The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The foundations for Evidence-based Policy Act directed agencies to make better use of their data. Since 2019 each administration has put its own touch on implementing the legislation, but agencies are still wrestling with some of the legislation's bigger goals, like how and when to share government data. As part of Federal News Network's 25th anniversary, Jory Heckman joins me with more on this landmark legislation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Homeland Security Department's requirement that all contract awards and modifications worth more than $100,000 to get approval from the secretary's office is having real world consequences. Vendors are laying off employees and considering closing down altogether, while DHS components are in danger of having services turned off because approval is taking too long. For more on the ongoing impacts of DHS' review process Federal News Network's Executive Editor Jason Miller joins me now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Justice Department and Health and Human Services just relaunched a joint working group and it’s taking a fresh look at healthcare fraud. The focus is False Claims Act enforcement...especially in areas like Medicare Advantage, drug pricing, and electronic health records. With more data sharing, whistleblower engagement, and cross-agency coordination, federal contractors could face tougher scrutiny. Here to break down what’s new, why it matters, and how companies can prepare is partner at DLA Piper, Andrew Hoffman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As federal agencies shrink and restructure, former civil servants are stepping up to preserve what’s being lost. A new oral history project from the Volcker Alliance and the Organization of American Historians captures the voices of displaced federal employees—offering an unfiltered look at public service, policy, and the personal toll of government downsizing. Here with more is the project director for the Federal Employees and Contractors Oral History project, Dr. Jason Chernesky.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a busy time for federal retirements. From rising health care costs to the surge in retirement applications, there’s a lot to keep track of. And, OPM has launched a new online retirement system at the same time. Here to explain what makes a retirement case “clean,” how to avoid common delays, and what federal employees should be thinking about before they hit submit is Tammy Flanagan, Principal at Retire Federal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A place where former federal workers can speak freely preserving stories lost in the wake of sweeping government cuts The DOJ and HHS are teaming up again and federal contractors in healthcare should take notice Retirement season is in full swing and we've got smart tips for federal employees navigating the processSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two more agencies have officially terminated their collective bargaining agreements, the US Citizenship and Immigration Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency both canceled their union contracts late last week, and they're not the only agencies making that move here with the latest is Federal News Network's Drew Friedman. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton As global conflicts reshape the rules of engagement, the Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command is rethinking how the U.S. prepares for the next fight NASA’s top buyer signs off—Karla Jackson reflects on a career that changed federal acquisitionRobots in space? A new GAO report says they could change everything—from satellite repairs to space junkSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After more than two decades in federal service, including a transformative tenure at NASA, one of the government’s most influential procurement leaders is stepping down. From modernizing acquisition systems to mentoring the next generation of contracting professionals, her impact reaches far beyond space missions. In this two-part conversation, we look back on a career defined by innovation, integrity, and inclusion—with insights on what’s next for federal buying from NASA’s Assistant Administrator for Procurement, Karla Smith Jackson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new GAO report says in-space servicing and manufacturing could revolutionize how we build, fix, and even recycle satellites. But while the tech is promising, the report warns that policy gaps and technical hurdles could slow progress. Here to share how this capability might move forward is Director for Science, Technology Assessment and Analytics at GAO, Karen Howard.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.