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. 

He details the agency’s mission priorities, including targeting, warning, and ensuring the safety of navigation, and emphasizes the need to not just collect data but convert it into understanding. This is part one of a three-part conversation that dives deep into the opportunities, challenges, and partnerships shaping the future of geospatial intelligence. Don’t miss part two next Tuesday, when Admiral Whitworth discusses how NGA is upskilling its workforce to meet these challenges head-on.

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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 mission.

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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.

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. 

He also opens up about the biggest challenge of all: culture. Lou explains how Interior worked to keep mission focus front and center while unifying technology teams across bureaus like the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, USGS, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. From collaborating with park rangers and HR staff to improve user experience, to building a “zero trust certified” IT workforce, Lou’s insights offer a playbook for driving transformation in any federal agency.

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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 Space Station is the perfect proving ground for these complex experiments.

Francis and his guests explore the significance of training algorithms in simulation, using open-source NASA tools, and then successfully testing them aboard the ISS on Astrobee robots — a first step toward enabling autonomous space assembly, servicing satellites, and performing complex repairs. The conversation dives into future goals, from CubeSat experiments to advancing autonomous robotics that can operate in space without constant human oversight, helping build and maintain the next generation of massive space structures.

Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

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.

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 rollout over the next three years, and what companies must do now to stay competitive. He explains why self-assessments will be required in year one, why there may be a “run on the bank” for assessors, and what questions businesses should ask before hiring assessment partners.

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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’s data and the Office of Special Counsel’s records raise important concerns. He also outlines challenges within VA’s authority structure, where the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection currently lacks the ability to oversee settlement implementation, slowing needed reforms.

Francis and Tom examine GAO’s recommendations to improve VA’s oversight and strengthen coordination with OSC, while considering whether additional steps from Congress may be needed to ensure whistleblower protections are fully effective.

Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

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.

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-term retirement planning and beneficiary designations. 

He explains how participant feedback drives the creation of new educational content, highlights the surge in usage of the TSP mobile app, and offers insight into what’s ahead—including in-plan Roth transfers and upcoming end-of-year considerations. Plus, you’ll learn how rigorous internal audits and top-tier cybersecurity practices ensure the TSP remains secure and effective for its more than 6 million participants.

Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.