Fed Gov Today

Todd Harrison, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, joins Francis to examine the fiscal year 2026 defense budget proposal from the Trump administration, which totals $848 billion. Harrison discusses how the reconciliation process is being used to fund Department of Defense programs and compares it to the previous use of Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding. He explains the procedural and political differences between the two methods and outlines the implications for future budgeting, particularly in FY27. You’ll learn how these fiscal mechanisms influence national defense planning, what’s at stake for high-priority programs like Golden Dome, and how political dynamics could shape future funding decisions.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Chris Hamm, CEO of FIN Acquisitions and former director of FEDSIM at GSA, discusses the challenges in federal contracting, particularly frivolous bid protests. He explains a new Senate provision aiming to deter meritless protests, revealing its potential shortcomings. Hamm likens the protest process to football stoppages, proposing a model similar to the NFL’s challenge system to enhance efficiency. He also highlights communication gaps between contractors and government as key drivers of protests, advocating for better debriefing to minimize conflicts.

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.

Kenneth Watson, Acting Commander of DLA Land and Maritime, sheds light on the Defense Logistics Agency's ambitious Technical Data Management Transformation (TDMT) initiative. He discusses how this overhaul is digitizing technical specifications for military parts, enhancing supply chain efficiency and resilience. Watson explains the collaboration with the Army as a pilot program and emphasizes the need for timely vendor qualifications to tackle obsolescence. He envisions TDMT as a 'universal translator' that simplifies data integration across military services, ensuring accurate and prompt information flow.

Former ODNI and DOD Chief Information Officer, John Sherman, joins the show to break down the sweeping implications of the Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act of 2025. If passed, this legislation could dramatically reshape the structure, mission, and operational dynamics of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the broader intelligence community.Sherman shares his personal perspective on why the legislation “mostly hits the mark,” what aspects give him pause—like the proposed closure of the National Intelligence University—and why the balance between reform and continuity is so critical. Drawing from his extensive experience inside ODNI and DOD, Sherman outlines both the opportunities and risks of redistributing major national intelligence centers to operational agencies like the CIA and FBI. He warns of the security vulnerabilities that could emerge during transitions and emphasizes the importance of keeping adversaries in mind during any structural shifts.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.

Today we dive into one of the most significant procurement transformations happening across the federal government—the consolidation of acquisition under the General Services Administration (GSA). Former FAS Commissioner and Alpha Tango Strategies founder, Alan Thomas, joins the show to dissect what’s driving this bold shift and why it matters to agencies, vendors, and small businesses alike.You’ll learn why the Department of Homeland Security’s sudden cancellation of its PACTS III and FirstSource III contracts—transferring that work to GSA—sent ripples across the acquisition community. Alan explains how DHS made this move to align with Executive Order 14057 on centralizing procurement and what this means for other agencies potentially following suit. He shares how this transition underscores a broader movement: fewer contracts, more enterprise-wide solutions, and a push for the government to finally “buy as one.”Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Francis welcomes Dr. Jerry McGinn—Executive Director of the Baroni Center for Government Contracting at George Mason University and former Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense—for a deep dive into one of the most urgent and complex questions in federal policy: Can the government truly lead innovation at scale? Jerry unveils new research showing a staggering 220% increase in Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract spending since 2018, while also revealing why much of that growth remains difficult to quantify in terms of real-world outcomes. You’ll learn why OTA contracts and SBIR programs have exploded in use, yet lack consistent measures of success; what truly incentivizes innovation in the federal marketplace (hint: it’s not just money); and how outdated definitions and regulatory hurdles are holding back the involvement of non-traditional contractors. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Listeners will learn how the L Funds work, why nearly 25% of participant allocations are now going into them, and how they automatically shift investments toward safer assets as retirement nears. Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, joins the show to break down what that milestone means and why it matters for your retirement planning. Jim also explains how the L Funds’ default status for new enrollees simplifies decision-making while still offering flexibility for participants to customize their strategy.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.

Timothy Walton, a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, delves into the Navy's challenges with its uncrewed fleet. He highlights the stark disconnect between strategic vision and budget realities, emphasizing gaps in funding. Walton discusses the necessity for innovative vessel designs and real-world testing to meet modern warfare demands. The conversation also touches on advancements in autonomous technologies and the need for collaboration to tackle cybersecurity threats, stressing that effective solutions require adaptability and new methodologies.