Fed Gov Today

We dive into the burning question on every federal HR leader’s mind: What’s next for the federal workforce? The Internal Revenue Service just cut 6,700 jobs—less than half of the original 15,000 slated for layoffs—after an intense internal review. Former ODNI Chief Human Capital Officer, Dr. Ron Sanders, joins the show to break down how the IRS leadership tackled these painful cuts and what other agencies can learn from the process.Sanders, now President and CEO of Public Virtu, explains the delicate dance between career staff and political appointees in navigating these unprecedented workforce changes. He argues that agency leaders must assert control over their own workforce decisions, rather than bowing to external pressures. We also discuss the broader implications of workforce reductions across government and what role Congress will play in shaping future headcount targets.Plus, with AI-driven workforce management and high-profile agency shake-ups—like OPM shutting down its procurement shop—Sanders warns that these are just the “baby steps” in a long-term transformation of the federal workforce. Where does trust between political and career leadership stand in this shifting landscape? And how should federal employees respond to direct calls from top leadership?Stay tuned for Fed Gov Today TV this Sunday at 10:30 AM on ABC 7 in Washington, where we’ll explore how moving the Postal Service to the Commerce Department could play out. And don’t miss next Tuesday’s podcast, where we tackle protecting AI applications from cyber threats with the Government Accountability Office’s Tina Won Sherman.Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

In a conversation with the Government Accountability Office’s Travis Masters, Director of Contracting and National Security Acquisitions, we’re tackling the biggest acquisition challenges at the Department of Homeland Security and how agencies can fix them. He breaks down a recent GAO report that highlights critical roadblocks in DHS acquisition, including overwhelming workloads, lengthy hiring timeframes, and a lack of comprehensive workforce data.Travis explains how GAO selected four DHS components—Coast Guard, CBP, ICE, and TSA—for analysis, representing two-thirds of the department’s contract obligations in 2023. He shares insights from interviews with 55 acquisition professionals, revealing that heavy workload issues—caused by staffing shortages, role overlap, and inefficient processes—are a top concern. Additionally, hiring delays of up to 18 months, often due to security clearance bottlenecks, are making it harder to bring in needed talent.Travis outlines GAO’s four recommendations to DHS, emphasizing the need for clear strategies to link mitigation efforts to real challenges. He also shares actionable advice for other agencies looking to get ahead of similar acquisition hurdles.Don’t miss Fed Gov Today TV this Sunday at 10:30 AM on ABC 7 in Washington, featuring the Navy’s Acting Chief Technology Officer, Justin Fanelli, on the service’s digital modernization journey. You can also watch it live on YouTube or catch up anytime on FedGovToday.com.

Federal Chief Data Officers are coming into their own. What was once an additional hat many CDOs wore is now evolving into a distinct and primary role in federal agencies. Kirsten Dalboe, Chief Data Officer at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Chair of the Chief Data Officers Council, shares insights into the health and future of the federal CDO community. Kirsten discusses the results of a recent CDO Council survey, which highlights how the role is maturing, with over half of small agency CDOs reporting that their role has existed for less than five years. She explains how the survey is helping the CDO Council better understand and address the challenges CDOs face, including upskilling needs, resource gaps, and the growing importance of cross-agency collaboration.The conversation also touches on how CDOs are expanding into new areas like AI, privacy management, and geospatial data, reflecting the increasing influence of data strategies on overall agency objectives. Kirsten notes that the CDO role is gaining more authority in some agencies as leaders realize its critical role in mission delivery. She also highlights the council’s ongoing efforts to professionalize the CDO function and strengthen data culture across government.You can find a link to the CDO Council survey on today’s show page at FedGovToday.com. Don’t forget to check out the new TV show Speed to Mission, presented by AWS Marketplace, to learn how agencies are accelerating AI adoption through smarter procurement. Speed to Mission is available now on-demand at FedGovToday.com and the Fed Gov Today YouTube channel.The next Fed Gov Today podcast is coming next Wednesday. You can listen to every Fed Gov Today podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

Federal employees and retirees are seeing lower fees and better service in their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, joins the show to discuss how administrative cost reductions have led to lower fees for participants. With TSP expenses dropping over the past two years, participants are now paying just 3.6 basis points in administrative costs—down from 4.8 basis points in 2023. That translates to only 36 cents per $1,000 in retirement savings.Kaplan also highlights improvements to the TSP’s record-keeping system, Converge, which has driven higher participant satisfaction across all service channels. More federal employees are now using the TSP mobile app, and call center response times have improved. A recent participant survey shows overall satisfaction is on the rise, with 87% of those withdrawing their funds reporting they were happy with the TSP service.Looking ahead, Kaplan previews two major rollouts coming in 2025: in-plan Roth conversions, allowing participants to move funds within the TSP to a Roth account, and the launch of the L 2075 Fund, designed for younger employees targeting long-term retirement growth.For more insights and resources, visit FedGovToday.com, and don’t miss Fed Gov Today TV, airing Sunday mornings at 10:30 on ABC7 in Washington and available on-demand on YouTube. Stay up to date with the latest federal technology and workforce trends by following the Fed Gov Today podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

Francis sits down with Jenny Mattingley, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Partnership for Public Service, to break down the latest executive orders impacting the federal workforce. These new policies cover key areas such as the return-to-office mandate, a 90-day hiring freeze, the reintroduction of Schedule F—now called Schedule PC—and changes to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) policies. Jenny explains how these orders will affect federal employees, agency leaders, and the broader government landscape. She highlights the nuances of the return-to-office directive, which, while broadly stated, leaves room for agency discretion and legal considerations under the 2010 Telework Enhancement Act. She also discusses the implications of Schedule PC, which moves certain employees into a new employment category with fewer job protections, raising concerns about workforce politicization and retention.The conversation also explores the DEIA executive order, which has already resulted in employees being placed on administrative leave while agencies determine their future roles. Jenny underscores the significance of the hiring freeze, noting its immediate and long-term effects, particularly on agencies like the IRS. She also emphasizes the importance of monitoring not just the executive orders themselves but also the guidance coming from OPM and agency leadership, as these will shape how policies are implemented in practice. Finally, she provides insights into what federal employees and agency leaders should be watching for in the coming months, including potential legislative actions that could further reshape the federal workforce.Don’t miss our next episode on Tuesday, where Kirsten Dalboe, Chair of the Chief Data Officers Council, will discuss how agencies are leveraging data for smarter decision-making. Listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or On Demand at FedGovToday.com.

Francis sits down with Jonathan Mostowski, president of Agile Acquisitions and former US Digital Service strategist, to discuss ideas for improving federal acquisitions. Jonathan shares three key recommendations: turning expiring funds into opportunities for innovation, expanding access to Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) for more flexible acquisitions, and reforming the protest process to reduce delays and foster better collaboration between agencies and vendors. These proposals aim to address persistent challenges in government contracting, including bridging the “valley of death” in project funding and empowering agencies with greater acquisition agility.Jonathan also reflects on the implications of the US Digital Service’s recent rebranding to the US "Doge" Service and emphasizes the importance of transparency in debriefs to improve outcomes for both agencies and contractors. He shares insights from his book, Leading Agile Acquisitions, offering actionable strategies to drive culture change in government contracting.Additionally, Francis previews upcoming conversations from West 2025 in San Diego, featuring top sea service leaders like Navy Deputy CIO Barry Tanner and many more. Watch these interviews Sunday morning at 10:30 on ABC 7 in Washington or on the Fed Gov Today YouTube channel.Find links to Jonathan’s book and LinkedIn post on today’s show page at FedGovToday.com. Subscribe to the Fed Gov Today podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or On Demand at FedGovToday.com.

Francis chats with Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Policy and Capabilities, Charles Luftig, who discusses the exciting new partnership between the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the University of Virginia (UVA). The National Security Data and Policy Institute aims to bring together experts in data, policy, and national security to tackle critical challenges in an interdisciplinary way. Charles shares insights on how this collaboration will harness the power of open-source data, promote transparency, and deliver impactful results that benefit both the Intelligence Community (IC) and UVA. He also details how the partnership was established, the strategic importance of engaging with academia, and the role of open-source intelligence in shaping national security efforts.Charles highlights the significance of unclassified information and open-source data in driving innovation and collaboration across sectors. He explains how this partnership aligns with ODNI’s broader strategy to expand relationships with non-traditional partners like academia and the private sector. Additionally, he outlines the institute’s plans for short- and long-term projects, the metrics for success, and how the IC is preparing to tackle complex issues with fresh perspectives.Also in this episode, a look ahead to West 2025, co-hosted by AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute, happening January 28-30 in San Diego. Plus, a preview of the next Fed Gov Today TV, featuring an exclusive interview with Jason Miller, outgoing Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget, about the President’s Management Agenda and improvements in customer experience across federal agencies.Be sure to check out today’s show page at FedGovToday.com for more information about the National Security Data and Policy Institute. Don’t miss upcoming episodes of the podcast, including a conversation with Vicki Michetti, Deputy CIO for Enterprise IT Policy Governance at the Department of Energy, where she’ll share her agency’s portfolio management approach. Listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or On Demand at FedGovToday.com

On this episode, sponsored by Presidio Federal and IBM, we dive into the latest developments in federal cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and threat management. CISA has introduced a new plan to strengthen enterprise cybersecurity across federal agencies: the Federal Civilian Executive Branch Operational Cybersecurity Alignment Plan, known as FOCAL. Shelly Hartsook, Deputy Associate Director of Capacity Building at CISA, explains how FOCAL was developed, its five key priority areas, and how the plan aims to unify and streamline federal cyber defenses. From asset management and vulnerability mitigation to supply chain security and incident response, Hartsook outlines the collaborative efforts required to strengthen federal resilience against ever-evolving cyber threats.We also explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity with Jeff Crume, Cybersecurity Architect and Distinguished Engineer at IBM. Jeff discusses the dual role of AI in both enhancing cyber defenses and creating new vulnerabilities. He shares insights on how federal agencies can secure AI tools, combat the risks of shadow AI, and prepare for future quantum computing threats. Jeff also highlights practical strategies for leaders to safeguard sensitive data and implement quantum-safe encryption protocols before the threat becomes reality.Finally, Glen Williamson, Cybersecurity Engineering Branch Chief for Cyber Resilience at the Census Bureau, shares how his team is navigating the agency's cyber priorities. Williamson highlights the importance of staying ahead of emerging threats like phishing and leveraging FedRAMP to streamline security processes during the transition to the cloud. He also emphasizes the need for a skilled workforce with expertise in cloud technologies and AI to adapt to a rapidly changing threat landscape.For additional resources and insights, visit the show page at fedgovtoday.com. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date with the latest episodes, news, and events. Have a great holiday season, and thank you for listening!

On this episode of Fed Gov Today, we dive into the exciting developments shaping federal government programs and initiatives. First, we explore the Department of Homeland Security’s new Phase Zero initiative, aimed at building a symbiotic relationship between small businesses and the agency. Dusty Lang, Director of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program at DHS Science and Technology, discusses how the program fosters innovation by offering non-dilutive funding to small businesses, while DHS gains cutting-edge technologies to meet its mission needs. Dusty shares insights from the program’s recent symposium and its continued efforts to bridge knowledge gaps for new applicants, ensuring that small businesses can effectively partner with the agency.Next, we take a closer look at the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), where new contribution limits for 2025 are set to allow participants to save more than ever before. Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, outlines the changes, including increased catch-up contributions for participants aged 60-63 and the benefits of a more streamlined contribution process. Kim also provides updates on the I Fund’s index transition and the upcoming Roth in-plan conversion option, set to launch in 2026. She highlights the importance of these changes in helping participants maximize their retirement savings.The episode also marks a bittersweet moment as Kim Weaver announces her retirement after 13 years of service in her role. Francis reflects on Kim’s impactful career and her dedication to providing clear and valuable information to federal employees and retirees. Kim expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to serve and introduces her successor, James Kaplan, who will carry forward the mission of supporting TSP participants.Don’t forget to follow Fed Gov Today on LinkedIn to keep up with all the latest episodes and content. Thank you for listening!

On this episode of Fed Gov Today, we explore the Department of Defense's (DoD) updated guidance on DevSecOps fundamentals, which streamlines previous versions and emphasizes critical aspects like the software supply chain and continuous Authority to Operate (ATO). Jason Weiss, former Chief Software Officer at DoD and now Chief Technology Officer for Public Sector at Second Front Systems, shares his insights on the significance of these updates. He discusses how this streamlined approach enhances cybersecurity, highlights the importance of integrating risk management frameworks, and reflects on the evolution of continuous ATO within the DoD.Later in the episode, we shift to the humanitarian achievements of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). TenaVel Thomas, Senior Executive Port Director at the Port of New York/Newark, discusses her team’s groundbreaking work in rescuing 130 victims of forced labor. She recounts the pivotal moment that led to the investigation, the collaborative effort with other law enforcement agencies, and the challenges of identifying and addressing human trafficking and forced labor cases. Her work earned her a 2023 Fleming Award for leadership and management, and her story sheds light on CBP’s critical role in protecting vulnerable individuals and enforcing the law.Don’t miss out on the latest from Fed Gov Today! Follow us on LinkedIn for updates, exclusive content, and notifications about new episodes.