Fed Gov Today

This episode of Fed Gov Today features Francis Rose in conversation with federal data expert Kshemendra Paul on why data—not AI—is 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 President’s 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 era.

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 State Department’s massive $10 billion Evolve contract is finally live—marking 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 scale—and what comes next.

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.

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 VA’s Office of Inspector General is raising an early warning. Inspector General Cheryl Mason explains that the primary concern isn’t the technology itself—but the lack of standardized safeguards and reporting processes to track potential AI errors, including “hallucinations.” Mason joins Fed Gov Today to discuss oversight of emerging AI tools in healthcare, how VA is responding to the alert, and what steps could strengthen patient safety moving forward.

Trust—not technology—may 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 systems to identify targets, deliver logistics, and support combat missions.

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.

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 “all-or-nothing” 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 describes how his team developed the instructions, the role of single accountable officials in implementing them, and how the Navy will measure progress through existing leadership battle rhythm meetings. Caudle also discusses the cultural challenge of shifting centuries-old practices and why empowering leaders across the fleet will be critical to making the vision a reality. 

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

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 “resilience stack” built around frameworks like OODA and Samdesk’s ADAR model—anticipate, 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.

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 “coin of the realm.” 

Whitworth challenges the idea that traditional analysts resist OSINT, emphasizing instead that leaders want “everything”—but validated and decision-ready. From social media’s role in military operations to the evolving definition of open source, the conversation explores how AI is transforming validation, accelerating analysis, and reshaping national security tradecraft.

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