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.
VAâs High-Stakes Comeback: Inside the EHR Launch That Could Transform Veteran Care
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com
The Pentagonâs $800 Billion Problem: Why Congress Holds the Key to Defense Innovation
Bill Greenwalt argues the Pentagonâs biggest obstacle isnât technologyâitâs budget rigidity. While civilian agencies enjoy flexible funding, DoD remains stuck in a decades-old PPBE system that limits speed and innovation. Greenwalt explains how Congress must decide whether to modernize or scrap the system entirely, and why new acquisition models like portfolio-based investing canât succeed without financial agility. The conversation highlights how outdated rules hinder competition with global adversaries and explores real-world examples of flexibility across government. Ultimately, meaningful reform depends on congressional willâand a shift in how defense funding is managed.
Billions on the Line: The Hidden Struggle to Shrink the Federal Governmentâs Real Estate Empire
The federal government has spent over a decade trying to reduce its massive, underused real estate footprintâbut progress has been slow and costly. In this episode, GAOâs Dave Marroni breaks down why disposing of excess federal property remains such a persistent challenge, from funding hurdles to data gaps and lengthy timelines. He explains how new legislation and GSAâs more proactive approachâincluding private-sector brokersâcould accelerate change and save billions in maintenance costs. The key? Better data, clearer performance goals, and smarter strategy. This conversation reveals why managing federal property isnât just about buildingsâitâs about accounta...
OMBâs Power Play: The Memo That Could Finally Fix Federal IT Spending
This episode of Fed Gov Today explores a major OMB memo reshaping how federal CIOs manage IT contracts and spending. Former USDA CIO Gary Washington explains how the guidance reinforces CIO authority, improves transparency, and pushes agencies toward enterprise thinking. The policy requires detailed reporting of contracts, pricing, and approvals, aiming to eliminate silos and standardize procurement data. While challenges remain around compliance and enforcement, the memo signals stronger oversight, better pricing leverage, and a cultural shift toward treating IT as a strategic mission driver across government agencies today. Ultimately it highlights the ongoing evolution of federal technology leadership...
Biofuel Breakthroughs, Billion-Dollar Fraud, and a Federal Real Estate Shakeup
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Space Forceâs Secret Surge: How 70+ Launches a Year Are Rewriting the Rules of War & Innovation
The Space Force is scaling faster than ever, and Vandenberg Space Force Base is at the center of it all. Colonel James Horne explains how a surge to 70+ launches annually is driven by commercial partnerships, reduced launch costs, and a âsecond space raceâ mindset. He breaks down the shift to service-based acquisition, the rise of dual-use innovation, and how automation and AI are transforming operations. From infrastructure overhauls to workforce expansion, the Spaceport of the Future vision is redefining national security space strategy and accelerating Americaâs ability to competeâand winâin orbit.
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TSP Is Crushing Records: The Surprising Strategy Driving 90% Participation and 11-Second Support
The Thrift Savings Plan is hitting record-breaking milestones, from soaring participation rates to lightning-fast 11-second call response times. Jim Kaplan explains how default enrollment, financial literacy, and a relentless focus on customer service are reshaping retirement outcomes for federal employees and service members. The conversation dives into how managed services transformed support operations, why cybersecurity remains a top priority, and how AI is quietly boosting efficiency behind the scenes. With participation in the Blended Retirement System surpassing expectations, TSPâs success highlights a broader cultural shift toward proactive financial planning and continuous improvement across government programs.
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Data Wars & Digital Speed: How AI, Records, and Rapid Defense Are Rewriting Government Playbooks
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Burning Down Cyber Risk: DHSâs AI-Powered Playbook to Outsmart Hackers
Outgoing DHS CISO Hemant Baidwan reflects on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the urgent shift from compliance-driven security to real-time risk reduction. He highlights how AI is transforming both defense and adversary tactics, making continuous monitoring and automation essential. Baidwan introduces the concept of a Risk Operations Center (ROC), emphasizing visibility, attack path analysis, and actionable intelligence to âburn downâ cyber risk to acceptable levels. He also discusses the future of self-healing infrastructure and the cultural changes required across government. The conversation underscores a pivotal moment for federal cybersecurity strategy and innovation.
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AI Rules Could Backfire: Former GSA Leader Warns New Contract Changes May Push Innovators Away
In this episode of Fed Gov Today, former Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Alan Thomas breaks down sweeping proposed changes to GSAâs Multiple Award Schedule, including expanded transactional data reporting and a controversial new AI clause. Thomas explains how broader TDR requirements could add complexity for vendorsâespecially for services and configurable productsâwhile raising questions about how the government will use the data. He also warns the AI provision, now delayed for further review, could unintentionally stifle innovation and deter new entrants. With industry feedback mounting, the discussion highlights the delicate balance between oversight, modernization, and maintaining a compet...
Fix Your Data, Fix Your AI: The Hidden Key to Smarter Government Tech
This episode of Fed Gov Today features Francis Rose in conversation with federal data expert Kshemendra Paul on why dataânot AIâis the real foundation of innovation. They explore how poor data governance fuels AI risks like bias and hallucinations, and how agencies can unlock high-fidelity AI by improving data quality, sharing, and standards. From the Presidentâs Management Agenda to real-world interoperability challenges, Paul explains why shifting from agency silos to ecosystem-driven governance is critical. The discussion highlights how aligning CIOs, CDOs, and data strategies can drive smarter, more efficient government services in the...
AI, Cyber, and the Governmentâs Race to Move Faster Without Breaking Security
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
Inside the State Departmentâs $10B Gamble: How âEvolveâ Rewrites Federal Contracting Forever
The State Departmentâs massive $10 billion Evolve contract is finally liveâmarking a milestone in federal acquisition. Former Senior Procurement Executive Mike Derrios breaks down the strategy behind bringing contract management in-house, the challenges of handling over 100 proposals, and why perseverance was key to success. He explores whether Evolve could be the last of its kind amid growing pressure for contract consolidation and GSA-led solutions. Plus, insights on the sweeping FAR overhaul and the cultural shift agencies must embrace to truly modernize procurement. This episode unpacks what it takes to transform government contracting at scaleâand what comes next.<...
AI Predicts Weather in 60 Seconds, Government CX Data, and the Critical Minerals Race
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.
AI in VA Hospitals Sparks Watchdog Warning: What Veterans Need to Know
The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding the use of generative AI tools across the Veterans Health Administration, including an ambient AI scribe that automatically documents conversations between doctors and patients. While the technology aims to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden for clinicians, the VAâs Office of Inspector General is raising an early warning. Inspector General Cheryl Mason explains that the primary concern isnât the technology itselfâbut the lack of standardized safeguards and reporting processes to track potential AI errors, including âhallucinations.â Mason joins Fed Gov Today to discuss oversight of emerging AI tools in healthcare...
Why the Military Wonât Trust AI Until It Logs Thousands of Hours
Trustânot technologyâmay be the biggest barrier to deploying advanced AI on the battlefield. In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, Marine Corps Warfighting Lab Science and Technology Director Colonel Kenneth Jones explains how the military is evolving unmanned systems from simple drones into complex networks of sensors, shooters, and autonomous platforms. Jones outlines how Marines aim to control multiple systems from a single interface while reducing cognitive load through AI-driven orchestration. But true adoption depends on experience. Just like early aviation, Jones says thousands of operational hours are needed before operators fully trust autonomous syst...
Inside the Pentagonâs Tech Race: Armyâs MOSA Push, AI at the Edge, and the Budget Battle 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 the Navyâs New Warfighting Playbook: CNO on the Culture Shift Reshaping the Fleet
The Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Darryl Caudle, is rolling out new fighting instructions designed to reshape how the Navy prepares for combat and delivers naval power around the world. On this episode of Fed Gov Today, Admiral Caudle joins Francis Rose to explain the thinking behind the guidance and why he believes it represents a fundamental paradigm shift for the fleet. Rather than relying on an âall-or-nothingâ approach to combat certification, Caudle wants the Navy to tailor naval forces to specific operational problems and deliver the right capability at the right time. He desc...
Why the Military Must Modernize NOW: The AI-Powered âResilience Stackâ Changing National Security
On this episode of Fed Gov Today, Francis Rose speaks with Samdesk Founder and CEO James Neufeld about how the Air Force and other agencies are adapting to a rapidly evolving information landscape. Neufeld explains why modernization and readiness are now inseparable, highlighting the need for a âresilience stackâ built around frameworks like OODA and Samdeskâs ADAR modelâanticipate, detect, analyze, and resolve. The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence is becoming core infrastructure and why agencies must break complex problems into targeted AI applications to improve decision-making speed and mission success.
The End of Battlefield Secrets? Speed, AI, and the New Open-Source Intelligence War
This episode of Fed Gov Today dives into a provocative question shaking the intelligence community: Are battlefield secrets a thing of the past? Former NGA Director Vice Admiral Trey Whitworth (US Navy, Ret.) joins Francis Rose to unpack the rise of open-source intelligence (OSINT), the balance between speed and accuracy, and why corroboration remains the âcoin of the realm.âÂ
Whitworth challenges the idea that traditional analysts resist OSINT, emphasizing instead that leaders want âeverythingââbut validated and decision-ready. From social mediaâs role in military operations to the evolving definition of open sourc...
From the Parthenon to Prevention: Rebuilding Government with AI and Stopping $11.7B in Fraud
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.
Service Delivery Shake-Up: How VAâs CX Playbook Is Rewriting the Rules of Government
On this edition of Fed Gov Today, CX expert Martha Dorris explains how the Government Service Delivery Improvement Act is redefining accountability and governance across federal agencies.
The VA offers a powerful modelâcombining operational and experience data, challenging âmyth vs. lawâ requirements, and embedding human-centered design into care delivery. From wayfinding volunteers in medical centers to innovative transportation partnerships, VA shows how low-tech and high-tech solutions can work together.
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TSPâs Big Roth Move: Why Thousands of Feds Are Converting Now
The Thrift Savings Plan has launched Roth in-plan conversions, allowing participants to move traditional TSP funds into a Roth account and pay taxes now for tax-free withdrawals later. TSPâs Jim Kaplan explains the tax implications, new planning calculators, and why consulting a tax advisor is critical. The change follows participant feedback and was built through extensive upgrades to the Converge system. Kaplan also discusses increased digital tools, reduced call volumes, shutdown-driven account activity spikes, rising Blended Retirement System participation, and TSPâs ultra-low 3.4 basis point expense ratioâhelping millions of feds retire with dignity.
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$4.6 Trillion, One Deadline, and an AI Revolution: The Pentagonâs Defining Moment
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 Navyâs New War Blueprint: Faster Tech, Unmanned Power, and a Fleet Built to Win
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.
TMFâs $200M Second Act: AI, Cybersecurity & the Fight to Modernize Government
In part two of Francis Roseâs conversation with former Federal CIOs Tony Scott and Suzette Kent, the focus turns to whatâs next for the Technology Modernization Fund. With $5 million in new authorization and roughly $200 million still available to award, the TMF is positioned for a critical new phase. The latest $28 million award to the National Nuclear Security Administration highlights a major shift: artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are now central to modernization efforts.
Scott argues AI is transforming both offensive and defensive cyber operations, making continued modernization essential. Kent notes that ânew and emerging technologiesâ are written...
From Low-Code to Lifesaving Care: Inside the Tech Overhaul Reshaping Federal Healthcare
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.
Why Data Trust Is the New National Security Battleground
In this sponsored episode of Fed Gov Today, Francis Rose sits down with Joe Ditchett, industry executive advisor at SAP, to unpack two forces reshaping federal technology strategy: a contested future and data gravity. Ditchett explains why IT infrastructure is now a prime target in global competitionâand how security, resiliency, and distributed operations must be built in from the start, not bolted on later. The conversation dives into edge computing, data sharing, and why trust grows stronger the closer agencies get to their transactional data sources. Ditchett also challenges ag...
Why Washington Actually Canât Quit the Technology Modernization Fund
On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, sponsored by Maximus, former Federal CIOs Suzette Kent and Tony Scott dig into that very question as Congress moves to revive the TMF with new funding under the latest budget agreement. With more than $1 billion invested across 70 projects at 34 agencies, the TMF has quietly become one of the federal governmentâs most durable and bipartisan technology tools. Kent and Scott explain why the fund has survived multiple administrations, how its original vision has evolved, and why it...
From Data to Drones: How Treasury, AI, and the Navy Are Rewriting Government Power
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 Pentagonâs Secret Weapon, a Federal HR Shakeup, and the End of FedScope
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.
Fraud Starts at the Top: Why Culture, Not Just Controls, Is the Governmentâs Best Defense
Fighting fraud in government starts with leadership, not just controls. On this episode of Fed Gov Today, Francis Rose speaks with GAOâs Rebecca Shea about why culture, accountability, and tone at the top are essential to reducing fraud across federal agencies. Shea explains GAOâs Fraud Risk Management Framework, breaking down its four required components: commit, assess, design and implement, and evaluate and adapt. The conversation explores how agencies measure success, manage fraud risk at both enterprise and program levels, and continuously improve their efforts. The message is clear: effe...
Donât AI the Problem: Why Smart Data, Resilience, and Quantum Readiness Matter More Than Hype
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 Pentagon Is Breaking Up With Paper: Inside the Race to Software-Defined Warfare
Big changes are coming to how the Pentagon buys, builds, and deploys software. On this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, Pentagon Chief Software Officer Rob Vietmeyer explains why paper-based risk assessments and slow approval cycles no longer work in an era of software-defined warfare. Drawing on real-world exercises with Five Eyes and NATO partners, Vietmeyer describes how zero trust, software-defined networking, and CI/CD pipelines enable rapid, secure collaboration across dynamic missions. He also discusses cultural change, automated cyber risk management, acquisition reform, and why speed, resilience...
The Shared AI Platform Thatâs Teaching Government How to Buy Smarter
This episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose takes you inside GSAâs sweeping push to modernize acquisition and accelerate responsible AI adoption. From the FAR overhaul to new buying guides and culture change for contracting officers, Deputy FAS Commissioner Laura Stanton explains what agencies will need to succeed. CIO David Shive and Chief AI Officer Zach Whitman reveal how GSAiâand its shareable counterpart, USAiâgo beyond a chatbot to capture deep observability and telemetry, helping agencies understand real usage, compare model performance, and negotiate from data instead of hype. Youâll also hea...
From Sea Floor to Space: Coast Guardâs Autonomy Push, Supply Chains, and Governmentâs 2026 Risks
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 FAR Is Changing Fast: GSA Calls Industry to the Table
Phase two of the historic FAR overhaul is officially underway, and GSA has a message for industry: engage now or risk falling behind. On this episode of Fed Gov Today, Senior Procurement Executive Jeff Koses joins Francis Rose to explain how GSA rewrote the FAR in record timeâand why changing the rules isnât enough without changing culture. Koses breaks down what phase one accomplished, from massive word reductions to new strategic acquisition guidance, and outlines whatâs coming next as deviations move into formal rulemaking. He emphasizes the need f...
Your TSPâs Hidden New Year: Roth Conversions, Deadlines, and Smarter Retirement Moves for 2026
The New Year brings critical retirement decisions for federal employees, and Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose breaks down what matters most.Â
Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, explains why the TSP has two New Year milestonesâand how year-end deadlines affect withdrawals, taxes, and required minimum distributions. As 2026 approaches, Kaplan urges participants to review account details, update beneficiaries, and consider increasing contributions as pay raises and step increases take effect.Â
The conversation also previews the long-awaited Roth in-plan conversion launching Janu...
Inside Washingtonâs Reset: How AI, Cyber Wellness, and the New PMA Are Reshaping Government
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.
119 HR Systems, One Shot to Fix It: Why OPMâs âPay Up Frontâ Gamble Might Finally Work
OPM is moving to consolidate the federal governmentâs many disconnected HR IT systems into a single, mandatory shared service, and former Chief Human Capital Officers Ron Sanders and Tracy DiMartini explain why the effort has failed for decadesâand what could make it work now. They point to politics, agency âweâre differentâ resistance, and weak requirements as the usual dealbreakers, but note this attempt has a better shot if OPM sets firm standards, agencies get a real voice in implementation, and funding is sustained beyond a single year. Sanders ar...
