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In this episode of GovTech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the complexities and frustrations of the reference process within government procurement. They explore different perspectives on the necessity and challenges of obtaining company and project references. The discussion highlights the issues with verifying past work, especially due to the mobility of personnel and non-disclosure agreements in industries like cybersecurity. Russell and Jennifer propose potential solutions, such as using attestation letters or maintaining a database of references to avoid repetitive verification. The conversation also covers the administrative burden and expenses associated with the current referencing system, emphasizing a need for reform. They suggest adopting a more flexible approach, similar to federal practices and propose piloting new methods to test their effectiveness in reducing project failures while saving time and costs.
00:00 Introduction to GovTech Today
00:16 Understanding the Reference Process
00:58 Challenges with Company References
07:39 Issues with Individual and Project References
12:17 Proposed Solutions and Alternatives
17:13 Conclusion and Call to Action
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In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the intricacies of the Budget Change Proposal (BCP) process, a key driver of state technology spending. They explain the extensive timeline and multiple approval layers involved in drafting a BCP at the department level. They also highlight the challenges with inflexible budget allocations, outdated technology requirements, and internal competition among departments. The discussion explores potential improvements like incorporating flexibility in procurement and leveraging generative AI to streamline the BCP process. Emphasis is placed on the significance of understanding and collaborating on the BCP process for better state technology outcomes.
00:00 Introduction to GovTech Today00:14 Understanding the Budget Change Proposal (BCP)
01:14 The BCP Approval Process
02:07 Challenges in the BCP Process
04:00 The Role of Departments and Agencies
07:55 Impact of Delays and Outdated Proposals
09:02 Improving the BCP Process with AI
13:20 Flexibility and Adaptability in Procurement
18:35 Potential Solutions and Pilot Projects
19:58 Conclusion and Action Items
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In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the intricacies of the procurement process, specifically focusing on the requirements set during the RFP (Request for Proposal) and RFO (Request for Offer) stages. They discuss the spectrum of requirement specificity, from broad, innovation-focused RFIs (Request for Innovative Ideas) to highly detailed lists exceeding a thousand requirements. The conversation covers the impact of these approaches on vendor participation, potential perceptions of bias, and the need for flexibility and transparency in government procurement to foster the best solutions. The episode concludes by considering strategies for aligning procurement timelines with technology advancements to ensure relevant and modern requirements.
00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today
00:26 Understanding Requirements in RFP/RFO Processes
01:30 Challenges with Overly Specific Requirements
05:31 Finding a Balanced Approach
06:37 The Importance of Transparency
09:36 Adapting to Technological Changes
12:11 Conclusion and Future Insights
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In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the intricacies of government procurement processes, focusing on the importance of budget transparency. They discuss the challenges vendors face without clear budget information in RFPs, using analogies to highlight the disparities in bids for government projects. Jennifer shares her passion for procurement and advocates for a cultural shift towards including budget guidance in RFPs to ensure a fairer and more competitive bidding environment. The conversation also touches on the policy changes required to foster this transparency.
00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today00:42 The Importance of Budget Transparency in Procurement
01:52 Challenges and Impacts of Budget Secrecy
06:22 Proposed Solutions for Budget Disclosure
09:36 Policy Changes and Advocacy for Transparency
10:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of Gov Tech Today, host Jennifer Saha welcomes Igor Lys from the Government Tomorrow Forum to discuss his international journey from cultural diplomacy to government advisory. Igor shares insights on how diverse backgrounds and experiences can foster new ideas for government improvement. They delve into the complexities of risk aversion in government, international differences in governance, and the significant impact of AI on public services. Igor emphasizes the importance of creating platforms for interdisciplinary collaboration to generate innovative solutions for the future of governance. The conversation also touches upon workforce challenges in the public sector and the critical role of effective data management. Igor inspires listeners with his vision for the Government Tomorrow Forum's objectives and future initiatives.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:29 Igor Lys: Background and Career Journey
02:59 Government's Fear of Failure and Risk Aversion
05:22 International Government Improvement Initiatives
10:17 Generative AI in Government
15:27 Challenges and Opportunities with AI
39:05 Government Tomorrow Forum: Vision and Future
43:56 Conclusion and Invitation to California
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In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the intersection of commerce and government with California DMV Director Steve Gordon. Gordon shares his journey from the private sector to leading DMV's significant technological transformation. Topics include decision-making, overcoming challenges, enhancing customer service, and future-proofing DMV operations. The episode also highlights DMV's innovative social media strategy and vendor partnerships, emphasizing the importance of technology in improving state services.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:29 Steve Gordon's Journey from Private to Public Sector
02:22 Challenges and Technological Transformations at the DMV
04:43 Overcoming Obstacles and Implementing Changes
07:19 Customer-Centric Innovations and Online Services
10:58 Ensuring Long-Term Success and Embracing Emerging Technologies
14:55 Effective Social Media Strategies and Public Engagement
18:46 Partnerships with the Vendor Community
24:26 Conclusion and Future Outlook
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In this special episode of GovTech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha welcome Sadie St. Lawrence, a leading expert in data and AI, to discuss her journey into the data field, the importance of women in data, and her global nonprofit organization Women in Data. Sadie shares her unconventional path from piano performance to data science, the mission of Women in Data to increase diversity in data careers, and her latest initiatives including data education and AI strategy. They also touch on the unique challenges and opportunities for women in the public sector and the evolving role of data in government decision-making.
00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
00:30 Sadie St. Lawrence's Journey into Data Science
03:25 Jen Sayha's Background and Transition to Tech
06:02 Overview of Women in Data Organization
10:34 Challenges and Strategies for Women in Data
13:34 Government Sector and Data Leadership
22:04 Future of Human-Machine Collaboration
25:06 How to Get Involved and Final Thoughts
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In this special episode of Gov Tech Today, host Russell Lowery speaks with Michael Sekamanya, CEO of Ametnas, about the company's innovative approach to orchestrating business applications with a focus on privacy and security. They discuss the implications of AI technology, including ChatGPT, for both the private and public sectors. Michael Sekamanya explains how Ametnas helps businesses deploy, maintain, and secure applications in private environments, catering to complex data governance and regulatory needs. He also delves into the challenges and solutions of integrating AI while maintaining data security and outlines how non-tech experts can effectively utilize these tools. Finally, they explore the importance of preparing and cleaning data to leverage AI capabilities efficiently.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:05 Overview of Ametnas and Its Services
03:49 Applications in the Public Sector
05:25 AI and Data Management Challenges
11:08 Deploying AI Solutions in Business
18:18 Security and Privacy in AI Deployment
26:52 The Future of AI and Getting Started
28:36 Conclusion and Contact Information
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In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the recent legislative budget revisions for the State of California, which projects a $45 billion budget shortfall for the 2024-2025 budget year. Despite initial fears of larger deficits, early governmental actions have mitigated some of this gap. The episode further explores the implications of these budgetary decisions on technology projects and state workforce, highlighting how the tech sector might navigate these fiscal constraints. Special attention is given to AI initiatives and significant modernization projects that will continue despite cuts, such as those at the Employment Development Department and Department of Motor Vehicles. The discussion also covers the strategic importance of advocacy in budgeting for technology and potential impacts on public health initiatives due to budget cuts. Additionally, the hosts delve into the mechanics of the budget process, the strategy around member requests in the legislature, and the potential for adjustments during the 'budget bill junior' phase.
00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today: Bridging the Gap
00:10 Analyzing the Legislative Budget and May Revision
02:04 The Impact on Technology Projects and AI Initiatives
03:40 Engagement and Advocacy in the Tech Community
06:05 Statewide Implications and Budget Cuts
08:34 Navigating Spending Freezes and Contract Challenges
11:06 Future of Big Modernization Projects and Public Health Concerns
13:24 The Legislative Process and Budget Negotiations
14:47 Looking Ahead: Budget Bill Junior and Advocacy Opportunities
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This episode of GovTech Today with hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha examines the recent FTC ruling that prohibits most non-compete clauses, which previously restricted employees from joining a competitor post-employment. Traditionally unenforceable in California, this change has a significant national impact. The hosts discuss the implications for businesses, which have relied on these clauses to protect investments in customer relationships and employee development, leading to potential increased litigation and reevaluation of business models. Conversely, the ban could enhance mobility and opportunities for employees, fostering an environment where companies might need to focus more on retaining talent through positive work conditions rather than legal restrictions.
00:00 Introduction to GovTech Today: Bridging Com and Gov
00:20 Exploring the Impact of the FTC's Non-Compete Clause Ban
02:21 The Legal Battle Begins: Understanding Both Sides
07:02 The Broader Implications for Businesses and Employees
15:55 Navigating the Future: Strategies for Employers and Employees
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In this edition of GovTech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the importance of broadband access for all Californians, emphasizing the state's efforts to bridge the digital divide. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity of reliable internet access as students had to rely on broadband to attend school remotely, highlighting inequities in access. The state of California has initiated a large-scale effort, involving significant investments from both federal and state levels, to ensure every Californian has access to broadband. This initiative, spearheaded by the state's Department of Technology, Public Utilities Commission, and Department of Transportation, aims to make broadband accessible even in rural or economically disadvantaged areas by leveraging public infrastructure and funding to make it viable for private carriers to extend their services. The program also considers the role of the federal government and the complexities of implementing such infrastructure, including regulatory and equity issues. The initiative is in progress, with planning and grants for the 'middle mile' already under way, and efforts to address the 'last mile' to ensure comprehensive coverage.
00:00 Introduction to Bridging the Digital Divide
00:22 The Urgency of Broadband Access in California
01:32 Understanding the Need for Massive Broadband Investment
02:56 Government's Role in Subsidizing Broadband Infrastructure
06:15 The Complexities of Public and Private Broadband Partnerships
08:11 Equity and Accessibility: The Core of Broadband Initiatives
10:51 The Process and Progress of Broadband Infrastructure Development
14:54 Innovative Procurement and Future Plans
17:05 Exploring New Solutions with RFI 2 Process
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In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the enterprise approach to procurement in government departments and agencies, highlighting its impact on technology decisions and operations. They dive into the concept of enterprise infrastructure, using personal technology choices as an analogy, and explore how a unified system can offer interoperability, volume discounts, and simplified staff training. However, they also point out the downsides, such as reduced competition and vulnerability risks. The conversation covers examples like the state of California's email system and the Department of Public Health's efforts to consolidate data systems for better interoperability. The hosts debate the balance between pursuing volume discounts through enterprise contracts and the need for flexibility to support small and diverse businesses, acknowledging the complexities of government procurement and suggesting a potential middle ground.
00:00 Introduction to GovTech Today
00:19 Exploring the Enterprise Approach in Government Procurement
02:41 Pros and Cons of an Enterprise Approach
09:19 Case Study: Department of Public Health's Enterprise Strategy
13:33 Challenges and Opportunities in Enterprise-Wide Contracts
17:08 Security and Efficiency in Government Technology Contracts
21:18 Concluding Thoughts on the Enterprise Approach
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This episode of Gov Tech Today features hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha in conversation with Justin Brown, former Secretary of Human Services for Oklahoma, about the use and impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government services, particularly in health and human services. Brown discusses his experiences and insights gained from serving during the pandemic, his role in spearheading conversations about AI across states, and the foundation of the Center for Public Sector AI. The discussion delves into the challenges and opportunities AI presents in enhancing client and workforce experiences, reducing regulatory burdens, and improving systemic efficiency within government services. The episode highlights the importance of ethical considerations, education, and creating operational guardrails for AI deployment, alongside exploring how AI can address critical issues like the benefits cliff, and improve decision-making, workforce processes, and cultural accessibility. A future outlook for the Center for Public Sector AI and its role in fostering collaboration across sectors to leverage AI for societal benefits is also discussed.
00:00 Welcome to GovTech Today: Bridging Com and Gov
00:41 Introducing Justin Brown: Insights from a Public Service Leader
02:12 The Genesis of AI Focus in Public Service
03:16 Forming the Center for Public Sector AI: A Collaborative Effort
05:19 Educating Leaders and Setting Ethical Guardrails for AI
09:38 Exploring AI's Potential in Health and Human Services
10:36 California's Role and Comparisons in AI Adoption
12:46 Addressing Data Quality and Governance in AI Applications
14:54 Unpacking AI Use Cases and the Future of Public Sector AI
30:53 The Center for Public Sector AI: A Vision for the Future
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In this episode of Govtech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha explore the transformative landscape of coding and development, especially within the state government sector, with insights from an experienced GitLab developer. The conversation covers the developer's journey from QA to coding for product and sales consulting, emphasizing the rapid evolution of coding languages and methodologies over the decades, including the shift towards Agile development. The focal point of the discussion is the impact and integration of AI in coding, highlighting its role in enhancing efficiency, automating processes, and the potential for AI to revolutionize code refactoring, making it faster and more accessible. Additionally, the episode delves into how GitLab's culture, openness, and user-driven expansion have positioned it as a vital tool for developers. The significance of AI in government, the challenges of adapting old code with modern technologies, and the ways GitLab supports transparent, efficient coding practices in the public sector are also examined. This conversation sheds light on the ongoing changes in the coding world, the pivotal role of AI, and the importance of platforms like GitLab in bridging the gap between traditional and modern coding environments.
00:00 Introduction to Govtech Today
00:25 Bridging the Gap: From Coding Novice to Expert Insights
01:09 The Evolutionary Journey of a Developer
02:25 Navigating the Shifts in Technology and Career Paths
03:50 AI: Hype or Game Changer?
06:09 AI in State Government: Opportunities and Challenges
06:48 Embracing DevSecOps and Agile in Government
08:03 The Cult of GitLab: Security, Development, and AI
11:07 AI's Role in Refactoring and Code Efficiency
14:06 Bridging the Skills Gap with AI and GitLab
21:31 AI Transparency and Ethics in Government
24:42 Generative AI: Definitions, Applications, and Transparency
28:59 Concluding Thoughts on AI and Coding
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In this episode of GovTech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jen Saha discuss the ongoing efforts in California to legislate and regulate Generative AI (Gen AI). They delve into key legislative proposals from Senator Wiener and Assemblywoman Bauer Kahn, focusing on their intent to provide clear guidelines and protections concerning the use of AI. Amidst discussions on the complexities and challenges of regulating Gen AI, the episode highlights concerns about potential federal preemption, the necessity for state action, and the implications of EU's AI regulations. The hosts also tackle the new Gen AI guidelines issued by California's Department of Technology, aimed at informing state departments on procuring and utilizing Gen AI technologies responsibly. The conversation covers the breadth of public, legislative, and regulatory responses to Gen AI's rapid development and its societal, ethical, and employment implications within the state's governance framework.
00:00 Welcome to GovTech Today: Bridging the Gap Between Commerce and Government
00:22 Diving Into Legislation: The Battle Over Gen AI Bills
01:15 The Legislative Debate: Unworkable Bills and Federal Preemption
04:00 Finding Middle Ground: Protecting the Public and Navigating AI Legislation
04:51 The Governor's Influence and Addressing Bias and Labor in AI
09:28 Navigating the Complexities of AI Regulation and Procurement
15:16 The Paradox of Innovation in Government: Balancing Risk and Opportunity
22:13 The Future of Gen AI in Government: Challenges and Opportunities
27:59 Conclusion: The Urgent Need for Clarity and Efficiency in AI Governance
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In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha explore the ongoing reforms in government technology procurement, focusing on the complexities and frustrations within the terms and conditions of procurement contracts. They discuss a specific comment period and a significant hearing where industry professionals and government representatives attempt to address these issues, highlighting the need for changes that benefit both parties. Key areas of concern include liability limits, cybersecurity, data handling, and intellectual property rights. The episode reveals differing opinions on liability, the challenges of data protection in a global workforce, and how current terms may stifle innovation and limit small business participation in government contracts. By examining other states' approaches and advocating for clearer, more adaptable terms, the episode underscores the importance of continued dialogue and reform to foster better government-vendor relations and encourage technological advancement in government services.
00:00 Welcome to GovTech Today: Bridging the Gap Between .Com and .Gov
00:28 The Ongoing Effort for Procurement Reform
02:01 Navigating Terms and Conditions: A Vendor's Perspective
03:10 Streamlining Documents for Clarity and Efficiency
04:21 Addressing Liability Concerns in Government Contracts
09:05 The Impact of Unlimited Liability on Small Businesses
12:07 Exploring Intellectual Property and Data Rights Issues
14:47 Balancing Security, Accessibility, and Cost in Data Management
18:26 The Challenges of Security Definitions and Notifications
26:21 The Future of Government Procurement: A Call for Engagement
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In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the world of data management within the government sector, sparked by the growing interest in AI technologies like ChatGPT. They invite Athol Smith, a seasoned data expert with over 30 years of experience, to share his insights on the evolution of data storage, the challenges and opportunities of storing data in the cloud, and the importance of data maturity and governance in leveraging data effectively for government operations. Smith discusses his early career in data management, the transition from physical storage to cloud solutions, and the critical role of comprehensive data governance in maximizing data utility while minimizing costs. The conversation also touches on the potential future of data management in government, emphasizing the need for chief data and AI officers in departments to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape.
00:00 Welcome to GovTech Today: Bridging Com and Gov
00:17 Special Episode: Deep Dive into Data's Moment with Athol Smith
01:34 Athol Smith: 30+ Years in Data and Its Evolution
02:44 The Evolution of Data Storage: From Tapes to Cloud
05:46 State Government's Data Storage Today: Challenges and Strategies
09:37 AI's Impact on Data Strategy and Storage Costs
12:00 Leveraging Data in the Private Sector: A Case Study
26:15 The Importance of Data Maturity and Governance
32:34 Closing Thoughts and Future of Data and AI in Government
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In this edition of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha explore the challenges businesses face in navigating the complex web of privacy regulations across different jurisdictions including federal, international, and state levels, particularly highlighting the variances between states like California and others. They discuss the implications of divergent regulations for businesses, the role of strategic counsel in finding the most favorable regulations, and how different sectors and states drive legislation. The conversation also covers the upcoming regulatory challenges with AI, the impact of California's environmental policies at the federal level, and the importance of engagement and expertise from the private sector in shaping effective and balanced regulations.
00:00 Introduction to the Complex World of Regulations
00:44 The Challenges of Privacy Regulations
01:46 The Impact of Divergent Regulations on Businesses
02:44 The Role of Business Interests in Shaping Regulations
03:52 The Influence of State-Specific Regulations
04:34 The Confusion Surrounding AI Regulations
06:22 The Power of Regulatory Capture
08:11 The Influence of California's Regulations on Federal Policies
10:23 The Future of AI Regulations
12:32 The Role of Politics in Shaping Regulations
16:10 The Importance of Engaging with the Regulatory Process
20:04 Conclusion: The Call to Action for Businesses
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In this episode of Gov Tech Today, the hosts, Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha, discuss procurement reform in state government, specifically in California. They express concerns for the need to improve the traditional method of procurement, explaining that it may be more fitting to refer to it as 'procurement modernization' or 'procurement streamlining'. The conversation involves examining past and present procurement strategies, drawbacks of exhaustive requirements in RFPs, and ways to make the process more efficient. They highlight that the objective is not to make dramatic changes, but to introduce small, manageable tweaks that can potentially make the system more efficient and lead to better service delivery. The potential benefits of being transparent about budget allocations during the bidding process is discussed, as well as the need for flexibility in human capital projections for multi-year projects. The pair also share examples of best practices from other regions such as Utah and suggest ways California could learn from these methods. The conversation concludes with an optimistic note about the future of procurement processes, provided there is a balance between risk tolerance and innovation.
00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today
00:15 Understanding Procurement Reform
00:34 The Challenges of Current Procurement Processes
02:28 The Issue with Individual References
05:28 The Problem with Project Planning
06:10 The Need for Procurement Reform
07:45 The Role of Tech and Programmatic Teams in Procurement
09:58 The Benefits of Disclosing Budgets in RFPs
13:51 Learning from Other States' Procurement Processes
15:49 Turning Complaints into Actionable Steps
17:10 Conclusion: The Future of Procurement
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This episode of 'Govtech Today' delves into the complexities and intricacies of selling to the government and B2G operations, hosted by Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha. The hosts differentiate between business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer, and business-to-government (B2G) sales, stating that selling to the government (B2G) is uniquely challenging due to its risk averseness and its lack of a profit incentive. Government's mission is to serve citizens and its spendings come from taxpayers' money, making it essential for them to evade risky, innovative ideas that could result in financial losses. Several constraints, including transparency protocols, rules, regulations, and policy priorities, all add layers of complexity and lengthen the procurement cycle. The conversation further explores the impact of the government's changing policy priorities, the obstacles in instigating procurement reforms, and how long-term planning could help in mitigating some of these issues. Lastly, the episode reveals a need for flexibility in dealing with laws and a goal for making the procurement process a little better.
00:00 Introduction to Selling to the Government
00:27 Understanding the Differences in Government Sales
02:04 Impact of Government's Non-Profit Incentive on Sales
03:27 The Role of Transparency in Government Procurement
05:05 Challenges of Government Rules and Regulations
06:45 Government's Risk Aversion and its Impact on Innovation
08:11 Policy Priorities and their Impact on Procurement Costs
11:12 The Struggle to Navigate Procurement Rules and Regulations
13:38 The Challenge of Procurement Reform
16:01 Conclusion: Making the Procurement Process Better
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