The GovNavigators Show

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Doug Criscitello, Program Integrity Fellow at Arnold Ventures, returns to unpack the resurgence of impoundment in the federal budget discourse. Doug sheds light on the Impoundment Control Act's history and relevance, explains why the GAO is investigating 39 potential violations, and breaks down the tension between Executive authority and the Legislature's power of the purse. From rescission packages to apportionments and Anti-Deficiency Act risks, Doug offers a clear-eyed take on what lies ahead for agencies and appropriators as fiscal pressures mount.Show NotesArnold Ventures: Doug's Webinar on ImpoundmentICA: Impoundment Control Act of 1974GAO: Ruling on DOT ImpoundmentRescission Package Passed by the HouseDominic Pino's Op-Ed in the Washington PostADA: The Antideficiency Act of 1870Events on the GovNavigator's RadarJune 17th, 2025: Samuel J. Heyman Service to America MedalsJune 25th, 2025: ACT-IAC's Data & Analytics Forum

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Soraya Correa, President and CEO of National Industries for the Blind and a longtime leader in federal acquisition, joins the show to reflect on her career and what's next for procurement reform. Soraya shares stories from her time building the Procurement Innovation Lab at DHS, offers a no-nonsense take on the FAR overhaul, and explains why empowering contracting officers—and bridging the gap between government and industry—matters more than ever.Show NotesJWOD: Javits-Wagner-O'Day ActPIL: Procurement Innovation LabEO: Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement Events on the GovNavigators' RadarJune 10, 2025: Arnold Ventures event on Impoundment  June 11, 2025: House Oversight and Government Reform Hearing on Reforming Defense Procurement June 25, 2025: ACT-IAC's Data & Analytics Forum 

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Charles Cooper, Managing Partner and Founder of the Brumidi Group, returns to offer his no-nonsense forecast for what's next on Capitol Hill. From budget reconciliation drama and appropriations gridlock to tariff tensions and the 2026 election, Charles breaks down the policy, politics, and personalities shaping the months ahead—and why even a missed vote could change everything.Show NotesOMB: Technical Supplement to the 2026 Budget GAO: DOT and the Impoundment ActEvents on the GovNavigators' RadarJune 3, 2025: Forum Global's USA AI Summit Carahsoft's Customer Experience and Engagement SummitJune 5, 2025: Committee on oversight AI in Government Hearing  June 6, 2025: ACT-IAC's Health Innovation SummitJune 25, 2025: ACT-IAC's Data & Analytics Forum 

The GovNavigators take a moment to honor Memorial Day and reflect on the sacrifices made in service to our country. With Congress narrowly advancing a reconciliation package before the long weekend, Robert and Adam also remember longtime good government champion Gerry Connolly.

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Joshua Seawell, Head of Policy at the Inclusive Abundance Initiative, joins to break down the thinking behind the Abundance Agenda. Joshua shares how this emerging framework blends high-return public investment with regulatory reform to tackle challenges in housing, energy, AI, and government modernization. Show NotesGAO: 2025 Annual Report Book: Abundance, by  Ezra Klein & Derek ThompsonEPRA: Energy Permitting Reform Act Events on the GovNavigators' RadarMay 21, 2025: GovNavigators Webinar with National JournalMay 22, 2025: PSC's FedHealth Conference

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Justin Baer, Senior Vice President at Fors Marsh, returns to share his perspective on the future of federal evaluation. Drawing from his recent article, Justin outlines why traditional approaches to evidence building are falling short—and what needs to change. Show NotesGovExec: The Baer Method: A Roadmap for Agile Evidence Building Events on the GovNavigators' RadarMay 13: AGA's Performance Counts SummitMay 22: PSC's FedHealth Conference

This week on the GovNavigators Show, former Comptroller General David M. Walker joins to discuss his tenure leading the Government Accountability Office and his mission to drive lasting reform across the federal government. He reflects on how he transformed GAO into a more efficient, strategically focused agency and makes the case for why the rest of government must follow suit.Show NotesGSA: OneGov Strategy for ITEvents on the GovNavigators' RadarMay 4-6: ACT-IAC's Emerging Technology & Innovation ConferenceMay 5-9: Public Service Recognition WeekMay 7: AABPA Panel on Budget and Performance  May 13: AGA's Performance Counts Summit 

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Norm Dong, Partner at FD Stonewater, joins to share insights from his distinguished career managing the federal government's vast real estate portfolio. Reflecting on his tenure in public service, he discusses the complexities of property disposal, the impact of return-to-office policies on government facilities, and how agencies are adapting their real estate strategies for the future.Show NotesGSA: Top Ten Contractor Update Executive Order: Strengthening Probationary Periods in the Federal ServiceEvents on the GovNavigators' RadarApril 29: UiPath's Ushering in the Era of Efficiency May 4-6: ACT-IAC's Emerging Technology and Innovation Conference May 13: AGA's Performance Counts Summit

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Andrew Pavord joins to reflect on a career that spans academia, local and federal government, and the private sector. As President of the American Association for Budget and Program Analysis and CEO of the Federal Consulting Alliance, he unpacks the budget reconciliation process and its impact on fiscal policy. Recorded just before the latest bill's passage, the conversation explores congressional procedures, spending limits, and what it will take to confront the growing deficit.Show NotesExecutive Orders: Restoring Common Sense to Federal ProcurementRestoring Common Sense to Federal Office Space ManagementPermitting Technology ModernizationEnsuring Commercial Cost-effective Solutions in Federal ContractsEliminating Information SilosCongress: House Unlocks Reconciliation Events on the GovNavigators' RadarApril 22: ACT-IAC's Federal Tech Market Update IIApril 27-29: PSC Annual ConferenceApril 29: UiPath's Ushering in the Era of Efficiency  May 13: AGA's Performance Counts Summit 

This week, the GovNavigators are joined by Tim Brennan, Vice President of Government Relations at Professional Services Council, to discuss how PSC is helping its members navigate today's uncertain political climate. Tim highlights PSC's role in sharing information, identifying opportunities, and keeping a close eye on developments at the Capitol. He also previews PSC's annual conference and why now is the perfect time for industry leaders to come together and strategize for the road ahead.Show NotesExecutive Orders: Modernizing Defense AcquisitionsReforming Foreign Defense SalesReducing Anti-Competitive Regulatory BarriersCongress: House Unlocks Reconciliation Events on the GovNavigators' RadarApril 17: EDM Council's Public Sectors Forum: The Data Foundation on the Future of Data TransparencyApril 22: ACT-IAC's Federal Tech Market Update IIApril 27-29: PSC Annual Conference

This week on the GovNavigators Show, we wrap up our two-part conversation with David Lebryk, former Fiscal Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Treasury. In Part 2, David reflects on nearly 40 years of public service, the power of leadership, and what really happens inside Treasury. He shares lessons learned and offers timely advice for today's federal workforce.Show NotesOMB Memo: Accelerating Federal Use of AIOMB Memo: Driving Efficient Acquisition of AI in the Government Derek Thompson: The Abundance AgendaEvents on the GovNavigators' RadarApril 8: House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Hearing on Federal Real Estate April 9: Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee meeting to vote on nominations of Scott Kupor(OPM Director) and Eric Ueland (OMB DDM) April 9: Eptura and JLL's webinar on right-sizing your federal officeApril 22: ACT-IAC's Federal Tech Market Update II   

This week on the GovNavigators Show, we welcome David Lebryk, former Fiscal Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, for Part 1 of a two-part conversation. David shares the path that led him from a childhood shaped by public service to a decades-long career in government. He reflects on the people, programs, and pivotal moments that influenced his journey, and why his story might be a blueprint for the next generation of public servants.Events on the GovNavigators' RadarApril 3, 2025:  AI in Action at DHSGovExec's Evening of Honors April 9, 2025:Eptura and JLL's webinar on right-sizing your federal office  

This week, the GovNavigators welcome Allison Brigati, former Deputy Administrator of the General Services Administration, and Daniel Heckman, CEO of MSI Consulting, to share lessons learned from the first Trump administration's push for government efficiency. They discuss overcoming resistance to change, and harnessing automation and AI to modernize government functions. Additionally, they reflect on how these strategies could shape current reform efforts as we enter Trump's second term.Show NotesPresident's Management Agenda: Trump Administration(2018), Cap Goal 6 Pg. 32Events on the GovNavigators' RadarMarch 24: FedRAMP 2025 Discussion with Pete Waterman March 26-28: Coleridge Initiative's Annual ConveningMarch 28: NAPA's Standing Panel on Executive Organization and Management

Ed Amorosi, partner at Haynes Boone, joins the GovNavigators this week to discuss the legal battles over executive orders, personnel dismissals, and contract cancellations. He unpacks the jurisdictional disputes complicating these cases, their broader implications, and the upcoming court decisions that could set major precedents—including long-awaited clarity on the Impoundment Act.Happy St. Patrick's Day!Show NotesExecutive Order 14222: Federal agencies review all federal contracts & grantsExecutive Order 14151: Eliminating DEI ProgramsNIH: Indirect Cost Rates: Supplemental guidance "Well-nigh irrefragable proof:" The high standard for showing bad faith by a government official in terminating a contract for convenienceEvents on the GovNavigators' RadarMarch 19: ACT-IAC's Emerging Tech Demo DayMarch 20: AWS' Federal Forum 

This week, the GovNavigators welcome Nikki Clowers, Managing Director of the Office of Congressional Relations at GAO, to explore the vital role GAO plays in supporting oversight on Capitol Hill. She breaks down the GAO High Risk List—why it matters, how it guides government reform, and what it reveals about agencies in need of transformation. Show NotesGAO: High-Risk ReportTrump's Joint Address to Congress: Key HighlightsEvents on the GovNavigators' RadarMarch 11: The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Hearing: Moving from Recovery to Prevention of Improper Payments and Fraud March 13: FedScoop's Federal Forum March 12: ACT-IAC's Federal Tech Market UpdateMarch 19: ACT-IAC's Emerging Tech Demo Day

From Silicon Valley to just north of Capitol Hill, Betsy Beaumon joins the GovNavigators Show to share how she brought tech-driven transformation to the Social Security Administration. She reflects on her personal connection to SSA's mission, the creation of the Office of Transformation, and the major strides made in improving security, operations, and customer experience.Show NotesGAO: High-Risk ReportDOGE EO: Implementing the President's "Department of Government Efficiency" Cost Efficiency Initiative Events on the GovNavigators' RadarMarch 4: The President addresses a Joint Session of Congress at 9:00 p.m. ETMarch 12: ACT-IAC's Federal Tech Market Update March 19: ACT-IAC's Emerging Tech Demo Day

This week, The GovNavigators welcomes one of our favorite guests, Kelly Morrison, Senior Vice President at HumanTouch. With a distinguished 16-year tenure in the federal government she shares insights from her federal service and explores how data management and modernization can drive efficiency within DOGE's mission. Show NotesPresidential Actions:  Radical Transparency about Wasteful Spending Ensuring Accountability for all Agencies Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy Ensuring Lawful Governance-DOGE Initiative OPM Memos: Amendment to Temporary Transitional Senior Executive Service Appointment Authorities Events on the GovNavigators' RadarFebruary 25: House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Hearing on GAO's High-Risk List. March 12 : ACT-IAC's Federal Tech Market Update March 19: ACT-IAC's Emerging Tech Demo Day

The GovNavigators would like to take a moment to honor Presidents Day as we prepare for another busy week. The DOGE mania is in full swing, and Congress is scheduled to hear a budget resolution on the House floor following the Presidents' Day recess.Stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter! Visit our website here to sign up.

As the new administration takes shape, C-SPAN's Director of Communications, Howard Mortman, joins the GovNavigators to share insights on the network's coverage, from confirmation hearings to shifts between administrations and what's on the network's horizon.Show NotesTrump Administration Actions: Deferred Resignation Program Blocked by Federal JudgeFind Federal Expenditures: USASpending.govEvents on the GovNavigators' RadarFebruary 19-20: AGA's National Leadership Training  February 20: PSC's Federal Law Enforcement Conference 

As the Bloomberg Center for Government Excellence marks its 10th anniversary, Executive Director Amy Edwards Holmes joins the GovNavigators show to reflect on GovEx's impact and unveil her next steps. She discusses the center's strides in modernizing data for real-world change and shares her insights on the future of AI in government.Show NotesOMB Memo: Federal Financial Assistance Pause RescindedOPM Memo: Federal Administrative Leave 2025 Fed 100: List AnnouncedEvents on the GovNavigators' RadarFebruary 2: PSC's Annual Leadership Summit  February 4-6: Shared Services Leadership Coalition's Event: Federal Shared Services - Leveraging a Best Practice to Improve Government February 19: ACT-IAC's Digital Transformation SummitFebruary 19-20: AGA's National Leadership Training  February 20: PSC's Federal Law Enforcement Conference 

As the new administration takes control, government efficiency takes center stage. Congressman Pete Sessions, Chair of the DOGE Caucus, joins the GovNavigators to discuss the role of the DOGE Caucus, his vision for government modernization, and his efforts to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in government.Show Notes Trump Administration's First Week: Presidential ActionsCongressional Testimony: Examining a Path Forward to Assess Agencies' Efforts to Prevent Improper Payments & Fraud Inauguration Recap: Five Key MomentsEvents on the GovNavigators' Radar January 30: Growth Officers Association's Navigating Federal Procurement Event February 2: PSC's Annual Leadership Summit  February 4-6: Shared Services Leadership Coalition's Event: Federal Shared Services - Leveraging a Best Practice to Improve Government February 19: ACT-IAC's Digital Transformation Summit February 19-20: AGA's National Leadership Training  February 20: PSC's Federal Law Enforcement Conference 

Loren DeJonge Schulman, Associate Director of the Office of Performance and Personnel Management within the Office of Management and Budget, joins the GovNavigator show to reflect on her experiences in the federal government and celebrate her team's achievements. In her discussion with Adam and Robert, Loren shares her favorite memories from OMB, what she is most proud of, and what she would pursue if she had more time. Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!Events on the GovNavigators' RadarJanuary 20: Inauguration of the 47th President of the United States January 23: Data Foundation's Live Virtual event: Understanding OMB's new “Open by Default” Data Management Guidance  February 2: PSC's Annual Leadership Summit  February 19: ACT-IAC's Digital Transformation SummitFebruary 19-20: AGA's National Leadership Training  February 20: PSC's Federal Law Enforcement Conference 

With January 20 approaching, Federal News Network Executive Editor Jason Miller joins the show to discuss DOGE and brings some much needed reality to the reported trillion-dollar cuts to the federal budget. He also shares his insights on the upcoming presidential transition and shares an update on the current efforts of the agency landing teams.Show NotesTrump Administration Announcement: 100 Executive Orders DOGE Update: $2 Trillion is Best Case ScenarioPresident Jimmy Carter Funeral Service: Memorable momentsEvents on the GovNavigators' RadarJanuary 15: ACT-IAC's Winter Membership MeetingFebruary 2: PSC's Annual Leadership Summit  February 19: ACT-IAC's Digital Transformation Summit February 19-20:AGA's National Leadership Training  February 20: PSC's Federal Law Enforcement Conference 

Charles Cooper, Founder and Managing Partner of the Brumidi Group, celebrated the new year with Robert and Adam by crafting significant predictions for 2025. His expert insights on the infamous Department of Government Efficiency and the future of Congress under the Trump Administration are sure to pique your interest. Happy New Year!Show NotesCongressional Updates: Speaker Johnson Re-electedBiden Message: Message to the Congress on Death of James Earl Carter, Jr.Events on the GovNavigators' RadarJanuary 7-9: Events surrounding the funeral of President Jimmy Carter.January 15: ACT-IAC's Winter Membership Meeting

Robert and Adam wrap up the year with a look back at the season's podcast highlights, a dive into DOGE mania, and insights into what's ahead for next year. Wishing you happy holidays!Show NotesGAO: Fraud Risk Management ReportBiden EO: Executive Order on the safe, secure, and trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence   FedRAMP: Securing Cloud Services for the federal GovernmentEvents on the GovNavigators' RadarATARC's Public Sector Summit (December 18th) RegisterMeritalk's TechTonic celebration of FITARA's A's (December 19th) Register

#FOGN Ann Dunkin joins the show shortly before departing the federal government after her second tour of duty running the IT shop of a major federal agency. Ann shares her reflections on the good, the bad, and the ugly of working in federal IT, the importance of collaboration, and some of the things she's learned along the way. Show NotesAxios: Vivek Ramaswamy: Firing federal workers will be good for themBiden-Harris PMA CelebrationEvaluations.gov: Launching the New Evidence Project Portal! Events on the GovNavigators' RadarTrump and GovCon: Preparing for 2025 and Beyond (Use code GovExecVIP100 for a registration discount courtesy of the GovNavigators)

The Lacey Lewis #Era has begun at GovNavigators. Our first employee joins the show to talk about her background and Texas roots, interest in public policy, and spills the tea about her internship at OMB. Don't miss this one!   Show NotesWashPost: ‘DOGE' tweets illustrate an almost impossible budget-cutting agendaOMB Releases Annual Data Showing Lowest Government-wide Improper Payment Rate Since 2014O'Malley: SSA's 2024 progress refutes government doubtersEvents on the GovNavigators' RadarACT-IAC's Fighting Fraud in Government (Virtual)**GovExec: Trump and GovCon: Prepping for 2025 and Beyond (sign up for the GovNavigators weekly policy updates for an exclusive discount code for this event)

With the transition to the incoming Trump administration well under way (and somewhat behind schedule), Jim Cook, Strategic Engagement Executive and Chair of the Innovation Institute at ACT-IAC and Troy Schneider, Principal at TKS Strategies join the show to talk about the deep dive they are helping to lead at ACT-IAC on the presidential transition. Show NotesOMB (OIRA) Memo: Supporting Usability Testing Through Paperwork Reduction Act Flexibilities Washington Post: Supreme Court to examine power of Congress to delegate authorityWikipedia: List of Announced Political Appointments by President-elect TrumpEvents on the GovNavigators's RadarGovExec Outlook Event: Trump & GovCon: Prepping for 2025 and Beyond (December 16) 

The Program Integrity Alliance is a new nonprofit dedicated to strengthen integrity and data-driven fraud prevention in the U.S. for a more trustworthy, effective, and efficient government. Linda Miller and Gavin Ugale, co-founders of the PIA join the show to talk about why they created the "do-tank" and some of the big plans they have to help strengthen fraud prevention in government.Listen to the GovNavigators Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show NotesCBS News: What to know about Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk and Vivek RamaswamyDouglas Holz-Eakin in The Hill: Musk's bold plans for ‘Department of Government Efficiency' face roadblocksGeorge Will in the Washington Post: The World's Richest Person is about to Receive a Free Public EducationContact Linda Miller (Linda.Miller@programintegrity.org) or Gavin Egale (Gavin.Ugale@programintegrity.org).   Events on the GovNavigators' RadarData Foundation CDO Survey Report Release (11/19)PSC Vision Federal Market Forecast Conference (11/19)CDO Symposium (11/21)

In this special pop-up episode of the GovNavigators Show, Robert and Adam recap an historic week with the release of an updated OMB Circular A-50 (and also the election again of Donald Trump). But most important of all, this episode honors the commitment and sacrifice of our country's veterans and their families. Please make sure to thank a veteran the next chance you get and get involved to help the more than 18 million living veterans with the support they need.Show NotesOMB Circular A-50Ways to Help Veterans Events on the GovNavigators's RadarACT-IAC CX SummitNAPA Fall Meeting

Amira Boland, Chief of Staff at the New Practice Lab, and former OMB lead for Customer Experience joins the GovNavigators Show to reflect on her time in government, her tips for re-architecting a bureaucracy (don't be afraid of the source document; taking risks is ok!), and her Sammies win! Show NotesSupreme Court ignites wave of lawsuits against federal regulationsLearn about the Service to America Medals 2024 Management Excellence Medal Winner: Amira Boland Events on GovNavigators's RadarAGA's Technology Transformation Summit (November 6, 2024)

Terry Gerton, President and CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration joins the GovNavigators Show to share groundbreaking research commissioned by NAPA about how to best communicate the value, results, and role of government to everyday Americans. Show NotesOpen Government Federal Advisory Committee Holds First Public MeetingGSA Release: Technology Modernization Fund announces investments upgrading customer experiences in housing and Social Security servicesCouncil on Federal Financial AssistanceEvents on GovNavigators' RadarData Foundation GovDATAx: Data to Results: Mapping the Future of Effective Government (October 30) NAPA Fall Meeting (November 13-15)

Jenny Mattingley, Vice President for Government Affairs at the Partnership for Public Service and former Executive Director of the PIC (among many other amazing roles) joins the GovNavigators Show to share more about her efforts to bring people together (sometimes at a happy hour) to solve challenges facing the federal workforce.Show NotesOMB: Protecting Privacy When Federal Agencies Use Commercially Available InformationProgram Integrity AlliancePartnership - Vision for a Better GovernmentGoogle.org announces a $10 million grant to the Partnership for Public Service to launch the Center for Federal AIEvents on the GovNavigators RadarACT-IAC: Imagination ELC242024 SECAF Golf Tournament (Benefitting TAPS) 

Dave Wennergren, CEO at the American Council for Technology - Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC) and the most cheerful gentleman we know joins the GovNavigators Show to give a preview of the upcoming Imagination ELC24 conference and talk about the latest trends and developments in government tech.Show NotesGSA's Login.gov announces certification of Identity Assurance Level 2 (IAL2) complianceOMB Publishes the Trust RegHow a wonky, centrist catchphrase explains Harris's platformA Simple Plan to Solve All of America's ProblemsEvents on the GovNavigators' RadarGAIN 2024 (October 17, 2024) Small Business Alliance - FY25 Government Wide IT Category ForumACT-IAC Imagination ELC24 (October 27-29, Hershey, PA)ACT-IAC CX Summit (November 15, Crystal City, VA)

The FedRAMP program has been around for over a decade and has recently released a host of new policies and resources, including a new roadmap, a refreshed OMB policy memo, two different pilots, an emerging technology prioritization framework, an a request for public comment on new metrics. Zaree Singer, Agency Engagement Lead at the FedRAMP program at GSA joins the GovNavigators Show to talk about the new and refurbished FedRAMP program. Show NotesFedRAMP RoadmapEmerging Technology Prioritization FrameworkFedRAMP Agile Delivery PilotRefreshed OMB Policy MemoFedRAMP Metrics for Public CommentNews LinksWSJ: Cheetos Turning Mice TranslucentOMB Issues Guidance to Advance the Responsible Acquisition of AI in GovernmentGAO: OMB Needs a Structure to Govern and a Plan to Develop a Comprehensive InventoryWash Post: After bungling financial aid process, Ed Dept. begins testing new FAFSAFed News Network: Rep. Mace questions GSA's plan for replacing FedRAMP JABEvents on the GovNavigators' RadarPSC: 2024 Defense Conference (10/8/24)ACT-IAC: Cybersecurity Summit and U.S. Cyber Challenge Awards Ceremony 2024 (10/9/24)AFCEA Bethesda: Kickin' It with Energy: A Conversation With Leadership (10/10/24)Abundance Conference (10/9/24 - 10/10/24)

Reforming DOD's storied but cumbersome budget process is a work in progress. But it's critical to strengthening the organization's warfighting capability. Listen in to hear Russell Rumbaugh, the Navy's CFO and Assistant Secretary for Financial Management, share some of the progress the Navy and Marine Corps have made modernizing financial management and discuss PPBE reform and other policy changes with Andy Lucido, Managing Director and Practice Leader at Alvarez & Marsal Federal.  Show NotesAndy Lucido in FNN: Tailor DoD's budget process to the national security imperatives the times demandDepartment of the Navy's Audit Sizzle ReelCongress passes bill to prevent government shutdown, add funds for Secret ServiceFBI's Carahsoft raid comes amid allegations of price-fixingU.S. agencies publish plans to comply with White House AI memo Events on the GovNavigators' RadarNational Association of State CIOs Annual Conference (Sept 29 - Oct 2)CX Day (Oct 1)ATARC Zero Trust Summit (Oct 3)

The GovNavigators are joined by Andrea Sampanis, Acting Director of the Grants Quality Service Management Office (QSMO). Andrea talks about some of the challenges faced by the over 50 different grant making agencies and the work the Grants QSMO has undertaken to help improve the federal grant making process. And she shares some of the amazing work the QSMO did using human centered design to deliver real solutions that lessen the burdens on tribal grant recipients in rural and underserved areas. Show NotesTribal Customer Experience Pilot for Post-Award ReportingFederal Grants Systems HubGSA Announces Open Government Federal Advisory CommitteeWashington Post "Who is Government" Series Urgent Need for a Congressional Evidence CommissionEvents on the GovNavigators' RadarNASCIO Annual Conference (September 29 - October 2, New Orleans, LA)

This week the GovNavigators are joined by Margot Conrad, the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of Personnel Management. Margot shares some of the details of a slew of exciting new policy initiatives at OPM and how the agency is working to create tools and flexibilities that support federal agencies human capital needs. Show NotesOMB Circular A-129 UpdateOMB/OPM Memo: Improving the Federal Hiring Experience2024 Service to America Medal WinnersEvents on the GovNavigators' RadarAGA Internal Control and Fraud Prevention Training (Sept. 19-20) 

Commerce Department Senior Advisor Shannon Arvizu rejoins the GovNavigators Show to share the latest on the development of the Department's new data strategy and talk about the release of its Equitable Data Playbook. Show NotesNY Times: Leaked Reports and Political Heat Are Testing Trust in Economic DataWashington Post: The CanaryEvents of the WeekSamuel J. Heyman Service to America MedalsService to the Citizen Awards 

The GovNavigators take a respite to celebrate Labor Day and also the first GovNavigators wedding as Robert's middle daughter got married over the holiday weekend. And they'll need the rest - Congress returns this week to an overflowing slate of to dos, there are only a few weeks left in FY24 for agencies to spend end of year funds, and a presidential transition (or one kind or another) is imminent. 

Lauren Stocker, Acting Director of GSA's Office of Evaluation Sciences stops by to talk about her interesting career path at GSA, what the Office of Evaluation Sciences does to improve government programs and why we need more of it. Oh...and she drops the bomb that she's a Houstonian!  Show NotesCall for Participation: NIST-Supported Nationwide AI Red-Teaming ExerciseWSJ: Schumer Optimistic About Passing Federal AI Regulation This YearSocial Security to Simplify Disability Evaluation Process United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas RulingUpcoming EventsTransforming Workforce Management with Agile, Human-Centered Design and AI

FOGN Christina Ho joins the GovNavigators Show to talk about her role as a Board Member of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), the many nicknames she has been given, and how she has made principled stands on policy in her role on the PCAOB. Show NotesWSJ: The Auditing Industry's Regulator Has a Vocal Critic. And She's on Its BoardFNN: Pentagon releases key CMMC contracting rulesOMB Report to Congress on Telework and Real Property UtilizationOMB Memo: Improving the Federal Hiring ExperienceUpcoming EventsPSC: Overturning Chevron Deference: Impacts on GovCon Industry (August 20)Alliance for Digital Innovation: FedRAMP 2.0 (Part 2) (August 22)ACT-IAC 45th Anniversary Golf Tournament (August 26)AFCEA DC 1st Annual Golf Tournament (August 26)

The GovNavigators consult with the Oracle of Congress - Managing Partner and Founder of Brumidi Group Charles Cooper. Charles reviews the (small) progress made in Congress so far this year and previews the host of work left to do when it returns from the August recess. Oh - and he gives an (unpaid) shout out about how much he likes the GovNavigators! Show NotesFedRAMP Request for Comments on Program MetricsPresident's Management Agenda Quarterly UpdatesGSA Announces First OASIS+ Award Decisions Upcoming EventsGSA Industry Symposium (August 7)AGA/Celonis Public Sector Process Intelligence Forum (August 13)

Washington Post reporter Liz Goodwin joins Robert and Adam to talk about her work shining a light on the U.S. Congress. Specifically Liz talks about her report opening up and analysing the data on a new House program allowing for reimbursement for living expenses while in Washington D.C. And she and Robert talk about their shared TX roots. Show NotesOMB Memo: Modernizing the Federal Risk and Authorization Management ProgramFACT SHEET: OMB Releases FedRAMP Guidance to Accelerate the Secure Adoption of Cloud ServicesOMB Releases Update to Circular A-11What your member of Congress expensed under a new, receipt-free programGalveston Oh Galveston (by Glen Campbell)

John Salamone, Chief Human Resources Officer of the House of Representatives joins the GovNavigators Show to talk about bringing structure and resources to the 435+ offices of the U.S. House of Representatives. John shares how he fell into working in human resources and some of the exciting new programs and supports he is helping to create in the House. Show NotesOIRA: Tackling the Time TaxUpcoming EventsPSC: Artificial Intelligence Roundtable (members only)Crafting a Secure AI Framework

The GovNavigators are joined this week by Tim Brennan, Vice President of Government Relations at the Professional Services Council (PSC). Robert and Adam grill Tim about dressing for the job you want, the levels of calcification of the federal bureaucracy, and the wide range of policy issues he is leading the charge on for PSC. Show NotesBiden Administration's Cybersecurity Priorities for the FY2026 BudgetPPS Center for Presidential Transition Persistently Vacany Positions ReportIRS reports collecting $1 billion from rich households' back taxes 

Robin Champ and Suzette Brooks Masters from the Federal Foresight Advocacy Alliance join the GovNavigators Show to talk about the importance of utilizing strategic foresight in the federal government and their efforts to create a U.S. Office of Strategic Foresight. Show NotesTMF Names New DirectorFedRAMP Emerging Technology (ET!) Prioritization Framework It was a $6.6B deal for 9 years. Then the feds reneged. Did politics play a role?Upcoming EventsACT-IAC Federal Insights Exchange: GenAI at DHS

Still recovering from Robert Shea's 15 minutes of fame on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the GovNavigators take a break from guests this holiday week to reflect on major Supreme Court rulings and the state of stare decisis, two major birthdays, a wedding, and the beauty of fights for independence everywhere.

Fascinating new data is out on the state of digital identity in government from the Center for Digital Government and #FOGN Jen Kerber (Senior Director for Government Affairs at Socure) and Dustin Haisler (President of e.Republic and the Center for Digital Government) join the show to talk about it.  Show NotesThe State of Digital Identity in 2024CBO: An Update to the Budget and Economic Outlook: 2024 to 2034Last Week Tonight with John Oliver on Schedule FVisit Ireland

Former OMB Executive Dustin Brown joins the GovNavigators Show to talk about his over two decades at OMB, serving for four different presidents, and why he left to help improve one of the most important federal agencies in the government - the Social Security Administration. Show NotesWhite House to host event showcasing AI's potentialUpcoming EventsPSC Acquisition Conference

We are truly grateful that Natalie Alms joined the GovNavigators Show so we could apologize in person for our egregious mistake when we identified her employer. Everyone of course knows that Natalie still works at NextGov/FCW! Tune in to hear the latest government management stories and updates from Natalie's beat.Show NotesIRS Makes Direct File PermanentHouse Passes TMF Authorization BillAgencies are on the clock to improve their digital accessibility — here's how they're doing so farDr Pepper Ties Pepsi as America's No. 2 SodaBlueprints for Learning: A Synthesis of Federal Evidence-Building PlanUpcoming EventsPartnership for Public Service Trust SummitACT-IAC ITVMO Annual Summit