Federal Drive with Tom Temin

Agencies are being allowed to continue any work related to reductions in force, even during a government shutdown. That's according to guidance the Office of Personnel Management published over the weekend. OPM's update comes as the Trump administration is encouraging agencies to conduct even more RIFs. Here with more on this 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.

Tens of thousands of federal employees won't be coming into work on day one of a government shutdown, but the IRS says it will keep all of its employees working for a few days during the funding lapse. That's thanks to billions in multi-year modernization funds that Congress keeps clawing back. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman is here with more detail. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recent hurricanes, wildfires and floods have overwhelmed federal disaster response systems, with FEMA operating at a fraction of its staffing capacity. The GAO warns that workforce reductions and undertrained surge responders could jeopardize future recovery efforts. Here to explain the risks and what needs to change is director of Homeland Security and Justice at GAO, Christopher Currie.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest White House memo on shutdown planning signals more than temporary disruption. It introduces the possibility of permanent job losses and a shift in executive power. If this approach becomes precedent, it could redefine how Congress and the White House negotiate the federal budget and exercise constitutional authority. Here to explain is professor emeritus at the University of Maryland and former dean of its School of Public Policy, Don Kettl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether it's the first day of a new fiscal year or the start of a government shutdown, the contributions of federal employees deserve recognition. Michael Perel spent nearly four decades at the Department of Transportation and now, in retirement, he's using creativity and community service to honor the public servants who keep the country running. Michael joins me now to share his message and his music.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 The Federal Drive with Terry GertonAs federal workers face uncertainty, one retiree is sending a heartfelt thank you... through musicWhen shutdowns become weapons, the damage goes far beyond the budgetBillion-dollar disasters are increasing and FEMA's workforce may not be ready to respondSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While a shutdown is looming, one federal department is positioned to have a lot of funding no matter the outcome of congressional negotiations. This week, the Department of Homeland Security has more than $150 billion to spend from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed over the summer, and federal contractors are following the money and positioning themselves to contribute to DHS's mission. 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.

Until very recently, when many of the Navy Department's parts and other materials were removed from units that no longer needed them, those items tended to sit in storage without much visibility until they were eventually turned over to be disposed of as excess government property. But that's changed significantly in recent years, thanks to the Naval Supply Systems Command's Consumable Asset Reutilization Program, or CARP. NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center in San Diego has been able to rescue and redirect 116,000 items, saving the government almost $14 million so far by reutilizing assets it already owns. Robert Medina is the deputy director for the CARP program's nearby Ventura County site, and Doug Murphy is the material management and warehouse utilization product and service lead. They talked about it with Federal News Network's Jared Serbu.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Even if the Democrats got everything they're asking for in their proposed continuing resolution, it only kicks the CR can down the road for a few weeks and we could find ourselves right back to shutdown talk. Here to talk about the political and institutional issues driving the current funding standoff is senior fellow in Governance Studies at Brookings, Molly Reynolds.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With a shutdown deadline fast approaching, questions are mounting about which contracts will be paused, who will be furloughed and how the government's contractor workforce should prepare. The ripple effects could hit everything from IT services to facility support, especially in agencies without full-year funding. We get perspective from the 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.

The Deferred Resignation Plan promised a smoother exit for federal employees. But with September 30 landing on the edge of a shutdown, that promise is under pressure. Retirement processing delays, furloughed HR staff and a surge in last-minute applications could leave some workers in a pay gap. Here to explain what's at stake for DRP participants and other would-be retirees is principal with Retire Federal, Tammy Flanagan.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 GertonThe issues driving the shutdown showdown are about more than moneyFederal retirement meets shutdown risk on the same day — what could go wrong?Federal contractors are bracing for impact as a government shutdown loomsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is ordering federal civilian agencies to take immediate action against a widespread hacking campaign targeting Cisco firewalls. The emergency directive was issued last Thursday in response to zero day vulnerabilities that hackers have been exploiting for quite some time. Federal News Network's Anastasia. Obis is here with more details. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A federal court finds President Donald Trump unlawfully fired agency watchdogs just days after taking office, but none of the inspectors general he fired are getting their jobs back. The judge says Trump didn't follow procedure, but also says presidents have broad authority to fire the IGs. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman joins me 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.

With just 48 hours until a possible government shutdown, lawmakers are weighing more than budget math. The White House's threat of a government-wide reduction in force has scrambled negotiations, while President Trump's refusal to meet with Democrats has hardened partisan lines. For insight on what's still in play—and what's already off the table—we turn to Loren Duggan, deputy news director at Bloomberg Government.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and AFGE Local 4070 is launching a new initiative to protect the mental health of corrections officers on the front lines. Here with a message of urgency and hope is president of the local union and a driving force behind the effort, Jon Zumkehr.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hackers recently impersonated Rep. John Moolenaar in a phishing email aimed at federal systems. The attack exposed how emotional manipulation and outdated protections continue to undermine cybersecurity. Yejin Jang, Vice President, Government Affairs at Abnormal AI, joins us to explain what needs to change.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 Hackers used a fake congressional email to breach federal systems and exploit trust One local union is taking action to prevent suicide among federal correctional officers Is there any way out of the shutdown cul-de-sac?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Space Force is launching a first of its kind training program for acquisition officers. The qualification training course is not only designed for early career acquisition officers, but also provides a pathway for operators transitioning into acquisition roles Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis is here with more details. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Customs and Border Protection is embarking on a historic hiring drive over the next four years. The one big, beautiful Bill Act includes funding for CBP to hire 5000 new customs officers and 3000 Border Patrol agents to learn more about how CBP is moving out on this recruiting push federal news networks. Justin Doubleday spoke with CBP Assistant Commissioner Andrea bright and Senior Advisor Ron Vitello.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new study from UC Riverside shows how linking smaller quantum chips can build larger, more reliable systems even when those connections aren't flawless. The breakthrough could help scale quantum computing faster than expected, without waiting for perfect hardware. Mohamed Shalby, the study's lead author, explains how this shift could reshape the future of computing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal leaders are being urged to rethink every job in terms of what only humans can do. A new report for the IBM Center for the business of government maps how GenAI could reshape the federal workforce...not by replacing it but by forcing agencies to define and protect the judgment, creativity, and interpersonal skills that machines can't replicate. Here with more details is the report's lead author, Chair and Professor in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University, Bill Resh.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the IRS prepares to cut thousands of jobs, many employees are facing an uncertain future. A retired IRS employee has launched a volunteer network to help them find their footing, offering free career coaching, resume help, and emotional support to those navigating life after government service. Here to share more about this Career Support For You is its creator, Perry DiToto.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 GertonA volunteer network steps up for departing IRS staff GenAI is pushing federal leaders to define the human core of every job Quantum computing could scale faster by linking imperfect chips into stronger systemsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal employees and agencies are bracing for potential government shutdown. Lawmakers have just days to reach a spending agreement with no clear path in sight to avoid a funding lapse. Federal News Network's Drew Friedman joins me now with more on what a shutdown would mean for federal employees.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Court of Federal Claims rejected Percipient.ai's challenge to the government's evaluation process, reinforcing long-standing precedent on standing and discretion. While the ruling went the government's way, it still offers key takeaways for contractors. Here with an explanation of the case and its consequences is partner at Haynes Boone, Dan Ramish.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Neo-defense tech firms promise innovation, deterrence, and reindustrialization, but their real profit model may hinge less on hardware and more on locking in software. Here to sift through the hype and get to what it all means for the future of U.S. defense strategy is defense researcher analyst and War on the Rocks contributor, Jonathan Panter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As agencies figure out how to obligate funds before the fiscal year ends, the apportionment database offers a way to assess whether executive branch spending aligns with congressional intent. From impoundments to rescissions, it's a key tool for tracking compliance, transparency, and the balance of fiscal power. Here to explain how it all fits together is Program Integrity Fellow with Arnold Ventures, Doug Criscitello.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 Tracking apportionments reveals if agencies follow the rules as the fiscal year ends Is “cheap mass” just a gateway to permanent software licensing in defense tech? Agencies breathe a sigh of relief with a recent decision from the Court of Federal ClaimsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Agencies are being told to change the way they describe positions when promoting job openings. The Office of Personnel Management wants federal job titles to be descriptive, organizational or functional in nature, or in other words, OPM says cut the government jargon. 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.

Ahead of an agency reorganization, the General Services Administration is walking back mass layoffs across its real estate division. The Public Building Service saw major workforce cuts amid plans to shrink its portfolio of federal buildings, but now PBS is asking hundreds of laid off employees to come back to work. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman is here with more details. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bad weather can snarl air travel, and aviation meteorologists are the ones helping air traffic controllers make fast, informed decisions to keep flights safe and efficient. But a new GAO report finds that staffing at FAA's Center Weather Service Units has dropped to critical levels, adding to the stressors already challenging the airspace system. Here with more details on their findings and recommendations is Director, Physical Infrastructure Team, at the Government Accountability Office, Derrick Collins.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

American Oversight is suing the Department of Energy over a new policy that could quietly shut down thousands of public records requests. The rule requires requesters to re-confirm interest in pending FOIA submissions without notice, risking mass closures and undermining transparency. Here to explain the legal challenge and its broader implications is Chioma Chukwu, Executive Director of American Oversight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Something is different in the Federal Register online data base. Users noticed in August that numbers got much less precise, search results were truncated, and meaningful summaries had disappeared. Here to report on what's happening and why it matters is VP for Policy and a Senior Fellow and the Competitive Enterprise Institute, Wayne Crews.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 Federal Register is flashing warning signs A new lawsuit says the Department of Energy is quietly dismantling FOIA and public transparency Aviation meteorologists help keep flights safe, but there aren't enough of themSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There have been a lot of lawsuits this year challenging the Trump administration's federal employment policies. A few have been successful, but quite a few have also been dismissed over jurisdictional issues. That's because in most cases, executive branch administrative agencies are supposed to handle disputes between the feds and their agencies. But what if those administrative agencies themselves aren't up to the task? A new legal opinion hints that courts might have to step in. Federal News Network's Jared Serbu writes about it in this week's edition of the Federal Report, and he's here to talk some more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The National Geospatial Intelligence Agency has been amplifying its long-running efforts to use artificial intelligence and machine learning. This year, NGA has established several leadership positions focused specifically on AI, and it is developing new standards to ensure AI is applied to the geospatial intelligence mission responsibly. For more on these efforts, 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.

From the September 30 resignations to the President's alternative pay plan, federal employees are facing a wave of structural changes. Add in court challenges to Trump-era terminations and the unraveling of collective bargaining, and the stakes for civil service protections have never been higher. Here to talk through the details is Staff Vice President for Policy and Programs at NARFE, John Hatton.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Artificial intelligence could help agencies modernize outdated regulations, but a leaked Trump administration proposal may push reform past the point of legality. Smart use of AI requires an understanding of the complexity of regulations and the unintended consequences of deregulation. Here to explain how best to deploy AI responsibly for this purpose is Founder of the GW Regulatory Studies Center and former OIRA Administrator, Susan Dudley.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From staffing cuts to shifting guidance, federal contracting offices are navigating a year-end landscape unlike any in recent memory. The ripple effects are hitting small businesses and big prime contractors alike. We get perspective from former GSA Administrator Emily Murphy.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 GertonHow to use artificial intelligence to fix federal regulations without breaking the law in the processHow feds can navigate the new fault lines in job security, pay and representationWhy this fiscal year-end feels different for agency contracting shopsSee 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 is now handling purchases for more federal agencies. HUD is the latest to join GSA centralized buying effort, part of a broader push by the Trump administration to streamline procurement for more on GSA, ongoing effort to change the way agencies buy. 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.