Fed Gov Today

On this episode of Fed Gov Today, we dive into the exciting developments shaping federal government programs and initiatives. First, we explore the Department of Homeland Security’s new Phase Zero initiative, aimed at building a symbiotic relationship between small businesses and the agency. Dusty Lang, Director of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program at DHS Science and Technology, discusses how the program fosters innovation by offering non-dilutive funding to small businesses, while DHS gains cutting-edge technologies to meet its mission needs. Dusty shares insights from the program’s recent symposium and its continued efforts to bridge knowledge gaps for new applicants, ensuring that small businesses can effectively partner with the agency.

Next, we take a closer look at the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), where new contribution limits for 2025 are set to allow participants to save more than ever before. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, outlines the changes, including increased catch-up contributions for participants aged 60-63 and the benefits of a more streamlined contribution process. Kim also provides updates on the I Fund’s index transition and the upcoming Roth in-plan conversion option, set to launch in 2026. She highlights the importance of these changes in helping participants maximize their retirement savings.

The episode also marks a bittersweet moment as Kim Weaver announces her retirement after 13 years of service in her role. Francis reflects on Kim’s impactful career and her dedication to providing clear and valuable information to federal employees and retirees. Kim expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to serve and introduces her successor, James Kaplan, who will carry forward the mission of supporting TSP participants.

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On this episode of Fed Gov Today, we explore the Department of Defense's (DoD) updated guidance on DevSecOps fundamentals, which streamlines previous versions and emphasizes critical aspects like the software supply chain and continuous Authority to Operate (ATO). Jason Weiss, former Chief Software Officer at DoD and now Chief Technology Officer for Public Sector at Second Front Systems, shares his insights on the significance of these updates. He discusses how this streamlined approach enhances cybersecurity, highlights the importance of integrating risk management frameworks, and reflects on the evolution of continuous ATO within the DoD.

Later in the episode, we shift to the humanitarian achievements of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). TenaVel Thomas, Senior Executive Port Director at the Port of New York/Newark, discusses her team’s groundbreaking work in rescuing 130 victims of forced labor. She recounts the pivotal moment that led to the investigation, the collaborative effort with other law enforcement agencies, and the challenges of identifying and addressing human trafficking and forced labor cases. Her work earned her a 2023 Fleming Award for leadership and management, and her story sheds light on CBP’s critical role in protecting vulnerable individuals and enforcing the law.

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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 into the future of space technology with Dr. Ken Obenberger, Senior Research Physicist at the Air Force Research Laboratory. Dr. Obenberger discusses his groundbreaking work on space plasma disturbances and their impact on military communication, navigation, and surveillance systems worth $4 billion. He explains how his research is enhancing space environment sensing and detection capabilities, including innovative applications like identifying volcanic eruptions in remote areas that could affect air traffic.

For more information, visit the show page at FedGovToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn. Don’t miss the next episode of Fed Gov Today next Wednesday. Have a great week, and Happy Thanksgiving!

On this episode of Fed Gov Today, we dive into two transformative topics reshaping the federal government and the global environment. First, we explore the crossroads of federal IT modernization with insights from Kevin Cunnington and Siobhan Benita, executive advisors to the Global Government Forum. They discuss how the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) is fueling innovation across U.S. federal agencies and highlight the challenges CIOs face in workforce development, including recruiting, retaining, and upskilling talent for a digital-first government. Kevin and Siobhan also provide a global perspective, sharing lessons learned from other nations and offering actionable recommendations to position the U.S. as a leader in government technology. You can find the link to the report here:  https://www.globalgovernmentforum.com/US-federal-CIO-study. This conversation includes a preview of the upcoming Government Service Delivery conference in May 2025, where these vital topics will be further explored.

The second segment takes us deep into the Amazon rainforest with NASA scientist Dr. Douglas Morton, a Flemming Award recipient for his groundbreaking work in applied science. Dr. Morton explains how NASA’s Amazon Dashboard leverages advanced satellite technology to monitor and analyze fire activity in the Amazon region. He reveals the far-reaching environmental and economic consequences of these fires, the challenges of managing such a vast and vulnerable ecosystem, and how satellite technology has revolutionized our ability to track and mitigate these threats. Morton’s work offers a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of global ecosystems and the role of cutting-edge science in preserving them.

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On 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, Francis dives into a cutting-edge agricultural innovation with Dr. Aspen Workman of the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. Dr. Workman discusses her award-winning work using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to combat bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a disease that costs the cattle industry billions annually. This pioneering effort has created heritable resistance to the virus, ensuring lifetime protection for cattle, starting in utero. Dr. Workman shares the challenges and successes of collaborating with government, academia, and industry to translate lab discoveries into real-world solutions for farmers. 

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On 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 University, highlights the awards’ 75th anniversary. She reflects on the legacy of Arthur S. Flemming, whose dedication to public service and social equity continues to inspire today’s federal leaders. Shannon Griffin, a biologist at the EPA and recipient of a Flemming Award in the Basic Science category, discusses her innovative, non-invasive saliva-based method for tracking waterborne pathogens, a technique that played a pivotal role in understanding COVID-19 spread. Catch more about each of these leaders and the stories behind their achievements on today's show page at fedgovtoday.com.

On 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 clean audit opinion—a significant milestone in defense audit progress. Rumbaugh shares insights into the Navy's broader audit journey, emphasizing the critical role of leadership and collaboration to break down "stovepipes" that hinder audit success. Dr. Jerry McGinn, Executive Director of the Baroni Center for Government Contracting at George Mason University, explores the state of the defense industrial base (DIB) through four case studies: WWII, the MRAP program, COVID-19, and support for Ukraine. Catch more insights and expert interviews on Fed Gov Today, with new episodes every Wednesday. Visit FedGovToday.com for additional resources and links

On 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 Reduction Act. Matt Beran, Industry Lead for Global Defense and Intelligence Programs at Appian, shares insights into how federal agencies are rethinking their business processes with automation. He outlines the "Big Three" pillars—process orchestration, automation, and intelligence—that are helping agencies streamline workflows and improve mission-critical operations. Chi Okonkwo, Director of the Agency Financial Systems Office at NASA, talks about how AI is changing the game in federal financial management. From enhancing fraud detection to improving financial modeling, Okonkwo explains how AI can bring greater accuracy and efficiency to finance operations. She also shares best practices for piloting AI initiatives and scaling them across the agency, with a focus on data precision and workforce collaboration. For more information and resources related to today’s discussions, visit the show page at fedgovtoday.com. 

On 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. Craig Martell, CTO at Cohesity and former Chief Digital and AI Officer at the DoD, explores how agencies can balance AI compliance with practical execution. He addresses the challenges of managing AI errors and ensuring responsible AI innovation. Kevin Walsh, Director of IT and Cybersecurity at GAO, shares insights on how federal agencies are progressing in AI compliance, focusing on talent recruitment and governance.

For more information and links to resources mentioned in the episode, visit the show page at fedgovtoday.com.

On 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.

In addition to healthcare data, the episode addresses the broader theme of workforce resilience. Rachna Krishnan, CEO of the Women’s Center, explores how resilience is increasingly tied to holistic wellness and community support. She explains how resilience in the workforce can lead to more productive, engaged employees, and how the lines between work and personal life continue to blur post-pandemic. Finally, the show celebrates government excellence by highlighting this year’s Service to America Medals (Sammies) and the stories behind the public servants recognized for their extraordinary contributions. Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, shares insights into how nominees are selected and the importance of recognizing outstanding federal employees.

Read more and find links to additional resources on today’s show page at fedgovtoday.com.