Shows
Fed Gov TodayModernizing Acquisition: The FAR Overhaul and the Future of Federal TechnologyThe 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.2025-08-1028 min
Fed Gov TodayUnleashing Federal Innovation: Giving CTOs the Power to Say NoColonel 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...2025-08-0717 min
Fed Gov TodayWhy Every Unspent Dollar Makes TSP Stronger: Inside the Thrift Plan’s Budget DisciplineFrancis 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...2025-08-0514 min
Fed Gov TodayFrom Red Tape to Real-Time: How OneGov & AI Are Powering the Pentagon’s Tech LeapThe 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.2025-08-0328 min
Fed Gov TodayAI, Cyber, and the New War Zone: Inside the Military’s Non-Kinetic BattlefieldThis 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...2025-07-3113 min
Fed Gov TodayTime Out on Protests: Can Data and Discipline Fix Federal Contracting?Former GSA executive, Erv Koehler, dives into the federal government’s long-running challenge with bid protests—and offers practical, innovative solutions. From football-inspired “timeouts” to rethinking price assessments, Erv explains how the government can cut down on frivolous protests without undermining legitimate contractor concerns.You’ll learn how the Government Accountability Office's recent stats—showing that over half of protests lead to some form of remedy—reveal both the value and the burden of the current protest system. He discusses how implementing a protest “timeout” policy could incentivize contractors to think twice before filing base...2025-07-2913 min
Fed Gov TodayLegacy Code, Missing Plans, and the AI Surge Shaking Federal ITThe 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.2025-07-2728 min
Fed Gov TodayReconciliation, OCO, and the FY27 Budget Risk: Todd Harrison ExplainsTodd 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...2025-07-2411 min
Fed Gov TodayThe Hidden Crisis in Federal Contracting: Why Protests Keep WinningChris 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...2025-07-2214 min
Fed Gov TodayFrom Zero to Hero: How the Army’s AI Surge Is Rewriting the RulesThe 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.2025-07-2028 min
Fed Gov TodayCracking the Code: How DLA’s Tech Data Overhaul Will Strengthen the Pentagon’s Supply ChainIn 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...2025-07-1713 min
Fed Gov TodayRewiring the IC: Can Reform Strengthen Security Without Missing a Beat?Former ODNI and DOD Chief Information Officer, John Sherman, joins the show to break down the sweeping implications of the Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act of 2025. If passed, this legislation could dramatically reshape the structure, mission, and operational dynamics of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the broader intelligence community.Sherman shares his personal perspective on why the legislation “mostly hits the mark,” what aspects give him pause—like the proposed closure of the National Intelligence University—and why the balance between reform and cont...2025-07-1513 min
Fed Gov TodayInside Force Design 2028, DoD Deadlines, and a New Era of Federal OversightThe 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.2025-07-1328 min
Fed Gov TodayOne Federal Wallet: Why GSA’s Acquisition Consolidation Could Reshape All of GovernmentToday 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...2025-07-1015 min
Fed Gov TodayFlexing Federal Muscle: How Uncle Sam Can Truly Drive InnovationFrancis 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...2025-07-0910 min
Fed Gov TodayRetirement on Autopilot: How the TSP’s L Funds Are Changing the GameListeners 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...2025-07-0109 min
Fed Gov TodayAutonomy Adrift: Why the Navy’s Uncrewed Fleet Is Stuck in PortThe 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.2025-06-2928 min
Fed Gov TodayThe Pentagon’s AI Gamble: Can Automation Save U.S. Weapons Testing?Former Director of the Office of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) at the Department of Defense, Doug Schmidt, unpacks one of the most pressing challenges in national security: the future of weapons testing in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven military landscape. Schmidt lends his insider perspective on the implications of a new directive from the Secretary of Defense —one that dramatically reshapes DOT&E with a leaner workforce and increased emphasis on automation and artificial intelligence.Listeners will gain a rare glimpse into the high-stakes tension between innovation and oversight, as Schmidt di...2025-06-2621 min
Fed Gov TodayData is the Mission: Clare Martorana on Tech, Talent, and Trust in GovernmentFormer 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...2025-06-2411 minFed Gov TodayMission Possible: The CIA’s AI Breakthrough and the End of the Old IT PlaybookThe 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.2025-06-2228 min
Fed Gov TodayWhere’s the Money Going? Suzette Kent Unpacks the Future of Federal Tech ModernizationFormer 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...2025-06-1715 minFed Gov TodayFull Steam Ahead: Coast Guard Goes All-In on Digital ModernizationThe 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.2025-06-1528 min
Fed Gov TodayThe TSP Shake-Up: What Every Fed Needs to Know NowYour 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...2025-06-1213 min
Fed Gov TodayThe Cloud Revolution in Government: How Agencies Are Reimagining Mission DeliveryToday, 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...2025-06-1113 min
Fed Gov TodayHow AI, Cloud & Smart Curation Are Transforming Federal Health RecordsToday, 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...2025-06-1014 minFed Gov TodayRewriting the Rules: AI, Cyber Threats, and the Biggest FAR Shake-Up in 40 YearsThe 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.2025-06-0828 min
Fed Gov TodayFrom Empty Desks to Smart Defense: Shrinking the Federal Footprint & Securing CyberspaceToday, 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, 2025-06-0512 min
Fed Gov TodayThe Essays That Could Change Federal Hiring ForeverFormer 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...2025-06-0316 minFed Gov TodayOutcomes Over Outputs: How AI, Accountability & $100B Could Transform GovernmentThe 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.2025-06-0128 min
Fed Gov TodayA Seismic Change to Federal Buying with FAR OverhaulLearn 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...2025-05-2912 min
Fed Gov TodayFix It or Trust It: Tim Soltis on Restructuring Government for Real EfficiencyToday, 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...2025-05-2710 min
Fed Gov TodayThe Pentagon’s Software Awakening: Trust, Tech & the Warfighter’s EdgeIn 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...2025-05-2214 min
Fed Gov TodayAI, Ethics & Energy: What 10,000 Voices Say About the Future of Federal TechToday, 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...2025-05-2016 minFed Gov TodayFrom Bureaucracy to Breakthroughs: TMF’s Big Bet on High-Velocity Government ITThe 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.2025-05-1928 min
Fed Gov TodayZero Trust, One Mission: DoD’s Cyber Revolution UnleashedWill 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...2025-05-1508 min
Fed Gov TodayFrom Legacy to Lethal: DISA’s Mission to Turn Tech Debt into Warfighting PowerColonel 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...2025-05-1410 minFed Gov TodayThe $2 Trillion Problem: How the Pentagon’s Property Blind Spot Is Draining Defense ResourcesToday, 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...2025-05-0111 min
Fed Gov TodayAI vs. AI: The Future of Cybersecurity Will Move Faster than Humans ReactToday, 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...2025-04-3019 minFed Gov TodayWhy Defense Tech Must Stay Flexible: Inside the New Modular Systems RevolutionToday, 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...2025-04-2919 minFed Gov TodayOne Atlantic, All Fronts: The Navy’s New Way to Win Wars Before They StartThe 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.2025-04-2728 minFed Gov TodayArctic Crossroads & Pacific Frontlines: How the Coast Guard Is Redefining America's Global DefenseThe 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.2025-04-2528 minFed Gov TodayCan the Gov Finally Hack the FAR? Stan Soloway on Real Acquisition ReformToday 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...2025-04-2413 minFed Gov TodayBeyond the Buzzword: The Blueprint for Zero Trust Success with Ryan ZachaToday, 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...2025-04-2312 minFed Gov TodayThe Pentagon’s Workforce Shake-Up: Risks, Realities, and Reform with Dov ZakheimToday’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...2025-04-2214 minFed Gov TodayCyber on the Frontlines: Building the DoD Workforce of the Future with Lt. Gen. Susan LawrenceWe 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...2025-04-1710 minFed Gov TodayIRS Strengthens Financial Systems: How Internal Controls Boost Financial Confidence Year-RoundFrancis 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...2025-04-1512 minFed Gov TodayGSA’s Bold New Mandate: Emily Murphy on Rebuilding Trust, Talent & Tech in Federal ProcurementFormer 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...2025-04-1015 minFed Gov TodayHow the TSP Hit $900 Billion — And Why Nearly 90% of Feds Are Winning With ItIt’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...2025-04-0813 minFed Gov TodayAI vs. the Double-Headed Monster: Cyber War, CMMC’s Next Chapter, and the Airbnb Vision for GovernmentThe 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.2025-04-0628 minFed Gov TodaySea Services Under Pressure: Budget Battles, Industrial Gaps & Unshakable ResolveRetired 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...2025-04-0315 minFed Gov TodayInside the FedRAMP Overhaul: Automation, Access & the Future of Cloud SecurityBig 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.2025-04-0112 minFed Gov TodayFace Off: DHS Takes on the Deepfake Identity CrisisThe 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...2025-03-2716 minFed Gov TodayClearing the Cloud: Lessons from the Private SectorWe’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.2025-03-2612 minFed Gov TodayThe Pentagon’s Software Shake-Up: The New Acquisition Mandate Reshaping Defense TechThe 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.2025-03-2328 minFed Gov TodayGSA’s Procurement Shake-Up: The Battle Over Strategic SourcingThe 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...2025-03-2113 minFed Gov TodayThe $6 Billion Software Glitch: Why the Government Owns More Licenses Than UsersWe’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...2025-03-1812 minFed Gov TodayInside the Federal Overhaul: Navigating Agency Consolidation, AI in Healthcare, and Smarter Government BuyingThe 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.2025-03-1628 minFed Gov TodayThe Hidden Impact of the New Executive Order on Federal HRThe 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...2025-03-1316 minFed Gov TodayThe Future of Cybersecurity: Will the U.S. Government Keep Its Cyber Talent?Former DHS Chief Information Security Officer, Ken Bible, joins the show to discuss how agencies like DHS, FEMA, and CISA are navigating cyber workforce challenges under the Cyber Talent Management System (CTMS). He highlights the risks of attrition in an increasingly competitive cybersecurity landscape and explains why investing in and retaining cyber talent is crucial for securing operational technologies, industrial control systems, and the next wave of AI-driven security challenges.Tune in to Fed Gov Today TV this Tuesday, March 18, at 8:30 PM ET on WJLA 24/7 News. If you...2025-03-1112 minFed Gov TodayFixing Federal Tech: The Enterprise Approach to IT Modernization & EfficiencyThe 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.2025-03-0928 minFed Gov TodayRetirement Roadmap: What Every Fed Needs to Know About TSP & BeyondAs 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...2025-03-0609 minFed Gov TodayAI RISK ALERT: The Cybersecurity Gaps in Federal AI Systems – And What’s Next!We explore the growing challenge of AI risk assessment across federal agencies. Artificial intelligence is already playing a crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure, but ensuring these AI applications are secure from cyber threats remains a major concern. Tina Won Sherman, Director of Homeland Security and Justice Issues at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), joins the show to break down the latest findings on AI risk management and why no agency has fully met the necessary risk assessment standards.Tina explains how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in coordination...2025-03-0412 minFed Gov TodayGovernment on the Move: Postal Shakeups, Pentagon Priorities & Procurement OverhaulWant 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.2025-03-0228 minFed Gov TodayImmense Federal Layoffs: Inside the IRS Cuts & What’s Next for the Federal WorkforceWe 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...2025-02-2715 minFed Gov TodayBreaking Down DHS Acquisition Roadblocks: Workload, Hiring, and Workforce Data GapsIn a conversation with the Government Accountability Office’s Travis Masters, Director of Contracting and National Security Acquisitions, we’re tackling the biggest acquisition challenges at the Department of Homeland Security and how agencies can fix them. He breaks down a recent GAO report that highlights critical roadblocks in DHS acquisition, including overwhelming workloads, lengthy hiring timeframes, and a lack of comprehensive workforce data.Travis explains how GAO selected four DHS components—Coast Guard, CBP, ICE, and TSA—for analysis, represen...2025-02-1914 minFed Gov TodayThe State of the Federal CDO Community: A Conversation with Kirsten DalboeFederal Chief Data Officers are coming into their own. What was once an additional hat many CDOs wore is now evolving into a distinct and primary role in federal agencies. Kirsten Dalboe, Chief Data Officer at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Chair of the Chief Data Officers Council, shares insights into the health and future of the federal CDO community. Kirsten discusses the results of a recent CDO Council survey, which highlights how the role is maturing, with over half of small agency CDOs reporting that their role has existed for less than...2025-02-1213 minFed Gov TodayLower TSP Fees, Higher Satisfaction: What’s Driving the Change?Federal employees and retirees are seeing lower fees and better service in their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, joins the show to discuss how administrative cost reductions have led to lower fees for participants. With TSP expenses dropping over the past two years, participants are now paying just 3.6 basis points in administrative costs—down from 4.8 basis points in 2023. That translates to only 36 cents per $1,000 in retirement savings.Kaplan also highlights improvements to the TSP’s record-keeping system, Converge, whic...2025-02-0613 minFed Gov TodayDecoding the New Federal Workforce Executive Orders: What Government Leaders Need to KnowFrancis sits down with Jenny Mattingley, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Partnership for Public Service, to break down the latest executive orders impacting the federal workforce. These new policies cover key areas such as the return-to-office mandate, a 90-day hiring freeze, the reintroduction of Schedule F—now called Schedule PC—and changes to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) policies. Jenny explains how these orders will affect federal employees, agency leaders, and the broader government landscape. She highlights the nuances of the return-to-office directive, which, while broadly stated, leav...2025-01-3019 minFed Gov TodayTransforming Federal Acquisitions: Expiring Funds, OTA Expansion, and Protest ReformFrancis sits down with Jonathan Mostowski, president of Agile Acquisitions and former US Digital Service strategist, to discuss ideas for improving federal acquisitions. Jonathan shares three key recommendations: turning expiring funds into opportunities for innovation, expanding access to Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) for more flexible acquisitions, and reforming the protest process to reduce delays and foster better collaboration between agencies and vendors. These proposals aim to address persistent challenges in government contracting, including bridging the “valley of death” in project funding and empowering agencies with greater acquisition agility.2025-01-2813 minFed Gov TodayOpen Source Intelligence & Academia Unite for National Security: A Conversation with the Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Policy and Capabilities, Charles LuftigFrancis chats with Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Policy and Capabilities, Charles Luftig, who discusses the exciting new partnership between the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the University of Virginia (UVA). The National Security Data and Policy Institute aims to bring together experts in data, policy, and national security to tackle critical challenges in an interdisciplinary way. Charles shares insights on how this collaboration will harness the power of open-source data, promote transparency, and deliver impactful results...2025-01-0813 minFed Gov TodayDefending Federal Data: The Future of Cybersecurity in GovernmentOn this episode, sponsored by Presidio Federal and IBM, we dive into the latest developments in federal cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and threat management. CISA has introduced a new plan to strengthen enterprise cybersecurity across federal agencies: the Federal Civilian Executive Branch Operational Cybersecurity Alignment Plan, known as FOCAL. Shelly Hartsook, Deputy Associate Director of Capacity Building at CISA, explains how FOCAL was developed, its five key priority areas, and how the plan aims to unify and streamline federal cyber defenses. From asset...2024-12-1839 minFed Gov TodayRedefining Federal Acquisition & Space Tech: What’s Next for the Government and Defense?On this episode of Fed Gov Today, we explore critical changes in federal acquisition and cutting-edge advancements in space technology that are reshaping government operations and defense strategies. Eric Crusius, a partner at Holland & Knight, joins the program to discuss how federal procurement policies might evolve under a new administration. He highlights shifts in executive orders and regulations, including clean energy initiatives and labor policies, and explores the potential return of the DoD’s "Night Court" program to reallocate funds from underperforming initiatives. We also delve int...2024-11-2720 minFed Gov TodayCMMC Simplified: Pentagon's Final Cybersecurity Rule & USDA's Gene Editing BreakthroughOn this episode of Fed Gov Today, two groundbreaking developments in federal government initiatives take center stage. First, Buddy Dees, Director of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program Management Office at the Department of Defense, explains the significant updates to the CMMC program. Buddy breaks down the changes, including the shift to a three-tier model, the introduction of self-assessment options for lower-risk projects, and the continued alignment with NIST standards for streamlined cybersecurity compliance. In the second half of the show, Francis2024-11-1524 minFed Gov Today11/06/24: Empowering Progress: How Federal Leadership and Innovation Fuel Global Energy Aid, Disease Tracking, and Public Service ExcellenceOn this edition of Fed Gov Today, presented by the Arthur S. Flemming Awards, we explore transformative efforts in public service that are making a global impact. First, Blair Pasalic, Director of Planning and Administration in the Office of Resource Sustainability at the Department of Energy, shares the remarkable logistics behind delivering over 900 pieces of electrical equipment to Ukraine, supporting the country’s critical infrastructure in its defense against Russia. Dr. Katherine Newcomer, a Commissioner for the Flemming Awards and leader at George Washington Un...2024-11-0633 minFed Gov Today10/30/24: Boosting TSP Confidence, Navy Audit Milestone, and Preparing the Defense Industry for TomorrowOn this edition of Fed Gov Today, we dive into major developments across federal initiatives that impact both federal employees and national defense. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, joins to discuss a 44% increase in TSP roll-ins, a sign of growing participant confidence. She also highlights record-high matching rates and the impact of auto-enrollment on maximizing participant savings, especially among active-duty personnel. Russell Rumbaugh, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller, details the Marine Corps’ recent ...2024-10-3039 minFed Gov Today10/23/24: Driving Progress: IRS IT Modernization, AI Innovation, and Business Process Transformation Across GovernmentOn this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, sponsored by Appian, we dive into three critical topics reshaping the landscape of federal IT modernization, business process transformation, and AI integration in financial management. Jenna Whitley, Acting Assistant Inspector General for Audit for Security and Information Technology Services at TIGTA, discusses the IRS’s progress on its modernization journey. As the IRS embraces AI, automation, and cloud technologies, Whitley highlights the improvements made possible through the $4.7 billion in supplemental funding from the Inflation Re...2024-10-2334 minFed Gov Today10/16/24: Breaking Barriers in Federal Cybersecurity and AI: Key Strategies Shaping the FutureOn this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, sponsored by Cohesity. We explore key advancements in the Department of Defense’s Zero Trust strategy and AI compliance efforts. Les Call, Director of the Zero Trust Portfolio Management Office at the DoD, explains the new assessment tools and processes designed to make Zero Trust implementation more efficient. He outlines the shift from traditional Red Team assessments to automated, repeatable processes aimed at meeting the Pentagon’s 2027 Zero Trust goal. Crai...2024-10-1641 minFed Gov Today10/09/24: Resilience and Innovation: Transforming Defense Healthcare Data and Honoring Government ExcellenceOn this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, sponsored by the Women’s Center, we dive into key themes in healthcare data innovation and workforce resilience. Jesus Caban, Chief Data Scientist at the Program Executive Office for Defense Healthcare Management Systems (PEO DHMS), discusses the evolution of healthcare data sharing in the Department of Defense. He breaks down the challenges of normalizing data and explains how the DoD is working to standardize data across military health systems and with other healthcare organizations globally....2024-10-0934 minFed Gov Today10/02/24: Privacy Meets Cybersecurity, State Department’s Modernization Push, and AI's New Threat: Unpacking Government’s Top Tech ChallengesOn this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we tackle three pressing issues shaping the future of government technology, policy, and data security. James Burd, Chief Privacy Officer at CISA, explains how privacy and cybersecurity are now inextricably linked. Discover why it’s no longer possible to protect one without the other, and what agencies are doing to manage these intertwined risks. As the State Department approaches the three-year mark of its modernization plan, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma...2024-10-0134 minFed Gov Today9/25/24: Cyber Threats, Small Business Strategies, and Radical IT Modernization: Insights from FBI, Maximus, and FMCSAOn this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, sponsored by Maximus, we explore the evolving cyber threat landscape from the FBI's perspective, strategies for small businesses to team up with larger government contractors, and a radically different approach to IT modernization. The FBI’s Internet Crime Report reveals over 880,000 cybercrime complaints in 2023, with losses exceeding $12.5 billion. Deputy Director of the FBI, Paul Abate, shares insights from the Billington Cybersecurity Summit, discussing the rising cyber threat from nation-states like China, Russia, and Iran, as well as...2024-09-2638 minFed Gov Today9/11/24: a center of AI excellence at the Labor Department; the use case revolution sweeping the governmentThis Fed Gov Today program is sponsored by Leidos.The Labor Department has a new acting Chief Information Officer. Gundeep Ahluwalia, the outgoing Labor CIO, was on Fed Gov Today TV this week, talking about his time at the agency. Lou Charlier is the Acting CIO at Labor. He tells you how the agency is approaching AI, and its zero trust cybersecurity efforts.The newest Fed Gov Today TV special is available on demand now. “...2024-09-1133 minFed Gov Today9/4/24: Innovations in TSP and Health IT: Advancing Service Excellence and Strategic TechnologyThe Thrift Savings Plan has seven recommendations from the Government Accountability Office about its two-year old record keeping system. Jennifer Franks of GAO told you about them on a recent edition of the Fed Gov Today podcast. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, tells you how the TSP is responding now, and has already responded, to the recommendations GAO made, and to the needs of its participants.The newest Fed Gov Today T-V special is available on demand now. “Se...2024-09-0928 minFed Gov Today2/21/24: Government can deliver, with the right blueprint; CNO’s 3-pronged priority list; the DIA’s to-do list for ‘24“Government Can Deliver” is a rallying cry of technologists and program leaders all across government. It’s also the title of the new book from the former Chief Information Officer at the IRS and DHS, Richard Spires. My thanks to Richard for the invitation to MC a book signing event at the headquarters of the Partnership For Public Service yesterday. At that event, I ask Richard what prompted him to put the book together and what he wants people to learn from it.The new Ch...2024-03-0437 minFed Gov Today11/15/23: A two-pronged approach to CX at GSA; applying agile to your agency’s people problems; the OMB/OPM partnership takes offA reorg is complete inside the Federal Acquisition Service at the General Services Administration. The Commissioner of FAS, Sonny Hashmi, told you about it on the Nov. 1st Fed Gov Today podcast (if you missed it, you can listen on demand at FedGovToday.com). At ELC 2023, Laurie MacNamara, Chief Customer Officer at TTS within FAS, says the position TTS has, and she has within it, are unique.Agile development has taken over as the development method of choice for IT management projects in government. But the techniques of agile… aren’t limited to tech. At E...2023-11-1538 min
Fed Gov Today5/11/23: The supply chain problems data could solve; devastation coming from another continuing resolutionThe Defense Logistics Agency says its supplier base shrunk 22% between 2016 and 2022. DLA leadership released supply chain data at the Supply Chain Alliance Conference and Exhibition in Richmond earlier this month. Tara Murphy Dougherty, Chief Executive Officer of Govini and former Chief of Staff for Global Strategic Affairs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, describes how data can help the department shore up its supply chain.The Air Force will follow the zero trust strategy the Defense Department released recently. That strategy is supposed to be fully...2023-05-1124 min
Fed Gov Today17: 3/16/23: VA’s biggest IT issue isn’t Cerner; building tech strategy for the whole gov; Decade 3 of DoD $ management risksThis program is sponsored by Denodo.The Department of Veterans Affairs says it will rely on its VistA electronic health record system for another five to ten years. The VA’s transition to the Cerner health record system is on hold now. VA officials outlined their plan for maintaining VistA at a hearing of the House Veterans Affairs Technology Modernization subcommittee Tuesday. Jim Gfrerer, founder and Principal at Fidelis Technology and former Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology and Chief Information Officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs, was a witness at the hearing. He tells me what he...2023-03-1643 min
Fed Gov Today16: 3/14/23: VA’s VistA problem; Decade Two of the gov’s IT transformation; the GAO examines the TSPThis program is sponsored by Denodo.The Department of Veterans Affairs says it will rely on its VistA electronic health record system for another five to ten years. VA officials outlined their plan for maintaining VistA at a hearing of the House Veterans Affairs Technology Modernization subcommittee Tuesday. Roger Baker, consultant at Roger Baker Consulting, former Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology and Chief Information Officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and former advisory board member for Cerner, was a witness at the hearing. He tells me what he sees moving forward for maintaining VistA, and transitioning...2023-03-1438 min
Fed Gov Today15: 3/9/23: Tech’s role in strategic competition; Federal CIOs gathering; new CX pilots from OMBThis program sponsored by Denodo.Brig. Gen. Denise Brown is in her seventh month as the Director of the Army’s Networks and Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Services and Integration. One of her primary jobs is to move the Army’s Unified Network Plan forward. At AFCEA DC’s most recent luncheon event, BG Brown explains her team’s role in strategic competition.The E-Gov Act is 20 years old now. Six of the seven former Federal Chief Information Officers and E-Gov Administrators gathered recently for an exclusive conversation about the past, present, and future of federal...2023-03-0928 min
Fed Gov Today12: 3/2/23: SEAL team comms; cyber workforce lessons; Navy intel leader on China and RussiaFrom West 2023 in San Diego, CA, sponsored by Carahsoft.SEAL teams around the world are just one group that gets its comms support from Naval Special Warfare Tactical Communications Command One. The command supports other special operations forces and conventional forces too. Commander Blythe Blakistone, commander of TCC1, tells me about her command’s mission.The Navy is using unmanned systems in a lot of different ways, not just in high-end weapons systems. One way the service is deploying unmanned systems is in data collection. Wade Ladner, Technical Director of the Naval Oceanographic Office, tells me hi...2023-03-0254 min
Fed Gov Today11: 2/28/23: Navy WX data; DoD zero trust pilot; Coast Guard CDO on data workforceFrom West 2023 in San Diego, CA, sponsored by Carahsoft.Three weather operations provide data for the Navy. Those operations include Fleet Weather Centers in Norfolk, VA and San Diego, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Oahu. Captain Kate Hermsdorfer, Commanding Officer for Fleet Weather Center San Diego, tells me who her command’s customers are, and what her command does for them.The Department of Defense is working on a zero trust pilot that it says could cut its zero trust journey from five years to one. The director of the Zero Trust Portfolio Management Of...2023-02-2828 min
Fed Gov Today10: 2/23/23: A DoD/DHS comms makeover; gov/industry collabs; Navy CIO Weis departsFrom West 2023 in San Diego, CA, sponsored by Carahsoft and Infoblox.The Defense Department is part owner of the effort to modernize the “Public Safety Communications Ecosystem.” It shares that work with the Department of Homeland Security. Sridhar Kowdley is Program Manager in the Office of Science and Engineering… in the Science and Technology Directorate at the Department of Homeland Security. At West 20-23, he laid out the interoperability challenge his office is working on.The Defense Department’s Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) is just one example of how the services are trying to get j...2023-02-2348 min
Fed Gov Today9: 2/21/23: Navy's NCDOC Commander; 2 big trends at West 2023; DoD cyber workforce strategy previewFrom West 2023 in San Diego, CA, sponsored by Carahsoft and Forescout.The Navy’s Cyber Defense Operations Command is demonstrating capabilities that other services, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense, say they want. The Navy’s Chief Information Officer, Aaron Weis, says NCDOC has shown those capabilities off to leaders at the military’s highest levels. You can hear more about that from Aaron Weis on Thursday's edition of Fed Gov Today. At West 2023, Capt. Christina Hicks, the Commander of NCDOC, tells me about her command’s mission.The Defense Information Systems Agency used the West...2023-02-2144 min
Fed Gov Today8: 2/16/23: New tools, new input on GSA's OASIS+: Tiffany HixsonThe General Services Administration’s calls its new OASIS+ contract “next generation Best-in-Class Multi-Agency Contracts for complex non-IT services.” The agency says it's learning some lessons from its other big contracts to make OASIS+ work better for both agency customers, and the vendors that will sell through it. Tiffany Hixson, Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Professional Services and Human Capital Categories at GSA, and governmentwide Professional Services Category Executive, joins FedGovToday to reveal the new OASIS+ timeline, new tools the agency is using on the contract, and a new approach to onboarding vendors.GSA's OASIS+ web siteAn...2023-02-1622 min
Fed Gov Today7: 2/14/23: Exit interview: Dr. Raj Iyer, outgoing Army CIODr. Raj Iyer's last day as the first civilian Chief Information Officer of the Army was Sunday, February 12. He leaves after a two-plus-year tenure as Army CIO. He took the job after former Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy split the former CIO/G-6 job when Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford retired in 2021. Raj reviews the progress he believes the Army has made under his tenure, and where his successor should take the Army's IT portfolio next.More on Iyer's departure at C4ISRNet.Photo: Francis Rose & Dr. Raj Iyer, September 16, 2022, FedScoop event, Ritz Carlton Hotel, Pentagon City, VA2023-02-1435 min
Fed Gov Today6: 2/2/23: TSP reinvestments on hold; DISA Director LtGen Skinner's message to industryReinvestment in the G Fund in the Thrift Savings Plan is on hold for now. It’s because of a debate in Congress. Kim Weaver, director of external affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, explains why TSP participants shouldn't worry. (0:59)The leader of the Defense Information Systems Agency is asking industry to "be invested" in working with his organization. Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner made that comment at AFCEA DC’s luncheon event at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington last week. In a highlight from that event, Lt. Gen. Skinner lays out his message for indu...2023-02-0229 min
Fed Gov Today5: 1/26/23: password problems; FAA software meltdown; new State CIO Kelly FletcherThe passwords of 5% of employees at the Interior Department include the word "password." That’s one of a number of issues the Interior Inspector General’s office found on the department’s network. Kate Ledesma is Senior Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at SecurityScorecard, and former Senior Advisor at CISA. She covers some tools agencies have to protect themselves against their own employees making bad cyber choices. She also previews the forthcoming National Cyber Strategy; and CISA's internal digital transformation. The software meltdown at the Federal Aviation Administration that grounded thousands of flights recently is 30 years old. N...2023-01-2647 min
Fed Gov Today4: 1/19/23: The Navy's Cyberspace Superiority Vision, with PCA Chris ClearyThe Navy is three months into execution of its Cyberspace Superiority Vision. The Navy's Principal Cyber Advisor, Chris Cleary, signed out the vision at the end of October. The vision includes three core principles: Secure, Survive, and Strike. Cleary describes how he and his Navy colleagues devised the vision, how they're implementing it, and how they'll measure its success.Read the Navy's Cyberspace Superiority Vision here.Photo: SAN DIEGO (Mar. 4, 2020) Mr. Chris Cleary, Department of the Navy Chief Information Security Officer, provides opening remarks at the inaugural Command Information Security Officers (CISOs) Forum, hosted onboard Naval...2023-01-2033 min
Fed Gov Today3: Preview 3: 12/16/22 FITARA scorecard evolves, scores go upThe newest edition of the FITARA scorecard shows seven agencies increased their scores, 17 agencies held steady, and no agencies went down. The latest edition of the scorecard includes new cyber metrics. Federal CISO Chris DeRusha, USAID CIO Jason Gray (whose agency was the only one to get an A on the scorecard) and GAO Directors Carol Harris and Jennifer Franks testified about the new scorecard at a hearing of the House Oversight and Reform Government Operations subcommittee Thursday.Part One of this episode includes questions for the witnesses from Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH); ranking member Jody Hice (R-GA...2022-12-1630 min
Fed Gov Today2: Preview 2: 12/9/22 The Pentagon awards JWCCThe Defense Department will use four vendors to provide cloud services through the Joint Warfighter Cloud Capability contract. The Department made the announcement Wednesday afternoon; the official rollout was at a news conference Thursday with DoD CIO John Sherman; DISA Director Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner; DoD Deputy CIO for Information Environment Lily Zeleke; and the Director of DISA's Hosting and Compute Center, Sharon Wood. Today's show leads off with a highlight of the news conference; you can watch the entire news conference here.More on JWCC from Federal News Network, DefenseScoop, and Nextgov.Acquisition experts Joe...2022-12-0934 min
Fed Gov Today1: Preview episode 1: Innovation in national defense with Michael BrownThe Defense Department is launching an investment office to channel money to the technologies it needs for the future fight. The Office of Strategic Capital will live inside the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu. Michael Brown led the Defense Innovation Unit for four years; he’s a visiting scholar at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University now. In this exclusive conversation on the sidelines of an event the Navy League’s Center for Maritime Strategy co-hosted in Arlington Tuesday, he lays out his vision for the next generation of innovation in national defen...2022-12-0713 min