Federal Drive with Tom Temin

The Defense Department's program for assessing whether contractors are following cybersecurity requirements is nearly a reality. The White House is now reviewing the final rule for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model certification requirements. For more on the path forward for CMMC, Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday 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.

Registration is now open for senior executives who want to take a leadership development training program. The Office of Personnel Management is encouraging federal employees to sign up after launching the new training series this week. The OPM program comes alongside other big changes for the Senior Executive Service this year, and here with more details 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.

The FAA is at a crossroads. A new administrator is stepping in just as the agency faces a wave of early retirements, aging technology, and mounting concerns from Congress. Behind the headlines are the people who keep the system running—often under enormous strain. Here to talk about what's driving the departures, how it's affecting safety and morale, and what kind of leadership the moment demands is executive director of the Federal Aviation Administration Managers Association, Ron Eritano.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wildfire season lasts longer and threatens more communities than ever before. Long-term scientific research is now paying off with tools that help local officials, fire fighters, and residents prepare and respond more effectively. The person behind that work, Alex Maranghides, joins me now to talk about his work. Alex is a Fire Protection Engineer with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and winner of a 2025 Service to America medal.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 The wildfire scientist who's helping to save lives With new leadership at the FAA, what's next for the people who keep air travel safe?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Air Force is getting ready to roll out a brand new cloud computing strategy, and this version includes a big focus on making sure service members can access secure and resilient cloud services in contested theaters like Europe and the Indo Pacific. Officials say it will build on progress the service has already made in transitioning from limited cloud use to a more robust multi cloud architecture. Keith Hardiman is the Department of the Air Force's director of Enterprise Information Technology. He talked with Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis as part of our annual cloud exchange. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The E-Government Act didn't just become law, it became one of the most influential pieces of IT legislation in more than two decades. Getting it passed took determination, persistence and a little bit of luck. When Congress approved the bill and President George W. Bush signed it in December of 2002 few realized how far reaching its impact would be. As part of Federal News Network's 25th anniversary, the E-Government Act has been recognized as a defining moment in federal management. To explain why it still matters today, Federal News Networks 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 first six months of 2025 were challenging for TSP investors. The least popular funds outperformed their counterparts. Stock funds declined in the first quarter and then rebounded strongly in the second. Here to help make sense of those market moves is certified financial planner, Art Stein.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 Labor just flipped the switch on a key enforcement tool resuming audits and investigations into how federal contractors treat veterans and people with disabilities. That means employers need to pay close attention. Sheila Abron, a federal compliance expert, joins us to explain what's changed, what's still off the table, and what contractors should be doing right now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week marks 35 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act reshaped civil rights in the U.S., guaranteeing access and inclusion for millions. But as workplaces, schools, and public spaces continue to evolve, so do the barriers. To reflect on what the ADA has achieved and what still needs to change to ensure equity and opportunity for all. I'm joined by longtime advocate and disability policy expert Gary Gilbert.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 Thirty-five years after the ADA became law, how far have we come—and how far do we still need to go? Why disability and veteran protections are once again in the spotlight, and what that means for contractors How the TSP funds are faring in this period of market volatility, and what investors are doing with their moneySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The nearly brand new health insurance program for postal workers is at risk of an operational failure. A new inspector general report says recent staffing and funding reductions at the Office of Personnel Management are creating some challenges, and if those problems aren't addressed soon, the IG says it will cause problems during the upcoming Open Season. 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.

The Senate voted to confirm several Trump administration nominees before leaving town over the weekend, including new national cyber director Sean Cairncross as the President's Principal Advisor on all things cybersecurity. Karen cross faces a raft of challenges as he enters the White House for more Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday 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 Pentagon may not know who's making the parts that make the parts. A new GAO report warns that foreign suppliers—often buried deep in the defense supply chain—pose serious risks to national security, especially when their presence goes undetected. Here to break down how these blind spots could leave the U.S. exposed and what the Department of Defense needs to do to fix it is Director, Contracting and National Security Acquisitions, at GAO, Bill Russell.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the U.S. races to resupply Ukraine with weapons and ammunition, cracks in the defense industrial base are becoming impossible to ignore. The new national security scorecard from Govini warns that decades of underinvestment and offshoring have left America vulnerable not just in Europe, but in any future conflict with China. Joining me to unpack the findings is Government Affairs Senior Vice President at Govini, Jeb Nedaner.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As global threats rise, the U.S. Air Force is facing a controversial crossroads. The Pentagon's fiscal 2026 budget proposes deep cuts to the F-35 fighter program and the cancellation of the E-7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft, moves that a group of former Air Force chiefs of staff calls a “strategic blunder.” In a letter to Congress, the group warns that these reductions would shrink an already overstretched force and erode America's ability to deter or win future conflicts. Here with more on their logic is one of the signers of that letter, Retired Air force lieutenant general Dave Deptula.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 Is the Air Force Budget Putting U.S. Airpower at Risk? The urgent challenges facing America's defense manufacturing base and why the next crisis could find us dangerously unpreparedThe Pentagon's supply chain has a blind spot and it could be a national security riskSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For months, the public has remained somewhat in the dark on how and where federal workforce reductions have taken place, and it will probably still take a while before there's a complete understanding of the Trump administration's workforce overhauls, but new numbers are beginning to paint a picture of how those changes have played out so far. Here with more 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.

The initial results are in for the pilot effort to improve the cloud security program known as FedRAMP, four vendors have crossed the finish line to receive low authorizations under FedRAMP, proving the faster process is working for more on how the General Services Administration plans to continue to improve FedRAMP, federal news networks executive editor Jason Miller joins me nowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As billions in new funding head toward the Federal Aviation Administration, industry experts are questioning whether the agency has the staffing and infrastructure to manage the procurement surge. Meanwhile, the president's newly unveiled AI strategy is sending ripples through the contractor community, with PSC weighing its implications for innovation, compliance, and competitiveness. Here to unpack the details is President of the Professional Services Council, Stephanie Kostro.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For small businesses chasing federal contracts, the stakes are high—and the playing field isn't always level. Bid protests have become a vital check on the system, offering smaller firms a way to challenge unfair awards and hold agencies accountable. But critics warn the process can be costly, slow, and ripe for abuse. As the federal government pushes for more equitable contracting, the question looms: is the protest system helping or hurting small business? Here with his insights is Partner at Haynes Boone, Zach Prince.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal contracting is shifting fast—and small businesses are getting caught in the middle. Set-aside programs are stalling. Agencies are backing off. And contractors are left wondering: what happened? Billions of dollars in opportunities are on the line. Audrey Roofeh, CEO of Mariana Strategies, joins us to break down what's changing, why it matters, and what small businesses need to watch for right now.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 How federal policy uncertainty is quietly reshaping the landscape for small business contractors How bid protests are becoming a critical tool for small firms trying to compete in the federal marketplace Billions in FAA funding are on the table, but is the federal workforce ready to handle the surge in procurement?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Copyright is a hot topic these days, especially as AI tools consume vast amounts of digital content. Now, a powerful new system from the U.S. Copyright Office is helping creators, researchers, and legal experts trace copyrighted works all the way back to 1898. Joining me to unpack the launch of the Copyright Public Records System is Shawn Gallagher, a management and program analyst at the Copyright Office.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The General Services Administration continues to shake up its leadership ranks. The top federal buildings official at GSA is out before implementing a reorganization plan for his part of the agency under his leadership, GSA set a goal of cutting the federal real estate portfolio in half. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has nominated a new permanent head to lead GSA Federal News Network story Heckman is here with more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration's new artificial intelligence action plan is centered on exporting American AI to the world, and part of the plan is enabling the rapid adoption of AI within government. With more on what the White House is saying about its AI plan federal news networks. Justin Doubleday joins me. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Senate Appropriations Committee advanced over $1 trillion in funding this week, approving Defense and Labor-HHS bills that sharply diverge from President Trump's budget. The Defense bill boosts military pay and weapons procurement, including funding for Ukraine and Israel that Trump had cut. Meanwhile, the Labor-HHS bill invests heavily in biomedical research, child care, and opioid treatment rejecting the deep domestic cuts pushed by Trump and his allies. Here to break down the details is Senior Reporter with Blomberg Government, Jack Fitzpatrick.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Being called as a Congressional witness can be terrifying, but it is also a vital information link that supports lawmaking, oversight, and public accountability. Spoiler alert--preparing well is the best way to be successful. Here with some insider tips on how to do that is the author of "Testifying before Congress", now out in an updated edition, Bill LaForge.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 powerful new tool that could change how we access decades of creative history The most important things to think about if you are called to testify before Congress The Senate pushes forward on defense and health fundingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The House and Senate versions of the 2026 defense policy bill both zero in on acquisition reform, targeting similar areas, but taking different approaches to accomplishing those reforms. That means there's still significant work ahead to reconcile the two. Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis spoke with Tim Brennan from the Professional Services Council about what made it into the bills and what's next.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senators are pushing for the reinstatement of Environmental Protection Agency employees who remain in limbo. A letter from Democrats this week comes after more than 140 EPA employees were put on administrative leave about a month ago. The agency says it's investigating the employees, but there's no clear timeline for when the investigation will wrap up. 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.

You might be getting used to asking AI to find you a recipe or diagnose your pet's behavior. Would you trust it to help you fix a fighter jet, or treat a wounded soldier, or develop a military operations order in combat? New tools are being tested that promise that level of specificity and accuracy. Here with more details is the founder and CEO of EdgerunnerAI, Tyler Saltsman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act's section 885 raised eyebrows for its suggestions about how to improve the bid protest function. Congress gave GAO 180 days to research and respond to three specific recommendations. GAO's recent response has reengaged the conversation. Here to help us understand the particulars of GAO's response and what it might mean for future bid protests is partner at Hunton, Andrews, and Kurth, Eric Crusius. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nearly 25 million Americans renew a passport every year. They want that process to be simple and fast, and it wasn't...until, after many attempts, the State Department finally developed and deployed a new on-line process that works. Here with the details on what it took to roll out the new process is the Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, Matt Pierce.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 The team behind the on-line passport renewal application earns a medal GAO responds to Congress on suggested changes to the bid protest function How AI could change front-line military jobsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The crash of healthcare.gov in October 2013 sparked a nationwide conversation about how the federal government designs and launches online services to the public. About a year later, the White House launched the US digital service, a tech hub within the executive office of the president. That office is now home to the Department of Government Efficiency. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman has more on this historical moment in federal news history. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Office of Management and Budget is planning to supercharge the Do Not Pay database. The White House says it will cut through some of the systemic issues that have kept this database from helping other agencies further reduce the amount of improper payments across the government. For more on OMB's plans, 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.

A stealthy cyber group known as Salt Typhoon has quietly infiltrated Army National Guard networks, exploiting vulnerabilities and evading detection for months. The group's “living off the land” tactics allowed them to blend in with legitimate activity, raising alarms about the resilience of U.S. military and civilian infrastructure. Experts warn that this breach marks a dangerous escalation in cyber espionage—and is a wake-up call for national defense. Here to break down this threat is Chief Product Officer at Phosphorus Cybersecurity, Sonu Shankar.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yesterday was National Whistleblower Day. DOJ has a new program that offers payment to whistleblowers who submit reports of antitrust violations that are later proved successful. But the program is complicated, with lots of conditions on those payments. Here to help us sort through the details is partner at Shepherd Mulling and Co-Leader of their Antitrust and Competition Practice Group, Ann O'Brien. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cyber threats are borderless...they can originate anywhere and affect anywhere. A new set of global principles from industry group ITI suggests that cybersecurity should be borderless, or global, as well. Here with more on the framework and how well we stack up is the director for policy for cybersecurity and supply chain at ITI, Leopold Wildenauer.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 new framework for global cybersecurity collaboration DOJ offers to pay whistleblowers for successful antitrust claims How Salt Typhoon Breached the National Guard—and What It Means for U.S. CybersecuritySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The IRS is trying to modernize a more than 50 year old IT system that's critical to its work. Every filing season, the agency is working on a future state of its integrated data retrieval system. This system would be a long awaited win for the agency, which has struggled to get the funding and staffing necessary to modernize some of the oldest legacy IT system still running in the federal government, Federal News Network's Jory Heckman is here with more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.