Federal Drive with Tom Temin

Pentagon leaders came under fire Tuesday for quietly reorganizing part of the Defense Department's policy office without notifying Congress. Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis 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 Office of Personnel Management is hinting at some upcoming initiatives aiming to bring more tech talent into the federal workforce. At the same time, OPM says it's looking to improve early career recruitment and focus more on applicant skill sets rather than job titles. But OPMs big hiring goals also come after hundreds of thousands of feds have left their jobs this year. 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.

As the current shutdown tops the 35-day record of 2018-2019, the impact on the federal workforce grows. The administration has signaled it may withhold back pay from furloughed employees and proceed with mass reductions in force, despite clear legal protections. Attorney Heidi Burakiewicz breaks down the Anti-Deficiency Act amendments, ongoing litigation in California courts, and what federal employees facing RIF notices need to know about their rights and legal recourse. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Melwood has been a pioneer in disability employment for nearly 60 years. Today, the organization supports workers at more than 60 federal sites, delivers tailored vocational services, and partners with researchers and agencies to expand opportunities for neurodivergent talent. Here to share how Melwood's model continues to evolve and what it means for the future of inclusive work is President and CEO Larysa Kautz.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The government shutdown is rippling through the world of intellectual property. To find out which parts of the IP system remain lit, and which have gone dark, Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Jarom Kesler, a partner with Knobbe Martens.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 Where the government shutdown is affecting intellectual property Melwood is proving that inclusive employment can thrive When the government shuts down, who protects federal workers' paychecks and their jobs? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Pentagon Cyber Security Maturity Model certification is less than a week away from becoming an official acquisition rule. Now the Defense Department's lead Small Business Office is polling companies about their readiness to meet the CMMC requirements for more on CMMC finally becoming a reality Federal News Network's 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 vast majority of employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs are still working during the government shutdown, and most are being paid on time through advanced appropriations. Even so, tens of thousands of VA employees are not getting paid right now because they're either furloughed or working without pay. Veteran Service Organizations say that the shutdown has also limited their services to veterans. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman has been covering this.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Employees of the government, and the companies agencies work with are both feeling the strain of this ongoing shutdown. Now, one industry group is asking Congressional leaders to lessen the financial blow the best they can. Federal Drive host Terry Gerton spoke with Jim Carroll earlier this week, who is the Executive Director 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.

Well here we are again. A government shutdown that doesn't appear to be ending any time soon, and federal strain is abound. With many employees furloughed, or even being laid off due to the shutdown, they're looking at all options to pay their bills. We thought we'd speak with someone who's been down this road before and can give some tips for getting through it. We welcome back to the program Abe Grungold, former federal employee and founder of AG Financial Services.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the 11th shutdown of the U.S. government since 1976 underway, the economic ramifications are being felt all over. For some analysis on some of the most affected areas, we welcome Chip Lugo, an analyst with WalletHub.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 GertonWhere the shutdown is having the biggest impact geographically speaking Financial tips from a retired fed who's seen his share of shutdowns When a shutdown impacts mission, how does industry hold on when contractors are left unpaidSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Though many federal employees have been through shutdowns in the past, a significant majority say things are very different this time. Around about 70% of respondents to a recent Federal News Network survey say the current shutdown feels much less certain than usual. Some survey takers also say the Trump administration's recent actions have only built on the challenges feds have faced this year. Here with more on the survey results 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.

More than 211,000 people have left federal service since January. tens of thousands of employees of contractors are also newly unemployed after the Trump administration cut spending and terminated contracts. In this week's federal report, Federal News Network Executive Editor Jason Miller tells the story of two job seekers and what others can learn from their six month saga. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal employees planning to retire are now navigating ORA, the new online platform replacing OPM's paper-based process. The system is designed to streamline retirement, but early users are facing delays, confusion, and communication breakdowns. For insight on what's working and what's not, Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Thiago Glieger, a retirement planning expert at RMG Advisors.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Supreme Court's partial stay in a case against NIH has left dozens of public health studies in legal limbo. At the center are canceled grants focused on vaccine hesitancy, LGBTQ health, and racial disparities; topics critics say were targeted for political reasons. Here to explain the ruling and its impact on scientific independence are Dr. Susan Polan and Shalini Goel Agarwal. Dr. Polan is associate executive director for public affairs and advocacy with the American Public Health Association. Ms. Agarwal co-leads Protect Democracy's Free Expression and the Right to Dissent team.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Military pay is always front and center of any government shutdown. It can also serve as a motivator to get members of Congress moving before they go too long. On the other side though are the servicemembers themselves, many of whom rely solely on that paycheck to get through their daily lives. To get some insight on the impact this particular shutdown is having on today's military, Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Jim Whaley, CEO of the nonprofit Mission Roll Call, and a 20 year Army veteran himself.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 Military pay is once again a pressure point in the shutdown fight A Supreme Court ruling challenges NIH's authority, leaving public health research in the balance A new retirement system promises modernization, but it's creating more questions than answersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration is starting to develop a new National Cyber Security Strategy. Several presidential administrations, including Trump's first, have tried to get their arms around securing US interests in cyberspace, but digital threats to agencies and critical infrastructure have only gotten worse, while artificial intelligence is posing a whole new set of challenges. For more on how the White House is addressing those issues, Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If the current lapse in appropriations lasts at least another day and it sure looks like it will this will officially become the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. But, there are at least a few reasons to think the end might be near. To get an update on where things stand and how this might finally end, we're joined now from Capitol Hill by Mitchell Miller from our partners at WTOP.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Government shutdown or no, it's almost time for open season under the Federal Employee Health Benefits program. One common thread this year is premiums are going up by about 12.3%. But price isn't the only thing to consider as you shop around. To help with the planning process, we're joined by Tammy Flanagan, founder of Retire Federal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are a lot of reasons why government shutdowns are harmful. The impact on the nation's cyber defenses is certainly one of those reasons, but it's also difficult to measure. We do know that significant percentages of cyber personnel are furloughed, including more than half the staff at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. But for a deeper look at some of the less tangible impacts, we're joined now by Justin Miller. He's a former Secret Service special agent who specialized in cyber investigations – now an associate professor of cyber studies at the University of Tulsa.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 We'll take a look at what the shutdown means for the nation's cyber defenses A preview of this year's federal employee health benefits open season An update from Capitol Hill as we approach a new government shutdown recordSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hundreds of thousands of federal employees are showing up to work and not getting paid on time during the second longest government shutdown. State Department employees who process passports are among those working without pay. That's an unusual step, because that part of the agency is fee funded, and it can normally pay staff on time during a lapse in congressional funds. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman has been covering this issue, and he joins us now 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 Small Business Administration acted in record time to suspend ATI Government Solutions from federal contracting. SBA made the decision the day after a video emerged from the O'Keefe Media Group, a right wing activist organization, showing that an official from ATI admitted to defrauding the SBA is eight a program for more on the broader implications of the ATI suspension. Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins us now to discuss.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This year, there's been a lot of focus on streamining the Federal Acquisition Regulation as the Trump administration moves through its big FAR overhaul project. But increasingly, the burdens of an overcomplicated acquisition system aren't just an issue for traditional government contractors. It's becoming a bigger and bigger topic for academic institutions too. To dig into that topic, I talked with Aron Beezley. He's the head of the government contracts practice group at the law firm Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP.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 sweeping cuts to federal grants are triggering a wave of legal challenges, especially from nonprofits and research institutions. And more cases are landing in the Court of Federal Claims. Here to explain why, and what funding recipients need to know before they sue is partner at Jenner & Block, David Robbins.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From program design to policy evaluation, social scientists offer methods and insights that could strengthen federal decision-making. But institutional barriers and cultural divides still keep many of them on the sidelines. Joining me to explain what government is missing and how to fix it is the Herbert H. Lehman Professor of Government at Columbia University, Alexander Hertel-Fernandez.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 GertonEngaging more social scientists could help government programs work better and deliver more Grant terminations are rising and federal funding recipients may need to head to court Big contract compliance burdens...aren't just a problem for contractorsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With open season just around the corner, rising premiums may be top of mind for enrollees in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, but there are a number of other changes that employees and annuitants will want to be aware of for Plan Year 2026 that includes several plans entering or leaving FEHB, as well as benefits changes across the government's insurance programs. For more, Federal News Network's Drew Friedman recently sat down with the Director of Marketing and Fundraising at Consumers Checkbook, Kevin Moss. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Environmental Protection Agency is deepening its work with water utilities on cyber security issues. The EPA has recently launched a program to scan for Internet exposed devices at water and wastewater facilities. That work comes amid rising concerns about nation state hackers targeting water systems and other critical infrastructure for more Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday is here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We've spent a lot of time over the past month talking about how the government shutdown is affecting executive branch agencies. But it's a big issue for the federal judicial branch too. The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts recently announced the judiciary has exhausted the funding it needs to keep all court operations up and running. So courts are having to make choices about what activities continue during a shutdown. Nick Boyle is partner at the law firm Latham and Watkins. He's here to talk more about those impacts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Justice Department's civil rights fraud initiative is putting contractors and grant recipients on notice, with demand letters that raise the stakes for DEI compliance and False Claims Act exposure. The risks are real for firms of all sizes. Here with guidance on how companies can prepare is partner at Proskauer and expert in government contractor employment law, Guy Brenner.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 Government Ethics surveys executive branch agencies each year to track common ethics concerns. Intelliworx analyzed the latest results and found that questions about gifts, financial conflicts, and outside work top the list. Here to discuss the findings is business analyst with Intelliworx, John Martin.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 What do federal employees ask about most when it comes to ethics? A new fraud initiative puts DEI programs under the government's microscope We'll take a look at some of the shutdown's impacts on the federal judiciarySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For decades, service members and their families have been exposed to hazardous conditions and privatized military housing. The Change the Air Foundation recently launched what's probably one of the most comprehensive efforts yet to collect data. The Defense Department has never been able to track accurately what military spouses say. It's a survey created by families, for families. For more Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis spoke with Erica Thompson, a military spouse, and the military families liaison for the Change the Air Foundation.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 latest round of federal employee layoffs will remain on hold for now. A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the administration from carrying out widespread reductions in force for about 4000 employees while the case proceeds through the court. A judge initially put these layoffs on hold in mid October, Federal News Network's Jory Heckman has the latest.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How can newer companies apply innovation to quickly achieve major impact? In this segment of "Government Contractors to Watch" sponsored by JP Morgan Chase, I'll talk with Alexander Granados, CEO of Prescient Edge, about how they deployed AI to drive innovation.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 and Congress are weighing changes that could reshape how the Federal Emergency Management Agency prepares for, responds to, and helps communities recover from disasters. There are quite a few reforms on the table. To help understand them, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute is hosting a Rapid Readout this week to unpack it all. For more info, Federal News Network's Jared Serbu spoke with Daniel Bresette, who is president of the EESI.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From energy efficiency rollbacks to withdrawn FDA rules, the Spring 2025 Unified Agenda marks a sharp turn in federal regulatory priorities. It's the first formal roadmap of the second Trump administration, and it presents evidence about timing, ambition, and impact across key sectors. I'll break it down with Senior Policy Analyst at the GW Regulatory Studies Center, Sarah Hay.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 Trump administration's first Unified Agenda is already reshaping federal regulation Trump administration and Congress weigh changes to FEMAA company that went from startup to program-of-the-year winner through AI innovation See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Cyber Security and infrastructure security agency has been sounding the alarm about cyber threats to us critical infrastructure like power and water systems. CISA officials are particularly concerned about hackers targeting so called operational technology or OT systems. Targeting of those systems could pose major health and safety risks. For more on what the agency is doing to combat those threats. Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday spoke with the OT cyber lead at CISA, Matt Rogers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.