

Fed Gov Today
FedGovToday.com
Veteran host Francis Rose gives Federal government decision-makers news and information about management, workforce, IT, and acquisition, to help those leaders do their jobs better.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 5, 2026 • 29min
Biofuel Breakthroughs, Billion-Dollar Fraud, and a Federal Real Estate Shakeup
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:00 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.

Apr 2, 2026 • 16min
Space Force’s Secret Surge: How 70+ Launches a Year Are Rewriting the Rules of War & Innovation
The Space Force is scaling faster than ever, and Vandenberg Space Force Base is at the center of it all. Colonel James Horne explains how a surge to 70+ launches annually is driven by commercial partnerships, reduced launch costs, and a “second space race” mindset. He breaks down the shift to service-based acquisition, the rise of dual-use innovation, and how automation and AI are transforming operations. From infrastructure overhauls to workforce expansion, the Spaceport of the Future vision is redefining national security space strategy and accelerating America’s ability to compete—and win—in orbit.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

Mar 31, 2026 • 14min
TSP Is Crushing Records: The Surprising Strategy Driving 90% Participation and 11-Second Support
The Thrift Savings Plan is hitting record-breaking milestones, from soaring participation rates to lightning-fast 11-second call response times. Jim Kaplan explains how default enrollment, financial literacy, and a relentless focus on customer service are reshaping retirement outcomes for federal employees and service members. The conversation dives into how managed services transformed support operations, why cybersecurity remains a top priority, and how AI is quietly boosting efficiency behind the scenes. With participation in the Blended Retirement System surpassing expectations, TSP’s success highlights a broader cultural shift toward proactive financial planning and continuous improvement across government programs.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

Mar 29, 2026 • 29min
Data Wars & Digital Speed: How AI, Records, and Rapid Defense Are Rewriting Government Playbooks
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:00 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.

Mar 26, 2026 • 17min
Burning Down Cyber Risk: DHS’s AI-Powered Playbook to Outsmart Hackers
Hemant Baidwan, former DHS Chief Information Security Officer who led the shift to real-time risk reduction, discusses how AI is changing both defense and adversary tactics. He explains the move from compliance to continuous risk prioritization. He introduces the Risk Operations Center, attack-path analysis, and ideas for self-healing, automated infrastructure.

Mar 25, 2026 • 13min
AI Rules Could Backfire: Former GSA Leader Warns New Contract Changes May Push Innovators Away
In this episode of Fed Gov Today, former Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Alan Thomas breaks down sweeping proposed changes to GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule, including expanded transactional data reporting and a controversial new AI clause. Thomas explains how broader TDR requirements could add complexity for vendors—especially for services and configurable products—while raising questions about how the government will use the data. He also warns the AI provision, now delayed for further review, could unintentionally stifle innovation and deter new entrants. With industry feedback mounting, the discussion highlights the delicate balance between oversight, modernization, and maintaining a competitive, innovation-friendly federal marketplace.

Mar 24, 2026 • 19min
Fix Your Data, Fix Your AI: The Hidden Key to Smarter Government Tech
This episode of Fed Gov Today features Francis Rose in conversation with federal data expert Kshemendra Paul on why data—not AI—is the real foundation of innovation. They explore how poor data governance fuels AI risks like bias and hallucinations, and how agencies can unlock high-fidelity AI by improving data quality, sharing, and standards. From the President’s Management Agenda to real-world interoperability challenges, Paul explains why shifting from agency silos to ecosystem-driven governance is critical. The discussion highlights how aligning CIOs, CDOs, and data strategies can drive smarter, more efficient government services in the AI era.

Mar 22, 2026 • 29min
AI, Cyber, and the Government’s Race to Move Faster Without Breaking Security
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:00 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.

Mar 17, 2026 • 17min
Inside the State Department’s $10B Gamble: How “Evolve” Rewrites Federal Contracting Forever
The State Department’s massive $10 billion Evolve contract is finally live—marking a milestone in federal acquisition. Former Senior Procurement Executive Mike Derrios breaks down the strategy behind bringing contract management in-house, the challenges of handling over 100 proposals, and why perseverance was key to success. He explores whether Evolve could be the last of its kind amid growing pressure for contract consolidation and GSA-led solutions. Plus, insights on the sweeping FAR overhaul and the cultural shift agencies must embrace to truly modernize procurement. This episode unpacks what it takes to transform government contracting at scale—and what comes next.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com

Mar 15, 2026 • 29min
AI Predicts Weather in 60 Seconds, Government CX Data, and the Critical Minerals Race
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.


