The Government Technology Insider Podcast

In a recent podcast with Olivia Spain and Monika Mathur from the Global Innovation Consulting practice at TCS – Tata Consultancy Services, parent company of Tata America International Corporation, we asked them to explain why a culture of innovation is so important for government today. What we learned in that conversation is that a culture of innovation is essential for ​​driving efficiency in government. To build a culture of innovation government agencies need to address three pillars: technology, people, and process. If any one of the three remains unchanged, the culture of innovation ​will ​falter, and the agency can’t move forward with delivering on the mission in a way that meets constituent needs in ever-changing circumstances. We asked Spain and Mathur to join us for another conversation in which we develop a better understanding of the pathway from innovation to efficiency and how government agencies can turn theory into practice to deliver results for their constituents and stakeholders.

In this episode of the Government Technology Insider Podcast, we talk with Monika Mathur, Business Consultant, and Olivia Spain, Engagement Manager, from the Global Innovation Consulting practice at TCS – Tata Consultancy Services, parent company of Tata America International Corporation, about how government agencies can build a culture of innovation and leverage it to deliver on the mission more efficiently.

Federal government agencies are taking steps to prepare for the impact of quantum computing, especially in the area of cybersecurity. In August 2024, the National Institute of Standards and Technology released the first three finalized post-quantum encryption standards, a major step toward protecting digital infrastructure from quantum threats. This initiative aligns with the National Security Memorandum 10 and is supported by agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which have developed roadmaps to direct the shift to quantum-resilient systems. Lamont Copeland, Senior Director of Federal Solutions Architecture at Verizon, and Jim Westdorp, Chief Technical Officer at Ciena Government Solutions Inc., spoke with the Government Technology Insider podcast host, Matt Langan, to unpack how quantum technology is evolving and its effects on cybersecurity for both military and civilian agencies. Additionally, they explored the urgency of implementing post-quantum cryptographic standards, strategies for quantum readiness, and the growing role of edge computing and IoT in securing data.

In this episode of the Government Technology Insider podcast, host Matt Langan spoke with Jeanne Gentry, DISA Business Development Manager from Verizon, and Adam Clement Jones, Solutions Architect for Verizon’s Defense Business in EMEA about DISA’s integration of AI into their 2025-2027 strategic vision. Their discussion also covers how technologies like AI-powered predictive maintenance, cyber threat detection, and edge computing are being deployed to enhance operational continuity and decision-making at the tactical edge.

In this episode of the Government Technology Insider podcast, host Matt Langan spoke with Dominic Bonaduce, Senior Manager for Product Strategy at Verizon and Greg Puschnigg, Chief Executive Officer at BOSS Controls about how IoT and 5G technologies are transforming the DoD’s energy management and resilience. Their discussion also focused on the unique energy challenges faced by military bases as well as how 5G makes it possible for real-time grid edge visibility, control, and optimization. From integrating renewable energy sources to facilitating demand response programs and performing predictive maintenance on individual devices, the conversation focuses on how next-gen connectivity solutions are helping the DoD in increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing mission readiness.

In the latest episode of the Government Technology Insider podcast, host, Lucas Hunsicker is joined by Josh Finke, Senior Vice President for Public Sector at Lumen and Mark Pittman, Founder of Blyncsy and Senior Director of Transportation AI at Bentley Systems, to discuss how AI can make our highways and byways safer, but also why the right backbone and infrastructure need to be in place first to deliver success.

In this episode of the Government Technology Insider podcast, host Matt Langan spoke with Verizon’s Dale Butterworth, Senior Solutions Partner and Dave Stepp Associate Director of Federal Connected Solutions-Federal to unpack how Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology is becoming a cornerstone of the military's modernization efforts. During their conversation they shared how deployment strategy is being shaped by site surveys, how environmental factors affect network design, and why rapid, secure connectivity is fundamental to operational readiness. Butterworth explained why FWA is such a game-changer: "Military installations have broad, spread-out buildings, and as technology evolves, it's expensive to replace coax cables or old fiber connectivity. FWA eliminates the need for construction costs, providing a simple, easy, and agile solution."

In this episode of the Government Technology Insider podcast Lucas Hunsicker hosts a dynamic conversation with Granicus’s Charlotte Lee, Director of Growth Strategy, and Luke Norris, Vice President of Platform Strategy and Digital Transformation, to explore the impact of a digital-first approach to government. For decades, governments have relied heavily on paper-based systems for tasks ranging from record-keeping to correspondence. This dependence adds unnecessary costs—estimated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported at nearly $40 billion annually for the federal government—while hindering efficiency and transparency. In the push for digital transformation across the government, digital-first strategies are a winning solution. Lee and Norris share real-world examples of how shifting to digital processes not only enhances key government operations but also aligns with the way society functions today. People expect the same level of convenience from government services as they do from food delivery services or online interactions—immediate, seamless, and accessible. At the same time, this shift eliminates inefficiencies by digitizing records, automating workflows, and integrating cloud-based systems, streamlining operations and reducing waste while saving money. A digital-first approach also strengthens transparency and accountability by enabling real-time data collection, improving spending oversight, and reducing the risk of fraud. Of course, transitioning to a digital-first government isn’t without challenges. Investing in the right technology, training staff, and fostering a culture of digital adoption all require time and effort. However, the long-term benefits—including cost savings, improved service delivery, and user satisfaction—make the shift well worth it.

From hardware-focused supply chains to cloud-based service models, the distribution landscape has undergone significant changes. Over the past decade, the role of IT in government operations has evolved significantly and public sector IT distribution has adapted to meet these new demands and complexities. In the latest episode of the Government Technology Insider Podcast, host Lucas Hunsicker sat down with former public sector CEO, Art Richer. With decades of experience leading organizations through shifting market dynamics, Richer offered unique insights into the trends shaping government technology procurement and some of the key ingredients to creating successful partnerships in this space. Richer traced the evolution of public sector distribution back to its hardware-centric origins, where the focus was on logistics, breaking down pallets of computers, printers, and peripherals for resellers and end users. As software entered the scene, distribution models grew more complex, requiring tailored approaches to sales and support. Today, with the rise of cloud services, managed solutions, and as-a-Service solutions, distributors must pivot once more to align with new procurement and consumption trends. Throughout the conversation, Richer emphasized the growing sophistication of partnerships, the ongoing importance of compliance, and the benefits of both broadline and specialized distribution approaches. He emphasized the critical importance of aligning strategies with the unique requirements of public sector procurement and remaining agile in response to advancing technologies. Looking ahead, Richer identified two key trends that are poised to define the future of public sector IT distribution: the continued dominance of cloud and marketplace-based technology delivery and an increasing focus on compliance. With procurement regulations becoming more stringent, distributors must prioritize adherence to maintain trust and ensure long-term success. From the rise of cloud marketplaces to the increasing scrutiny around compliance, this discussion offers valuable perspectives for IT vendors, distributors, and public sector leaders navigating a rapidly shifting landscape.

Established in 2011 by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) was designed to “safely accelerate the adoption of cloud computing products and services by federal agencies.” By providing a consistent and reusable authorization process, FedRAMP enables agencies throughout the U.S. government (USG) to avoid duplicating efforts while prioritizing security and efficiency. As federal agencies face increasing pressure from Executive Orders and rising cyber threats, today FedRAMP certification has become a critical enabler of modernization. It allows agencies to adopt innovative solutions that meet stringent security standards without sacrificing agility. In the latest Government Technology Insider podcast, host Lucas Hunsaker sat down with James Imanian, Senior Director of the U.S. Federal Technology Office at CyberArk, to explore how FedRAMP-certified solutions are driving modernization and enhancing security in government environments.