The Department of Veterans Affairs is embarking on big changes. Next year, it's looking to get the rocky rollout of the new electronic health record back on track. VA medical facilities already using the system have been beset with problems for years. Meanwhile, the VA is planning to roll out the biggest reorganization of its healthcare operation in decades. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman is here with more.

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The Defense Department is expanding secure methods of authentication beyond the traditional Common Access Card, which will give users more alternative options to log into its systems when CAC access is impractical or infeasible. A new Pentagon memo lays out when alternative multi-factor authentication tools can be used and updates the list of approved authentication tools for different system impact levels. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more. 

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The Department of Defense has unveiled its first wave of 31 class deviations under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, a move aimed at cutting red tape and accelerating procurement. At the same time, a draft executive order could impose new limits on buybacks, dividends, and executive pay for defense firms. Here to walk through what these changes mean for industry and mission delivery is Stephanie Kostro, President of the Professional Services Council.

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Stricter federal compliance rules and mounting backlogs have exposed a critical weakness in how states process SNAP benefits. Modernizing document workflows in these outdated, paper-heavy systems could be the key to faster, more accurate aid delivery for millions of families. Andrew Joiner, CEO of Hyperscience, is here to share how AI can help solve the paperwork bottleneck.

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A federal mandate now requires states by December 2026 to confirm 80 hours of work or qualifying activities for Medicaid enrollees each month. Here to explain how automation could help states comply with these complex requirements and protect beneficiaries is General Manager and Senior Vice President at CITIZ3N, Rob Miller.

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Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

• Technology emerges as the key for states to meet Medicaid work verification rules and avoid coverage gaps before the December 2026 deadline
• The SNAP program is under pressure, and states are drowning in paper as new mandates kick in
• The news cycle for defense contractors is not slowing down as 2026 gets started

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Heading into 2026 the Trump administration appears to only be getting started on its plans for overhauling the career civil service. Further changes for the federal workforce are on the horizon, and many of them are laid out in the goals of the new President's management agenda. Here with a look at what's ahead for federal employees is Federal News Network's Drew Friedman.

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The past year in federal cybersecurity policy was full of uncertainty; a change in administration, expiring authorities and the emergence of artificial intelligence all brought plenty of questions to the cybersecurity landscape. Going into 2026 cyber policymakers and experts are hoping for more clarity. For more on what to expect in the year ahead, Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday joins me now. 

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Both chambers return with packed agendas: the House eyeing ACA subsidies, hearings, and unfinished appropriations, while the Senate juggles confirmations and spending bills. Looming over it all are big 2026 questions, will January end in a CR or a shutdown, who might rise or fall in leadership, and whether major legislation like CISA reauthorization, workforce protections, and AI rules can break through gridlock. Loren Duggan, Deputy News Director at Bloomberg Government, is here with his predictions.

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Julian Setian has scaled SOSi into a mid-tier powerhouse without outside equity or set-asides while betting big on innovation. From AI to ISR, he shares the pivotal shifts that define SOSi’s niche and its vision for the next five years in this episode of "Government Contractors to Watch" sponsored by JP Morgan Chase.

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