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.
Retirement on Autopilot: How the TSP’s L Funds Are Changing the Game
Listeners 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.
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Autonomy Adrift: Why the Navy’s Uncrewed Fleet Is Stuck in Port
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’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...
Data is the Mission: Clare Martorana on Tech, Talent, and Trust in Government
Former 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...
Mission Possible: The CIA’s AI Breakthrough and the End of the Old IT Playbook
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.
Where’s the Money Going? Suzette Kent Unpacks the Future of Federal Tech Modernization
Former 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...
Full Steam Ahead: Coast Guard Goes All-In on Digital Modernization
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 TSP Shake-Up: What Every Fed Needs to Know Now
Your 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...
The Cloud Revolution in Government: How Agencies Are Reimagining Mission Delivery
Today, 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...
How AI, Cloud & Smart Curation Are Transforming Federal Health Records
Today, 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.Â
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...
Rewriting the Rules: AI, Cyber Threats, and the Biggest FAR Shake-Up in 40 Years
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.
From Empty Desks to Smart Defense: Shrinking the Federal Footprint & Securing Cyberspace
Today, Francis sits down with Dan Mathews to explore a foundational question: How can the federal government effectively reduce its real estate footprint?Â
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.
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The Essays That Could Change Federal Hiring Forever
Former 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...
Outcomes Over Outputs: How AI, Accountability & $100B Could Transform 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.
A Seismic Change to Federal Buying with FAR Overhaul
Learn 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.Â
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...
Fix It or Trust It: Tim Soltis on Restructuring Government for Real Efficiency
Today, 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...
The Pentagon’s Software Awakening: Trust, Tech & the Warfighter’s Edge
In 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...
AI, Ethics & Energy: What 10,000 Voices Say About the Future of Federal Tech
Today, 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...
From Bureaucracy to Breakthroughs: TMF’s Big Bet on High-Velocity Government IT
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.
Zero Trust, One Mission: DoD’s Cyber Revolution Unleashed
Will 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...
From Legacy to Lethal: DISA’s Mission to Turn Tech Debt into Warfighting Power
Colonel 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...
Retirement, Reinvented: The TSP’s Bold New Moves for a Digital-First Future
In this episode of Fed Gov Today, Francis Rose sits down with Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, to explore how the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is modernizing to meet the evolving needs of federal employees and service members. From mobile app growth to overseas outreach and educational tools, Kaplan reveals how the TSP is becoming more user-centric than ever before.
Kaplan opens with a striking figure: over 30% of TSP account logins now happen through the mobile app, a number that has more than doubled since early 2024. He attributes this...
Guardrails and Governance: Building a Data-Driven Federal Government
In this episode of Fed Gov Today, Francis Rose welcomes Kshmendra Paul, one of the federal government’s most influential voices in data strategy, to reflect on two decades of evolving federal data policy and implementation. Paul, who has served as the Chief Data Officer at the VA, Program Manager for the Information Sharing Environment (ISE), and in key roles at the Department of Energy and the Department of Justice, shares candid insights into the progress and pitfalls of federal data usage.
Paul’s journey in government began post-9/11, driven by a deep sense of service. As Chie...
The $2 Trillion Problem: How the Pentagon’s Property Blind Spot Is Draining Defense Resources
Today, 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...
AI vs. AI: The Future of Cybersecurity Will Move Faster than Humans React
Today, 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...
Why Defense Tech Must Stay Flexible: Inside the New Modular Systems Revolution
Today, 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...
One Atlantic, All Fronts: The Navy’s New Way to Win Wars Before They Start
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.
Arctic Crossroads & Pacific Frontlines: How the Coast Guard Is Redefining America's Global Defense
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.
Can the Gov Finally Hack the FAR? Stan Soloway on Real Acquisition Reform
Today 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...
Beyond the Buzzword: The Blueprint for Zero Trust Success with Ryan Zacha
Today, 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...
The Pentagon’s Workforce Shake-Up: Risks, Realities, and Reform with Dov Zakheim
Today’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...
Cyber on the Frontlines: Building the DoD Workforce of the Future with Lt. Gen. Susan Lawrence
We 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...
IRS Strengthens Financial Systems: How Internal Controls Boost Financial Confidence Year-Round
Francis 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...
GSA’s Bold New Mandate: Emily Murphy on Rebuilding Trust, Talent & Tech in Federal Procurement
Former 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...
How the TSP Hit $900 Billion — And Why Nearly 90% of Feds Are Winning With It
It’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...
AI vs. the Double-Headed Monster: Cyber War, CMMC’s Next Chapter, and the Airbnb Vision for 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.
Sea Services Under Pressure: Budget Battles, Industrial Gaps & Unshakable Resolve
Retired 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.Â
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...
Inside the FedRAMP Overhaul: Automation, Access & the Future of Cloud Security
Big 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.<...
Face Off: DHS Takes on the Deepfake Identity Crisis
The 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...
Clearing the Cloud: Lessons from the Private Sector
We’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.
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