Fed Gov Today

In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive deep into how the Department of Veterans Affairs manages whistleblower cases. Tom Costa, Director of Education, Workforce, and Income Security at the Government Accountability Office, joins the program to share GAO’s latest insights on recordkeeping, settlement tracking, and the need for stronger follow-through on corrective actions designed to protect whistleblowers.Costa discusses why whistleblower retaliation cases at VA have shifted since 2020, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and explains why differences between VA’s data and the Office of Special Counsel’s records raise important concerns. He also outlines challenges within VA’s authority structure, where the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection currently lacks the ability to oversee settlement implementation, slowing needed reforms.Francis and Tom examine GAO’s recommendations to improve VA’s oversight and strengthen coordination with OSC, while considering whether additional steps from Congress may be needed to ensure whistleblower protections are fully effective.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

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.

It’s back-to-school season, but this time, the lessons are for your future financial security. On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive into the Thrift Savings Plan’s growing library of resources designed to help federal employees and military service members make smarter retirement decisions. Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, joins Francis to share how participants can access online learning, live webinars, and bite-sized YouTube videos to better understand everything from investment options and in-service withdrawals to long-term retirement planning and beneficiary designations. He explains how participant feedback drives the creation of new educational content, highlights the surge in usage of the TSP mobile app, and offers insight into what’s ahead—including in-plan Roth transfers and upcoming end-of-year considerations. Plus, you’ll learn how rigorous internal audits and top-tier cybersecurity practices ensure the TSP remains secure and effective for its more than 6 million participants.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive into the persistent challenges slowing down federal IT modernization. Despite growing urgency to upgrade systems and strengthen cybersecurity, the average CIO tenure remains just two to two and a half years—barely enough time to build relationships, understand sprawling enterprises, and execute meaningful strategies. Francis sits down with Nick Marinos, Managing Director of Information Technology and Cybersecurity at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), to discuss why DHS has 43 open GAO recommendations across IT, financial management, and acquisitions—all tied to items on GAO’s High Risk List. Marinos explains why these recommendations serve as a “cheat sheet” for incoming CIOs, highlights where DHS has made strides with FedRAMP and zero trust, and outlines the remaining vulnerabilities that must be addressed.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive into one of the fastest-growing shifts in federal technology: the skyrocketing use of generative AI across government. According to new findings from the Government Accountability Office, generative AI use cases jumped ninefold in just one year—growing from 32 in 2023 to 282 in 2024. Candice Wright, Director of Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics at GAO, joins Francis to break down what’s driving this surge, which agencies are leading the way, and how AI is reshaping government operations.Wright explains how agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services are applying AI in areas such as medical research, disease detection, and public health response, while also navigating hurdles like policy compliance, budget constraints, and governance challenges. She shares insights on why agencies must align AI adoption with mission-driven use cases, how fast-moving technology is testing existing policy frameworks, and why effective governance requires voices from across legal, privacy, procurement, and technical teams.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, procurement law expert, Alan Chvotkin, partner at Centre Law Group, joins the program to unpack the ongoing overhaul of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). From its original goal in 1984—to create a single, uniform, government-wide standard for buying goods and services—to today’s piecemeal reforms, Alan explains what’s been fixed, what’s been lost, and what still needs attention. He highlights the FAR Council’s recent rule change on System for Award Management (SAM) registration, which now requires contractors to be registered only at the time of offer submission and award—an important shift that reduces administrative headaches for agencies and vendors alike. Alan also examines the bigger picture: how the FAR has grown unwieldy over time, why deviations across agencies threaten consistency, and what risks come with streamlining too far. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

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.

Former Administrator of Federal Procurement Policy and current Octoparo CEO, Joe Jordan, joins Francis to unpack the new government-wide deals on artificial intelligence. From the so-called “$1 AI licenses” to the promises of massive cost savings, Joe explains why these teaser agreements may not be as transformative as they sound—and why agencies must think just as hard about how to exit contracts as they do about entering them. He shares lessons learned from past technology procurements, warns against the dangers of lock-in, and highlights the importance of piloting, transparency, and taking smart risks that can fuel innovation across government.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

This episode dives into the leadership crisis facing federal government executives. Former OPM Associate Director, Ron Sanders, joins Francis to unpack why senior executives feel isolated, without peers or mentors to guide them, and how new executive development programs from OPM are attempting to fill the void. Sanders reflects on the failures of the Federal Executive Institute (FEI), why generic leadership training doesn’t cut it, and what truly matters for senior leaders in the U.S. government—understanding the Constitution, the law, and the unique responsibilities of American civil service…Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, former Joint Artificial Intelligence Center Director Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan (USAF, Ret.) joins to discuss a turning point for artificial intelligence in government. With the General Services Administration striking deals to make AI tools available across agencies for as little as $1, Shanahan breaks down what these agreements mean for federal users, the defense community, and the broader industrial base.From experimental pilots to life-or-death missions, Shanahan stresses the importance of rapid experimentation, rigorous testing, and government-led evaluation before AI is integrated into critical operations. He also explores the challenges smaller tech companies face against the dominant players in the frontier AI model space, and the risks of government lock-in as introductory pricing gives way to long-term contracts.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.