Federal Drive with Tom Temin

The Trump administration's drive to create one human capital management system for all of government is running into the unfortunate realities of government contracting. Two new protests are putting the Office of Management and Budget's aggressive timeline to fully transition every major agency to this consolidated modernized system by July 4, 2027 at risk. For an update on the administration's HR IT modernization program, Federal News Network 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 General Services Administration has updated its contractor cybersecurity requirements. The standards are similar to the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program. But there are also some key differences in GSA's standards that are causing consternation in industry. For more, Federal 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.

Two very different cyber cases — a DFARS‑driven settlement and a criminal indictment involving FedRAMP misrepresentations; are giving contractors a preview of DOJ's posture for 2026. Both point to a more aggressive and more varied enforcement landscape. We're talking through what that means with Andrew Liebler and Lance Taubin of Alston & Bird.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GAO says the Space Development Agency is at risk of falling behind on missile-warning capability because of technology readiness gaps and schedule planning weaknesses. The report also warns that users don't have enough transparency into how requirements are set, and DOD still lacks a reliable life‑cycle cost estimate. We'll walk through the detail's with GAO's Jon Ludwigson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The president has proposed a historic $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027. But with the possibility of divided government after the midterms and the risk of another yearlong continuing resolution, that funding boost could stall before it ever reaches the Pentagon. There may be another route for the White House to go though, the budget reconciliation process. To find out how that could work, Federal News Network' Eric White spoke with John Ferrari, non-resident scholar with the American Enterprise Institute.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 Two December cases show DOJ is shifting its cyber enforcement into higher gear The administration's biggest defense request yet may depend on a budget maneuver to survive the next Congress GAO says the Space Development Agency's timeline for missile-warning satellites may be outpacing realitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal agencies are releasing their new use case inventories for artificial intelligence. Across the government, there now are more than 2,500 AI use cases, an increase of more than 800 since last year. And with the rise of agentic AI, agencies are positioning themselves to drive toward more automation and efficiencies. Kelly Fletcher is the chief information officer for the State Department. And Kris Saling is the chief technology advisor for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. They talked about the state of their AI rollouts with Federal News Network's Jason Miller. Fletcher leads off this excerpt from the discussion.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hundreds of former USAID employees and their supporters gathered in downtown Washington, D.C., last week. Their rally marked exactly one year since the agency shuttered, and thousands of staff members were escorted out of their offices. At the rally, former employees called out impacts of the Trump administration's dismantling of USAID, while also considering their path forward. Federal News Network's Drew Friedman was there.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The federal market now faces a double shock: an abrupt supply‑chain risk ruling against a major AI vendor and a funding plan that concentrates four years' worth of spending into one. Both will shape how primes and subs manage risk, inventory their tools, and pursue new work in 2026. We break down the implications with Stephanie Kostro, President 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.

A remnant of DOGE is about to get a new life under the Trump administration. OPM plans to issue its first TechForce job offers this week, as the agency wraps up reviews for software engineers and data scientists who would serve two‑ to four‑year tours on modernization projects. To find out how this effort will work — and how it differs from past attempts to bring more technologists into government —Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Lauren Chambers, a Ph.D candidate at the UC Berkeley School of Information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Election offices are heading into 2026 with real pressure on staffing, administration, and public confidence. New proposals at the federal level could add to the workload as local officials prepare for a complex election cycle. We break down the biggest challenges with Donald Palmer, Chairman of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coming up on the Federal Drive with Terry GertonFrom poll‑worker shortages to new federal proposals, 2026 could test election systemsA once‑gutted government tech program is coming back to life as OPM prepares to hire its first TechForce cohortDoD's move against Anthropic and its plan to deploy all FY 2026 funding at once could reset the market for federal contractorsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Natural disasters at military installations have caused billions of dollars in damage over the past decade, but the Defense Department began tracking those costs just recently. That data, however, remains incomplete and at times inaccurate. Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis spoke with Kristy Williams, director of defense capabilities and management at the Government Accountability Office, about the Pentagon's efforts to improve natural disaster cost tracking.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The acting director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency for the past 10 months is out. Madhu Gottu-mukkala was transferred to another position at the Department of Homeland Security last week. His departure comes amid deep uncertainty at the cyber defense agency. For more, 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.

Congress is busy as ever. Hearings, the State of the Union, potentially major legislation, and oh yea, the Department of Homeland Security is still not funded. I got an update on what is top of mind on Capitol Hill right now from Loren Duggan, Deputy News Director for Bloomberg Government.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Behind every hearing, bill, and negotiation are staff whose careers have never been consistently tracked. A new dataset brings order to that picture and gives Congress and the public a clearer sense of its workforce. The architect of the HillClimbers Index is Omar Awan, and he joins me now to show how this new visibility can guide decisions on staff size, compensation, and day‑to‑day operations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

According to the OIG, EPA regions underreported improper and unknown payments in the SRF program by tens of millions of dollars, driven by documentation gaps and incomplete reporting. The findings point to weaknesses in the agency's largest funding stream and the controls meant to protect it. We walk through the implications with Devon Padula from the EPA Office of Inspector General.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 EPA's State Revolving Funds move billions into water infrastructure; an internal audit says the agency isn't accurately tracking how that money is spent New data may change what we know about staffing, stability and capacity on Capitol Hill Congress is as busy as ever and DHS is still not fundedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Agriculture Department is selling one of its headquarters buildings, as part of an ongoing agency reorganization. USDA is putting its South Building near the National Mall over to the General Services Administration, which plans to put it on the market. Senior officials say the building is underutilized and faces a billion-dollar maintenance backlog. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman has more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Marine Corps has a readiness problem. Only about 45% to 50% of its amphibious groups have the ability to be forward deployed. For more on how the Marines are working with the Navy to achieve a readiness rate of 80%, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller sat down with Lieutenant General Jay Bargeron, the deputy commandant for plans, policies and operations for the Marine Corps, at the recent WEST conference in San Diego, California.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the main tools foreign policy leaders have to exert pressure on other governments is through the use of economic tools. Sanctions, export controls, investment restrictions, and financial measures have been used with much more frequency rather than more invasive methods. But has their recurring use made it more difficult to lose sight of their main purpose in the first place? I recently spoke to Lt. Col. Mary Hossier, Department of the Air Force senior military fellow at the Center for a New American Security, who makes the case that a more doctrinal approach, such as those used by the military, may help keep the main goals in sight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Families have filed suit alleging the 2025 crash was both foreseeable and preventable, as investigators detailed long‑standing risks in the capital's most sensitive airspace. With urgent NTSB recommendations on the table and renewed scrutiny of how DCA's flight corridor is managed, we look at what should have happened at every step to prevent a tragedy like this and what should happen next with aviation attorney Timothy Loranger.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 year after the midair collision near Reagan National, the NTSB's findings raise fresh questions about the safety gaps that allowed it to happen Could there be a way to make economic sanctions more mission oriented?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An overhaul of the government's performance management system is coming down the pipeline. New proposed regulations from the Office of Personnel Management would change the annual review process for virtually the entire federal workforce. That includes a plan to limit how many federal employees can be ranked as so called “high performers.” 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.

An expunged record at the state level may not be enough to qualify for military service. A federal appeals court says the service branches can enforce stricter enlistment standards than those set by the Defense Department, and don't have to honor state expungements when evaluating potential recruits. Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis spoke to Ira Rushing, associate with Tully Rinckey PLLC, about how the court's decision could impact current service members or potential recruits.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You've got the money, you'd like it to continue to grow throughout your retirement, where should you put it? It's an age old question that you get a different answer to depending on who and when you ask it. I certainly don't know the answer, so let's talk to someone who does. Certified financial planner Art Stein 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 government brought in an all‑time high of $6.8 billion in False Claims Act recoveries last year, with healthcare driving most of the action. DOJ is zeroing in on managed care billing, drug‑pricing tactics, and medical‑device safety — and it's adding discrimination in hiring and pay as a new area of focus. We'll unpack what that means for companies and why enforcement keeps following the money with Kate Seikaly (CYCLE-y) of Reed Smith.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Using exclusive retention data, Redeployable and Hire Heroes USA tracked where veterans actually stay and grow in the civilian workforce, even as AI reshapes entire industries. Their analysis spotlights six fields with strong job growth, high veteran staying power, and low automation risk — a combination that signals long‑term stability. We'll break down why these fields stand out and what the research means for veterans making career decisions right now with Ben Read and Charlotte Creech. Ben is the Co-Founder and CEO of Redeployable and Charlotte is Chief Program Officer at Hire Heroes USA.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 As AI transforms the workforce, a new report finds veterans may have an edge, and the data shows exactly which career paths offer the strongest long‑term payoff A record‑shattering year for False Claims Act recoveries is forcing a sharper look at where the money flows and why DOJ's enforcement firepower keeps circling back to healthcare How to make sure your nest egg is thrivingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Education Department is handing off more work to other federal agencies, as part of plans to dismantle its operations. It's sharing some of its duties with the departments of State Department and the Department of Health and Human Services. Education transferred some of its employees to the Labor Department last year. But so far, no employees have been detailed to State or HHS. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Defense Department's much-delayed background investigation system is years behind schedule and billions over budget. DoD officials say they have a plan to finally deliver the system in the coming years. But lawmakers are concerned about more schedule slips and a lack of permanent leadership to oversee the program. For more, 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.

GAO reviewed how agencies work with Tribes to share decisions on natural and cultural resources and found that while these agreements can provide meaningful, long‑term participation, they're built unevenly from agency to agency. Some agencies have the legal authority to create deeper partnerships, while others, including the Forest Service and NOAA's marine sanctuaries don't, limiting Tribal influence over similar lands and waters. We'll explore what it will take to close those gaps with GAO's Anna Maria Ortiz.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your final day of working can approach fast once you have it set. At least, that's what I've been told. The changes however can be even more rapid after you do retire. So what can you expect your first few months of not having to punch the clock every day? We welcome Private Wealth Adviser with RMG Advisors Thiago Glieger.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With 2026 underway, we thought we'd check in with office in charge of running the Capitol, the building that is. It's been over 230 years since George Washington laid the cornerstone for the building, and obviously it's come a long way. To find out what's in store for the future, Federal Drive host Terry Gerton talked to the one person who best knows that answer, Architect of the Capitol Thomas Austin.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A check-in with the office in charge of running the Capitol building What to expect in the first months of your retirement Tribes are gaining long‑term roles in managing natural and cultural resources, but GAO says those agreements could be far more consistent and far more effectiveSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two decades ago, NASA Administrator Michael Griffin said the space agency has become too dependent on outside contractors, hollowing out some of the skills the agency needs in-house to oversee and evaluate programs. Similar concerns rose to the top when NASA kicked off its Vision 2040 project in 2018. Now it's NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's turn to pave over this well-known ground. In this week's federal report, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller writes about why this latest attempt to refocus and reinvigorate NASA's workforce may be different. Jason joins me 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.

With the threat of a shutdown gone for most of the government at least, contractors can now shift their focus to some eventful business opportunities. For one thing, NASA is going through a transformation. Plus the upcoming FIFA World Cup could present some interesting opportunities. For more on that, we welcome Jim Carroll, CEO 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.

With enforcement ramping up and penalties increasing, the Voluntary Disclosure Program is becoming the safest way to resolve past tax mistakes before they turn into something bigger. We'll walk through the risks, red flags, and first steps with Valerie Makarewicz and Tino Lisella, Partners at Carlton Fields.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Card‑skimming is no longer a local nuisance; it's become a coordinated, multi‑state fraud pipeline built on speed, technology and volume. The Secret Service is tracing how these crews operate, and partnerships with banks and local police are helping shut them down. We'll look at the scope of the threat and the impact on victims with Secret Service Special Agent Michael Peck.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 For victims, a quick stop at an ATM or gas station can turn into wiped‑out accounts and days of financial chaos after a skimmer steals their card data If you think an old tax issue is behind you, the IRS may be about to prove otherwise With shutdown threats mostly behind them, contractors focus on eventful opportunitiesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

House Democrats are pressing Bureau of Prisons leaders on their plans to address long-time staffing shortages. For years, low staffing at BOP has contributed to operational issues and unsafe conditions across the federal prison system. A letter sent Friday to BOP's Director says the workforce issues have reached a “crisis point.” 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 National Institutes of Health continued to lean into the use of artificial intelligence last year. The NIH has now initiated more than 100 AI pilots over the last few years. Those efforts ramped up as the health agency also navigated staffing cuts and other turmoil in 20-25. 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.