The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The All of Us Research Program aims to build one of the largest health databases in history, but an OIG audit found weaknesses in the National Institutes of Health’s oversight and access controls that could put sensitive participant data at risk. Charles Summers from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is here to discuss what needs to change to protect privacy as enrollment grows.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Pentagon faces a shortage of more than 20,000 cyber professionals, and across the country, the civilian cyber shortfall is estimated at over 750,000. This raises big questions about how to build a stronger pipeline. Veterans bring mission focus and technical aptitude, but challenges remain in training, credentialing, and connecting talent to opportunity. Ryan Dunford of Bit Wizards is here to explore what works and what’s next for bridging the gap between military service and cyber careers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal retirement delays are gaining more attention and criticism in Congress. House Democrats are pressing the Office of Personnel Management for answers on how it’s addressing abnormally high retirement numbers. The application surge, largely caused by the deferred resignation program, is slowing down retirement processing for thousands of former feds. Here with more, 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.

In 2025 for a change, federal acquisition dominated the news cycle. From the FAR overhaul to GSA's OneGov strategy to the increased scrutiny on consultants, contracting was front and center for much of 2025. For more on some of the top news stories across the federal technology and acquisition landscape, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me with insights from his annual survey of experts.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 mission shaped by harsh terrain and deep responsibility: recovering and identifying service members lost in an Alaskan crash more than 70 years ago. Kate Grosso and Carlos Colon, medicolegal investigators with the Department of Defense, share what it takes to make that happen.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 On a remote Alaskan glacier, a mission of recovery and respect continues 2026 could be the year government contracting shifts from disruption to execution From DOJ to VA, Kshmendra Paul’s journey shows what lasting public service looks likeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After nearly two decades shaping data sharing and governance across federal agencies, Kshmendra Paul has been elected a NAPA Fellow. We’ll talk about his proudest accomplishments, what this honor means, and his advice for the next generation of public servants.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Senate wrapped up 2025 by confirming 97 Trump appointees, bringing the total to 417 for his second term, a move that restores some predictability for industry and speeds up acquisition decisions. From procurement momentum to defense modernization and small-business integration, PSC is tracking the trends that will shape the year ahead. Joining us to break it down is Jim Carroll, President and CEO of the Professional Services Council.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Department of Homeland Security's year was marked by high profile immigration enforcement operations and turbulence behind the scenes. DHS also received a historic influx of new funding under the tax and reconciliation bill passed by Congress in July, but the department faces some big management challenges as it prepares for a consequential year ahead. Justin Doubleday joins me now for more on DHS Year in Review. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2025 has been a transformational year for the Defense Department. The Air Force scrapped most of its sweeping Reoptimization Initiative announced under previous leadership. The Army undertook one of its most significant acquisition and organizational reform efforts in decades. Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis joins me now to highlight some of the biggest changes that happened across the Defense Department this year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.