision-making while still offering flexibility for participants to customize their strategy.
Subscribe and listen to the Fe...
Duration: 00:09:01Autonomy Adrift: Why the Navy’s Uncrewed Fleet Is Stuck in Port
Jun 29, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:30The Pentagon’s AI Gamble: Can Automation Save U.S. Weapons Testing?
Jun 26, 2025Former Director of the Office of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) at the Department of Defense, Doug Schmidt, unpacks one of the most pressing challenges in national security: the future of weapons testing in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven military landscape. Schmidt lends his insider perspective on the implications of a new directive from the Secretary of Defense —one that dramatically reshapes DOT&E with a leaner workforce and increased emphasis on automation and artificial intelligence.
Listeners will gain a rare glimpse into the high-stakes tension between innovation and oversight, as Schmidt di...
Duration: 00:21:54Data is the Mission: Clare Martorana on Tech, Talent, and Trust in Government
Jun 24, 2025Former Federal CIO, Clare Martorana, unpacks the complex, fast-evolving role of data in driving government performance and public service. Clare explores how federal agencies are racing to keep up by improving data management, modernizing IT infrastructure, and nurturing cross-agency collaboration.
She speaks openly about the patchwork progress across the federal ecosystem and the urgent need for sustainable funding strategies and partnerships with Congress to match the speed of innovation.
You’ll also hear a powerful defense of bipartisan collaboration and continuity in federal tech programs like th...
Duration: 00:11:27Mission Possible: The CIA’s AI Breakthrough and the End of the Old IT Playbook
Jun 22, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:30Where’s the Money Going? Suzette Kent Unpacks the Future of Federal Tech Modernization
Jun 17, 2025Former Federal CIO, Suzette Kent, joins Francis to dissect the pivotal modernization challenges facing every federal agency. With the future of the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) hanging in the balance—especially as the Trump administration’s FY 2026 budget proposes zero dollars for it—Kent offers a candid, insider perspective on what the next generation of federal IT funding could (and should) look like.
Listeners will learn what alternative funding mechanisms could emerge, and why evolving how we fund tech change is vital in an age of rapid innovation, cyber threats, AI adoption, and ou...
Duration: 00:15:21Full Steam Ahead: Coast Guard Goes All-In on Digital Modernization
Jun 15, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:29The TSP Shake-Up: What Every Fed Needs to Know Now
Jun 12, 2025Your retirement strategy just got a crucial update!
Two top leaders from the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs, and Jim Courtney, Director of the Office of Participant Experience—join Francis to break down what's changing, what’s staying, and what it all means for your money.
Listeners will get the inside scoop on the imminent retirement of the L 2025 Fund and the introduction of the L 2075 Fund, aimed at the newest generation of federal employees. You’ll learn how automatic defaul...
Duration: 00:13:02The Cloud Revolution in Government: How Agencies Are Reimagining Mission Delivery
Jun 11, 2025Today, Francis is joined by Fazal Mohammed, Senior Manager for Solutions Architecture at AWS, who unpacks how federal agencies are rapidly modernizing and closing the innovation gap with the commercial sector.
You'll hear how cloud platforms are empowering a new generation of "citizen developers" to build agile, scalable solutions that once took years to implement. Fazal explains how agencies are rethinking mission needs by leveraging tools like AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation—technologies that are no longer just "nice to have," but essential to delivering faster, better, and mo...
Duration: 00:13:07How AI, Cloud & Smart Curation Are Transforming Federal Health Records
Jun 10, 2025Today, Francis sits down with Lance Scott, Chief Technology Officer of the Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization (FEHRM) program, for a deep dive into one of the most ambitious federal health IT undertakings in history.
You’ll hear how three foundational pillars—data deduplication, provenance tracking, and automated data ingestion—are enabling real-time, intelligent access to critical health data, reducing costs and increasing clinician efficiency. Scott shares firsthand insights into how the VA’s Walla Walla pilot is scaling nationwide, and how AI-driven tools like natural language processing and ambient dictation...
Duration: 00:14:48Rewriting the Rules: AI, Cyber Threats, and the Biggest FAR Shake-Up in 40 Years
Jun 08, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:29From Empty Desks to Smart Defense: Shrinking the Federal Footprint & Securing Cyberspace
Jun 05, 2025Today, Francis sits down with Dan Mathews to explore a foundational question: How can the federal government effectively reduce its real estate footprint?
Mathews shares firsthand insights from his tenure at PBS, detailing how federal agencies are rethinking their physical presence to align with hybrid work trends and long-term cost savings. Listen and learn how interagency coordination, budgeting constraints, and political realities have shaped the pace of change.
Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts,
The Essays That Could Change Federal Hiring Forever
Jun 03, 2025Former OPM Associate Director, Ron Sanders, joins Francis to unpack a bold new hiring memo from the Office of Personnel Management and the Domestic Policy Council that could transform how agencies bring in new talent. You will learn about the unprecedented introduction of four mandatory essay questions for federal job applicants—a move aimed at curbing mass, low-effort applications and filtering for genuine interest and capability. Sanders explains what’s working, what’s worrisome, and what’s still undecided—including the risks of not collecting workforce diversity stats and the possible fallout from removing long-standing recruitment initiative...
Duration: 00:16:16Outcomes Over Outputs: How AI, Accountability & $100B Could Transform Government
Jun 01, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:29A Seismic Change to Federal Buying with FAR Overhaul
May 29, 2025Learn how the most significant overhaul of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) in four decades could reshape the way the federal government buys goods and services.
Julie Dunne, former Commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service at GSA and now Principal at Monument Advocacy, joins Francis to explain the key changes already in motion and what’s still to come. She details how the revisions aim to streamline acquisition, cut outdated rules, and emphasize the importance of time and commercial practices in government buying. Julie also explains the potential impact of new “sunset claus...
Duration: 00:12:50Fix It or Trust It: Tim Soltis on Restructuring Government for Real Efficiency
May 27, 2025Today, we explore a pivotal moment for agency leaders as budget season intensifies on Capitol Hill. With funding and restructuring requests on the table, Francis speaks with Tim Soltis, former Deputy Controller at the Office of Management and Budget, about what it takes to turn policy ideas into operational success. Soltis brings insights from his recent article, where he proposes a bold restructuring concept: lean, centralized leadership teams running core mission operations in key agencies like the Department of Defense, DHS, and the VA, to test whether a streamlined model can deliver better efficiency...
Duration: 00:10:24The Pentagon’s Software Awakening: Trust, Tech & the Warfighter’s Edge
May 22, 2025In today’s conversation you’ll hear why software is now just as critical as hardware in modern military operations—and what the Department of Defense is doing to keep pace with this shift. Former Deputy Navy CIO Commander, Julie Vida, joins Francis to explain how evolving battlefield realities, from GPS denial to cyber threats, are driving a transformation in how the Pentagon develops, acquires, and deploys software.
You’ll learn how the Defense Department’s current focus on agile development, cloud readiness, and cultural change is shaping the future of warfigh...
Duration: 00:14:03AI, Ethics & Energy: What 10,000 Voices Say About the Future of Federal Tech
May 20, 2025Today, we dive deep into the future of artificial intelligence in government, guided by a remarkable dataset: over 10,000 responses to the Trump administration’s request for information on a new federal AI action plan. Former Department of Commerce CIO and now president of Cambio Digital Transformations, Simone Szykman, joins the show to discuss the five key themes he and his AI assistant—ChatGPT—extracted from the public’s feedback.
Simone reflects on the challenges and implications of each theme, drawing from his experience as a federal CIO and thought leader. He outli...
Duration: 00:16:59From Bureaucracy to Breakthroughs: TMF’s Big Bet on High-Velocity Government IT
May 19, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:29Zero Trust, One Mission: DoD’s Cyber Revolution Unleashed
May 15, 2025Will Schmitt, Chief of the Technical Portfolio Management Division, joins the show from TechNet Cyber in Baltimore. He reveals how DoD is categorizing Zero Trust approaches into three key courses of action (COAs): legacy uplift strategies, commercial service providers (like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Oracle), and standalone government-operated environments such as Dell-hosted clouds. Schmitt explains how each solution undergoes rigorous functional assessments—including 91 targeted activities and real-time Purple Team exercises that simulate real-world attacks.
The episode highlights how DoD is moving away from vendor-specific tools toward an outcome-focused model with a shared la...
Duration: 00:08:15From Legacy to Lethal: DISA’s Mission to Turn Tech Debt into Warfighting Power
May 14, 2025Colonel Jeffrey Strauss of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) joins the program to discuss one of the Department of Defense’s most urgent challenges: technical debt. Colonel Strauss explains how divesting from legacy technology—sometimes as granular as removing individual network cards—frees up capacity and resources that can be reinvested in modern solutions. He likens the effort to personal debt management: eliminating outdated systems piece by piece to enable a stronger, more agile future.
Francis and Colonel Strauss explore how DISA measures progress in this effort, emphasizing operational readiness, risk reduct...
Duration: 00:10:32Retirement, Reinvented: The TSP’s Bold New Moves for a Digital-First Future
May 08, 2025In this episode of Fed Gov Today, Francis Rose sits down with Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, to explore how the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is modernizing to meet the evolving needs of federal employees and service members. From mobile app growth to overseas outreach and educational tools, Kaplan reveals how the TSP is becoming more user-centric than ever before.
Kaplan opens with a striking figure: over 30% of TSP account logins now happen through the mobile app, a number that has more than doubled since early 2024. He attributes this...
Duration: 00:08:24Guardrails and Governance: Building a Data-Driven Federal Government
May 06, 2025In this episode of Fed Gov Today, Francis Rose welcomes Kshmendra Paul, one of the federal government’s most influential voices in data strategy, to reflect on two decades of evolving federal data policy and implementation. Paul, who has served as the Chief Data Officer at the VA, Program Manager for the Information Sharing Environment (ISE), and in key roles at the Department of Energy and the Department of Justice, shares candid insights into the progress and pitfalls of federal data usage.
Paul’s journey in government began post-9/11, driven by a deep sense of service. As Chie...
Duration: 00:18:08The $2 Trillion Problem: How the Pentagon’s Property Blind Spot Is Draining Defense Resources
May 01, 2025Today, Alissa Czyz, Director of Defense Capabilities and Management at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), joins Francis to expose a critical, costly challenge facing the Defense Department: mismanaged real property. Alissa shares how the Pentagon oversees a staggering portfolio of more than 700,000 facilities valued at $2.2 trillion, but a lack of consistent data across the military services is undermining its ability to manage and maintain these assets effectively.
Alissa explains that although DOD issued standardized guidance nearly a decade ago to measure facility utilization, most services still rely on outdated or...
Duration: 00:11:03AI vs. AI: The Future of Cybersecurity Will Move Faster than Humans React
Apr 30, 2025Today, former NSA Technical Director and Synack co-founder, Mark Kuhr, breaks down the rapid evolution of generative AI, agentic AI, and their deep impact on cybersecurity across government. Mark explains that the proliferation of AI tools, like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, creates urgent new risks for agencies around data control and network security. He stresses the importance of securing sensitive data by encouraging the use of government-developed AI tools instead of consumer-grade models, avoiding potential leaks similar to past shadow IT problems.
Drawing on his public and private sector experience...
Duration: 00:19:19Why Defense Tech Must Stay Flexible: Inside the New Modular Systems Revolution
Apr 29, 2025Today, we dive deep into the critical shifts happening in defense acquisition strategies. Former Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Nick Guertin, joins the program to unpack the Defense Department’s new guidance mandating a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to building military capabilities. Nick shares behind-the-scenes insights on how modularity and open standards aren't just technical buzzwords—they are essential to staying ahead in a world where adversaries are evolving rapidly.
Nick reflects on his time leading transformation within the Navy, including establishing a new Deputy Assistant Secretary role focused on m...
Duration: 00:19:40One Atlantic, All Fronts: The Navy’s New Way to Win Wars Before They Start
Apr 27, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:29Arctic Crossroads & Pacific Frontlines: How the Coast Guard Is Redefining America's Global Defense
Apr 25, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:29Can the Gov Finally Hack the FAR? Stan Soloway on Real Acquisition Reform
Apr 24, 2025Today we dive into the transformative potential of a new executive order that could finally shake up the federal acquisition system. Francis is joined by Stan Soloway, President and CEO of Celero Strategies and former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition Reform, for an insightful conversation on what the executive order really means—and why it could be a rare turning point after decades of inertia.
Soloway peels back the rhetoric surrounding the EO and homes in on its substantive goals: modernizing the bloated and outdated 2,000-page Federal Acquisition Re...
Duration: 00:13:03Beyond the Buzzword: The Blueprint for Zero Trust Success with Ryan Zacha
Apr 23, 2025Today, the spotlight is on zero trust—not just as a cybersecurity strategy, but as a cultural and operational shift across government. With the Department of Defense aiming to fully operationalize its zero trust strategy by 2027, the pressure is on agencies to go beyond checklists and truly embed zero trust principles into their missions. Joining Francis is Ryan Zacha, Solution Architect at Booz Allen, who shares deep insights into what it takes to make zero trust work—beyond the buzzwords.
Ryan highlights successful government-industry partnerships like the Thunderdome program, which prov...
Duration: 00:12:14The Pentagon’s Workforce Shake-Up: Risks, Realities, and Reform with Dov Zakheim
Apr 22, 2025Today’s conversation turns to one of the most pressing and controversial issues facing the Department of Defense: a sweeping mandate for workforce reduction. Former Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) Dov Zakheim joins the show to unpack the urgent memo issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which gives military services and agencies just two weeks to analyze and recommend personnel cuts.
Zakheim warns that while the intention behind the workforce realignment—boosting efficiency and modernizing operations—is commendable, the rushed timeline may lead to damaging and shortsighted decisions. Drawing on his ex...
Duration: 00:14:06Cyber on the Frontlines: Building the DoD Workforce of the Future with Lt. Gen. Susan Lawrence
Apr 17, 2025We dive deep into the future of the Defense Department’s cyber and technology workforce with retired Lieutenant General Susan Lawrence, former Army CIO/G-6 and current President and CEO of AFCEA International. As one of the key leaders at the recent 2025 Cyber Workforce Summit, General Lawrence shares exclusive insights into the event’s genesis, its explosive growth, and the collaborative efforts between government and industry to address the critical cyber talent gap.
General Lawrence also reveals how today’s evolving threat landscape—what she calls “the speed of the threat”—re...
Duration: 00:10:32IRS Strengthens Financial Systems: How Internal Controls Boost Financial Confidence Year-Round
Apr 15, 2025Francis welcomes Dawn Simpson, Director of Financial Management and Assurance at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), to discuss the IRS's notable improvements in internal controls and the reliability of its financial data.
Dawn outlines how the IRS addressed 21 prior-year deficiencies in information systems, leading to the removal of a previously reported significant deficiency. She explains the key areas of progress — particularly in access controls and configuration management — and why these enhancements matter not only for accurate year-end financial statements but also for real-time confidence in financial data throughout the fiscal year...
Duration: 00:12:56GSA’s Bold New Mandate: Emily Murphy on Rebuilding Trust, Talent & Tech in Federal Procurement
Apr 10, 2025Former GSA Administrator, Emily Murphy, joins Francis to break down the implications of an executive order tasking GSA to once again become the government’s central buying authority. Murphy shares her insights on what it will take to successfully transition procurement functions from multiple agencies into GSA, including the structural, personnel, and cultural shifts required to make it work.
Francis and Emily explore the lessons learned from early pilots with SBA and OPM, the complexities of retraining 1102s, and how GSA must retain its hard-won customer-first culture to avoid the pi...
Duration: 00:15:56How the TSP Hit $900 Billion — And Why Nearly 90% of Feds Are Winning With It
Apr 08, 2025It’s business as usual at one key government agency—even as the federal workforce faces uncertainty. Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, joins the show to talk about a major milestone: the G Fund’s 38th birthday. Kaplan reflects on the TSP’s growth from its humble beginnings to serving over 7.2 million participants with $900 billion in assets.
He breaks down why the G Fund remains a foundational piece of many retirement portfolios, especially as part of the increasingly popular lifecycle (L) funds. Kaplan al...
Duration: 00:13:28AI vs. the Double-Headed Monster: Cyber War, CMMC’s Next Chapter, and the Airbnb Vision for Government
Apr 06, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:29Sea Services Under Pressure: Budget Battles, Industrial Gaps & Unshakable Resolve
Apr 03, 2025Retired Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy and current CEO of the Navy League, Mike Stevens, joins Francis to deliver a stark message: the nation owes it to its sea service members to give them the tools, funding, and support they need—not only to accomplish the mission but to come home safely.
Stevens dives deep into the persistent challenges the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard face, from budget uncertainty and the constraints of continuing resolutions to the critical weaknesses in the maritime industrial base. With global tensions rising and Nav...
Duration: 00:15:02Inside the FedRAMP Overhaul: Automation, Access & the Future of Cloud Security
Apr 01, 2025Big changes are on the horizon for the FedRAMP cloud security program — and the reasons behind them are more than just procedural. Former Acting FedRAMP Director, Brian Conrad, joins Francis to break down what’s evolving, what’s staying the same, and why the ultimate goal is about delivering real security outcomes for federal data. Brian shares insights into the most common pain points industry partners faced under the old model — from finding an agency sponsor to navigating complex continuous monitoring requirements — and why upcoming automation efforts and direct authorization pathways could be game changers.<...
Duration: 00:12:24Face Off: DHS Takes on the Deepfake Identity Crisis
Mar 27, 2025The face of identity verification is changing—literally. Arun Vemury, Senior Advisor for Biometric and Identity Technologies at the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, joins the show to break down the Remote Identity Validation Rally, an ambitious initiative tackling the growing challenge of verifying digital identities in an age of deepfakes, AI-generated fraud, and high-tech document forgeries.
Arun shares how DHS is partnering with TSA, Homeland Security Investigations, and NIST to rigorously test remote ID verification technologies—technologies that surged in use during the pandemic and are now...
Duration: 00:16:13Clearing the Cloud: Lessons from the Private Sector
Mar 26, 2025We’re getting real about cloud strategy in government. If agencies are moving to the cloud—and most are—it’s time to stop treating it like a buzzword and start managing it like a business. Vijay D’Souza, Director of Information Technology and Cybersecurity at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), joins Francis to share insights from a brand-new guide that compiles 19 leading cloud practices from 18 private sector companies. Spoiler: it’s not just about tech. It’s about leadership, workforce readiness, acquisition smarts, and visibility into costs—especially through the emerging discipline of FinOps.
<... Duration: 00:12:43The Pentagon’s Software Shake-Up: The New Acquisition Mandate Reshaping Defense Tech
Mar 23, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7.
You can also watch on Demand on Youtube.
Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:29GSA’s Procurement Shake-Up: The Battle Over Strategic Sourcing
Mar 21, 2025The General Services Administration is making a bold move to centralize procurement across the federal government, but not everyone is on board. In this episode of Fed Gov Today, former Pennsylvania Chief Procurement Officer, David Yarkin, joins Francis to discuss the challenges and opportunities of strategic sourcing. Yarkin shares insights from his time in Pennsylvania, where similar efforts led to significant cost savings—and the lessons learned along the way. He explains why agencies often push back against consolidation and how procurement leaders can navigate these challenges to deliver better re...
Duration: 00:13:14The $6 Billion Software Glitch: Why the Government Owns More Licenses Than Users
Mar 18, 2025We’re diving into a software problem that even DOGE would raise an eyebrow at. Federal agencies are sitting on a mountain of idle software licenses, sometimes with more subscriptions than employees to use them. Former Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Chief Technology Officer, Bob Gourley, joins Francis to discuss how agencies can cut waste, streamline software procurement, and adopt smarter licensing models.
Gourley breaks down staggering audit findings—like an agency with 13,000 employees owning 37,000 WinZip licenses—and explains why this inefficiency persists. He outlines how the government’s $6 billion software budget co...
Duration: 00:12:36Inside the Federal Overhaul: Navigating Agency Consolidation, AI in Healthcare, and Smarter Government Buying
Mar 16, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:29The Hidden Impact of the New Executive Order on Federal HR
Mar 13, 2025The latest executive order on Chief Human Capital Officers (CHCOs) leaves as much unsaid as it does stated—and that could have major implications for the future of federal HR leadership. Former DHS Chief Human Capital Officer, Jeff Neal, joins Francis to break down what the EO doesn’t say about turning CHCOs into political appointees and why that matters. Jeff shares his own experience transitioning his role from a political appointment to a career SES position and explains how this change could influence agency leadership, decision-making, and the independence of H...
Duration: 00:16:42The Future of Cybersecurity: Will the U.S. Government Keep Its Cyber Talent?
Mar 11, 2025Former DHS Chief Information Security Officer, Ken Bible, joins the show to discuss how agencies like DHS, FEMA, and CISA are navigating cyber workforce challenges under the Cyber Talent Management System (CTMS). He highlights the risks of attrition in an increasingly competitive cybersecurity landscape and explains why investing in and retaining cyber talent is crucial for securing operational technologies, industrial control systems, and the next wave of AI-driven security challenges.
Tune in to Fed Gov Today TV this Tuesday, March 18, at 8:30 PM ET on WJLA 24/7 News. If you...
Duration: 00:12:55Fixing Federal Tech: The Enterprise Approach to IT Modernization & Efficiency
Mar 09, 2025The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:29Retirement Roadmap: What Every Fed Needs to Know About TSP & Beyond
Mar 06, 2025As federal employees approach the pivotal decision of retirement, understanding the ins and outs of the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is crucial. Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, sits down with Francis to break down the latest updates to the TSP fact sheet for departing federal employees. He clarifies common misconceptions—like the fact that you don’t have to close your TSP when you leave federal service—and explains the options for maintaining, rolling over, or withdrawing funds.
Kaplan also sheds light on the...
Duration: 00:09:42AI RISK ALERT: The Cybersecurity Gaps in Federal AI Systems – And What’s Next!
Mar 04, 2025We explore the growing challenge of AI risk assessment across federal agencies. Artificial intelligence is already playing a crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure, but ensuring these AI applications are secure from cyber threats remains a major concern. Tina Won Sherman, Director of Homeland Security and Justice Issues at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), joins the show to break down the latest findings on AI risk management and why no agency has fully met the necessary risk assessment standards.
Tina explains how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in coordination...
Duration: 00:12:52Government on the Move: Postal Shakeups, Pentagon Priorities & Procurement Overhaul
Mar 02, 2025Want to learn more about this conversation? Check out today's show page.
Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Duration: 00:28:29Immense Federal Layoffs: Inside the IRS Cuts & What’s Next for the Federal Workforce
Feb 27, 2025We dive into the burning question on every federal HR leader’s mind: What’s next for the federal workforce? The Internal Revenue Service just cut 6,700 jobs—less than half of the original 15,000 slated for layoffs—after an intense internal review. Former ODNI Chief Human Capital Officer, Dr. Ron Sanders, joins the show to break down how the IRS leadership tackled these painful cuts and what other agencies can learn from the process.
Sanders, now President and CEO of Public Virtu, explains the delicate dance between career s...
Duration: 00:15:54