The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

From Ukraine to Iran, recent conflicts are offering hard lessons about deterrence, resilience, and the pace of modern warfare. At the center of the Army’s response is the Space and Missile Defense Command, charged with protecting the homeland and shaping the future of strategic defense. Here to talk about how the Army is adapting its posture, partnerships, and priorities to meet the moment—and what it means for the next generation of conflict--is the commanding general of SMDC, LTG Sean Gainey.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.

Some of the biggest issues facing the federal workforce right now are the major cutbacks via reductions in force and the decertification of employee unions. But remember earlier this year when the Trump administration tried to downsize the federal workforce by firing probationary employees. That's still a live issue too, and we may be closing in on decisions as to whether it was well, legal, two courts are set to hear the issue in the coming weeks. Federal News networks. Jared Serbu is here with a recap of what that case is all about and a preview of the arguments the court will hear. 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 DHS search-and-rescue platform aided flood response across four states in July Building civic tech that actually works for the people who need it most connecting policy, innovation and national security From Capitol Hill to Cape Canaveral with the Professional Services CouncilSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A search-and-rescue platform developed by the Department of Homeland Security played a key role in coordinating emergency response efforts during July’s flooding across Texas, North Carolina, New Mexico, and Vermont—helping responders make faster, more informed decisions in rapidly changing conditions. Here to tell us more about the tool and how it helps first responders is the Community and Infrastructure Resilience Program Manager at the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, Ron Langhelm.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Technology is reshaping how government connects with the public. In this arena, civic tech has emerged as a powerful, but complex, force for change. There are questions about the evolving role of digital platforms in public service, the challenges of scaling impact, and what it really means to build tools that serve both mission and community. Here to help us sort those out is the founder and CEO of Golden, Sam Fankuchen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Members of the Professional Services Council are gaining firsthand insights into the evolving needs of federal agencies—from border operations and international defense collaboration to acquisition reform and innovation. These experiences are helping contractors better understand mission priorities and shape smarter solutions for national security and public service. Here to explain how these efforts are informing the future of federal contracting is PSC's Executive Director, Jim Carroll.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 Congressional representatives in the DC Metro region make their case against proposed USDA moves the national security risks behind a wave of cuts at the State Department—and what it will take to rebuild America’s diplomatic muscle Redistricting isn't just about drawing lines—it could redraw the rules of governingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The next chapter of the Pentagon's cloud strategy is starting to take shape, while the final solicitation for the Joint War Fighting Cloud Computing Contract is still months away, the Defense Department is already applying lessons learned from the current vehicle as it finalizes its acquisition strategy to get more on how JWCC Next is coming together, Federal News Network's Executive Editor Jason Miller, spoke with the Chief of Product Management and Development at the Defense Information Systems Agency, John Hale.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The fight over redistricting is still unfolding, but its potential to reshape Congress—and the way Washington works—is already raising alarms. If the current trajectory continues, it could sideline moderates, deepen partisan divides, and make compromise on federal spending even more elusive. That could have serious implications for federal workers, especially as collective bargaining faces new threats and the possibility of a government shutdown looms. I'll unpack the stakes with WTOP Capitol Hill correspondent Mitchell Miller.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.