Episodes
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In today’s conversation you’ll hear why software is now just as critical as hardware in modern military operations—and what the Department of Defense is doing to keep pace with this shift. Former Deputy Navy CIO Commander, Julie Vida, joins Francis to explain how evolving battlefield realities, from GPS denial to cyber threats, are driving a transformation in how the Pentagon develops, acquires, and deploys software.
You’ll learn how the Defense Department’s current focus on agile development, cloud readiness, and cultural change is shaping the future of warfighting technology. Julie shares why software must be designed for denied environments from the start—and why technologists must rethink their assumptions about where and how their tools will be used.
From her time as a Navy helicopter pilot, Julie illustrates the critical need for trust in software—not just from the engineers who build it, but from the warfighters who rely on it. You’ll hear why collaboration between government and industry is essential to ensuring that software solutions are reliable, secure, and mission-ready.
Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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Today, we dive deep into the future of artificial intelligence in government, guided by a remarkable dataset: over 10,000 responses to the Trump administration’s request for information on a new federal AI action plan. Former Department of Commerce CIO and now president of Cambio Digital Transformations, Simone Szykman, joins the show to discuss the five key themes he and his AI assistant—ChatGPT—extracted from the public’s feedback.
Simone reflects on the challenges and implications of each theme, drawing from his experience as a federal CIO and thought leader. He outlines how energy-intensive AI infrastructure is raising both technical and environmental concerns, and why early policy guardrails are essential to avoid unintended consequences. He discusses the evolving definition of “responsible” and “inclusive” AI and how philosophical and political leanings may shape regulatory approaches.
You can explore Simone’s full analysis on today’s show page at FedGovToday.com. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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Missing episodes?
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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.
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Will Schmitt, Chief of the Technical Portfolio Management Division, joins the show from TechNet Cyber in Baltimore. He reveals how DoD is categorizing Zero Trust approaches into three key courses of action (COAs): legacy uplift strategies, commercial service providers (like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Oracle), and standalone government-operated environments such as Dell-hosted clouds. Schmitt explains how each solution undergoes rigorous functional assessments—including 91 targeted activities and real-time Purple Team exercises that simulate real-world attacks.
The episode highlights how DoD is moving away from vendor-specific tools toward an outcome-focused model with a shared language across agencies. Schmitt details how this collaborative evaluation process enhances agility, shortens assessment timelines, and makes systems more resilient against threats. He also shares how lessons learned from earlier implementations, like the Flank Speed program, are shaping current and future assessments.
Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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Colonel Jeffrey Strauss of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) joins the program to discuss one of the Department of Defense’s most urgent challenges: technical debt. Colonel Strauss explains how divesting from legacy technology—sometimes as granular as removing individual network cards—frees up capacity and resources that can be reinvested in modern solutions. He likens the effort to personal debt management: eliminating outdated systems piece by piece to enable a stronger, more agile future.
Francis and Colonel Strauss explore how DISA measures progress in this effort, emphasizing operational readiness, risk reduction, and the agency’s ability to meet evolving cyber threats. Strauss challenges vendors to think beyond flashy, short-term wins and instead align with the long-term strategy of building sustainable, backward-compatible technologies that match DISA’s pace and purpose. As he puts it, the payoff isn't just speed—it's capacity: the ability to go fast and do more, all while maintaining mission-critical readiness.
Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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In this episode of Fed Gov Today, Francis Rose sits down with Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, to explore how the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is modernizing to meet the evolving needs of federal employees and service members. From mobile app growth to overseas outreach and educational tools, Kaplan reveals how the TSP is becoming more user-centric than ever before.
Kaplan opens with a striking figure: over 30% of TSP account logins now happen through the mobile app, a number that has more than doubled since early 2024. He attributes this surge to the increasing societal comfort with apps and digital tools. The TSP app now enables users to perform a wide range of functions—from checking balances to designating beneficiaries—all without needing to call the Thrift Line.
Beyond the convenience factor, Kaplan stresses that the agency’s core mission is to “meet participants where they are.” This approach has led to the launch of a YouTube channel offering financial education videos and a partnership with the American Forces Network. This collaboration allows TSP to reach military personnel overseas with short, informative messages on topics like setting a secondary address for mail delivery—especially relevant for service members deployed abroad.
A major innovation driving these changes was the transition to a modern record-keeping system, which allowed for enhancements like two-factor authentication and facial recognition in the mobile app. Kaplan hints at future improvements, especially as TSP prepares for the rollout of in-plan Roth conversions next year. These upgrades will be integrated into the app with calculators and support tools to guide users through the process.
Kaplan also discusses the success of the Blended Retirement System (BRS), which has brought younger military personnel into the TSP earlier in their careers. Thanks to automatic enrollment and matching contributions, even short-term service members are building long-term retirement savings—a significant policy win that Kaplan says reflects strong collaboration among Congress, the executive branch, and TSP leadership.
Addressing market volatility, Kaplan notes an uptick in Thrift Line calls and shifts in participant investment behavior, particularly toward more conservative funds like the G Fund. While TSP provides educational resources, he emphasizes that individuals should invest for the long term and avoid reactive decisions based on short-term market swings.
Kaplan’s central message is clear: TSP is evolving not just to keep up with technology, but to better serve its 6.7 million participants through education, outreach, and tools tailored to a diverse and increasingly mobile workforce.
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In this episode of Fed Gov Today, Francis Rose welcomes Kshmendra Paul, one of the federal government’s most influential voices in data strategy, to reflect on two decades of evolving federal data policy and implementation. Paul, who has served as the Chief Data Officer at the VA, Program Manager for the Information Sharing Environment (ISE), and in key roles at the Department of Energy and the Department of Justice, shares candid insights into the progress and pitfalls of federal data usage.
Paul’s journey in government began post-9/11, driven by a deep sense of service. As Chief Enterprise Architect at DOJ, he was struck by the siloed nature of information systems. He argues that “Enterprise Architecture” was never meant to be a purely IT or CIO function—it should have served as a tool for enterprise transformation. This early experience shaped his enduring commitment to integrating data sharing, policy, and technology to drive operational improvements across government.
A key focus of the episode is Paul’s tenure at the ISE, which he describes as a “master class in public choice theory.” He explains that many agencies acted in self-interest rather than aligning for the broader public good, making true information sharing a challenge. His work required navigating complex interagency dynamics, balancing federal priorities with state and local equities, and forging partnerships in unconventional areas outside his core expertise.
Paul shares one of his proudest achievements at the VA—creating a “digital twin” of the agency by integrating over 1,000 datasets into an enterprise data model. This system gave leadership a unified, real-time view of operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The model not only improved decision-making but also produced tangible results, like saving $90 million in six months through smarter acquisitions. These successes, Paul emphasizes, weren’t purely technological—they were underpinned by strong governance and well-designed data policies.
Looking forward, Paul proposes the creation of a Federal Chief Data Analytics Officer role, separate from the Chief Data Officer, with a clear mandate to drive operational decision support. He highlights that while the Evidence Act has helped institutionalize program evaluation, more must be done to embed real-time, data-informed policy analysis into federal management. He sees data analytics as the “killer app” of the Evidence Act era—central to making government decisions that are fast, relevant, and rooted in evidence.
In conclusion, Paul underscores that lasting government reform begins with data and evidence, but it must be stewarded through policy, leadership, and guardrails that encourage sustained adoption. His message is clear: data isn’t just a tool—it’s the foundation of modern governance.
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Today, Alissa Czyz, Director of Defense Capabilities and Management at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), joins Francis to expose a critical, costly challenge facing the Defense Department: mismanaged real property. Alissa shares how the Pentagon oversees a staggering portfolio of more than 700,000 facilities valued at $2.2 trillion, but a lack of consistent data across the military services is undermining its ability to manage and maintain these assets effectively.
Alissa explains that although DOD issued standardized guidance nearly a decade ago to measure facility utilization, most services still rely on outdated or inconsistent methods. The Air Force only recently adopted DOD’s approach, while the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps continue to use their own inconsistent systems—leaving DOD without a true enterprise-wide view of how its property is being used or wasted.
She outlines how the Army is piloting promising new tools to better measure space utilization, but inconsistencies persist across the services. She describes how installation-level control of facilities makes sense locally but creates a system-wide blind spot, preventing the Pentagon from managing risk and optimizing its enormous real estate portfolio.
Alissa and Francis explore GAO’s five recommendations to DOD, including holding services accountable for consistent utilization measurements and requiring risk management processes that span entire services—not just single installations.
You can read more about GAO’s findings and recommendations on today’s show page at fedgovtoday.com. And you can subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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Today, former NSA Technical Director and Synack co-founder, Mark Kuhr, breaks down the rapid evolution of generative AI, agentic AI, and their deep impact on cybersecurity across government. Mark explains that the proliferation of AI tools, like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, creates urgent new risks for agencies around data control and network security. He stresses the importance of securing sensitive data by encouraging the use of government-developed AI tools instead of consumer-grade models, avoiding potential leaks similar to past shadow IT problems.
Drawing on his public and private sector experience, Mark highlights the critical privacy concerns both sectors face as employees blend personal and work-related AI usage, often without proper controls. He discusses how the adoption of government-specific AI tools, like GSA’s new initiative, is a smart move toward safeguarding agency data. Mark also introduces agentic AI—the next frontier where multiple specialized AI agents collaborate autonomously to solve problems, mimicking human teamwork.
Mark emphasizes that in a world where adversaries are using AI to exploit vulnerabilities within minutes, defenders must move just as fast—or faster—by automating security and vulnerability management. He discusses the urgent need to modernize legacy systems, evolve FedRAMP toward machine-to-machine compliance verification, and embrace AI-driven vulnerability scanning.
Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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Today, we dive deep into the critical shifts happening in defense acquisition strategies. Former Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Nick Guertin, joins the program to unpack the Defense Department’s new guidance mandating a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to building military capabilities. Nick shares behind-the-scenes insights on how modularity and open standards aren't just technical buzzwords—they are essential to staying ahead in a world where adversaries are evolving rapidly.
Nick reflects on his time leading transformation within the Navy, including establishing a new Deputy Assistant Secretary role focused on mission systems and championing the creation of a Naval Modular Open Systems Approach guidebook. He discusses how breaking systems into modular, upgradeable parts allows the military to adapt faster without the time and cost of massive overhauls. Francis and Nick explore how modularity balances innovation with potential risks like requirements creep, ultimately ensuring that forces stay mission-ready with flexibility built into every ship, airplane, and system from the ground up.
You can find a link to the new guidance on today's show page at fedgovtoday.com. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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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.
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Today we dive into the transformative potential of a new executive order that could finally shake up the federal acquisition system. Francis is joined by Stan Soloway, President and CEO of Celero Strategies and former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition Reform, for an insightful conversation on what the executive order really means—and why it could be a rare turning point after decades of inertia.
Soloway peels back the rhetoric surrounding the EO and homes in on its substantive goals: modernizing the bloated and outdated 2,000-page Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and re-centering government procurement around commercially available software. He explains how this could revive FAR Part 12—the original commercial buying framework—and outlines why past reform attempts fizzled. Stan also highlights the critical role of investment in human capital and tech infrastructure, noting that meaningful change won’t happen without it.
Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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Today, the spotlight is on zero trust—not just as a cybersecurity strategy, but as a cultural and operational shift across government. With the Department of Defense aiming to fully operationalize its zero trust strategy by 2027, the pressure is on agencies to go beyond checklists and truly embed zero trust principles into their missions. Joining Francis is Ryan Zacha, Solution Architect at Booz Allen, who shares deep insights into what it takes to make zero trust work—beyond the buzzwords.
Ryan highlights successful government-industry partnerships like the Thunderdome program, which provides a scalable model for delivering cutting-edge security capabilities across the Department of Defense. He emphasizes the need for collaborative engagement where industry partners help federal teams analyze their current environments, identify capability gaps, and chart strategic implementation roadmaps.
One of the biggest challenges, Ryan notes, is cultural—not technological. Many agencies have the tools and architectures they need, but fear and uncertainty around data classification and access control often stall progress. He urges agencies not to wait for perfect standards or top-down direction but to begin now with foundational data analysis and strategic planning.
Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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Today’s conversation turns to one of the most pressing and controversial issues facing the Department of Defense: a sweeping mandate for workforce reduction. Former Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) Dov Zakheim joins the show to unpack the urgent memo issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which gives military services and agencies just two weeks to analyze and recommend personnel cuts.
Zakheim warns that while the intention behind the workforce realignment—boosting efficiency and modernizing operations—is commendable, the rushed timeline may lead to damaging and shortsighted decisions. Drawing on his experience and a recent piece he authored for The Hill, Zakheim outlines why the process must extend all the way down the chain of command and allow new leaders time to find their footing.
For a link to Zakheim’s article and the official memo, visit the show page at fedgovtoday.com. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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We dive deep into the future of the Defense Department’s cyber and technology workforce with retired Lieutenant General Susan Lawrence, former Army CIO/G-6 and current President and CEO of AFCEA International. As one of the key leaders at the recent 2025 Cyber Workforce Summit, General Lawrence shares exclusive insights into the event’s genesis, its explosive growth, and the collaborative efforts between government and industry to address the critical cyber talent gap.
General Lawrence also reveals how today’s evolving threat landscape—what she calls “the speed of the threat”—requires rapid innovation and an all-hands-on-deck approach that includes civilian partners. She previews TechNet Cyber, AFCEA’s flagship event, which will feature the largest number of stages ever, showcasing thought leadership from DISA, OSD, Cyber Command, academia, and industry alike.
Learn more about TechNet Cyber and register at fedgovtoday.com/events, and catch Fed Gov Today TV every Sunday on ABC 7 and YouTube for more exclusive insights from federal leaders.
Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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Francis welcomes Dawn Simpson, Director of Financial Management and Assurance at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), to discuss the IRS's notable improvements in internal controls and the reliability of its financial data.
Dawn outlines how the IRS addressed 21 prior-year deficiencies in information systems, leading to the removal of a previously reported significant deficiency. She explains the key areas of progress — particularly in access controls and configuration management — and why these enhancements matter not only for accurate year-end financial statements but also for real-time confidence in financial data throughout the fiscal year.
She also offers insights into the ongoing nature of GAO’s audit work — highlighting how it’s common to resolve past issues while uncovering new ones — and stresses the critical role of manual monitoring in tandem with automated controls. One standout recommendation: agencies must ensure the data they extract from financial systems truly reflects their intended policies, such as depreciation calculations.
Find links to Dawn’s work on IRS financial management and more details about upcoming events and episodes at FedGovToday.com.
Subscribe and listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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Former GSA Administrator, Emily Murphy, joins Francis to break down the implications of an executive order tasking GSA to once again become the government’s central buying authority. Murphy shares her insights on what it will take to successfully transition procurement functions from multiple agencies into GSA, including the structural, personnel, and cultural shifts required to make it work.
Francis and Emily explore the lessons learned from early pilots with SBA and OPM, the complexities of retraining 1102s, and how GSA must retain its hard-won customer-first culture to avoid the pitfalls of the past. She underscores the importance of speed, agility, and agency collaboration to meet mission needs—warning that savings alone mean little if agencies can’t get what they need, when they need it.
In addition, Emily shares candid reflections on GSA’s physical footprint, including the historical yet aging headquarters at 1800 F Street, and how the agency can remain operationally effective even if it relocates. She also discusses the ongoing federal property disposal process, the challenges of building decommissioning, and the future of the Public Building Service.
Subscribe and listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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It’s business as usual at one key government agency—even as the federal workforce faces uncertainty. Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, joins the show to talk about a major milestone: the G Fund’s 38th birthday. Kaplan reflects on the TSP’s growth from its humble beginnings to serving over 7.2 million participants with $900 billion in assets.
He breaks down why the G Fund remains a foundational piece of many retirement portfolios, especially as part of the increasingly popular lifecycle (L) funds. Kaplan also highlights record-high participation in matching contributions—88.5% for FERS and nearly 90% for the Blended Retirement System—crediting successful auto-enrollment and personalized outreach strategies that nudge federal employees to maximize their benefits. Find more details about your TSP account and the G Fund’s birthday at FedGovToday.com.
Subscribe and listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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