Fed Gov Today
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.
How the Federal Government Reboots After a Shutdown: The 3 Critical Priorities That Matter Most
In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, the gears of government are grinding to a halt — and the aftershocks are just beginning. As agencies brace for and recover from a federal shutdown, former Federal CIO Suzette Kent, now CEO of Kent Advisory Services, joins Francis to break down the three critical concepts every leader must master to get government back on track: people, risk, and what’s “on the clock.” Kent reveals how to prioritize the citizens and federal employees most affected, assess hidden v...
Your AI Career Companion: The Future of Federal Work Starts Now
On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, the future of federal work gets personal — literally. Imagine joining the federal government and being assigned your very own agentic AI assistant — one that stays with you throughout your entire career. It helps with your HR questions, training reminders, and even job recommendations, all tied to your unique federal ID and email. Former OPM Chief Information Officer Melvin Brown joins Francis to explore how this idea could revolutionize federal employment, turning decades-old systems into intelligent, adaptive tools that grow alongside each employee.
The Pentagon’s New Battlefield: Protecting the Laptop Next to the Fighter Jet
This episode of Fed Gov Today, sponsored by Broadcom, dives into the critical front line of modern defense—endpoint security. Francis talks with Garrett Lee, Regional Vice President for Public Sector in Broadcom’s Enterprise Security Group, about how the Department of Defense is rethinking cybersecurity from the ground up. Lee explains that in today’s digital battlespace, the most vulnerable target isn’t always the jet in the sky but the laptop in the hangar.Â
You’ll learn how the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is tackling...
The Shutdown Silver Lining: Rebuilding Government with AI and Resilience
On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, former NASA Chief Data Officer Ron Thompson sees a potential silver lining in the ongoing government shutdown — a chance to rebuild. Ron reflects on lessons from the 1995 shutdown and explains why today’s federal leaders have a unique opportunity to modernize their operating models. He shares how agencies can use this disruption as an inflection point to realign missions, rebuild trust, and bring in transformative technologies like AI and automation to deliver better outcomes for citizens.
You’ll learn how leader...
Don’t Automate a Mess: Scaling AI and Automation in Government
Francis sits down with George Kaczmarskyj, Principal for Government and Public Sector at EY, to discuss how federal agencies can transform their workflows with automation and AI—without falling into the trap of “automating a mess.” You’ll learn how early automation efforts often rushed to apply technology to outdated or inefficient processes, and why success today depends on stepping back to reassess and redesign before automating. He highlights how a process-first mindset, rather than a tool-first approach, enables agencies to eliminate unnecessary steps, optimize outcomes, and ensure that humans remain involved where it matters...
Rebuilding Trust: The New Playbook for Government and Industry After the Shutdown
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
When the Shutdown Ends: The Chaos and Comeback Inside Federal Agencies
Former FBI Chief Information Officer and current Executive Vice President for Public Sector at ITI, Gordon Bitko, joins Francis to unpack what agency leaders and contractors should expect when the doors open again. Bitko explains how months of uncertainty disrupt technology rollouts, contract execution, and long-term modernization efforts, especially as critical initiatives like the FAR rewriteand AI implementation lose valuable momentum.
You'll learn how the shutdown’s ripple effects extend beyond paused projects. Many agencies will find themselves facing a changed workforce — missing contracting officers, retired experts, and vacant leadership roles — making coordi...
Beyond the Checkbox: How Continuous ATO Is Changing Federal Cybersecurity for Good
Francis speaks with Dina Saleh, Federal Solutions Architect at Synack, who explains how C-ATO replaces the old, static ATO system with continuous testing, monitoring, and updates that improve both security and efficiency.
You’ll learn how continuous authorization helps eliminate the “death loop” of paperwork and compliance fatigue that once overwhelmed federal teams. Dina notes that many agencies still struggle with data overload—drowning in endless vulnerability reports and alerts that make it difficult to prioritize real threats. Synack’s approach, she says, acts like a “cheat sheet for the exam,” filtering out noise and focusing o...
Frozen Funds: How the Shutdown Paralyzes Federal Contractors
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Inside the Shutdown: Federal Workers, AI Gaps, and a Nation on Pause
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
The Smell of Shutdown: What Really Happens When Government Stops
Former GAO Managing Director Chris Mihm joins the show to unpack the realities of the ongoing government shutdown — now on day seven. Mihm, now an adjunct professor at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School, shares stories from shutdowns past that blend humor and hard-earned wisdom. From the unforgettable “refrigerator incident” after the 2018–2019 shutdown — when the stench of forgotten lunches greeted returning employees — to his unique experience representing GAO overseas during the 2013 lapse in appropriations, Mihm’s anecdotes reveal that not every shutdown implication is mission critical… but some are unforgettable.
Beyond the stories, Mihm discusses the real operation...
After the Shutdown: How Federal Leaders Can Reboot, Reconnect, and Rebuild
On this special edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, Former Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Julie Dunne, now principal at Monument Advocacy, joins the show to share leadership strategies for navigating the return to work once the government reopens. Dunne compares the uncertainty of the current moment to the early days of COVID-19 and emphasizes the importance of stepping back, identifying top priorities, and leading with clear, proactive communication.
You’ll hear how federal leaders can motivate and support their teams during the transition back to...
Shutdown Day 3: What Federal Employees Need to Know About Their TSP
On Day 3 of the government shutdown, there is at least one area where federal employees can find reassurance—the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) remains fully operational. In this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, James Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, explains how TSP participants are protected during a lapse in appropriations. From automatic loan payment adjustments to reliable call center support, Kaplan details the steps the TSP has taken to ensure participants don’t need to take additional action during the shut...
Shutdown 2025: What's Closed, What's Open, and What Comes Next
On this special edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, the federal government shutdown officially begins — and with it come questions about what’s closed, what’s open, and what federal leaders can do to prepare for the return to business. Former Undersecretary of Defense Comptroller Mike McCord and Gov Navigators CEO Robert Shea, a former OMB leader, discuss the immediate impacts on agencies, employees, and taxpayers, and why communication and leadership are more critical than ever. Former GSA leaders Sonny Hashmi and...
Inside NGA – Part 3: Admiral Frank Whitworth on AI, Innovation, and Intelligence for the Warfighter
In Part 3 of his conversation with Francis Rose, Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth, Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), shares the bottom line up front: what warfighters, the Secretary of Defense, the DNI, and even the President need from NGA right now. In the third and final part of our exclusive conversation from the Intelligence and National Security Summit, Admiral Whitworth explains how NGA is building a more fluent, AI-enabled workforce to meet the challenges of the future. From AI and machine learning bootcamps to mobile training teams, NGA is investing in fluency that empowers analysts to innovate...
Cyber Resilience vs. Data Resilience: Why Backups Alone Won’t Save You
Francis Rose speaks with Marlin McFate, Public Sector CTO and CISO at Cohesity, about the evolving definition of cyber resilience. McFate explains why it’s critical to distinguish between data resiliency—long focused on recovering from natural disasters—and cyber resiliency, which accounts for persistent adversaries, loss of trust in systems, and the risk of reinfection after an attack. He shares Cohesity’s cyber resiliency model, including the foundational step of ensuring backups survive and remain trustworthy, so they can anchor investigation, forensics, and recovery efforts.
AI, GEOINT & the Future of Intelligence – Part 2: VADM Frank Whitworth on NGA’s Mission & Workforce Morale
Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth, NGA’s Director, joins Francis for part two of their in-depth conversation from the AFCEA and INSA Intelligence and National Security Summit at National Harbor. Admiral Whitworth explains how NGA is embracing commercial imagery, unclassified data, and open-source intelligence to stay ahead of adversaries — while also meeting the needs of a rapidly changing world.
You’ll hear how NGA’s “Year of NGAI” initiative is aligning programs, standards, and workforce development around artificial intelligence and machine learning, with new directorates focused on mission integration, responsible stewardship, and standards enforcement. Admiral Whitworth al...
OneGov Is Changing the Game: Faster Modernization, Stronger Cybersecurity, Smarter Spending
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Inside NGA’s Golden Age of GEOINT – Part 1: Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth on Data, AI & National Security
On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth, Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), joins Francis for an in-depth conversation about what he calls the “golden age of GEOINT.” Speaking from the AFCEA and INSA Intelligence and National Security Summit at National Harbor, Admiral Whitworth explains why NGA is better positioned than ever to provide actionable intelligence — thanks to the convergence of advanced sensors, AI and machine learning, and a thriving commercial imagery sector.Â
He details the agency’s mission priorities, including targeting, warning...
Inside VA’s Tech Transformation: Cyber Dominance, AI, and the Future of Veteran Services
On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, you'll get an inside look at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ sweeping technology transformation. Francis is joined by Eddie Poole, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Acting Assistant Secretary, and CIO at VA, for a wide-ranging conversation about modernizing one of the federal government’s most complex IT operations. Eddie shares how his team retired 29 legacy systems, shifted from an administratively heavy structure to an operationally focused one, and freed up resources to deliver better IT services that align with the VA’s miss...
Inside the Energy Sector Cyber War: AI, Adversaries, and the Pentagon’s Plan to Stay Ahead
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Inside Interior’s IT Shakeup: Lou Eichenbaum on Zero Trust, Culture, and Collaboration
On this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we go inside the sweeping IT transformation at the Department of the Interior. Former Interior CISO Lou Eichenbaum joins Francis to discuss how the department consolidated all of its IT resources and 2210s into a single organization — without a CIO — as part of a bold modernization initiative. Lou shares how phase one of the effort incorporated zero trust principles, expanded vulnerability assessment tools, and drove MFA compliance from 30% to 97% in just over three years.Â
He also opens...
Teaching Space Robots to Think: Naval Research Lab’s Reinforcement Learning Breakthrough
This edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, takes you to the cutting edge of robotics in space. Dr. Samantha Chapin, Space Roboticist, and Dr. Kenneth Stewart, Computer Research Scientist at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), share how their team is using reinforcement learning — a flavor of machine learning inspired by dog training — to teach robots to operate autonomously in space. They explain why human time in space is so precious, how reinforcement learning allows robots to adapt in unpredictable environments, and why the International Spac...
Agile Warfare: Inside the Army’s Digital & Electromagnetic Revolution
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
CMMC Is Here: What Every DOD Vendor Must Know Before November 10
In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, the clock is ticking for vendors that do business with the Department of Defense. The long-anticipated final rule for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is officially out, and it takes effect November 10. That means solicitations will soon include CMMC requirements — and with more than 100,000 companies needing assessments, competition for assessors will heat up fast.
Government contracts expert, Eric Crusius of Hunton Andrews Kurth, joins Francis to break down the rule’s three-tier model, the phased roll...
VA Whistleblower Oversight: GAO Finds Gaps and Missed Follow-Through
In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive deep into how the Department of Veterans Affairs manages whistleblower cases. Tom Costa, Director of Education, Workforce, and Income Security at the Government Accountability Office, joins the program to share GAO’s latest insights on recordkeeping, settlement tracking, and the need for stronger follow-through on corrective actions designed to protect whistleblowers.
Costa discusses why whistleblower retaliation cases at VA have shifted since 2020, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and explains why differences between VA...
Veterans First: VA’s Drive to Modernize IT, Accelerate Benefits & Harness AI
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Back to School for Your Retirement: TSP Lessons You Can’t Afford to Skip
It’s back-to-school season, but this time, the lessons are for your future financial security. On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive into the Thrift Savings Plan’s growing library of resources designed to help federal employees and military service members make smarter retirement decisions. Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, joins Francis to share how participants can access online learning, live webinars, and bite-sized YouTube videos to better understand everything from investment options and in-service withdrawals to long...
The CIO Crisis: Why Short Tenures Threaten Federal IT Modernization
On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive into the persistent challenges slowing down federal IT modernization. Despite growing urgency to upgrade systems and strengthen cybersecurity, the average CIO tenure remains just two to two and a half years—barely enough time to build relationships, understand sprawling enterprises, and execute meaningful strategies.Â
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...
From 32 to 282: The Explosive Rise of Generative AI in Federal Agencies
On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive into one of the fastest-growing shifts in federal technology: the skyrocketing use of generative AI across government. According to new findings from the Government Accountability Office, generative AI use cases jumped ninefold in just one year—growing from 32 in 2023 to 282 in 2024. Candice Wright, Director of Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics at GAO, joins Francis to break down what’s driving this surge, which agencies are leading the way, and how AI is reshaping government operations.
Wr...
The FAR Overhaul: Cutting Red Tape or Losing the Point?
On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, procurement law expert, Alan Chvotkin, partner at Centre Law Group, joins the program to unpack the ongoing overhaul of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). From its original goal in 1984—to create a single, uniform, government-wide standard for buying goods and services—to today’s piecemeal reforms, Alan explains what’s been fixed, what’s been lost, and what still needs attention.Â
He highlights the FAR Council’s recent rule change on System for Award Management (SAM) registration...
Inside NGA’s AI Future: Cloud Evolution, Zero Trust & Cybersecurity at Mission Speed
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
The AI Bargain: What $1 Government Deals Really Mean
Former Administrator of Federal Procurement Policy and current Octoparo CEO, Joe Jordan, joins Francis to unpack the new government-wide deals on artificial intelligence. From the so-called “$1 AI licenses” to the promises of massive cost savings, Joe explains why these teaser agreements may not be as transformative as they sound—and why agencies must think just as hard about how to exit contracts as they do about entering them. He shares lessons learned from past technology procurements, warns against the dangers of lock-in, and highlights the importance of piloting, transparency, and taking smart risks that can fu...
Who Will Lead? The Federal Executive Crisis No One Talks About
This episode dives into the leadership crisis facing federal government executives. Former OPM Associate Director, Ron Sanders, joins Francis to unpack why senior executives feel isolated, without peers or mentors to guide them, and how new executive development programs from OPM are attempting to fill the void. Sanders reflects on the failures of the Federal Executive Institute (FEI), why generic leadership training doesn’t cut it, and what truly matters for senior leaders in the U.S. government—understanding the Constitution, the law, and the unique responsibilities of American civil service…
Subs...
The $1 AI Revolution: What Government’s Next Big Move Means
On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, former Joint Artificial Intelligence Center Director Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan (USAF, Ret.) joins to discuss a turning point for artificial intelligence in government. With the General Services Administration striking deals to make AI tools available across agencies for as little as $1, Shanahan breaks down what these agreements mean for federal users, the defense community, and the broader industrial base.
From experimental pilots to life-or-death missions, Shanahan stresses the importance of rapid experimentation, rigorous testing, and government-led evaluation before AI is...
From Seabed to Space: Inside NRL’s Game-Changing Tech & Congress’s Big Protest Dilemma
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
IRS Scraps Broken Kiosk Program After Years of Taxpayer Frustration
In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, you will learn why the IRS is pulling the plug on its long-troubled taxpayer self-service kiosks. Eleina Monroe, Chief of Staff for Inspections and Evaluations at the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), reveals how more than half of the 100 kiosks in 37 field offices were out of service—some for over a year—due to outdated trackball navigation, unrepairable parts, and vague contractor requirements. Monroe explains that a lack of contract oversight and missing performance standards left taxpayers without func...
AI Meets Diplomacy: How the State Department is Harnessing Tech to Shape Global Relations
Francis sits down with retired Foreign Service officer Don Kilburg to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the world of diplomacy. Drawing from his new book, AI Use Cases for Diplomats, Kilburg outlines why he believes AI isn’t just a helpful tool but a responsibility for global leaders to embrace.Â
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...
Modernizing Acquisition: The FAR Overhaul and the Future of Federal Technology
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Unleashing Federal Innovation: Giving CTOs the Power to Say No
Colonel Mac McHenry, US Marine Corps Reserve (Ret.) and senior advisor at the Defense Innovation Unit, joins the show to discuss why Chief Technology Officers in government are struggling to drive innovation—despite being tasked as strategic visionaries. Drawing from his recent RealClearDefense article, “The Toothless Technologist,” Mac explains how the government imported the CTO model from the private sector but failed to give it the operational influence needed to be effective.Â
You’ll hear a candid breakdown of how federal acquisition and organizational silos are holding back tech prog...
