
ATARC Federal IT Newscast
The Advanced Technology Academic Research Center (ATARC) is a leading organization dedicated to fostering collaboration between government, academia, and industry to drive the adoption and integration of emerging technologies within the federal government. Established to bridge the gap between these critical sectors, ATARC provides a unique platform for technology leaders and innovators to share knowledge, explore new ideas, and solve pressing challenges.
Latest episodes

Jul 18, 2024 • 56min
Doing Tech Better in Government with Alicia Scott, Department of the Navy and LTC Melissa Sayers, United States Army
Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of data and innovation in government with Alicia Scott, Technical Director for the Chief Data Office at the U.S. Navy, and LTC Melissa Sayers, Data Scientist at G5 Support and Plans and Policy, First Army. Together, in this Data Science Panel, they explore cutting-edge approaches to enhancing visibility and efficiency, promoting innovation, and automating processes to optimize time utilization in the workplace. Don't miss this insightful discussion on leveraging data for strategic advantage and driving impactful change in government operations!

Jul 8, 2024 • 42min
Doing Tech Better in Government with May Cheng, Acting Chief Information Officer, International Trade Administration
In this episode, we dive in with May Cheng, Acting Chief Information Officer at the International Trade Administration. With over 25 years of experience across various federal agencies, May shares insights into promoting U.S. exports, defending against unfair trade practices, and enhancing international competitiveness. Discover how she leads a team of 160+ IT professionals, collaborates on emerging technologies, and discusses the transformative impact of the SAFE program. Tune in as we explore the critical importance of re-skilling staff to update operational models and ensure ongoing relevance in today's dynamic trade landscape.

Jun 20, 2024 • 34min
Doing Tech Better in Government with Sean McIntyre, Deputy CIO of Supervision and Platform Services, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
In this episode, we sit down with Sean McIntyre, the Deputy CIO of Supervision and Platform Services at the OCC. Sean delves into the mission of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and shares his wisdom on transforming organizational mindsets. Learn how fostering a collective approach can enhance teamwork and drive success in any institution. Tune in for a compelling conversation that will inspire you to rethink how you approach organizational dynamics and mission-driven work!

Jun 6, 2024 • 31min
Doing Tech Better in Government with Jess Berrellez, Executive Officer, Office of Digital Transformation (ODT), FDA
In this episode, we sit down with Jess Berrellez, Executive Officer in the FDA’s Office of Digital Transformation (ODT). Jess, instrumental in the establishment of ODT in 2021, oversees the agency’s enterprise technology, data, and cybersecurity operations. She shares insights into the development of the FDA's IT strategy and discusses the transformative impact of the TMAP initiative on organizational efficiency and evolution. Jess also highlights the critical importance of uniting subject matter experts to create a cohesive organization and enhance transparency. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of digital transformation at the FDA!

May 23, 2024 • 47min
Doing Tech Better in Government with Jennifer Swanson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Data - Engineering - Software), ASA(ALT), U.S. Army
In this episode we are joined by Jennifer Swanson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Data - Engineering - Software), ASA(ALT), who provides a comprehensive overview of how the U.S. Army is evolving its software development practices through new policies that embrace Agile development, continuous improvement, and user-centric design. The establishment of a Digital Contracting Capabilities Center of Excellence marks a pivotal move in revolutionizing how the Army acquires and implements technology, ensuring it remains agile, efficient, and responsive to the needs of its users. Join us as we unpack these transformative changes and discuss their implications for the future of Army software development.

May 9, 2024 • 20min
Doing Tech Better in Government with Ben Baldi, SVP of Public Sector, Tricentis
Join us for this installment of “Doing Tech Better in Government” where host Brian Fox is joined by Ben Baldi, SVP of Public Sector at Tricentis. Deep dive into this discussion surrounding government agencies seeking to embrace innovation, but encountering a myriad of challenges such as maintaining compliance and security. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on the future of technological innovation within government settings!

Apr 25, 2024 • 36min
Doing Tech Better in Government with Jennifer Pahlka, Former US Deputy Chief Technology Officer, The White House, Office of Science and Technology Policy
Tune in to “Doing Tech Better in Government” for an inspiring conversation on reshaping institutions and empowering change. We are joined by Jennifer Pahlka, Former US Deputy CTO, The White House, Office of Science and Technology Policy and Author as she shares her mission to recode America through principles and values in government. From founding "Code for America" to helping shape what would become the "United States Digital Service," her impact has been profound. Now, she's extending her vision to promote advancements in the military and elevate voices often overlooked in leadership circles.

Apr 11, 2024 • 33min
Doing Tech Better in Government with Eric Mill, Executive Director for Cloud Strategy and Zaree Singer, FEDRAMP’s Agency Engagement Lead at the GSA
Tune in for the newest episode of "Doing Tech Better in Government" where we dive into the world of FEDRAMP in government with Eric Mill, Executive Director for Cloud Strategy and Zaree Singer, FEDRAMP’s Agency Engagement Lead from the GSA. Mill and Singer shed light on how FEDRAMP aims to streamline approval processes, ensure agencies can leverage cloud-based applications effectively, and ultimately empower them to fulfill their missions with enhanced efficiency and security in the digital era. Join us as we explore the pivotal role of FEDRAMP in shaping the future of government technology transformation.

Mar 14, 2024 • 42min
Doing Tech Better with Aric Sherwood, Director of Acquisitions at Army PEO EIS
On this episode of "Doing Tech Better in Government" we explore the world of government technology and innovation with Aric Sherwood, Director of Acquisition at Army PEO EIS. Sherwood shares the significance in having a common vernacular for understanding diverse customer bases, the importance of collaboration amongst agilists, and the pivotal role of digital transformation in refining messaging strategies. Discover why comprehensive training is crucial in fostering a collective understanding of the purpose behind moving forward digitally as an organization. Tune in now as we unravel the strategies for successfully navigating the complexities of organizational agility!

Feb 28, 2024 • 27min
Solving for X: Season 2, Episode 7: Growing Good in Government: Cultivating the Feedback Loops of the Future
Join us in this insightful episode as we delve into the transformative world of systems thinking across government sectors. We spotlight a groundbreaking USDA initiative known as the Growing Good in Government Initiative (G3I). The G3I is a holistic approach to understanding the entirety of our shared complexity across the Federal Governance and Performance Management Frameworks. The approach looks to maximize value to stakeholders through coordinated efforts of two priorities: the Integrated Value Network (IVN) and the USDA Program/Project Management (P/PM) Community of Practice (CoP).
The IVN's impact is evident in organizations like the VA, where response times to OMB requests have remarkably improved from a 2-3 week wait to a mere 90-minute turnaround. Discover how this has been made possible through the mapping of the USDA’s strategic plan onto each agency component and business service level, fostering a rich feedback loop that enhances communication both internally and externally.In this episode, we explore the concept of benefits realization management, investigating how it translates the delivery mechanisms of agencies to the public. We also dive into the universal language that bridges the federal workforce experience (EX) with the citizen experience (CX). Join us to unravel these questions and more, as we navigate the exciting path of government service innovation.