Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

• The wildfire scientist who's helping to save lives
• With new leadership at the FAA, what’s next for the people who keep air travel safe?

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wildfire season lasts longer and threatens more communities than ever before. Long-term scientific research is now paying off with tools that help local officials, fire fighters, and residents prepare and respond more effectively. The person behind that work, Alex Maranghides, joins me now to talk about his work. Alex is a Fire Protection Engineer with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and winner of a 2025 Service to America medal.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

• Thirty-five years after the ADA became law, how far have we come—and how far do we still need to go?
• Why disability and veteran protections are once again in the spotlight, and what that means for contractors
• How the TSP funds are faring in this period of market volatility, and what investors are doing with their money

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Air Force is getting ready to roll out a brand new cloud computing strategy, and this version includes a big focus on making sure service members can access secure and resilient cloud services in contested theaters like Europe and the Indo Pacific. Officials say it will build on progress the service has already made in transitioning from limited cloud use to a more robust multi cloud architecture. Keith Hardiman is the Department of the Air Force's director of Enterprise Information Technology. He talked with Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis as part of our annual cloud exchange. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The E-Government Act didn't just become law, it became one of the most influential pieces of IT legislation in more than two decades. Getting it passed took determination, persistence and a little bit of luck. When Congress approved the bill and President George W. Bush signed it in December of 2002 few realized how far reaching its impact would be. As part of Federal News Network's 25th anniversary, the E-Government Act has been recognized as a defining moment in federal management. To explain why it still matters today, Federal News Networks Executive Editor Jason Miller joins me now. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The first six months of 2025 were challenging for TSP investors. The least popular funds outperformed their counterparts. Stock funds declined in the first quarter and then rebounded strongly in the second. Here to help make sense of those market moves is certified financial planner, Art Stein.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Department of Labor just flipped the switch on a key enforcement tool resuming audits and investigations into how federal contractors treat veterans and people with disabilities. That means employers need to pay close attention. Sheila Abron, a federal compliance expert, joins us to explain what’s changed, what’s still off the table, and what contractors should be doing right now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week marks 35 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act reshaped civil rights in the U.S., guaranteeing access and inclusion for millions. But as workplaces, schools, and public spaces continue to evolve, so do the barriers. To reflect on what the ADA has achieved and what still needs to change to ensure equity and opportunity for all. I'm joined by longtime advocate and disability policy expert Gary Gilbert.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Senate voted to confirm several Trump administration nominees before leaving town over the weekend, including new national cyber director Sean Cairncross as the President's Principal Advisor on all things cybersecurity. Karen cross faces a raft of challenges as he enters the White House for more Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday joins me now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The nearly brand new health insurance program for postal workers is at risk of an operational failure. A new inspector general report says recent staffing and funding reductions at the Office of Personnel Management are creating some challenges, and if those problems aren't addressed soon, the IG says it will cause problems during the upcoming Open Season. Here with more, Federal News Network's Drew Friedman.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.