Federal Drive with Tom Temin

Over the past year, there's been a major uptick in the government's use of the False Claims Act to take companies to task for cybersecurity violations. The Trump administration has announced six separate False Claims Act settlements. And enforcement has been especially aggressive for companies who do business with the Defense Department. Sara McLean is a former assistant director of the fraud section in the Justice Department's Commercial Litigation Branch. She talked with Federal News Network's Jason Miller about the enforcement trend.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 “deferred resignation program” this year led to more than 150,000 employees leaving their jobs, in exchange for months of paid leave. But for many of those who took the DRP, the offer came with an added opportunity. Thousands also qualified for early retirement. Federal News Network's Drew Friedman spent the last several months conducting interviews, reviewing documents, and gathering data about federal retirement processing. She found that the DRP helped lead to a massive and unexpected surge in applications, now inundating the government's retirement systems.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the NDAA fight over helicopter flights near Reagan National to stalled health care extensions, unfinished oversight on a deadly boat strike and nine spending bills still hanging in the balance, Congress is juggling high-stakes battles with no easy compromises. Mitchell Miller, Capitol Hill correspondent for WTOP, is here with the fault lines shaping the final stretch of the year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The electro industry powers everything from national security to AI leadership, but a shortage of skilled workers threatens progress. The National Electrical Manufacturers' Association sees veterans as the solution and backs the Veterans Energy Transition Act to make it happen. We'll explore the stakes and the bill with Peter Ferrell, senior director of government relations at NEMA.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 Education has finalized regulations that redefine Public Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility, barring organizations with a “substantial illegal purpose.” Randall Thomas, Partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius explains what this means for borrowers, employers and compliance going forward.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 final regulation issued on Halloween has reshaped the Public Student Loan Forgiveness programA new bill could turn military experience into energy-sector strength Defense, health care, oversight and spending; these four fronts are exposing deep divides on Capitol HillSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than a dozen federal statistical agencies are falling behind on producing high-quality data sets that impact the U.S. economy and government policy. The American Statistical Association finds changes under the Trump administration have led to certain public-facing data sets being delayed, suspended or canceled. It's also flagging declines public trust scores in data sets produced by the federal government. 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 Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency doesn't want to leave companies hanging when they reach out with a bold new innovation or tech development. So CISA this month unveiled its “Industry Engagement Platform,” where people can sign up to communicate directly with agency officials. For more on the new platform, Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday spoke with the chief information officer at CISA, Bob Costello.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Months of disruption have left some federal employees disengaged and others burned out. Laurin Parthemos of Kotter explains what leaders must do to restore stability and psychological safety and find a "new normal" going forward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NDAA rewrites the playbook for cost accounting and pricing, with changes that could ease burdens but raise new questions. We'll explore the details and the stakes with Zach Prince, partner at Haynes Boone.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 New rules in the NDAA aim to cut red tape in defense contracting—but will they deliver? Federal leaders face the challenge of restoring stability and agency performance after months of workforce disruptionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It took several years, including some false starts, but the Defense Department's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program in now a reality. The final rules are in place, and several hundred contractors have already earned their third party certifications. But most of the initial implementation work will happen over the next year. For a look at the work ahead, Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday talked with Matthew Travis. He's the CEO of the Cyber Accreditation Body, the nonprofit organization that helps manage the certification process.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 8(a) small business contracting program is in a fight for its life. From Capitol Hill to the courts to now the executive branch, the 47-year old program is facing questions about its legitimacy and challenges to its true impact like never before. For more on how the increased level of scrutiny is putting the 8(a) contracting program in the cross hairs, 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.

Defense leaders warn that fragile supply chains and maintenance bottlenecks could undermine readiness. Advanced AI-powered world models can help integrate real-time logistics data, predict disruptions, and accelerate manufacturing agility. Here to explain what “smart logistics” means for the military and the defense industrial base is Jon Gerrity, CEO of Tagup Inc.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new guide from the Open Contracting Partnership frames procurement as the key to effective AI adoption in government. It highlights how agencies can manage risk, cut through vendor hype, and foster collaboration between IT and acquisition teams. We'll explore those insights with Kathrin Frauscher, Deputy Executive Director at the Open Contracting Partnership (OCP). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new Deloitte report argues that inefficiencies in HR, finance, IT, and acquisitions are draining resources from warfighting. It calls for an AI-first overhaul to fuel lethality and readiness. Tom Muir, former Department of Defense leader and Specialist Executive with Deloitte is here to explain what it will take to transform mission support and why this time might be different.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 Can fixing the Pentagon's back office make the front lines stronger? Procurement could decide whether AI succeeds or fails in governmentAI is stepping into the fight for supply chain resilience and battlefield readinessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Pentagon's plan to fix its decades-old material weaknesses, specifically its inability to reliably track government property in the possession of contractors, is failing. The Defense Department inspector general warns that if the services don't implement a department-wide solution soon the Pentagon risks missing its goal of achieving a clean audit opinion by 2028. For more, Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis spoke with Mark Thomas, DoD IG's supervisory auditor.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A federal judge in San Francisco is temporarily blocking the State Department from finalizing hundreds of employee layoffs. Foreign Service employees were slated to be officially separated from the agency last week. But federal employee unions are making the case that State and several other agencies aren't fully adhering to a provision in the shutdown-ending spending bill. That provision temporarily blocked the Trump administration from carrying out layoffs. 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.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton DOJ ordered a sweeping data collection from U.S. attorneys on Trump-era priorities days before ThanksgivingThe EEOC powers up for swift action with full funding, a quorum and new priorities With billions spent on temporary border facilities, GAO says DHS needs a better planSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Government Accountability Office reviewed the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection's reliance on soft-sided facilities amid surging apprehensions and billions in contract obligations. Here to explain what GAO found, why it matters for cost and oversight and what's next for border infrastructure planning is Travis Masters, Director of Contracting and National Security Acquisitions at GAO.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With full funding restored and a quorum in place, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is moving fast to enforce Trump administration executive orders. Here to discuss what employers should expect, and how to prepare, is Debra Leder, Partner in Labor and Employment at Akerman.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 has directed all 93 U.S. attorneys to compile extensive data on enforcement mandates including immigration, political violence, and sanctuary jurisdictions. Bloomberg Law's Ben Penn explains what triggered the move, what DOJ wants, and the implications for prosecutorial independence.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 Can our safety net programs survive stress and deliver more than short-term relief? GSA's next-generation contract vehicle is expanding—and small businesses need to pay attention Jamie Morin helped shape defense strategy from inside the Pentagon. Now he's being honored for his contributions to public serviceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration has just laid out its President's Management Agenda. The PMA details the administration's vision to drive changes in government for the next few years. But with many of President Trump's goals already underway, the PMA's priorities may look familiar. 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.

Former federal employees say they lost their jobs as part of the Trump administration's plans to remove diversity, equity and inclusion programs. But some claim their most recent jobs had nothing to do with DEI. They're now part of a class-action lawsuit challenging their removal. For more on this case, Federal News Network's Jory Heckman spoke with an attorney representing the plaintiffs, Mary Kuntz. But first you'll hear from one of the plaintiffs themselves Mahri Stainnak. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jamie Morin has been elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, recognizing his leadership in defense budgeting, cost analysis and strategic planning. He's here to reflect on what drew him into public service, what's changed in public administration, and how he hopes to contribute to the Academy's mission.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

OASIS+ enters Phase II with five new service domains and draft scorecards expected December 16 ahead of a January 12 solicitation date. The expansion could reshape competition and compliance for federal contractors, especially small businesses. Stephanie Kostro, President of the Professional Services Council is here to share her insights.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shutdowns and crises expose the fragility of programs meant to protect the most vulnerable. Clarence Carter, Tennessee's Human Services Commissioner and author of "Our Net Has Holes In It," is here to discuss lessons from his decades of reform and how to build a safety net that works for people, not politics.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 Centralization is back in vogue, but is it the right model for government shared services? The federal flood insurance program is key to stable housing markets, the shutdown revealed its fragility House drama over the defense bill sets the stage for a high-stakes December on Capitol HillSee 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 have left their jobs this year, due to the Trump administration's efforts. Now, the Office of Personnel Management is telling agencies to start rethinking their senior executive staffing too. The request comes as OPM introduces a number of other changes for federal managers. Here with the latest, 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.

In the Army, a new acquisition bureaucracy is starting to take shape. It means new names for some longstanding Army organizations. But at its core, the reorganization is about letting Army officials manage the acquisition system as portfolios of capabilities, with less of a focus on individual programs. That idea's been championed by outside reform advocates for years. But now it also has the support of the secretary of Defense. We get the details from 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.

Lawmakers are scrambling to bring the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to the floor next week amid partisan clashes. The Senate is preparing a vote on health care subsidies, while appropriations talks remain stalled, and a Supreme Court case on Humphrey's Executor looms large in the background. Loren Duggan, deputy news director at Bloomberg Government, is here with the inside scoop.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The National Flood Insurance Program is a lifeline for communities in flood-prone areas, but during the shutdown its borrowing authority plunged and new policies froze. That disruption rippled through housing markets and raised questions about the resilience of federal disaster programs. Joining us to review what happened and what's next is Nicole Upano, Assistant Vice President of Public Policy at the National Apartment Association.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 second-term strategy leans toward consolidating acquisition, HR and financial management under a centralized approach. That's a departure from the marketplace model of its first term. John Marshall and Steve Goodrich are here to discuss what that means for agency autonomy and service quality. John is the founder and CEO of the Shared Services Leadership Coalition. Steve chairs the SSLC board.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The State Department's diplomatic workforce is feeling overburdened, under-resourced and more likely to leave in the next few years. That's according to a recent survey from the American Foreign Service Association. The State Department conducted widespread layoffs this year. It also closed and consolidated hundreds of offices as part of an agency reorganization. Foreign Service officers say they're spread thin because of these changes. 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.

This year continues to be challenging for the federal workforce. While federal offices reopened and hundreds of thousands of federal workers went back to work after the longest shutdown in history, many say nothing is back to normal. Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis has more from an exclusive Federal News Network survey. 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 has rejected a post-award protest from Active Deployment Systems, which argued ICE awarded too many IDIQ contracts for detention services. The decision underscores that disputes over solicitation language and pricing structures must be raised before bidding, not after award. Zach Prince, Partner at Haynes Boone, explains what lessons we can take from this case.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Congress catches up on its shutdown backlog, tax legislation is back in play. But now those conversations are under the shadow of an election year. Anna Taylor, Managing Principal of Deloitte's Tax Policy Group, joins us to break down what's realistic for year-end packages and the road ahead for tax policy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

VA's outdated infrastructure and regional silos make care coordination painfully slow, especially for mental health. Sean O'Connor, navy veteran and Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at DexCare is here to explain why modernization is urgent and how real-time access could transform veteran care.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 VA's size and complexity may be keeping top tech minds away, and veterans pay the priceWhat can individuals and businesses expect when the tax filing window opens in just a few weeks? A protest from a winner? A recent case shows why timing matters when challenging solicitation termsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has just advanced an array of bills, including many that would impact the federal workforce. Some legislation, such as a bill to overhaul the probationary period, passed just along party lines. But other bills, like one that would standardize training for federal executives, received unanimous committee support. Here with the latest, 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.