In this episode of Gov Tech Today, host Jennifer Saha interviews Doug Robinson, Executive Director of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO). Doug discusses his background and the role of NASCIO in representing state CIOs and IT leaders across the public sector. The conversation covers a broad range of topics including NASCIO's top 10 priorities for state CIOs, the rising importance of cybersecurity, the rapid ascent of generative AI, and the evolving role of CIOs in state government. They delve into challenges like AI policy and data management, the impact of legislative actions, and the importance of good governance in technology implementation. Doug shares insights on how states can navigate these complex issues while striving for innovation and efficiency in government technology.

00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today

00:26 Meet Doug Robinson: Executive Director of NASCIO

02:31 NASCIO's Top 10 Priorities for 2025

04:21 The Rise of AI in Government Technology

11:14 The Evolving Role of State CIOs

25:33 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Legislation

33:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/1HUDU 

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/nOA4K

In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha explore the groundbreaking steps taken by the State of California in adopting AI technology for government operations. They discuss the state's unique approach to procurement through Request for Innovative Ideas and its collaborative projects with major firms like Accenture and Deloitte. Key projects include traffic mobility insights, tax center call productivity, language tools for health services, housing plan reviews, economic predictions, and legislative analysis. The episode also highlights the importance of data hygiene and readiness, with a look at how various state agencies are preparing their data for AI integration. Finally, the hosts reflect on the role of AI in making government processes more efficient without displacing workers, as well as the broader implications of AI adoption in public services.

00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today

00:46 California's AI Implementation Journey

01:42 Innovative Procurement Process

02:38 Generative AI in Action: Caltrans Case Study

03:52 Expanding AI Projects Across State Departments

07:24 Labor's Role and Concerns with AI

09:39 Data Hygiene and AI Readiness

16:50 Future of AI in State Services

LinkedIn: https://shorturl.at/Ahait

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e_hPDZFbEY

In this episode of Gov Tech Today, host Jennifer Saha speaks with Dan Kent, Field CTO at Cloudflare, about his extensive career in public sector IT and cybersecurity. Dan shares insights on the importance of securing the internet, the role of DNS, legislative efforts to enforce security measures, and the impact of AI in the cybersecurity landscape. He also emphasizes the urgency of adopting AI advancements in government to stay ahead of cyber threats. Tune in for a deep dive into modern cybersecurity strategies and the future of government technology. 

00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today 

00:36 Dan Kent's Career Journey 

02:17 The Importance of Securing the Internet 

05:42 AI in Cybersecurity 

08:22 Government Adoption of AI 

12:44 Top Technology Priorities for State CIOs 

17:58 Combating AI-Driven Cyber Threats 

21:51 Advice for State Government Employees 

24:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7300958302484471808

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZdIfSsoSB4

In this episode of Gov Tech Today, Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into California's extensive budget process and its significant technological components. They discuss how the budget affects various public and private sectors, address concerns over deficits, and highlight the importance of technology in state projects from road construction to cybersecurity. With detailed insights on the procurement process and key spending areas, such as AI and modernization projects in health and human services, they provide an understanding of the fiscal strategies and priorities shaping California's future.

00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today

00:09 Understanding California's Budget Process

00:56 Technology's Role in the State Budget

02:15 Governor's Budget Announcement

05:47 Revamping Technology Procurement

12:25 Key Technology Projects and Spending

18:33 Impact of Federal Dynamics on State Budget

20:39 Conclusion and Future Outlook

In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha dive into the California Department of Technology's Envision 2026 roadmap. They discuss its focus on innovative, resilient, and equitable IT infrastructure, and what it means for vendors and state employees. Key topics include cybersecurity, strengthening the technology workforce, the impact of AI, and practical tips for aligning with the state's strategic goals. Tune in to explore the five key pillars of Envision 2026 and how they shape the future of California's public sector technology.

00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today

00:17 California's New Technology Vision

00:32 Impact on the Vendor Community

01:55 State Employees and the Envision 2026 Plan

04:33 Cybersecurity: A Top Priority

06:52 Strengthening the Technology Workforce

11:17 Adopting AI in Government

13:36 Challenges in Technology Procurement

18:13 Conclusion and Action Steps

In this episode of GovTech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the complex world of terms and conditions (TNCs) in government contracting. They explain what TNCs are, their purpose in mitigating risk for the government, and how they affect different types of contracts. The discussion highlights how these TNCs often pose challenges for large companies, leading to opportunities for smaller resellers willing to accept risks. They also talk about the negotiation process, the role of resellers, and offer advice for companies looking to do business with the state. The episode underscores the importance of understanding and navigating TNCs to successfully engage in government contracts.

00:00 Introduction to GovTech Today

00:22 Understanding Terms and Conditions

00:58 Risk in Government Contracting

02:20 The Role of Resellers

03:38 General vs. Specific Terms and Conditions

05:25 Contract Vehicles and Risk Allocation

08:00 Negotiating Terms and Conditions

09:36 Guidance for New Entrants

12:27 The Partner Ecosystem

14:53 Conclusion and Recommendations

In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha explore the intricate and often misunderstood partner ecosystem involved in government procurement. They dive into the roles of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), resellers, value-added resellers, and managed service providers (MSPs). By dissecting the processes and relationships between the state, vendors, and various partners, they aim to demystify how procurement works and who the key players are. They also discuss the challenges and advantages of these partnerships, including pricing dynamics and risk mitigation.

00:00 Introduction to GovTech Today

00:20 Understanding the Procurement Ecosystem

01:54 Role of Resellers in Procurement

04:18 Challenges in the Procurement Process

08:13 Value Added Resellers and Distributors

14:41 Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

20:59 Risk Mitigation in State Contracts

24:54 Conclusion and Future Topics