The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Treasury Dept efforts to secure federal payments takes root

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:30:00 -0000

Federal agency CFOs can have more confidence than ever that their agency is sending money to the right citizens. Their confidence comes from the Treasury Department finishing a four-year journey to better secure federal payments. Treasury’s Payment Verification tool moved into full production mode earlier this summer using a three-step process to confirm the accuracy of the disbursement. Justin Marsico is the executive director for financial integrity at the Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Service. He talked about hte improvements with Federal News Network’s Jason Miller.

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Quantum security ‘drumbeat’ to grow louder in federal procurement

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:30:00 -0000

Federal agencies will increasingly seek out technology products that use quantum-resistant encryption. That’s because scientists are getting closer to developing a computer capable of breaking classic encryption algorithms. Cybersecurity leaders say it’s important for agencies and industry to act now to address that looming threat. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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The Ukraine war is forcing militaries to rethink how quickly weapons and countermeasures evolve

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Recent battlefield experience suggests that a new military capability may not stay effective for as long as defense planners once assumed. As adversaries adapt more quickly, pressure is growing to shorten the cycle between development, production, and upgrades. For one industry perspective on what that could mean for defense procurement, Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Chad Steelberg, CEO and Founder of Tiberius Aerospace.

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For years, the defense industrial base was a future problem. Now it's a production problem

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The Pentagon needs more ships, more munitions and more manufacturing capacity. Industry is responding, but expanding production takes time, money, and confidence that demand will last. Joining me to talk through those constraints and industry's response is the president and CEO of the National Defense Industrial Association, David Norquist.

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The government is changing some key rules that shape the federal contracting marketplace

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Two recent developments are drawing attention across the contracting community: proposed changes to small-business size standards and new supply-chain transparency requirements from the Defense Department. Here to discuss what contractors are making of both, is Stephanie Kostro, President of the Professional Services Council.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, September 1, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The government is changing some key rules that shape the federal contracting marketplace
For years, the defense industrial base was a future problem. Now it's a production problem
The Ukraine war is forcing militaries to rethink how quickly weapons and countermeasures evolve

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Three initiatives causing industry new concerns about DoD acquisition reforms

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The Defense Department’s third message to industry since early May is prompting many contractors to strongly doubt whether Secretary Pete Hegseth’s goal of revitalizing the defense industrial base still is a priority. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg’s August 18 memo on cost and pricing is the latest example in the last three months of the Pentagon adding more compliance and complexity to contractors working for the DoD.

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Trump officially plans for civilian federal pay freeze in 2027

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

Most civilian federal employees will not see a pay raise in 2027. An alternative pay plan from President Trump recommends a nearly governmentwide pay freeze. Exceptions will be carved out, though, to give larger raises to federal law enforcement and military personnel. Here with the latest, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Congress returns next week faces a mountain of legislation, and fewer easy options available

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Congress has no shortage of fiscal issues waiting when lawmakers return next week. What may be in shorter supply is the flexibility Congress has traditionally used to put together deals and postpone hard decisions. For a closer look, I'm joined by Loren Duggan, deputy news director at Bloomberg Government.

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A new review of AI use finds the postal industry is still sorting out what works at scale

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Postal operators around the world are testing artificial intelligence in everything from package processing to customer service. A new review from the USPS Inspector General looks at where those efforts are producing measurable results and where the technology remains more promise than practice. Here to walk us through those findings is Rick Schadelbauer, research specialist with the USPS Office of Inspector General.

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The Naval Postgraduate School has a new high performance AI computing system from NVIDIA

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0000

NVIDIA has donated an advanced AI computing system to the Naval Postgraduate School through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement. The new platform gives students and faculty access to computing power that can support both research and operational problem-solving. Here to explain what that means for military education and future defense capability is Capt. Mike Owen, vice provost for warfare studies and leader of the NPS AI Task Force at the Naval Postgraduate School.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, August 31, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

As the Defense Department looks for ways to build expertise in artificial intelligence, the Naval Postgraduate School has received a new high-performance AI computing system from NVIDIA
As agencies and businesses look for practical applications of artificial intelligence, a new review finds the postal industry is still sorting out what works at scale
Congress returns next week facing a growing debt burden, pressure to address Social Security and another funding deadline, all while lawmakers have fewer easy options available

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Cyber vulnerabilities posed by AI push agencies to do more to get out from under legacy technology debt

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

Adversaries’ use of AI to find new cyber vulnerabilities or increase the speed of their attacks means agencies have to do more to get out from under their legacy technology debt. This summer, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued a new binding operational directive laying out how agencies should prioritize high-risk vulnerabilities for more immediate action, while deferring lower-risk vulnerabilities. Chris Butera is the acting deputy executive assistant director for cybersecurity at CISA. He talked about the directive and the challenge with Federal News Network’s Jason Miller.

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More troops reported sexual assaults last year as incidents fell

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The Pentagon says sexual assaults in the military decreased in 2025, with an estimated 20,500 service members experiencing unwanted sexual contact. At the same time, more victims reported what happened to them. But advocates say the numbers may not tell the whole story, arguing that survivors still face serious barriers to reporting and getting justice. Federal News Network's Rachel Cohen is here to dig into the new report.

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A Navy nurse is on a mission to improve trauma care across military medicine

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Military medicine trains constantly for trauma care, but some of the tools and processes designed for adults don't always translate well to children. After identifying one of those gaps, Navy Cmdr. Emily Latimer led a research effort that found a better approach for administering blood to critically injured pediatric patients. That innovation earned her the Defense Health Agency Nursing Award for Evidence-Based Practice. Commander Lattimer joins me now to discuss what her team learned and what it says about readiness across military medicine.

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The most important retirement conversation you can have with your spouse may be the one neither of you wants to have

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Most couples build a retirement plan around the assumption that they'll navigate retirement together. But every retirement plan eventually becomes a one-person plan. That's why financial planner Thiago Glieger says one of the most important acts of financial preparation is making sure a surviving spouse inherits a roadmap, not a maze of decisions, paperwork and uncertainty. He joins me now to talk through these crucial considerations.

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Americans may disagree on politics, but they seem to have a clearer picture of what they want government to do than many leaders assume

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Trust in government has been declining for decades. A new Partnership for Public Service study asked a different question: What would a government that works for people actually look like? The answers revealed some unexpected common ground around responsiveness, effectiveness and problem solving. Here with more insight is the director of public engagement at the Partnership for Public Service, Lindsay Laferriere.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, August 28, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Americans may disagree on politics, but they seem to have a clearer picture of what they want government to do than many leaders assume
The most important retirement conversation you can have with your spouse may be the one neither of you wants to have
Better care often starts with someone noticing that an old solution doesn't work for every patient. One Navy nurse turned that observation into a change that could improve trauma care across military medicine.

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Unions challenge Trump admin overhaul of suitability, performance rules

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration is facing a new lawsuit, after overhauls to federal employee suitability and performance standards. Four federal unions argue that the Office of Personnel Management exceeded statutory authority and violated the Civil Service Reform Act when it issued final regulations earlier this summer. Taken together, the unions say the changes will make it easier for OPM to fire employees. Here with details, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Army moving ahead to put nuclear microreactors on military bases

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The Army is moving ahead with a major effort to put nuclear microreactors on military bases, with about $2.2 billion going to five companies. The goal is to get at least one reactor to provide useful electricity to an Army installation by the end of September 2028. Federal News Network's Rachel Cohen joins me with more on the announcement.

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Getting help to disaster survivors takes more than good weather forecasts

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0000

For the latest Data Dish conversation, we're taking a look at the information that helps government respond to and recover from disasters. When a hurricane approaches, weather data is only the beginning. Joining me are Denice Ross and Christopher Marcum of the Federation of American Scientists.

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Everyone agrees federal hiring and firing can take a long time, we look at what's actually causing the delay

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0000

When federal employee accountability cases drag on, attention usually turns to rules and protections. A new report looks at what happens inside the process itself and where delays are most likely to occur.

It's one thing to identify problems in the accountability process. It's another to build consensus around solutions. In the second half of our conversation, we're discussing tradeoffs, implementation, and what meaningful reform might actually look like with Maureen Klovers and April Harding of We the Doers, a fiscally-sponsored project of The Fund for Constitutional Government

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, August 27, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Everyone agrees federal hiring and firing can take a long time, we look at what's actually causing the delay
Getting help to disaster survivors takes more than good weather forecasts

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TSA to replace ‘Gold+’ in privatization push

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The Transportation Security Administration is replacing its short-lived “Gold-plus” privatized screening concept, Instead, TSA’s new leader wants to build on the agency’s existing private screening program. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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Losses keep piling up for Trump administration over handling of RTO mandate

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

Add the employees of the Agriculture Department's Foreign Agriculture Service to the growing list of federal workers who have successfully challenged the Trump administration's return to work policies. A third-party arbitrator on Monday sustained the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees' grievance that USDA violated the collective bargaining agreement and the Telework Enhancements Act when ending telework without negotiations. With more on this latest case and what the growing list of loses means for the administration, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.

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A court can tell an agency it was wrong, getting employees the remedy they won can take much longer

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0000

A court ruling has given new momentum to a long-running dispute over Secret Service overtime pay. The case began with questions about agency pay practices. Today, it raises a broader question: how federal employees actually obtain a remedy after an agency's actions have been found unlawful. Joining me with more on this case and its settlement is Nicholas Wieczorek of Clark Hill.

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Commercial aviation depends on a growing network of connected systems. GAO found gaps in cybersecurity

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0000

From airport networks to systems embedded in aircraft, commercial aviation relies on an increasingly complex digital infrastructure. A new GAO review found shortcomings in how FAA and TSA coordinate responsibility for protecting that environment from cyber threats. Jennifer Franks, director of GAO's Center for Enhanced Cybersecurity, joins me with the details.

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September could bring answers on several issues federal employees have been tracking for months

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The fall could bring clarity on several issues that affect federal employees and retirees directly, from government funding to next year's pay raise to the handling of FEHB claims data. John Hatton of NARFE is here to walk through what comes next.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, August 26, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

September could bring answers on several issues federal employees have been tracking for months. Funding, pay and health-data privacy are all approaching important decision points
A court can tell an agency it was wrong. Getting employees the remedy they won can take much longer. A decade-old Secret Service overtime case shows why
Commercial aviation depends on a growing network of connected systems. GAO found gaps in how federal agencies oversee the cybersecurity risks that come with them

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The SBA wants to give 114,000 more companies access to small business contracts

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 19:00:00 -0000

The Small Business Administration is trying to open the federal contracting door to more small businesses. In a new proposed rule issued last week, SBA is updating the small business size standards that would make more than 114,000 companies eligible for federal small business contracts. For more on what SBA is proposing and the initial reaction from the small business community, Federal News Network's Jason Miller joins me now.

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Air Force joins federal agencies planning to spend more than ever on construction and maintenance projects

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The Air Force is requesting what’s likely a record $10 billion facility construction budget for fiscal 2027, up from $3.9 billion in 2026. And when you add other construction projects like military family housing and facilities sustainment and restoration, the budget request skyrockets to almost $27 billion. All in all, federal agencies are planning to spend more money than ever on construction and maintenance projects in the coming years. Brig. Gen. Patrick Miller is the commander of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center. He talked about the facility investment plan with Federal News Network’s Jason Miller.

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SBA wants to give 114,000 more companies access to small business contracts

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

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Special Operations Command wants to hear from companies that have never sold it anything

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Defense agencies have spent years trying to speed up acquisition. SOCOM is targeting a different problem: many companies with promising technologies never enter the competition at all. A new initiative is designed to make it easier for firms with little government contracting experience to get in front of decision makers. Here to explain how SOF RACER works is Brian Miller, president of BMNT.

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Expanding access isn't just about who qualifies for government programs, DARPA's ERIS marketplace may have a solution

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Through a platform called ERIS, DARPA is giving companies a new way to present emerging technologies to agency reviewers. The effort is designed to widen access to the defense innovation ecosystem without abandoning technical scrutiny.. My next guests are Jennifer Thabet, director of DARPA's Small Business Programs Office, and Nick Madeloff, ERIS deputy program manager.

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The SBA wants to change who qualifies as a small business

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The Small Business Administration is proposing one of its most significant updates to business-size standards in years. The changes could affect which firms qualify for federal contracting programs and how long successful companies remain part of the small-business ecosystem. Here to discuss the proposal is Emily Murphy, Senior Fellow at the George Mason University Baroni Center for Government Contracting.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, August 25, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The SBA wants to change who qualifies as a small business. The proposal could reshape which companies remain eligible for federal contracting programs
Expanding access isn't just about who qualifies for government programs. DARPA is testing whether a new front door can help more companies get their ideas in front of decision makers
Special Operations Command wants to hear from companies that have never sold it anything. A new acquisition effort is designed to lower the barriers that keep many firms from competing in the first place

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DoD launches pilots to overhaul EEO processes, speed up complaint investigations

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The Defense Department has launched three pilot programs that promise to overhaul the Pentagon’s equal employment opportunity processes. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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Golden Dome cost estimate draws Pentagon pushback

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The price tag for the Pentagon’s ambitious Golden Dome missile defense system has become a point of contention between the Defense Department and the Congressional Budget Office. CBO says the vision laid out by President Trump last year could cost taxpayers at least $1.2 trillion over two decades, but Pentagon officials have pushed back on that estimate and questioned some of the assumptions behind it. Federal News Network's Rachel Cohen joins me with more.

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Congress may be out of town, but the institution never really shuts down

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Congress is out of town for the August recess, but the institution keeps running. From Senate procedures most people never notice to questions about AI, ethics and the work that continues when lawmakers leave Washington, Mitchell Miller, capitol hill correspondent for WTOP, takes us behind the scenes on Capitol Hill.

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The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is revisiting decades-old radiation protection standards, prompting debate

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing updates to the framework that has guided radiation protection policy for decades. The proposal has generated discussion about how regulators should balance public safety, worker protections and the practical application of radiation standards. For the commission's, I'm joined by NRC Chairman Ho Nieh.

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Military housing has been under scrutiny for years, but the challenge may be bigger than any one landlord

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Military housing has been the subject of congressional hearings, investigations and reform efforts for years. Yet many of the same complaints continue to surface. A new report examines whether the way the system is overseen may be part of the reason. Joining me now to share her latest reporting is René Kladzyk, senior investigator at the Project on Government Oversight.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, August 24, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Military housing has been under scrutiny for years, yet many of the same complaints continue to surface. A closer look suggests the challenge may be bigger than any one landlord or property
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is revisiting decades-old radiation protection standards, prompting debate over what level of protection is appropriate
Congress may be out of town, but the institution never really shuts down. We'll take a look at what's happening behind the scenes while lawmakers are away

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Medicare and Medicaid looks to move beyond risk-based cybersecurity

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is moving beyond just compliance to risk-based cybersecurity, with a focus on continuous monitoring and attack surface management. It’s a transition officials say is meant to make the agency’s defensive posture more threat-informed. Keith Busby is the chief information security officer at CMS. He talked about the transition with Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday.

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CMMC review: DoD’s inconsistent CUI marking continues to plague program

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

There are a lot of opinions about how the Pentagon could improve the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program. But most organizations agree the Defense Department could do a much better job marking controlled unclassified information. They say CUI marking continues to be a critical problem driving CMMC costs and confusion. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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The government is taking a closer look at who is really performing work under small-business contracts

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Recent enforcement actions are giving contractors a clearer picture of what federal investigators are looking for in small-business set-aside programs. Many of the cases turn on a simple question: who is actually controlling and performing the work? Here with insights is William Hart of Rogers Joseph O'Donnell.

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A surprising source is helping uncover compromised government websites

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Federal agencies work hard to secure their online presence, but some website compromises are being uncovered through an unlikely source. Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Greg Pollock, director of research and insights at UpGuard, about what those discoveries reveal about the challenge of keeping track of sprawling government web infrastructure.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, August 21, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A surprising source is helping uncover compromised government websites
The government is taking a closer look at who is really performing work under small-business contracts

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawsuit seeks to force OPM to update reservist differential pay guidance

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

A new lawsuit argues the Office of Personnel Management has failed to update its guidance for over a year despite the Supreme Court ruling that clarified that reservists called to active duty during a national emergency are entitled to the difference between their civilian and military pay. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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AbilityOne program comes under new scrutiny

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The AbilityOne program is coming under new scrutiny for allegedly skirting the Buy American Act and other federal acquisition regulations. The General Services Administration is asking the commission and its partners like the National Industries for the Blind to submit a report by mid-November detailing how they are ensuring they are following federal acquisition laws and regulations. Federal News Network’s Jason Miller joins me now to discuss GSA’s concerns and what the AbilityOne Commission is doing about them, .

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A growing number of court filings have something in common: they cite legal cases that don't actually exist

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Artificial intelligence can help lawyers research and draft legal filings. But courts are increasingly confronting a basic question: what happens when a lawyer trusts the technology and the technology gets it wrong? Judges have made clear that responsibility still rests with the lawyer. Here with more is Crawford Appleby of Wisner Baum.

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Autonomous? What's the difference between a machine that follows instructions and one that can handle something unexpected?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

As the military invests in drones and robotic systems, one question keeps surfacing: how much can those systems really do without human direction? The answer has implications for procurement, operations and expectations about what this technology can deliver. Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Ben Wolff, CEO and co-founder of Palladyne AI.

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For years, cyber defenders have assumed they had time to react. What happens when AI shrinks that window?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Artificial intelligence has been part of the cybersecurity conversation for years. But a new report suggests AI may be moving beyond helping attackers and beginning to perform meaningful portions of cyber operations itself. That has implications for how quickly agencies must detect, patch and respond to threats. Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Glen Deskin, Head of Engineering at Check Point Software Technologies.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton -- Thursday, August 20, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

For years, cyber defenders have assumed they had time to react. What happens when artificial intelligence starts shrinking that window?
A lot of things are being called autonomous these days. But what's the difference between a machine that follows instructions and one that can handle something unexpected?
A growing number of court filings have something in common: they cite legal cases that don't actually exist.

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DoD strategic hiring committees are still a mystery a year after their formation

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The Defense Department has begun using new strategic hiring committees to vet civilian employees, but nearly a year after the Trump administration ordered agencies to create them, there’s still a lot we don’t know about how they work. Four committees now operate across the Pentagon and military departments, but DoD has provided few details about how many hires they review, how often they reject candidates or whether they’re actually slowing the hiring process. Federal News Network’s Rachel Cohen has been digging into what these committees are doing. She joins me now with more on what they could mean for the Pentagon’s civilian workforce.

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Trump’s move to ‘unleash’ private sector hackers raises novel oversight, liability questions

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

President Donald Trump has signed a new order to “unleash” the private sector to conduct offensive cyber operations. The goal is to go after foreign criminal hackers, like ransomware gangs. But the new program also comes with questions about legal liabilities and other risks for companies that participate. Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me now with more details.

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The Postal Service has long delivered ballots. Increasingly, policymakers want it to play a larger role in how ballots are validated and counted

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Postal Service has traditionally served as neutral infrastructure during elections, moving ballots from voters to election officials. But changes in election law, postmark requirements and voter verification debates are placing new demands on the agency. Elena (ELL-eh-nah) Patel of the Brookings Institution joins me now to discuss what that shift could mean for the Postal Service and the election system.

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Some of the federal government's oldest obligations have long faced a gap between commitment and execution

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The IRS may be today's headline example of an institution struggling to match resources to mission. But the challenge is hardly new. The federal government's obligations to Tribal nations date back to the country's founding, and a new Brookings report examines why the systems supporting those commitments continue to fall short. Here to share more details is Brookings Institution fellow, Rob Maxim.

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One taxpayer's effort to solve an IRS problem led to a much larger question about how the agency is functioning today

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

A routine IRS problem sent reporter Stephanie Mencimer looking for answers. What she found was a growing concern among tax practitioners, taxpayer advocates and former agency officials about how the agency is functioning. Stephanie joins me now to share her experience and her findings.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, August 19, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

One taxpayer's effort to solve an IRS problem led to a much larger question about how the agency is functioning today
Questions about institutional capacity aren't new. Some of the federal government's oldest obligations have long faced a gap between commitment and execution
The Postal Service has long delivered ballots. Increasingly, policymakers want it to play a larger role in how ballots are validated and counted

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The pace of AI adoption is accelerating the need to adopt a robust identity framework

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

For a long time now, agencies have been grappling with cybersecurity challenges around identity. But artificial intelligence is making things even more complicated. The quick pace of AI adoption – and the need to secure “non-human identities” in addition to human users – has further cemented the need for agencies to adopt a robust, modern identity framework. Jennifer Franks is director for IT and cybersecurity at the Government Accountability Office, and Manny Medrano is the director of the Global Security Operations Center at the State Department. They talked about the challenge during a panel discussion with Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday.

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DoD changes transitional health care eligibility for reservists following lawsuit

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The Defense Department is changing how it determines eligibility for transitional health care benefits for reserve component service members who are separating from active duty. The change comes after National Guard and Reserve members sued the Pentagon, arguing that the department had added an eligibility requirement that wasn’t in the law. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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Rules about funding and cybersecurity can shape the defense market as surely as contracts do

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Defense Department is moving toward final decisions on cybersecurity requirements for contractors while Congress continues to debate funding priorities and possible additional spending through reconciliation. Those decisions will help shape how companies invest, compete, and plan for future government work. For the industry perspective, I spoke with Stephanie Kostro, president of the Professional Services Council.

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Federal grants run on more than money; they run on predictable rules

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Office of Management and Budget is proposing changes to the rules that govern how federal grants are awarded and managed. Those rules help determine how states, universities, nonprofits and local governments plan projects that can take years to complete. Here to discuss what the proposed changes could mean is Jillian Blanchard, Senior Vice President of Climate Change and Environmental Justice at Lawyers for Good Government.

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OPM is building the federal government's next generation HR platform, ACT-IAC wanted to know what the marketplace around it looks like

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

As OPM rolls out its new governmentwide human capital platform, agencies will still need solutions for everything from recruiting and performance management to training and retirement services. To help agencies understand what's available, ACT-IAC conducted a broad review of the federal HR technology marketplace. Joining me with what they found are Jim Cook, chair of the ACT-IAC Institute for Innovation, and Gary Washington, ACT-IAC's chief strategy officer.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, August 18, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

OPM is building the federal government's next generation HR platform. ACT-IAC wanted to know what the marketplace around it looks like
Federal grants run on more than money. They run on predictable rules
Rules about funding and cybersecurity can shape the defense market as surely as contracts do

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DLA's five year IT modernization journey reaches major milestone

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The Defense Logistics Agency’s five-year IT modernization journey reached an important milestone earlier this summer. DLA moved its catalog system off a 35-year-old COBOL based system and onto a new modern platform. For more on the agency’s latest IT modernization achievement, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller caught up with Adarryl Roberts, DLA’s chief information officer.

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Troops can get up to $10,000 to freeze eggs under new pilot

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

A new Pentagon pilot program will give some active-duty service members a way to preserve their fertility before deployments, hazardous assignments or long periods away from their families. Starting September 14, eligible troops can be reimbursed up to $10,000 a year for egg freezing, or $500 for sperm freezing, under a three-year program created by Congress. The Defense Health Agency will use the pilot to assess participation, costs, administrative burdens and whether fertility preservation has an impact on military readiness and retention. Federal News Network's Rachel Cohen joins me with more.

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Congress may be on recess, but the campaign for governing power is still underway

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Congress may be out of session, but the clock is still running on fiscal 2027 funding. As lawmakers look toward spending deadlines and a crowded legislative agenda, this year's primary elections are also offering clues about who may wield influence in the next Congress. Bloomberg Government deputy news director Loren Duggan is here with a look ahead.

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Some of the biggest retirement mistakes happen when decisions are made without understanding the consequences

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Federal retirement is full of choices involving pensions, health benefits, Social Security and the Thrift Savings Plan. Many employees don't discover the consequences of those decisions until after they've made them. retirement expert Tammy Flanagan joins me now with some perspective on how to prepare.

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Months after Foreign Service families evacuated parts of the Middle East, uncertainty continues

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The State Department moved hundreds of employees and family members out of the Middle East earlier this year. As those evacuations approach a key deadline, many families are still waiting to learn where they'll serve next and how to plan the months ahead. John Dinkelman, president of the American Foreign Service Association, joins me now to discuss the impacts of this on the workforce and the State Department.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, August 17, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Foreign Service families are used to uncertainty. But months after evacuations from parts of the Middle East, many are still waiting for answers that affect jobs, schools, and where they'll be living next
The biggest retirement mistakes usually happen when people make important decisions without fully understanding the consequences, and often before an employee leaves government
Congress may be on recess, but the campaign for governing power is still underway

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DoD seeks broad authority to sell military real estate

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The Defense Department is asking Congress for broad new authority to directly sell military real estate, lease it back when it needs to and reinvest the cash from these sales into a number of defense priorities. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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‘ICJobs:’ Intel community gets new classified jobs portal

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The intelligence community just launched a shared classified jobs portal. ICJobs is just like USAJobs, but for those with top-secret security clearances. The goal is to help the intelligence community put the right talent in the right work roles. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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Who says the federal government should own part of a private company? That's no longer a theoretical question

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The Commerce Department recently announced plans to take minority equity stakes in companies receiving federal support. It's a sign of how government is taking a more direct role in developing strategic technologies. Joining me now to discuss the opportunities and risks is Joel Fetter, managing director at Clark Street.

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Tokenized finance is forcing governments to coordinate rules for markets that are still being built.

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Technology doesn't stop at national borders, and increasingly neither can regulation. A new U.S.-U.K. effort to coordinate oversight of tokenized finance highlights the challenge of creating rules for markets that are still taking shape. Joining me to discuss it is John Kearney, director of product management at MyComplianceOffice.

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Government is taking a bigger role in shaping emerging technologies, now Congress has to rewrite some rules

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than many institutions can adapt. For Congress, the challenge is deciding where government should step in and where it should stay out while the technology's full impact is still emerging. Joining me to discuss that challenge is Congressman Don Beyer of Virginia's 8th District.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Friday, August 14, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Who says the federal government should own part of a private company? That's no longer a theoretical question
As government takes a bigger role in shaping emerging technologies, Congress is trying to write rules for one that's changing faster than the legislative process
Financial regulators usually write rules for existing markets. Tokenized finance is forcing governments to coordinate rules for one that's still being built

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pentagon wants to spend millions on Palantir with few details

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The Pentagon wants to steer up to $244 million to Palantir through March 2027, with the possibility of additional funding through the end of 2028. But a draft memo obtained by Federal News Network doesn't spell out exactly what the money would pay for or which programs it would support.

The Defense Department says the memo is part of a broader effort to use industry expertise to speed up defense production. But one government watchdog raised questions of transparency and whether the directive could lead to sole-source contracting without enough consideration of competition. Federal News Network's Rachel Cohen joins me with more.

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After sweeping staffing reduction, agencies assemble "annual staffing plans"

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

Following a year of sweeping staffing reductions, the Trump administration is laying the groundwork for agencies to ramp up recruitment efforts. The Office of Personnel Management has directed agencies to begin assembling “annual staffing plans” for fiscal 2027. The guidance places a particular focus on hiring technologists and early-career talent. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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As AI becomes more common at the VA, veterans want to know how decisions are made and who's accountable for them

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The VA says people remain responsible for decisions affecting veterans' benefits and healthcare, even as artificial intelligence becomes more common behind the scenes. But for veterans, trust depends on understanding how decisions are made and who answers when something goes wrong. Joining me now to share what that transparency could really look like is Benjamin Krause, founder of Krause Law.

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Getting help starts with recognizing the real problem. For many veterans, that problem turns out to be a legal one

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A housing problem, a benefits problem, or an employment problem may actually start as a legal problem. The challenge for many veterans is recognizing that early enough to get help before the consequences spread. We'll talk about a new effort to close that gap with Ron Flagg, president of the Legal Services Corporation

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Military families don't get to choose when they move, ,that can make buying a home a tough financial decision

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

When military orders arrive, families may have only a short time to make one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Whether to buy, rent, sell or hold a home can have consequences long after the move is complete. For perspective on making those choices, I'm joined by Mike Meese, president of Armed Forces Mutual.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, August 13, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Military families don't get to choose when they move. That can make buying a home one of the toughest financial decisions they'll face
Getting help starts with recognizing the real problem. For many veterans, that problem turns out to be a legal one
As AI becomes more common at the VA, veterans want to know how decisions are made and who's accountable for them

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FBI investigating North Korean remote IT staffer working for US agency

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The yearslong North Korean remote IT worker campaign has infiltrated hundreds of companies. Now, the FBI has confirmed at least one of those individuals was found working for a federal agency. Experts say the widening campaign points to an emerging gap in national security vetting. 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.

What's new in the 8(a) business development program

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0000

The Small Business Administration finalized new rules for the 8(a) business development program in record time. In 60 days, SBA went from proposal to reviewing more than 100 comments to final regulation that will transform the 73-year-old program. For more on what’s in the new 8(a) regulations and why some experts remain concerned about the program’s long-term viability, Federal News Network’s executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.

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OPM spent the past year helping reshape the federal workforce, a new GAO report looks inside OPM itself

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

OPM has played a central role in shaping federal workforce policy over the past 18 months. At the same time, the agency itself has undergone substantial staffing reductions. A new GAO report examines what those changes could mean for OPM's ability to carry out its mission and support other agencies. Joining me to walk through the details is Dawn Locke, director in GAO's Strategic Issues team.

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Government asks for public input all the time, most people don't know what to do with that invitation

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Federal agencies depend on public comments when they write and revise regulations, but many citizens and subject-matter experts have little experience participating in the process. A new effort aims to help people understand how agencies evaluate comments and what makes them useful. Here with more is Colette Delawalla, founder of the Stand Up for Science Foundation.

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Clinical trials need participants, are the rules about compensation helping or hurting?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The HHS Office of Inspector General is seeking public input on how fraud-and-abuse laws affect payments to clinical-trial participants. The effort could help determine whether existing rules strike the right balance between protecting patients and supporting medical research. Joining me now is Spencer Turnbull, Chief of the Industry Guidance Branch at HHS-OIG.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, August 12, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Clinical trials need participants. Regulators are examining whether existing rules on participant compensation are helping or getting in the way
Government asks for public input all the time. Most people don't know what to do with that invitation
OPM has spent the past year helping reshape the federal workforce. A new GAO report looks at what's happened inside OPM itself

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

OPM preparing to take over federal employee appeals

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Federal employees are getting more details on what to expect if they appeal an adverse action. That’s after the Office of Personnel Management finalized an overhaul to the government’s avenues for challenging agencies. Here to break down the latest from OPM's guidance, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Army AI tool accused of hallucinating in bid process, what happens next?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

A recent lawsuit could shape how federal agencies document artificial intelligence in the procurement process. Trax International Corporation recently alleged that the Army's AI tool used to determine a contract award hallucinated and weakened the company’s bid. While it might be hard for the contractor to prove that the error actually mattered to the outcome, legal experts say the case could become the first to test how much information agencies may have to disclose about their use of AI during bid evaluations. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Defense leaders aren't short on new technology. They're trying to figure out what it takes to field it

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The defense community is watching a wave of new technologies arrive at a remarkable pace. The conversation has increasingly shifted from what to buy to how quickly new capabilities can become useful in the field. Those issues will be front and center at the Professional Services Council Defense Conference this fall. Here with a preview is PSC executive director Jim Carroll.

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Contractors trying to comply with the Pentagon's Anthropic restrictions are running into an unexpected problem

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The Pentagon is beginning to enforce restrictions involving Anthropic, and defense contractors are starting to see the practical effects. Companies are receiving certification requests from customers across government, but those requests don't always match. For contractors, that can make compliance more complicated than it sounds. Here with more is Ryan Frazee, partner at Mayer Brown.

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Military commanders have access to more information than ever before, but can they make sense of it fast enough to matter?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The U.S. military has more access to battlefield information than at any point in its history. Yet commanders and their staffs still face limits on time, attention and communication. As AI becomes more common in operational environments, the goal is to help them focus on what matters. Here with insights on how that's playing out in real time is Ian Kalin, CEO of TurbineOne.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Tuesday, August 11, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Military commanders have access to more information than ever before, but can they make sense of it fast enough to matter?
Contractors trying to comply with the Pentagon's Anthropic restrictions are running into an unexpected problem: not everybody is asking for the same paperwork.
Defense leaders aren't short on new technology. They're trying to figure out what it takes to field it.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NASA’s successful demonstration of laser communications marks a turning point

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

NASA’s successful demonstration of laser communications during the Artemis Two mission marked a turning point for a technology that has been in development for years. It proved that optical communications can support human spaceflight operations, sending high-resolution imagery and scientific data as four astronauts traveled around the Moon. Nikki Desch is the project manager for the Orion Artemis Two Optical Communication Payload System at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. She talked about the capabilities with Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Army’s social media exit could hurt small contractors

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Army's decision to consolidate its official social media accounts is raising concerns well beyond public affairs. Small businesses that rely on LinkedIn, X and other platforms to track contracting opportunities, connect with program offices and learn about new requirements say they could lose a key entry point into the acquisition process. The move comes as Army leaders continue urging nontraditional companies and commercial firms to do business with the service. Federal News Network's Rachel Cohen has more on what this could mean for the defense industrial base.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The government can track an award from Washington to a state government. Following it is often where the trail goes cold

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Federal spending transparency has been a bipartisan goal for nearly two decades, and USAspending.gov was built to help taxpayers follow the money. But a new report from the Project on Government Oversight suggests that much of the accountability challenge begins after dollars leave federal agencies and move through states and other intermediaries. Joining me to explain what government can and can't see today is Sean Moulton, senior policy analyst at POGO.

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One legal scholar argues that a professional career workforce is more consistent with conservative principles than many people think

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Much of today's civil service debate focuses on giving presidents greater control over the federal workforce. But if you go back to some core conservative principles, the case for a professional, merit-based civil service becomes stronger, not weaker. Joining me to make that case is Christopher Walker, professor of law at the University of Michigan.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, August 10, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

As Washington debates the future of the civil service, one legal scholar argues that a professional career workforce is more consistent with conservative principles than many people think
The federal government can track an award from Washington to a state government. Following it the rest of the way is often where the trail goes cold.
Before heading home for August, the Senate cleared a few items that could have lasting consequences

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DoD pulls independent testing office’s public reports from its website

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Pentagon’s independent weapons testing office has pulled decades of unclassified annual reports from its public website, arguing that artificial intelligence would allow foreign adversaries to combine publicly available information into detailed assessments of U.S. military vulnerabilities. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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FEMA staffing cuts lacked strategy, hit regional staff hardest

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration pledged to shift the Federal Emergency Management Agency away from a “bloated, DC-centric dead weight.” But FEMA’s regions, not its Washington headquarters, bore the brunt of workforce cuts that happened without any strategic planning. That’s according to the latest Government Accountability Office report on FEMA’s workforce challenges. Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me for more.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Friday, August 7, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Most people don't think about cybersecurity when they turn on the tap, but the same remote connections that help utility operators monitor and maintain critical systems can also create opportunities for cyber attackers
Some contractors got CMMC certified early, investing before they had to. Now that implementation is on hold, they're asking whether moving first still pays

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Some contractors got CMMC certified early, now the implementation is on hold at their expense

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Government often relies on industry to invest ahead of future requirements. The recent pause in CMMC implementation is raising questions about how contractors weigh risk, cost and the value of moving first. Here with one company's perspective are Angie Lienert and Jeremiah Jensen of IntelliGenesis.

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Remote connections that help operators monitor critical systems create opportunities for cyber attackers

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Keeping water systems running requires remote access for monitoring, maintenance, and vendor support. Securing those connections has become a growing priority for utilities that rely on operational technology every day. A new NIST guide offers practical approaches for doing that. Here to discuss it is CheeYee Tang, an electronic engineer at NIST.

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Trump administration creates new commission on military spouses

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Military spouses have long faced challenges that come with frequent moves, career disruptions and balancing family life during deployments. Now, a new White House executive order creates the President's Military Spouse Commission, a panel charged with developing recommendations on issues ranging from employment and child care to health care, education and housing. The administration says the commission will give military spouses a direct voice in shaping federal policy, but questions remain about what authority it will have and how quickly it can deliver results. Federal News Network's Rachel Cohen joins us with more.

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OPM drops ‘disparate impact’ guidelines from federal hiring regulations

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

A longstanding framework meant to root out inadvertent discrimination in hiring assessments will no longer be required for agencies. An interim final rule that OPM issued last week eliminates the "Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures" from federal personnel policy and regulations. The move aligns with a June opinion from the Department of Justice, which deemed the framework for hiring assessments unconstitutional. Federal News Network's Drew Friedman breaks down what the changes will mean with the Partnership for Public Service's Jenny Mattingley.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, August 6, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Breakthroughs get the headlines. Standards rarely do. But supporters of a bipartisan bill say America's biotechnology future depends on measurement science that most people never see
Better information often leads to better decisions. ARPA-H is investing in new technology designed to give clinicians a clearer picture of how a baby is tolerating labor
Data can reveal a problem. Solving it is another matter. New reporting examines the non-combat deaths of Army women and asks whether years of reviews and reforms have produced meaningful change

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New reporting examines the non-combat deaths of Army women

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The Army has spent years studying sexual assault, domestic violence and other threats to the safety of service members. New reporting on the non-combat deaths of Army women raises a difficult question: what happens when an institution understands a problem but struggles to improve outcomes? Here with what they found are Austin Campbell and Daniel Johnson of The Intercept.

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ARPA-H is investing in new technology designed to give clinicians a clearer picture of how a baby is tolerating labor

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

For generations, doctors have had to make some of childbirth's most important decisions with incomplete information about how a baby is responding to labor. ARPA-H is funding research aimed at changing that by giving clinicians a clearer view of what's happening in real time. Here with more is Dr. Kate Arnold, Program Manager, Scalable Solutions at ARPA-H.

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Supporters of a bipartisan bill say America's biotechnology future depends on measurement science

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The United States has invested heavily in biotechnology research, but supporters of a new bipartisan bill argue that innovation depends on more than scientific breakthroughs. They say measurement science and common standards are essential if new discoveries are going to move reliably from the laboratory to the marketplace. Here to discuss that effort is Congresswoman April McClain Delaney of Maryland's Sixth District.

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Senate stopgap extends key cyber authorities, TMF

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Senate’s bill to keep the government funded past the midterm elections would keep critical cybersecurity authorities alive through December. The continuing resolution would also extend the authorities of a central fund that invests in agency technology projects. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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VA’s cloud security memo more mythbuster than new policy

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Department of Veterans Affairs recent memo on cloud security isn’t breaking new ground. It’s not even changing policy. The best comparison for the memo that is reminding VA contracting officers and program managers that vendors do not have to have their FedRAMP certification before responding to or submitting proposals for solicitations or requests for information is mythbusting.

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Senate stopgap extents key cyber authorities, TMF

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

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Some critics say one little-known EPA power means the approval process may never truly be over

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Investors, developers and local communities make long-term decisions based on the assumption that a federal permit means a project can move forward. Critics of a little-used EPA authority argue that assumption may no longer be as reliable as many people think. Joining me to walk through the issue is Myron Ebell, chairman of the Fix the EPA Veto Coalition.

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One of the toughest jobs in government is paying today to avoid problems tomorrow

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Whether it's backup power for a hospital or a microgrid for a public facility, FEMA's hazard-mitigation programs are designed to reduce future disaster losses before they occur. A recent GAO review examined how communities make the case for those investments and how FEMA evaluates whether they're worth the cost Joining me now is Janet McKelvey, Acting Director for Natural Resources and Environment at GAO.

Read the report here: https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-26-108470.pdf

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How much should homeowners have to pay upfront to get lower energy bills

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Energy-efficient homes can save money over time, but new requirements often increase costs at the front end. A recent Department of Energy analysis examined that tradeoff and raised questions about how policymakers should balance affordability and long-term savings Joining me to walk through that analysis is Assistant Secretary Audrey Robertson.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, August 5, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Everyone wants lower energy bills. The question is how much homeowners should have to pay upfront to get them
One of the toughest jobs in government is paying today for problems you're hoping won't happen tomorrow
A permit is supposed to provide certainty. Some critics say one little-known EPA power means the approval process may never truly be over

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

OPM cements major shift in federal employee appeals, RIF processes

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Adverse action rules for federal employees are undergoing a major transformation. A set of final rules from the Office of Personnel Management transfer more power to OPM and take some authority away from the Merit Systems Protection Board. At the same time, agencies will now be required to prioritize employee performance over tenure during a reduction-in-force. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Army says its ready to scale NGC2 across the force

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Army says one of its biggest modernization efforts has reached a turning point. After years of testing, officials say its Next Generation Command and Control program, or NGC2, is ready to move beyond experiments and into broader use across the force. The goal is to replace a patchwork of aging command-and-control systems with a single, data-driven network that helps commanders make faster decisions on the battlefield. But turning that vision into reality will mean overcoming technical, budget and cultural challenges. Federal News Network's Rachel Cohen joins us with more.

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Many acquisition reform efforts focus on policies and regulations, DIU is betting on workforce changes

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

For years, acquisition reform has focused on new authorities, new pathways, and new policies. The Defense Innovation Unit believes the next challenge may be preparing acquisition professionals to use those tools effectively. Here to discuss that effort is Cherissa Tamayori, director of acquisition at the Defense Innovation Unit.

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Contracting officers have broad authority to evaluate proposals, but they don't get to change the scoring system

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Past performance can make the difference in a best-value procurement. But agencies still have to evaluate it the way they said they would. That's the lesson from a recent GAO protest involving a Veterans Affairs acquisition support contract. Joining me now with the details is Zach Prince, partner at Haynes Boone.

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When technology changes faster than acquisition cycles, government has a problem

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

New technologies and new threats are forcing agencies to make decisions faster than they once did. That reality is raising questions about whether federal acquisition processes are keeping pace. Stephanie Kostro, president of the Professional Services Council, joins me to talk through the challenge.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, August 4, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton . . .

When technology changes faster than acquisition cycles, government has a problem
Contracting officers have broad authority to evaluate proposals. But they don't get to change the scoring system after proposals arrive
Many acquisition reform efforts focus on policies and regulations. The Defense Innovation Unit is betting that changing the workforce may be just as important

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New AI center works to bridge government and AI industry

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration has been pushing federal agencies to aggressively adopt artificial intelligence capabilities. And now a new Commerce Department center is serving as a gateway for connecting the AI industry with government. To break it all down, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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Administration gives Congress 20 more ideas to reform acquisition

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration has 20 additional ideas for improving federal acquisition. These range from dramatically increasing the simplified acquisition and micro purchase thresholds to raising the dollar figures on task order protests to allocating more money for acquisition workforce training. The Office of Management and Budget submitted these legislative proposals to Congress earlier this month. For more on what OMB is asking for, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.

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A strong market can make investors feel smarter than they really are, and make them forget how much risk they're carrying

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The first half of the year delivered strong returns for many TSP investors. But rising balances can sometimes mask a more important question: how much risk sits underneath those gains? Here with a midyear reality check is certified financial planner Arthur Stein.

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Before governments commit billions of dollars to an infrastructure project, they have to decide how they'll measure success

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Public-private partnerships are often justified through something known as a Value for Money analysis. New federal guidance aims to make those evaluations more transparent by putting greater emphasis on data, assumptions and documentation. Here to discuss those changes and what they could mean for future infrastructure decisions is Share Habibi, research and policy director at In the Public Interest.

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The Senate is supposed to start its August recess, but will Senators make it out of town

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The House has already left town, but the Senate still has a crowded agenda that includes spending legislation, nominations and other administration priorities. Whether lawmakers leave Washington as scheduled may depend on how much of that work they can complete first. Here with the latest is Bloomberg Government's Deputy News Director, Loren Duggan.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, August 3, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton . . .

The Senate is supposed to start its August recess next week. The question is whether senators will be packing suitcases or unpacking another round of White House priorities
Before governments commit billions of dollars to an infrastructure project, they have to decide how they'll measure success
A strong market can make investors feel smarter than they really are, it can also make them forget how much risk they're carrying

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Accenture wins $821M Pentagon AI data platform contract

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Two recent technology investments illustrate some of the Pentagon's biggest IT bets: consolidating enterprise software purchases and accelerating artificial intelligence across the military. Oracle landed a contract worth up to $7 billion to provide software and services across the Defense Department, while Accenture won an $821 million task order to expand the Pentagon's War Data Platform, which it views as the backbone of many of its AI efforts. They reflect a broader strategy to standardize IT infrastructure, avoid duplicative spending, and make it easier for AI analyze military data. Federal News Network's Rachel Cohen joins me now with a closer look.

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DISA seeks industry input on combatant command migration after GDIT protest

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Defense Information Systems Agency is seeking industry input on its plan to migrate all combatant commands’ common-use IT services to the Defense Department Network, after General Dynamics Information Technology challenged the agency's decision to expand the Defense Enclave Services contract to perform the work. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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Organizations are discovering the remote worker they hired might not be the one doing the work

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Technology has made remote hiring easier and distributed work more common. It's also created new opportunities for fraud and misrepresentation. In some cases, organizations are discovering the person performing the work isn't necessarily the person they hired. Here to discuss what's at stake for government contractors is Jennifer Jackman, DC managing partner at Ice Miller.

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AI is only as reliable as the information, some are learning this late

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Organizations are investing heavily in AI, but many still struggle with a basic question: can they trust the data feeding those systems? New research suggests governance, recordkeeping and information management may be lagging behind AI adoption. We'll explore what that means for federal managers with Robert Cruz, vice president for regulatory and information governance at Smarsh.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NIST’s Cyber AI Profile is designed to move agencies from abstract frameworks to real operational choices

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Federal agencies often struggle to turn high‑level guidance on AI and cybersecurity into everyday decisions about procurement, deployment and risk. NIST’s new Cyber AI Profile is meant to help close that gap by showing how AI risk management can work in practice. We’ll talk about how it’s intended to be used and what not to do with it, with Kat Megas, the program manager for cybersecurity, privacy and AI at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, July 31, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton . . .

NIST’s Cyber AI Profile is designed to move agencies from abstract frameworks to real operational choices
Artificial intelligence is only as reliable as the information behind it. Many organizations are discovering they haven't paid enough attention to that part
When an organization hires someone, it assumes it knows who's doing the work. In some cases, that's becoming a risky assumption

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Good intentions, incentives and legal protections only matter if employees know where to turn when they uncover a problem

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Throughout this National Whistleblower Day special we've been discussing why disclosures matter and how government encourages them. The final piece is understanding how the federal whistleblower system works in practice. For that perspective, I'm joined by Charles Baldis of the Office of Special Counsel.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Encouraging people to speak up is one challenge, protecting them afterward is another

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Whether whistleblower programs succeed often depends on what happens after a disclosure is made. Congress is now considering changes aimed at strengthening protections for contractor employees who report wrongdoing tied to federal work. Joining me to discuss those proposals is Tom Devine, legal director of the Government Accountability Project.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The U.S. has protected whistleblowers since the Continental Congress, 250 years later insiders still matter the most

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

National Whistleblower Day offers a chance to look at why whistleblower protections remain a bipartisan priority. From financial crime to artificial intelligence, policymakers increasingly depend on insiders to identify problems that regulators may never see from the outside. To help put that evolution in context, I'm joined by Stephen Kohn, chairman of the board of the National Whistleblower Center.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, July 30, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton . . . it's National Whistleblower Day

The United States has protected whistleblowers since the Continental Congress. Nearly 250 years later, advocates say insiders remain one of the government's most important tools for uncovering wrongdoing and emerging risks
If whistleblowers are essential to enforcement, government increasingly wants them to come forward. One recent case shows just how serious that effort has become
Encouraging people to speak up is one challenge. Protecting them afterward is another, especially when they work for government contractors
Good intentions, incentives and legal protections only matter if employees know where to turn when they uncover a problem. On National Whistleblower Day, we examine the protections, risks and realities of reporting wrongdoing inside government

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The House passed its version of the 2027 defense policy, it could mean changes for DoD's civilian workforce

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The House narrowly passed its version of the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill last week despite strong Democratic opposition over the bill’s price tag, the war with Iran and a provision that would expand military partnership between the United States and Israel. While much of the attention surrounding the National Defense Authorization Act focuses on the bill’s massive price tag, foreign policy and partisan riders, the must-pass package includes several provisions affecting the Defense Department's civilian workforce. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis joins us to break down what measures impacting civilians made it into the bill and what was left out.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Markowitz, Army chief data officer gives an update on plans for the date operations center

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

When the Army launched its data operations center in April, the goal was to create a centralized service that will reduce the burden on warfighters. Over the long term, A-DOC hopes to make it easier for warfighters to use artificial intelligence and machine learning tools by turning raw data into refined intelligence. For more on the service’s plans for the Army Data Operations Center, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller caught up with David Markowitz, the Army’s chief data and analytics officer at the recent AFCEA TechNet Cyber conference.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two recent Supreme Court decisions may have changed the rules for some of government's most independent institutions

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

For decades, Congress has created boards, commissions and oversight bodies intended to operate with some distance from presidential control. Two recent Supreme Court decisions are providing new insight into how the Court views that balance and what it could mean for the people serving in those roles. Here to help us consider the implications is former FDIC Inspector General Jay Lerner.

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An $11 billion price tag gets attention. Understanding what government lost in the process may take a lot longer

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Public Citizen has released a new analysis estimating that the deferred resignation program will cost taxpayers at least $11 billion. The report examines where that money went and what agencies may have lost as experienced employees left government service. That degraded mission performance is something much harder to put a price tag on. Here to walk through the analysis is Doug Pasternak, research director of Public Citizen’s Trump Accountability Project.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It takes a lot for public servants to speak out. More than 1,200 former DOJ officials decided they needed to

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A coalition of 1,200 former Justice Department officials took the unusual step of publicly opposing the nomination of Todd Blanche as Attorney General. Beyond the confirmation debate itself, the episode raises questions about trust, morale and the environment facing career employees. Here with more on what this reveals about today's Justice Department workforce is the executive director and founder of The Justice Connection, Stacey Young.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, July 29, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

It takes a lot for public servants to speak out. More than 1,200 former Justice Department officials recently decided they needed to
An $11 billion price tag gets attention. Understanding what government lost in the process may take a lot longer
Two recent Supreme Court decisions may have changed the rules for some of government's most independent institutions

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a months-long pause, Space Development Agency launches new batch of satellites

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

It’s been a busy month for the Space Development Agency. After a months-long pause, SDA has just launched its next batch of satellites after it dealt with issues in the group of communications satellites known as Tranche 1. To explain that strategic pause, and what the agency learned from it. Jennifer Elzea, SDA’s director of strategic engagement talked with Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Army initiative to reshape how soldiers prepare for future wars expands to National Guard

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

An Army initiative that launched in 2024 wants to reshape how soldiers prepare for future wars. But as the "Transformation in Contact" program has expanded to include the Army National Guard, it's begun to strain the balance between staying ready for today's fight and looking ahead to the next one. Outdated facilities are making it hard to adapt to new technology, and that new technology has started to crowd spaces soldiers still need for regular operations and training. Federal News Network's defense reporter Rachel Cohen joins us with more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Military leaders are drawing new lessons from conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and beyond

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Governments around the world are rethinking the technologies and capabilities they'll need for future conflicts. I caught up with OJ Sanchez, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, at the Farnborough Airshow to discuss what military customers are asking for now and what lessons industry is taking from today's battlefields.

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DoD is looking for new ways to bring commercial innovation and manufacturing capacity into the national security arena

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Building military capability takes more than defense contractors alone. Increasingly, the Pentagon is looking to commercial manufacturers, technology firms and other nontraditional partners to expand the defense industrial base. That's a topic drawing growing attention across the defense community, and my next guest says Michigan is becoming a focal point for that shift. Scott Davis is president of the NDIA Michigan Chapter.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The debate over controlled unclassified information is revealing a larger struggle over how government buys technology

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The government says it wants greater access to commercial technology and innovation. But cybersecurity requirements, data protections and agency-specific policies can make the federal marketplace difficult to navigate. Joining me to discuss that balancing act is senior fellow at the George Mason University Baroni Center for Government Contracting and 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.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, July 28, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The debate over controlled unclassified information is revealing a larger struggle over how government buys technology
The Defense Department is looking for new ways to bring commercial innovation and manufacturing capacity into the national security arena
Military leaders are drawing new lessons from conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and beyond. Those lessons are reshaping what they expect from industry and how quickly new capabilities need to reach the field

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Space Force doesn’t know how many personnel it needs, watchdog finds

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

As Space Force leaders argue that doubling the size of the newest branch of the military is a “national security necessity,” roughly 25% of the jobs within the service were unfilled in fiscal 2025, and the service lacks guidance for determining how many people it actually needs to accomplish its missions. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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Fired DHS, Interior probationary workers challenge MSPB ruling

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Fired probationary employees from the Department of Homeland Security and the Interior Department are continuing to challenge the legality of their terminations last year. This time, they’re taking their fight to federal appeals court. The ex-employees are challenging the Merit Systems Protection Board’s decision to dismiss their case. 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.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission considers changes to radiation protection requirements

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

For decades, federal radiation standards have been guided by the principle that exposures should be kept as low as reasonably achievable. Now the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is considering changes to that framework while maintaining the same scientific assessment of radiation risk. The debate centers on how regulators put that science into practice. Joining me to walk through the issue is Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

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 is championing deregulation, but agencies have thousands of regulatory actions waiting

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The Trump administration has released its latest Unified Agenda, offering the clearest picture yet of what federal agencies expect to work on in the coming months. While the White House continues to emphasize deregulation, the agenda shows a government that remains deeply engaged in writing and revising rules. Joining me for a closer look, Will Yeatman, the new director of the Regulatory Studies Center at George Washington University.

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Congress can pass legislation, but Government still has to implement it

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

It was a busy week on Capitol Hill, with House lawmakers advancing spending, defense and other major legislation before leaving town. What happens next will depend on both the Senate and the agencies responsible for implementation. Here with the latest is Mitchell Miller, Capitol Hill correspondent for WTOP.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, July 27, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton . . .

Congress can pass legislation. Government still has to implement it. A look at the week on Capitol Hill with Mitchell Miller
The Trump administration continues to champion deregulation. But agencies still have thousands of regulatory actions on their to-do lists
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is considering changes to decades-old radiation protection requirements. At issue is how regulators translate scientific risk into practical operating rules

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Space Force Space Systems Command starts application of AI to mission areas

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Space Force’s Space Systems Command already is seeing an increase in trust and confidence when it comes to applying artificial intelligence tools to mission areas. While hard metrics still may be difficult to point to, for areas like source selection or market research, Guardians already are feeling the impact of these new and emerging capabilities. F Schnell is deputy portfolio acquisition executive for the Space Force Infrastructure Office, and Capt. “Doc” Rana is the director of Human-AI Teaming Lab at Space Systems Command. They talked about it with Federal News Network’s Jason Miller on our Space and Satellite Exchange. Rana speaks first.

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After Slaughter decision, MSPB no longer calling itself ‘independent’

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Merit Systems Protection Board is no longer describing itself as “independent.” In recent weeks, the board has been removing the word “independent” from its public-facing materials. The action has raised questions of confidence in other MSPB processes. 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.

What if military readiness starts at the kitchen table?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

For years, policymakers have looked at military family issues through separate lenses; housing, employment, health care or mental health. But a new study suggests families experience those challenges as an integrated whole. And when those pressures build, the consequences extend beyond the household and into military readiness itself. Here to walk through the details is Gabby L'Esperance, Vice President of Research and Evaluation at Military Family Advisory Network.

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What's the right balance between holding employees accountable and helping them succeed?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The administration says recent personnel changes are intended to make government more effective and improve accountability. But as agencies move from policy announcements to implementation, questions remain about consistency, fairness and the day-to-day realities facing the managers and employees who make government work. John Hatton of NARFE joins me to help us see the forest and not just the trees.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As threats increase, Supreme Court justices make the case on Capitol Hill for security funding

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

As concerns about threats against judges continue to grow, members of the Supreme Court took the unusual step of personally advocating for additional security funding on Capitol Hill. That appearance may say as much about the pressures facing the judiciary as the dollars being requested. Joining me with her perspective is Isa Ulloa, founder and CEO of the Public Service Alliance.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, July 24, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

It's easy to focus on the latest workforce rule or executive action. But taken together, these changes raise a larger question: what's the right balance between holding employees accountable and helping them perform at their best?
What if military readiness starts at the kitchen table? A new survey of more than 10,000 military and veteran families finds that family well-being, financial stability, health care access, and spouse employment are deeply connected—and directly tied to readiness.
Supreme Court justices are accustomed to hearing arguments, not making them before Congress. Recently, two justices went to Capitol Hill to make a case for more security funding.

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Two airports opt into TSA’s new privatization model

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Transportation Security Administration is pushing a new privatized security screening model called Gold-Plus. Now some airports are starting to opt into that initiative. TSA and the airports say it will help modernize airport security screening. But TSA employees are worried about losing their federal jobs. 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.

Army overhauls civilian workforce, looking to speed up removals

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Army is overhauling how it manages its civilian workforce, issuing a directive that aims to make it easier to reward top performers while speeding up the removal of employees with unacceptable performance. The policy touches everything from disciplinary actions and incentive awards, to leave policies and voluntary separation programs. But those who are up for removal will have less time to defend their work than in the past. Federal News Network's Rachel Cohen joins us with more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nobody likes talking about long-term care, but waiting may cost more

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The best decisions are usually made before a crisis arrives. Long-term care planning is a good example. Families that understand their options early have more flexibility than those forced to decide in the middle of a health emergency. Here with some perspective and advice on preparing before the pressure arrives, is certified financial planner Thiago Glieger of RMG Advisors.

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After years of digital transformation efforts, does government know what digital success looks like?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Government has spent more than a decade building digital-service teams. But a new retrospective argues that many successes depended on workarounds rather than lasting institutional change. The authors say the next challenge is creating durable systems that can consistently deliver results and help agencies make better decisions. Here to walk us through their recommendations are Laura Sigelmann and Merici Vinton of the Federation of American Scientists.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When is a dataset truly dead? On the Data Dish, we're checking the pulse of America's public data systems

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Federal datasets don't always die dramatically. Sometimes they lose a variable here, an update there, and slowly drift into the statistical afterlife. In this installment of the Data Dish, we take a closer look at which federal datasets have truly flatlined and which are merely hanging on. Joining me are Denice Ross and Chris Dick. Denice is Director of Federal Data Policy at the Federation of American Scientists. Chris is a data scientist, demographer, and founder of Demographic Analytics Advisors.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, July 23, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

When is a dataset truly dead? And when is it just being kept alive by a stubborn server and a little hope? On the Data Dish, we're checking the pulse of America's public data systems
After years of digital transformation efforts, some experts say government still lacks a common vision for what digital success actually looks like
Nobody likes talking about long-term care. The problem is that waiting often means making major decisions with less time and less information

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

General Dynamics protests DISA’s Enclave contract expansion

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

General Dynamics Information Technology is challenging the Defense Information Systems Agency’s decision to expand Leidos’ $11 billion Defense Enclave Services contract to include the combatant commands. The company argues that the agency should have competed the new work. 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.

After returning to the office, federal employees report low productivity, morale

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

More than a year after a governmentwide return-to-office mandate, federal employees are reporting lower productivity, diminished morale and increasing strains on their work-life balance. A recent survey conducted by Federal News Network finds that many feds are experiencing distracting workspaces, long commutes and inadequate resources. Here with more on the latest survey results, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Federal agencies measure everything from staffing levels to performance goals, but can that predict mission accomplishment?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Agencies collect enormous amounts of information about performance. But those measures don't always answer a fundamental management question: does the organization have the capability to accomplish its mission? My next guest believes federal leaders need a better way to assess readiness. Joining me is John Mullins, founder of Mullins Consulting.

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If accountability depends on honest assessments, are agencies using the tools from Congress to make those assessments?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Knowing whether a program is succeeding requires more than good intentions. It requires a disciplined look at results. Congress strengthened federal performance-management requirements in 2024, but a new GAO review finds important pieces still haven't been fully implemented. Here to explain what GAO found is Lori Atkinson, acting director for strategic issues at GAO.

Read the report here: https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-26-108516.pdf

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Government measures compliance, but does accountability help programs succeed?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

When people hear the word accountability, they often think about assigning responsibility after something goes wrong. But my next guest says accountability starts much earlier. It begins with creating the conditions for success. Joining me is Dr. Abraham Wandersman, senior scientist at the Wandersman Center at Fors Marsh.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, July 22, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton . . .

Government spends a lot of time measuring compliance. But does accountability actually help programs succeed?
If accountability depends on honest assessments of performance, are agencies using the tools Congress gave them to make those assessments?
Federal agencies measure everything from staffing levels to performance goals. But those metrics don't always tell leaders whether they actually have the capacity to accomplish their mission

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Space Force welcomes first part-time guardians

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Space Force has officially welcomed its first part-time service members, launching a first-of-its-kind personnel model that allows Guardians to move between full-time and part-time service without transferring to the National Guard or Reserves. Service leaders say the approach will help recruit and retain skilled workers, particularly those with expertise in the commercial space and technology sectors. But the new model also raises questions about how the military will manage a more flexible workforce and whether its aging personnel systems are ready to support it. Federal News Network's Rachel Cohen joins me with more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DLA rethinks how it does business as it pursues its first clean audit

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Federal agencies are facing growing pressure to replace heavily customized legacy business systems with commercial off-the-shelf platforms that are easier to maintain, update and secure. At the Defense Logistics Agency, officials are treating their enterprise resource planning modernization project as more than just a technology upgrade. DLA says it’s using the transition as an opportunity to rethink how it does business as DoD pursues its first clean audit. Adarryl Roberts is DLA’s chief information officer. He talked about the work with Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Contractors face uncertainty with cybersecurity regs, AI rules and acquisition policies

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Federal contractors are navigating uncertainty on several fronts, from evolving cybersecurity requirements to ongoing questions surrounding overseas programs. The common challenge goes beyond mere compliance to making business decisions when policy direction is still taking shape. Here with more on what PSC members are seeing, is the council's president, Stephanie Kostro.

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As agencies rethink cybersecurity requirements, how will they manage AI risks

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

GSA is taking another run at what could become the federal government's first acquisition clause focused specifically on large language models. After significant industry pushback, the agency revised its proposal and is now reviewing feedback on a new draft. Here to breakdown the feedback from last week's public listening session is Dan Ramish, 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.

DoD pauses CMMC, but contractors still have obligations

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Recent changes to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program led some contractors to believe requirements had been put on hold. The reality is more complicated. Most cybersecurity obligations remain in place, while responsibility for demonstrating compliance may be shifting more directly to contractors and the executives who certify them. For an update, I'm joined by Eric Crusius, partner at Hunton-Andrews-Kurth.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, July 21, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The Defense Department has paused part of its cybersecurity certification program, but contractors still have cybersecurity obligations. So who's currently responsible for proving compliance
As agencies rethink cybersecurity requirements, they're also working through how to manage risks associated with artificial intelligence. GSA's latest AI contract clause is getting a better reception from industry, but key questions remain
If there's a common thread running through debates over cybersecurity requirements, AI rules, and other acquisition policies, it's uncertainty. Contractors are still trying to understand what government expects of them

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DoD plans CMMC listening sessions as questions swirl around review

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Pentagon has kicked off its review of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program. Defense officials plan to hold listening sessions across the country to hear about compliance concerns. But questions continue to swirl around what exactly the Pentagon can do differently this time to balance small businesses cost concerns with the need to enforce cyber requirements. For the latest, 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.

Senators call for independent audit of DoD TRICARE pharmacy program

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Senate lawmakers are calling for an independent audit of the Defense Department's multibillion-dollar TRICARE pharmacy program amid concerns that its longtime contractor, Express Scripts, may have a financial incentive to steer beneficiaries toward its own pharmacies. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Congress sprints to August recess, major decisions on spending, nominations and a reconciliation package await

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

As lawmakers look toward the August recess, several of the year's biggest policy debates remain unresolved. Budget issues, pending nominees and early discussions about another reconciliation bill are all competing for attention on Capitol Hill. Here with an update on where things stand, is 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.

Artificial intelligence may be getting the attention, but AI is only as reliable as the data behind it

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Questions about federal data have increasingly moved from the margins of government policy to the center of it. A new report argues that the United States needs a stronger national data ecosystem if it hopes to support effective decision-making, trustworthy artificial intelligence, and a well-informed public. Joining me to walk through their recommendations are Richard Coffin, chief of research and advocacy at USAFacts, and Joel Gurin, president and founder of the Center for Open Data Enterprise.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new Commerce Dept policy pits privacy and transparency against access to information

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Most Americans never think about the statistical methods used to protect personal information in federal data products. But a recent Commerce Department order is raising questions about how agencies will balance privacy protections with the need to publish useful public data. Joining me with his concerns is Paul Schroeder, executive director of the Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Monday, July 20, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on "The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton"

Federal data helps drive everything from economic forecasts to local planning decisions. Now a new Commerce Department policy has experts debating how government should balance privacy, transparency, and access to information
Artificial intelligence may be getting the attention, but AI is only as reliable as the data behind it
Washington is entering the annual sprint to the August recess. Congress still has major decisions ahead on spending, nominations, and a possible new reconciliation package

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Judge tells DOJ to reinstate telework for two attorneys as their lawsuit proceeds

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Federal employees have recently scored a few small victories in their quest to restore telework. Two Justice Department attorneys with disabilities will be able to telework as their lawsuit against DOJ continues. And an independent arbitrator has sided with the union in a case involving telework at the Forest Service. Here with a recap on the return-to-office, 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.

Military to screen older troops for low testosterone

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Pentagon is launching a new health screening initiative that will check for low testosterone as part of annual physicals for service members age 30 and older. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the effort is intended to improve readiness, resilience and long-term health, while emphasizing that testosterone replacement therapy would be voluntary. But the announcement is also raising questions about the medical evidence behind widespread screening and how the policy will be implemented across the force. Federal News Network's Rachel Cohen joins me with more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the U.S. ramps up infrastructure investment, imported cement raises national security concerns

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Supply-chain discussions usually focus on advanced technologies. Retired Brigadier General John Teichert says policymakers should pay more attention to a far more basic input: cement. He argues that growing reliance on imports could create risks for military and critical infrastructure projects. He spoke with Federal News Network's Eric White.

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An IG audit found the VA tool used to determine police staffing levels had serious gaps

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The VA’s inspector general found that a tool designed to determine police staffing levels lacked validation, clear ownership and consistent use. Those very common problems left facilities without a dependable model to guide their planning and coverage. Joining me to discuss the findings and what happens next is the VA’s inspector general, Cheryl Mason.

Read the report here: https://www.vaoig.gov/sites/default/files/reports/2026-06/vaoig_25-00523-82_final.pdf

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, July 17, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on "The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton"

The VA wanted a consistent way to determine police staffing levels. An inspector general audit found important gaps in the tool meant to make that happen
Runways, hangars, seawalls, and military facilities all start with the same thing: concrete. A former Air Force commander says that's worth paying attention

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SDA resumes satellite launches after months-long pause

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Space Development Agency is resuming deployments of its proliferated satellite constellation. The agency had to slow down the pace of its launches due to some technical issues but its third in the series of Tranche One launches is now scheduled for July 16. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Democrats demand transparency from White House on Schedule Policy/Career

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Dozens of House and Senate Democrats are demanding answers from the Trump administration on its implementation of Schedule Policy/Career. A letter sent to the White House this week calls for details about exactly how many positions have been reclassified and whether there are plans to add to the list of those stripped of their civil service protections. 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.

Can the Pentagon's contracting system keep pace with the demands of today's battlefield

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Modern warfare puts a premium on speed. A new report argues that when the Pentagon can move quickly from identifying a need to fielding a solution, it can have a direct impact on military effectiveness. For more details, Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Stephanie Halcrow, senior fellow at George Mason University's Center for Government Contracting.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Navy wants a larger fleet, but it's not clear that America's shipyards, suppliers and workforce can deliver it

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The Navy's latest shipbuilding plan lays out an ambitious vision for future fleet growth. But every plan ultimately runs into the realities of industrial capacity, skilled labor and production timelines. Some analysts say those constraints deserve as much attention as the size of the fleet. Here to discuss whether the Navy is planning a fleet it can’t produce, for a fight it may not fit is the Jeanne Kirkpatrick Fellow at AEI, Anand Toprani.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Thursday, July 17, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on "The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton"

The Navy wants a larger fleet, but it's not clear that America's shipyards, suppliers and workforce can deliver it
Do the assumptions behind the Navy's new shipbuilding plan still fit today's strategic environment?
Modern conflicts move quickly. A new report examines whether the Pentagon's contracting system can keep pace with the demands of today's battlefield

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A surge in publicly available data and AI tools is allowing adversaries to target federal missions

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Adversaries are using open source information to target federal missions. That’s partly because of a surge in publicly available data and AI tools that can make use of that data more quickly than ever. But agencies can use the same kinds of information to help defend themselves through the tradecraft of open source intelligence. Gharun Lacy is the deputy assistant secretary for cyber and technology security at the State Department, and Eric Miller is a senior advisor for open source intelligence at the Defense Intelligence Agency. They talked about OSINT with Federal News Network’s Jason Miller. Lacy speaks first.

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Pentagon suspends CMMC phase two requirements, launches review of program

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Defense Department is pausing the roll-out of contractor cybersecurity requirements. DoD’s top IT official says the current iteration of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program is too onerous on small businesses. She’s now leading a review of the CMMC program to consider the next steps. For the latest, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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Before policymakers can improve border security, they need confidence in how they're measuring it

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Border security may be one of government's most visible missions but measuring what's happening along the border is far more complicated. A new GAO report examines whether DHS's metrics and reporting practices are giving Congress an accurate picture of performance. The short answer; not consistently, and Heather MacLeod, Director of Homeland Security and Justice at GAO is here to walk us through the details.

Read the reporter here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108715

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You can't defend critical infrastructure from threats you can't detect

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Satellites support everything from communications to navigation, making them an increasingly important part of national infrastructure. But protecting those systems depends on being able to identify suspicious activity before it becomes a larger problem. For a look at DHS research in this area, Federal News Network's Eric White discussed these efforts with Ernest Wong, technical lead at the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate.

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A recent DOJ operation showed what it takes to find online scam networks

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Federal investigators say online scam networks operate like organized enterprises, spanning platforms, payment systems and countries. A recent operation worked to disrupt that ecosystem all at once, not just individual accounts. Joining me now to explain how that works is Mike Sweeney, Director of Preemptive Cyber Defense at Silent Push.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, July 15, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on "The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton"

Online scam networks hide behind layers of accounts, infrastructure and payment systems. A recent DOJ operation showed what it takes to find them
You can't defend critical infrastructure from threats you can't detect. That's becoming a growing concern in space
Before policymakers can improve border security, they need confidence in how they're measuring it

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Trump admin reshaping federal employee discipline, firing rules

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The rules governing discipline and removal procedures for federal employees are on track for a major overhaul. A slew of proposed regulations and executive orders from the Trump administration along with recent court decisions and upcoming hearings, are reshaping how agencies handle adverse action processes for the federal workforce. Here to break down the latest, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Air Force scrambling after employees experience computer lock-out

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Air Force is scrambling to get its employees back online after scores of people were locked out of their computers last week. Computers across the service went into quarantine, a sort of protective shutdown that's routine as a cybersecurity measure both in and out of the military. But what's not routine here is the scale of people affected, and that at least some of them say they weren't warned in advance.

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TZA's more active government role in innovation asks how to move faster with accountability

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

As agencies experiment with new approaches to technology, finance, and acquisition, the rules that govern grants and contracts are changing too. The challenge is making sure oversight keeps pace with innovation. Professional Services Council President Stephanie Kostro joins me now with the latest take on these issues.

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The government's role in innovation may be changing from customer to investor

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

If agencies are no longer willing to wait for markets alone to deliver critical technologies, what comes next? Some are moving upstream, investing in companies and technologies much earlier than traditional procurement would allow. For a look at what that means for industry and government alike, I spoke with Bloomberg Government senior data analyst Paul Murphy.

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The federal government is going beyond funding research

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

For decades, government largely funded discovery and let the market handle commercialization. NSF is now building new pathways to move promising technologies from the lab into the economy. Joining me to explain that effort is NSF Assistant Director for Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr. Erwin Gianchandani.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, July 14, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The federal government is going beyond funding research. It's increasingly helping decide which technologies make it to market
The government's role in innovation may be changing from customer to investor
TZA more active government role in innovation raises an old question: how do you move faster without losing accountability?

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Secret Service’s workforce planning gaps highlighted in new reports

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Secret Service has struggled in recent years with understaffing and poor workforce planning. Some of those challenges have precipitated high-profile security failures, including the 2024 assassination attempt on President Trump. Now the Secret Service is overhauling its workforce management systems as it also undertakes a major hiring push. Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me with more details.

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DoD class deviation leaves contractors with more questions than answers

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Defense Department is providing little guidance on how firms are expected to comply with a series of restrictions aimed at severing ties with companies the Pentagon says support Beijing's military. A new class deviation the department recently issued significantly broadens the definition of "Chinese military company" but it's unclear how exactly it impacts defense contractors. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Tracye Howard, government contracts partner at Wiley Rein LLP.

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Tens of billions of dollars of federal dollars are spent on university research every year, but taxpayers don't know how

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Every year, the federal government spends billions supporting research at universities across the country. That investment helps drive scientific advances, but it also depends on a complex system of funding decisions, academic institutions and researchers. For a closer look at how that system works, Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Darren Lipomi, professor of chemical engineering at the University of Rochester and author of a new book, "Science Nonfiction: Behind the Scenes in University Research."

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Congress has a lot on its agenda, the harder question is whether everyone agrees on what belongs at the top of the list

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Congress has a full plate before lawmakers leave town for August. The problem isn't a lack of important work. It's that competing priorities from the House, Senate and White House are all jockeying for the same limited attention and political capital. For a look at where those tensions stand, I'm joined by Mitchell Miller, Capitol Hill Correspondent for WTOP.

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The VA is reporting record-high rates for suicide risk screening and follow-up

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

After an Inspector General review identified gaps in suicide risk screening and follow-up, the VA moved to strengthen those processes across its system. The result is higher screening rates and more reliable evaluations for veterans at risk. Joining me to break down those improvements is Acting Executive Director of the Office of Suicide Prevention at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Dr. Steven Dobscha.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, July 13, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The VA is reporting record-high rates for suicide risk screening and follow-up
Congress has a lot on its agenda. The harder question is whether everyone agrees on what belongs at the top of the list
The federal government spends tens of billions of dollars each year on university research. Most taxpayers never see how that system actually works

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GSA praised for initial changes to AI draft regs, but more work needed

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

In the three weeks since the General Services Administration updated its proposed regulations for the basic safeguarding of data within large language model artificial intelligence systems, vendors and other interested parties have officially submitted only a handful of comments. But that is not because there isn’t a lack of interest or questions about the new proposed rule that GSA would apply to all schedule and governmentwide acquisition contracts under their purview. The comments likely will start pouring in after GSA holds a listening session on July 14 in Washington, D.C. For more on what GSA included in the updated draft regulations and what questions still remain, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.

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CDC must ‘make hard decisions’ triaging work after elevating Ebola response

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is looking to rebuild its workforce after cutting more than a quarter of its employees last year, according to its top officials. But CDC employees heard similar messages from leadership months ago and have yet to see much hiring. Instead, the agency is relying on temporary reassignments to address staffing gaps a strategy that is putting a toll on the workforce, according to employees. This comes as CDC is upgrading its Ebola response to its highest level of threat. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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A new OPM rule will expand how federal agencies make workforce decisions

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Hiring someone is only the beginning of the government's relationship with an employee. A newly finalized OPM rule expands the agency's authority to pursue suitability actions for certain misconduct that occurs after hiring, raising new questions about accountability and workforce management. Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Michael Fallings, Managing Partner at Tully Rinckey, to find out more about what is changing.

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For pregnant Medicaid patients, finding care depends on information that's supposed to point them in the right direction

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Access to care starts with knowing where care actually exists. New findings from the HHS Inspector General show that the provider information Medicaid patients and state officials rely on is often inaccurate or incomplete. Joining me now is Laura Kordish, Regional Inspector General for Evaluation and Inspections at Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

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Military mission success depends on understanding what people can do

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Getting the right person into the right role has long been one of the military's toughest workforce challenges. The Pentagon is testing new ways to identify individual capabilities and use them in assignment and career decisions. The approach focuses on measurable performance rather than credentials alone. Joining me to explain what's changed to support this approach is Senior Scientist and Portfolio Lead at Aptima, Julia Brown.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, July 10, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

In the military, mission success depends on understanding what people can actually do—and matching them to the missions that need them
For pregnant Medicaid patients, finding care depends on information that's supposed to point them in the right direction, but may not
Federal agencies make thousands of decisions about the workforce every day. A new OPM rule could expand how some of those decisions get made

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OPM finalizes performance review overhaul for federal employees

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

An overhaul to the federal workforce’s performance management system is now set in stone. A final rule from the Office of Personnel Management removes a previous ban on using forced distribution system. It also prohibits employees from challenging the ratings they receive. OPM's new rule marks the first major update to performance management in decades. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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DoD watchdog urges more transparency in daycare abuse cases

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

A new Defense Department inspector general report finds that the military services have policies for reviewing allegations of abuse at on-base child development centers, but they don't always carry them out the same way. Investigators found inconsistent communication between Family Advocacy Programs and child care officials, leaving some installations without timely information needed to make staffing decisions or update parents. The watchdog warns those gaps can keep classrooms understaffed, reduce child care capacity and ultimately affect military readiness. Joining Eric White now to break down the report and what it means for military families is Federal News Network's Rachel Cohen.

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Federal agencies are being asked to move faster, but speed starts with something more basic: a good business forecast.

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

When agencies define requirements clearly, industry can respond with better solutions and fewer surprises. When they don't, costs rise and timelines slip. The Professional Services Council has been measuring those trends and recently issued their new acquisition scorecard. PSC CEO Jim Carroll joins me now with more details.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, July 9, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The Veterans Health Administration is modernizing everything from clinical systems to care coordination. But the real test is whether veterans and providers actually experience a better healthcare system
Federal agencies are being asked to move faster, but speed starts with something more basic: a good business forecast

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VHA is modernizing, but the real test is whether veterans and providers get a better experience

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

For years, VA modernization conversations have focused on systems and software. John Bartrum says the more important question is what veterans and clinicians experience when those systems either help care flow or get in the way. I spoke with the VA's departing under secretary for health about where technology can improve care delivery across the nation's largest healthcare system.

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DHS IG investigating reassignments of senior staff under Noem

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Last year, hundreds of Department of Homeland Security employees were reassigned to different jobs. Some were shifted over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement to bolster the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Now, the DHS inspector general is looking at whether those reassignments were done legally. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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Pentagon consistently failed to analyze the impacts of civilian workforce reductions

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Defense Department significantly reduced the size of its civilian workforce in 2025. The department however, started shedding its employees prior to 2025. A government watchdog found that the Pentagon didn’t consistently analyze the impacts of these reductions, either during the 2025 downsizing or in prior years. It also found that the Pentagon has no plan to assess lessons learned from its 2025 workforce reduction efforts. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Government Accountability Office’s director of defense capabilities and management Kristy Williams.

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Some federal careers are built to end early, and that changes everything about how you plan the rest of your life

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

For law enforcement officers and others, retirement can come in the late 40s or 50s with decades still ahead to fund and plan. That shift changes how they think about saving, second careers and long-term risks. Joining me to discuss the mind and investment shift required is federal retirement expert, Tammy Flanagan.

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Many point to the policy issues with the proposed NDAs for federal employees, but what about the constitutional factors?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The Office of Personnel Management's proposal to institute a standardized NDA that federal workers could be required to sign as a condition of employment has made for much discussion in federal workforce circles. While many are concerned with the chilling effect it could have on workers, some are wondering about the possible violation of first amendment rights. One of them is the organization Protect Democracy, which filed comments of its own opposing the measure. To get a read on its view, I spoke with Jules Torti who is counsel for the organization.

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NIST's National Vulnerability Database has largely been a helpful resource, but needs some help to continue that

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A list of potential cyber vulnerabilities, rightfully called the National Vulnerability Database, is one of the many ways the National Institute of Standards and Technology aims to help industry and government cyber officials keep track of possible weaknesses in IT systems. However, a recent review of the NVD by the Commerce Department's Inspector General, found that a backlog has developed over the years, and NIST officials are in need of more resources to cut it down. For an explanation of what it will take, I had the chance to speak with Chuck Mitchell from the IG's office.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, July 8, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on "The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton"

NIST's National Vulnerability Database has largely been a helpful resource, but needs some help to continue that
Many pointed to the policy issues with the proposed NDA's the Trump administration wants federal employees to sign, but what about the constitutional factors?
Some federal careers are built to end early, and that changes everything about how you plan the rest of your life

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OPM seeks to decentralize, revise governmentwide federal employee survey

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Office of Personnel Management plans to take a more hands-off approach to the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey. A new proposal would make agencies, rather than OPM, responsible for surveying their own employees. OPM is also seeking to cut some currently required questions and add back in some different ones. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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USDA expects ‘significant number’ of staff facing relocation to leave their jobs

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Federal unions and nonprofit groups are asking a federal court to temporarily bar USDA from carrying out a reorganization that that will move thousands of employees across the country. USDA leaders have repeatedly said the upcoming relocations will not lead to much attrition among its ranks. But internal documents contradict this claim. In newly uncovered documents, USDA wrote it’s counting on a “significant number” employees who quit rather than relocate. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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The practice of project management isn’t static and neither is the exam

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The latest version of the PMP exam reflects a shift toward how project work actually gets done today. It puts more weight on real‑world judgment and less on textbook recall. Joining me to walk us through what's different and why it matters is Dr. Kelly Heuer, VP of Learning at the Project Management Institute.

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When an agency shuts down, the story usually focuses on policy and program impacts; this one looks at the people

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A new study is taking a close look at what happened to the workforce after the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development, tracking the effects on jobs, finances and health. It offers one of the first large-scale pictures of how that loss of mission played out for employees and their families. Here to share her research findings and recommendations is former USAID foreign service officer, Jamie Oberlander.

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For military families with special‑needs children, the Exceptional Family Member Program is essential, but not simple

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

For families who rely on it, the Exceptional Family Member Program can shape everything from assignments to access to care. Jessica Hulter knows that firsthand from years spent navigating the system while caring for her daughter, and her experience sheds light on what it takes for military families to find their way through it.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, July 7, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

For military families with special‑needs children, the Exceptional Family Member Program is essential, but not simple
When an agency shuts down, the story usually focuses on policy and program impacts. This one looks at the people left behind
The practice of project management isn’t static and neither is the exam

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Three proposed changes to the process to remove federal employees

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Office of Personnel Management wants to make easier to remove federal employees for performance or misconduct reasons. In a new 81-page proposed rule that came out last week, OPM and the Merit Systems Protection Board are jointly seeking to change the administrative procedures used to fire employees and the review of such actions before the board. For more on the proposed changes, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now to discuss.

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DoD issues guidance as ban on Chinese companies takes effect

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Defense contractors face a new restriction. A new law now prohibits the Pentagon from contracting with companies that retain consultants lobbying for certain Chinese firms blacklisted by the department. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Covington’s Election and Political Law lawyer Zachary Parks.

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Congress returns from recess with a lot of its plate

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Congress was sort of stuck in a wait and see mode once the president demanded more attention was directed at passing his election security legislation. An effort that that again was thwarted by procedural rules in the Senate. Joining me to explain how things went down and what to watch for after their brief recess next week, Bloomberg Government Deputy News Director Loren Duggan.

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The administration’s new AI framework includes something the government hasn’t had before

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A new executive order sets up a pathway for companies to share advanced artificial intelligence models with federal officials ahead of public release, giving the government earlier visibility into emerging capabilities and the risks they could pose. Joining me to explain how this is playing out is Alex Hastings, a Partner at Morgan, Lewis.

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If AI starts doing the work, can people trust the outcome?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Agentic AI systems promise faster, cheaper execution for federal agencies, but they also raise new questions about governance, accountability and trust. We talk through what has to change as these systems scale with Karim Fadel, vice president of CGI Federal.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Monday, July 6, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

If AI starts doing the work, can people trust the outcome?
The administration’s new AI framework includes something the government hasn’t had before. A chance to see advanced systems before they’re released to the public
Congress returns from recess with a lot of its plate

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The Best of "The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton"

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on "The Best of the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton" we revisit some of our best interviews of the past couple of months.

Learn more about what it will take to replenish the U.S. missile stockpile after the operations in Iran.
Also, a warning the agency responsible for overseeing classified work at defense contractors, it may be falling short of its mission.

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Ratcliffe details ‘fundamental reshaping’ of CIA tech efforts

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The CIA is looking to drastically speed up its acquisition timelines to acquire cutting edge technology like AI. CIA Director John Ratcliffe says the goal is to complete most technology acquisitions within six months. And the secretive spy agency also wants to open up to industry through a new Office of Corporate Partnerships. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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Trump administration expands options for firing federal employees deemed ‘unsuitable’

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration is giving agencies more leeway to remove federal employees deemed “unfit” for their jobs. A new final rule from the Office of Personnel Management expands the reasons that employees might be considered “unsuitable” and therefore fireable. The change is meant to increase employee accountability, but concerns remain about the possibility of politically motivated removals. 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.

Loss of hearing is a problem today’s technology still hasn’t solved, researchers are now taking a different approach

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Even advanced hearing aids and implants can fall short when it comes to separating voices from background noise. A new federal research program is looking beyond the ear and into the brain for answers. We get more from Dr. Calvin Roberts, the HEARING program manager at ARPA-H.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The FAR rewrite is more than just updated rules

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

We are now starting to see some of the changes to the FAR being implemented in real time. There of course still many questions to be answered during such a large transition phase. To discuss them, I recently caught up with Emily Murphy, former administrator for the General Services Administration and now senior fellow at the George Mason University Baroni Center for Government Contracting. I also had the chance to pick her brain about what happens when a government architecture project, wades into political waters, emphasis on the water portion.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - July 2, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The FAR rewrite is more than just updated rules
If you’ve ever struggled to hear someone in a crowded room, you’ve experienced a problem today’s technology still hasn’t solved. Researchers are now taking a different approach.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

National security leaders gather to discuss the state of the defense-industrial base

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

As Washington heads into its summer lull, current and former national security leaders gathered Tuesday at the Center for Strategic and International Studies to discuss the state of play for the defense-industrial base and what we could see ahead on Capitol Hill. Federal News Network's Rachel Cohen joins us today with more from that discussion.

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OPM offers incentives for healthcare and insurance employees to leave before Open Season

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Office of Personnel Management is giving many employees in its healthcare and insurance division another chance to accept voluntary incentives and leave their jobs, ahead of their busy season. OPM is giving most employees working there another shot at the deferred resignation program that will allow them to go on paid administrative leave for six months before leaving the agency. OPM is making these changes ahead of an agency reorganization and Open Season. 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.

A new proposed FAR rule is trying to fix one of the government’s most persistent data problems, figuring out exactly what needs to be protected.

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A revised FAR proposal now out for comment aims to unify how civilian agencies define and safeguard controlled unclassified information in contracts, reflecting industry pushback on earlier drafts while addressing long‑standing gaps that left contractors navigating a patchwork of policies. Here to walk us through the details is Zach Prince, a 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.

The next test for the infrastructure investment and jobs act is whether it can deliver, not just distribute

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Five years after the passage of the IIJA, attention is shifting from getting money out to making sure projects move and results show up. Oversight is finding persistent issues that could shape how that plays out. Joining me to discuss how this is playing out at EPA specifically is senior advisor to the EPA Inspector General, Kate Robinson.

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When it comes to personal security, knowing something is happening isn’t the same as knowing what to do about it

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Security leaders are recalibrating how they read risk in a more fragmented environment. What used to be isolated signals now connect in ways that can change decisions fast. Here to explain what that means for public officials at all levels is Executive Director of Protective Intelligence at Ontic, Fred Burton.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, July 1, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

When it comes to personal security, knowing something is happening isn’t the same as knowing what to do about it
The next test for the infrastructure investment and jobs act is whether it can deliver, not just distribute
A new proposed FAR rule is trying to fix one of the government’s most persistent data problems, figuring out exactly what needs to be protected

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Agencies award $179B to small firms in 2025, down from 2024

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Despite all the turmoil in federal contracting over the last year, agencies surpassed the 23% governmentwide goal for awards to small businesses in fiscal 2025. The Small Business Administration said last Thursday that agencies awarded 28% of all prime contracts to small firms last year. While agencies reached the overall goal, the total dollars going to small businesses dropped to $179 billion last year from $183.5 billion in 2024. For more on SBA's 2025 small business scorecard, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller 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.

Government leaders reflect on past and future of public service

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Leaders across all levels of government convened last week at the Library of Congress in downtown Washington, D.C, for an event celebrating public service. As the U.S. approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, the ceremony sparked inspiration for the next generation of government leaders. Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman was at the event and she files this report.

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The government is rewriting the rulebook for how it buys and the changes are coming fast

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A massive overhaul of the Federal Acquisition Regulation is now moving through formal rulemaking, with the first set of proposed changes touching wide swaths of how contracts are planned, awarded and managed. The documents run longer than Moby Dick, and stakeholders have just 30 days to weigh in. Here to walk us through the key changes is Partner at Haynes Boone, Dan Ramish.

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Two trends in the TSP don’t seem to line up, but they might actually be the same story

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Net contributions are down and now negative. At the same time, the G Fund has lost its place as the dominant investment. Arthur Stein, Partner with Allworth Financial, says those shifts are connected, and together they point to a change in how the TSP is working for investors.

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The "Father of the Nuclear Navy" is still influencing modern day leaders

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Admiral Hyman G. Rickover had a huge task, development a naval nuclear propulsion program that will use the technology efficiently and safely for years to come. Now known as the "Father of Nuclear Navy," it is safe to say that mission was accomplished. During his career however, he brought many into his sphere of influence and advised many other federal leaders and even presidents about nuclear power to make sure it gets the care and attention it needs. Now one of his long time assistants has written a book about the life and career of the admiral, who I jumped at the chance to speak with, seeing as my own grandfather served under him in the U.S. Navy. I had the pleasure of speaking with Joann DiGennaro, who is the co-founder and now president of the Center for Excellence in Education, an organization the admiral himself created.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, June 30, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The "Father of the Nuclear Navy" is still influencing modern day leaders
Two trends in the TSP don’t seem to line up, but they might actually be the same story
The government is rewriting the rulebook for how it buys and the changes are coming fast

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Pentagon is ramping up CMMC program, what does that mean for the Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center has long been a key cog in the Pentagon’s efforts to protect sensitive information from leaking to foreign adversaries. But the Pentagon is now ramping up a new evaluation regime under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program. evaluating potentially tens of thousands of contractors that hold sensitive CUI. For more on what the CMMC program means for DIBCAC, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday talked with Nick DelRosso, the center’s director.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Food insecurity skyrockets among military families, MFAN survey finds

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Food insecurity is on the rise among military families. And more than a third of currently serving families said they had less than $500 in savings. Those are some of the findings of the Military Family Advisory Network’s biennial survey . Over the years, the survey, which is the largest independent research effort focused on the military family population, has helped shape major policy and quality-of-life reforms. For more on the findings, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Dr. Gabby L'Esperance, Military Family Advisory Network’s vice president of research and evaluation.

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Congress seemed close to resolving several key issues until the White House stepped in, so what happens now?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Congress appeared to be closing in on several major issues last week, before the White House shifted the dynamics in a way that could change what comes next. Now lawmakers are reassessing both timing and substance. For a look at where things stand, we turn to Mitchell Miller, Capitol Hill correspondent for WTOP.

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The Postal Service has the authority to expand into government services, so why hasn’t it acted?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

With USPS under financial pressure, expanding into new government services could offer a path forward. But despite having the authority to do more, that effort hasn’t moved much beyond passport processing. A new report from the Postal Service’s inspector general points to a lack of strategy and a fragmented approach inside the organization. David Garcia, Research Analyst with the Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General, is here to walk us through the details.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When there’s broad agreement on disaster response reform, why does action still stall?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Competing FEMA reorganization proposals are now on the table, and there’s actually surprising alignment on what needs to change, but no final plan. That raises a more urgent question: how ready will the agency be when the next major disaster hits? Andy Winkler of the Bipartisan Policy Center joins us with a look at what’s at stake.

Read the report here: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/issue-brief/fema-reform-comparing-the-review-councils-recommendations-and-congressional-proposals/

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, June 29, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

When there’s broad agreement on disaster response reform, why does action still stall?
The Postal Service has the authority to expand into government services, so why hasn’t it acted?
Congress seemed close to resolving several key issues until the White House stepped in, so what happens now?

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USPS staves off immediate cash crisis, but warns of continuing financial woes

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Postal Service has pushed back an immediate cash crisis by delaying payments to employee retirement plans. But Postmaster General David Steiner warned lawmakers this week that USPS’ long-term financial problems are far from solved. For the latest, 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.

Army Corps restructuring of value engineering program prompts backlash

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reorganizing its long-standing value engineering program by shifting it from a separate activity and folding it into existing project delivery processes. Critics warn the move would increase the risk of waste, cost growth and schedule overruns and one organization has urged the Defense Department to immediately reverse the decision. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Rob Stewart, SAVE International immediate past president.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, June 26, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, a new book points back to one of the founders’ most important ideas, prevention
Some of the biggest fiscal problems facing the government aren’t surprises, they’re warnings we’ve chosen to live with
There’s no perfect answer to when to claim Social Security, but there are real consequences to getting it wrong

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s no perfect answer to when to claim Social Security, but there are real consequences to getting it wrong

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The choice to claim Social Security benefits early or delay them comes down to balancing immediate income against long‑term security. That decision often hinges on factors people can’t know for sure, especially how long they’ll live. Here to walk through what people should be weighing is Thiago Glieger, a certified financial planner with RMG Advisors.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some of the biggest fiscal problems facing the government aren’t surprises, they’re warnings we’ve chosen to live with

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The latest social security trustees report doesn’t break new ground, but it does move up the timeline for when the trust fund starts to run out of money. And it raises a basic question: if we’ve known this was coming, why hasn’t anything changed? Joining me to walk through the politics and the process of fixing social security is the Executive Vice President of Policy at the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, Brett Loper.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, a new book points back to one of the founders’ most important ideas, prevention

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

When you think of Benjamin Franklin, you probably think invention or diplomacy, but Dr. Barry Davis says Franklin’s real legacy may be something more fundamental: the idea that a free society survives by acting before problems become crises. That concept shaped how early American institutions were built, and it still has relevance for how we think about public systems today. Dr. Davis joins me now to share his new book, "The Preventioneers."

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump’s pick for defense acquisition deputy lacks traditional resume

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Senate Armed Services Committee is holding a hearing today to consider four nominees for senior Pentagon and intelligence positions, key jobs given that the Defense Department is managing a record $1.5 trillion budget request with big plans for its space and intel capabilities. The four nominees are Jay Hurst, tapped to be the Pentagon's comptroller; Matt O'Malley, nominated as the deputy overseeing defense acquisition and sustainment; Roger Mason, who would lead the National Reconnaissance Office, the spy agency that builds and operates America's intelligence satellites; and Erich Hernandez-Baquero, who would become the Department of the Air Force's top official for space acquisition. Today's hearing helps move the needle on the many national security vacancies that persist across the Trump administration. Federal News Network's Rachel Cohen joins me with more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

White House PQC order ‘lights a fire’ under post-quantum transition

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The White House is accelerating the governmentwide transition to post-quantum cryptography. In a new executive order, President Trump directs agencies to meet hard deadlines for adopting the PQC algorithms that will protect data from a future quantum computer. 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.

Better decisions depend on data, but only if people can actually use it

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

We’re starting a new monthly series focused on how federal data works in the real world. Episode one looks at a Federal Data Field Guide aimed at helping users sort through different datasets and put them to work. Joining me now are Denice Ross and Chris Marcum.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nuclear technology is moving fast, regulation has to keep up

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Time at the International Atomic Energy Agency gave Anna Bradford a broader view of how countries approach nuclear safety and innovation. Now back at the NRC, she joins me to share how she’s applying those lessons as the U.S. navigates a new phase of reactor development.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives says it’s entering a new era

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A new reform push at ATF aims to reduce friction for lawful businesses and owners, while concentrating enforcement on willful violations. The challenge is maintaining that balance as expectations around safety and accountability remain high. Joining me to discuss ATF's shift in focus is the ATF director, Robert Cekada.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, June 25, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives says it’s entering a new era, one that resets how it regulates and enforces
Nuclear technology is moving fast, regulation has to keep up
Better decisions depend on data, but only if people can actually use it

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal wildland firefighters report increased burnout, low morale

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

As the summer wildfire season gets underway, federal wildland firefighters are facing an increasingly difficult situation on the job. Three out of four respondents to a recent survey say they have considered quitting within the past 12 months. That comes as the frontline workers face increasing burnout and low morale. 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.

More SEWP for contractors as NASA expands total awards

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The wait is over for more than 1,400 vendors. NASA’s SEWP program office awarded spots on its sixth iteration of its governmentwide technology contract. In all, NASA made more than 2,100 awards under this governmentwide acquisition contract for IT products and services. For more on the SEWP VI awards, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me with details.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Electric aircraft are coming, the rules that will allow them to fly aren’t

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

It’s not just drones pushing aviation into new territory. Electric aircraft are edging closer to commercial use, but certification is still the gatekeeper. The FAA is trying to adapt existing rules while building a longer-term framework that can scale with new designs and risks. Joining me to explain that tension is Derrick Collins, Director of GAO’s Physical Infrastructure team.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As drones take on a bigger role in the airspace, the rules around them are getting more complicated

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

As drone operations expand, regulation could easily fragment across FAA, DHS, DoD and others. Instead, there’s growing coordination to manage both safety and security across that system. Katie Inman, a Partner at Holland and Knight, walks us through how that’s taking shape.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Commercial drones have been limited by how far operators can actually see them, that's changing

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A new FAA framework could allow drone operators to fly beyond visual line of sight, opening the door to expanded use in infrastructure inspection, agriculture and emergency response. The shift would move drone operations closer to routine use across the national airspace. Joining me to explain the impact and the integration challenge is former senior executive in the FAA’s National Security Division, Jose Martinez.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, June 24, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

For years, commercial drones have been limited by how far operators can actually see them, that's about to change
As drones take on a bigger role in the airspace, the rules around them are getting more complicated but also more coordinated than you might expect
Electric aircraft are coming. The rules that will allow them to fly aren’t

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marine Corps eyes 5% force growth by 2032

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Marine Corps has a new plan to grow the force by as much as 5% by 2032. The service hopes adding thousands of Marines will spell success in future wars. One lieutenant general says that goal is a step in the right direction to fix earlier versions of its force design plans. For more about this new goal and more context on changes ahead for the Marine Corps, Federal News Network DoD reporter Rachel Cohen 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.

Policymakers struggle to factor cybersecurity into federal funding programs

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Every year, agencies award billions of dollars in grants and other federal funding to finance infrastructure projects across the country. But few of those dollars come attached with cyber requirements, despite repeated warnings that foreign hackers are targeting power utilities and other critical infrastructure. A new report from the Institute for Security and Technology is now offering Congress and the Trump administration several options for factoring cybersecurity into federal funding. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday spoke with IST’s senior vice president for policy, Nicholas Leiserson.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Security at major events now depends on how well government and contractors operate as one system

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Behind the scenes of mega-events, contractors are running key pieces of event infrastructure, from cyber systems to communications. That’s raising new questions about coordination, accountability, and who’s responsible when decisions have to happen fast. Joining me to walk through how that works is CEO of the Professional Services Council, Jim Carroll.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A lot of science policy doesn't fail, it just never makes it through the system

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The interagency process is designed to coordinate decisions across government, but it can also become a choke point for science and technology policy. Understanding where that process breaks down is key to getting ideas into action. Joining me with his observations and recommendations is the Director of Science Policy and Advocacy at the Stand Up for Science Foundation, Cole Donovan.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Scientific breakthroughs don’t run on short timelines, but federal funding is starting to

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Federal funding and independent universities have long worked together to drive American innovation. But with support becoming less predictable, universities say the strain is showing in both research activity and the talent pipeline. Joining me to explain the impact on future discoveries is the president of MIT, Dr. Sally Kornbluth.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, June 23, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Scientific breakthroughs don’t run on short timelines, but federal funding is starting to
A lot of science policy doesn't fail, it just never makes it through the system
Security at major events now depends on how well government and contractors operate as one system

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SASC moves to codify Trump’s EO targeting defense stock buybacks

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump announced restrictions on executive pay and stock buybacks as part of the administration’s push to speed procurement and revitalize the defense industrial base. Now lawmakers are looking to codify his executive order into law. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis 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 public’s opinion of civil servants continues to climb

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The public’s overall view of civil servants is trending upward along with increasing public support for a nonpartisan federal workforce. Those latest findings come from a new report from the Partnership for Public Service. The nonprofit is also picking up on a continuing trend of many Americans disapproving of the Trump administration’s cuts to federal funding and the federal workforce. For more on the survey results, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman spoke with Paul Hitlin, Senior Research Manager at the Partnership for Public Service.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A stretch of Capitol Hill work is shifting from debate to decisions

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Several issues that have been building in Congress around foreign policy, intelligence authorities, affordability, emerging tech and federal funding are now in windows where action is possible. The timing is different for each, but the possibilities are clear. Here to point out the progress and the obstacles is deputy news director for Bloomberg Government, Loren Duggan.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new House task force is taking aim at everything from free speech to federal programs

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A new House Oversight task force is investigating how organizations handle issues like free speech, DEI and federal funding. With hearings now underway and a tight deadline, the focus is shifting from policy debates to how these decisions are made and documented. Here for a look at what that process actually looks like are Kim Hamm and Carlos Uriarte, co-chairs of Morrison Foerster’s congressional investigations practice.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, June 22, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A new House task force is taking aim at everything from free speech to federal programs and for a lot of organizations, the level of scrutiny may be surprising
A stretch of Capitol Hill work is shifting from debate to decisions

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Best of "The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton" - - Friday, June 19, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the best of "The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Bringing more students into public service starts with giving them a way in and a reason to see themselves there
NASA is testing a faster way to recruit top engineering talent inside the federal hiring guardrails
Federal financial management has always been a no‑fail mission. The past year has added new pressure to a workforce already stretched across competing demands
As AI reshapes work, a new program is showing what it takes to keep up

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SBA kicks off new audit of economically disadvantaged contractors

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Small Business Administration is expanding its scrutiny of socio-economic contracting programs to now include a review of the women-owned small business program. SBA is giving these firms until late June or early July to respond to a survey and provide the agency with “personal and business tax returns for the last three years.” For more about this new audit and an update on SBA's continued scrutiny of the 8(a) 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.

CDC’s Ebola fight contends with staffing cuts and low employee morale

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is battling one of the worst Ebola outbreaks on record, calling on its workforce to help contain its spread overseas. But the CDC is dealing with last year’s staffing cuts and still lacks permanent leadership in many of its roles. Further, Internal surveys show employees responding to the outbreak are also dealing with low morale. 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 Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, June 18, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

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The Pentagon is spending billions on major weapons systems, but there are growing questions

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Even as defense spending rises, many investments are still going into high-cost, limited systems, raising questions about whether the U.S. is building the right mix to sustain a prolonged fight. Here to share her analysis is senior defense policy analyst for the Center for Defense Information at POGO, Virginia Burger.

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For DHS contractors, the funding may be back, but turning that into actual work and payment is another story

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Even with new money in place, DHS contractors are still dealing with delays, restart friction, and gaps left by the shutdown showing how long it can take for funding to translate into real execution. Here to walk us through how the Department is responding is CEO of the Professional Services Council, Jim Carroll.

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It’s one thing to expand missile production capacity, it’s another to rebuild stockpiles fast enough to meet actual demand

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Even with increased funding and production, rebuilding key missile stockpiles could take years, creating a gap between current demand and available supply. We get a closer look now from Mark Cancian, senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Read the report here: https://www.csis.org/analysis/rebuilding-us-missile-inventory-multiyear-project

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OPM awards major HR IT modernization contract to Oracle

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

A long-awaited HR modernization project is taking a big step forward. The Office of Personnel Management has awarded a nearly $400 million contract to Oracle. The vendor is expected to deliver a governmentwide IT platform to consolidate and replace the more than 100 HR systems currently in use across agencies. For the latest, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman sat down for an exclusive interview with Jason Parman, OPM’s principal deputy associate director for HR Solutions and OPM Director Scott Kupor.

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It’s being pitched as a simple way to build wealth early, but whether it works may depend on how it fits real life

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

So‑called “Trump Accounts” are being described as a way to give kids an early start on saving, but the real questions are how much value they deliver, and where they actually fit among the choices families already have. Here to help us sort out the considerations is the president of Armed Forces Mutual, Mike Meese.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Life insurance is one of those benefits people tend to carry, but not always understand

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A lot of people have life insurance, but that doesn’t always mean they know what it’s meant to cover or whether it would actually do what they expect. For federal employees, those questions often start with FEGLI and follow them into retirement. Here to help us sort through some key decision points is Tammy Flanagan, principal at Retire Federal.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Suicide prevention training is meant to protect service members, but the Pentagon can’t fully track whether it’s helping.

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Suicide prevention depends on reaching people early, but the military doesn’t always have clear visibility into whether its training is being completed or making a difference. A recent GAO review highlights gaps that go beyond compliance. We hear more from Rashmi Agarwal, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management at GAO.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, June 17, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Suicide prevention training is meant to protect service members, but the Pentagon can’t fully track who’s completing it or whether it’s helping
Life insurance is one of those benefits people tend to carry, but not always understand
It’s being pitched as a simple way to build wealth early, but whether it works may depend on how it fits real life

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DoD repositions the CDAO into the Office of the Under Secretary for Research and Engineering

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Defense Department’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office has been in a period of transition lately. Several years after its creation, Pentagon leaders decided last year to fold the CDAO into the Office of the Under Secretary for Research and Engineering. Before that, the CDAO reported directly to the deputy secretary of Defense. Andrew Mapes is the acting principal deputy chief digital and AI officer. He talked with Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis about the realignment and how it’s positioning CDAO to deliver AI capabilities at scale.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USDA employees facing relocation weigh whether to stay or go. Some are eligible for incentives either way

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Agriculture Department’s sweeping plans to relocate employees are coming into focus. Employees are starting to receive their relocation notices. In the coming weeks, they must decide whether to move to keep their jobs or quit the agency. At one impacted component staff are being offered incentives if they stay or go. 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.

Sovereign AI systems built by national governments are hard, expensive and absolutely necessary

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

As countries race to adopt artificial intelligence, the challenge is building capability they actually control, without falling behind or over‑relying on outside providers. Alan Webber, Program Vice President - National Security, Defense and Intelligence at IDC, tells us what it takes to get that right.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal contracting is heading into a different kind of environment, more controlled, more structured and less forgiving

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A series of changes across policy and regulation are reshaping the federal marketplace at the same time. Together, they point toward a system with tighter requirements and sharper expectations around performance and accountability. Here to help us understand the combined impact on the contracting community is Managing Partner at Centre Law and Consulting, Barbara Kinosky.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everybody studies government contracting, can outsiders actually move it

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

There’s no shortage of analysis about how government contracting works and where it’s broken. What’s harder to pin down is who actually has the leverage to change it. The Baroni Center at George Mason is trying to move from research to influence, and Mike Derrios says that only works if you’re plugged directly into how the system really operates.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, June 16, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Everybody studies government contracting, the open question is whether anyone outside the system can actually move it
Federal contracting is heading into a different kind of environment, more controlled, more structured and less forgiving
Sovereign AI, systems built by national governments that run on their own data, infrastructure and rules is hard, expensive and absolutely necessary

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

House NDAA provision could derail Army data center projects

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Army is warning that an amendment in the House Armed Services Committee’s version of the 2026 defense policy bill could discourage technology companies from building data centers on military installations and jeopardize the service’s modernization efforts. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal workforce losses had steeper impact on probationary employees

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

At most agencies, probationary employees left their jobs at a higher rate than other federal workers in 2025. That’s according to analysis of about two dozen agencies in a new report from the Government Accountability Office. Early last year, agencies implemented mass terminations of employees on their probationary period, who have limited job protections. For a look at how those separations panned out, Federal News Network's Drew Friedman spoke with GAO's director of strategic issues, Dawn Locke.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congress is at a pivot point on reconciliation and the defense bill

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Questions about the future of another reconciliation package are rippling through Congress, with implications for how and when lawmakers take up the annual defense policy bill. Mitchell Miller joins us with the latest from Capitol Hill.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Agencies are doubling down on AI upskilling, but new research suggests they may be solving the wrong problem

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

There’s a growing push to build new skills across government, especially in AI. But if the surrounding systems don’t support that learning, the investment may not translate into performance. A new body of research is challenging how agencies think about the problem. Here to share those findings and recommendations is he Upskilling Lead in the Administrative Modernization Program at Oregon State University, Dr. Priyanka Dave.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When the rules change, people will change how they work

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The rollout of Schedule Policy/Career and a proposed government-wide nondisclosure agreement are putting new pressure on how federal employees think about their jobs from security and accountability to what they’re willing to say out loud. The effects are starting to show up in real ways across agencies. John Hatton of NARFE connects the dots for us.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, June 15,

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

When the rules change, people will change how they work
Agencies are doubling down on AI upskilling, but new research suggests they may be solving the wrong problem
Congress is at a pivot point on reconciliation and the defense bill

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI directive focuses patching efforts on ‘highest risk’ vulnerabilities

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The emergence of artificial intelligence-driven cyber threats is forcing a shift in how agencies manage software vulnerabilities. In a new directive released this week, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency laid out how agencies should prioritize the highest risk vulnerabilities on their networks. For more, Federal News Network 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.

White House polices hitting small business contractors hard, Senator says

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

New data from Democrats on the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee shine fresh light on just how rough its been for many small business contractors over the last 15 months. A new report from Senator Ed Markey, ranking member of the committee, found since January 2025 when President Donald Trump took office, agencies have reduced spending by 19% and thousands of small firms have left the federal market. For exclusive details on this new data and what it means for federal small business contractors, 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 people who rely on Medicaid helped design a plan to curb fraud without putting their own care at risk

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A new report on Medicaid fraud starts from the ground up, built with input from the people who depend on those services every day. It lays out ways to tighten oversight while preserving access to home and community‑based care. Here to walk us through the problem and the solutions is Leslie Ford, Senior Fellow with the Able Americans program at the National Center for Public Policy Research.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A lot of health AI isn’t where you think it is and it’s not overseen the way you might expect

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

From administrative decisions to care management, health AI tools are influencing outcomes in ways patients may never see. But many of those systems fall outside the usual oversight framework, and that can leave gaps in accountability and increase the risk of errors or inconsistent standards. Here to discuss her recent diagnosis of this space is the Bipartisan Policy Center's Maya Sandalow.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

ARPA‑H is testing a model to make research faster, more repeatable and less dependent on where or with whom you work

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The limits of biomedical research often come down to access, tools, networks and where the work happens. ARPA‑H is piloting a system meant to level that out while improving reliability. Here to tell us how this will all work is Dr. Paul Sheehan, program manager for IGOR at ARPA‑H.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Friday, June 12, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

ARPA‑H is testing a model to make research faster, more repeatable, and less dependent on where or with whom you work
A lot of health AI isn’t where you think it is and it’s not overseen the way you might expect
The people who rely on Medicaid helped design a plan to curb fraud without putting their own care at risk

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GSA reexamining data that shows no building is meeting minimum occupancy target

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The General Services Administration, the landlord for much of the federal government, says none of the owned or leased buildings it has data on meet the minimum occupancy standard set by law last year. But GSA is reexamining the data it’s collected so far. Among its concerns, the data doesn’t differentiate office space from rooms where employees aren’t working. 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.

HASC challenges Trump’s EO ending bargaining rights for DoD workers

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The House Armed Services Committee is pushing back against President Donald Trump’s executive order that removes collective bargaining rights for civilian workers in the defense department. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What looks like stability in today’s workforce may actually be caution

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

This moment in the labor market looks stable on the surface, but underneath it’s driven by caution and constrained choices. Workers are holding on rather than moving on. My guests are Matt Terry from The Economist Enterprise and Brendan McCarthy from Nuveen.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal hiring problems may start with how the jobs are defined

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Efforts to improve federal hiring and pay often run into the same problem. The system that defines jobs has stayed largely the same, even as the work itself has changed. Here to walk us through the problem and a path to modernization is Gabe Menchaca, a Senior Policy Analyst at the Niskanen Center.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bringing more students into public service starts with giving them a way in and a reason to see themselves there

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A new program at Arizona State University is connecting students to federal service while they’re still in school, through a model that blends coursework with hands‑on experience. It’s part of a broader effort to strengthen the talent pipeline and widen access to government careers. Shannon Portillo, Director of ASU's School of Public Affairs, is here to give us more information about the initiative.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Thursday, June 11, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Bringing more students into public service starts with giving them a way in and a reason to see themselves there
Federal hiring problems may start with how the jobs are defined
What looks like stability in today’s workforce may actually be caution, as more people choose to stay put in an uncertain economy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

OPM details changes for federal employees in Schedule Policy/Career

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0000

More details are emerging about the practical implications of Schedule Policy/Career. New guidance from the Office of Personnel Management comes as agencies face a looming deadline to formally reclassify thousands of career federal employees … in effect, those reclassifications will strip workers of long-standing civil service protections. 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.

Three highlights in latest DHS spending bill

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Congress just passed fiscal 2026 appropriations for most of the Department of Homeland Security in May. But lawmakers are already moving forward with crafting a 2027 budget for DHS. The House Appropriations Committee’s homeland security spending bill pushes back on some cuts proposed by the Trump administration. 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.

The systems that keep water flowing are more connected than ever, and more exposed to cyber risks

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Cyber threats are moving beyond data and into the systems people depend on every day, including water and wastewater infrastructure. A new GAO report finds persistent vulnerabilities, shaped by uneven resources, aging systems, and limits on federal oversight. Here to break down the findings and recommendations is Dave Hinchman, director of information technology and cybersecurity at the Government Accountability Office.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A long-running federal river program delivers real returns, but now it’s on the chopping block

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

For more than two decades, the Army Corps of Engineers has worked with partners to change how dams are operated, reducing flood risk and boosting local economies along the way. A new analysis says the returns are significant, but funding is now at risk. Jim Howe of The Nature Conservancy explains what the program actually does and what could be lost.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The government wants more of your seafood to come from U.S. waters

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Seafood isn’t usually top of mind at the Agriculture Department, but that’s starting to change. A new Office of Seafood is meant to help grow domestic production and connect producers to markets using USDA’s existing tools. Mike Illenberg is acting director of the office, and he's here to tell us how they're getting started.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Wednesday, June 10, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The government wants more of your seafood to come from U.S. waters and it’s standing up a new office to help make that happen
A long-running federal river program delivers real returns, but now it’s on the chopping block
The systems that keep water flowing are more connected than ever and more exposed to cyber risks than most people realize

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

OPM details the changes for federal employees in Schedule Policy/Career

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0000

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

First came telemedicine, now the Army medical logistics community is embracing telemaintenance for equipment

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

As agencies look for ways to operate faster and more efficiently, The Army’s medical logistics community is embracing telemaintenence. It’s a bit like telemedicine, except for medical equipment. That’s meant the most experienced medical logisticians can now lend their expertise from a distance, in ways that let equipment get fixed in hours instead of days. Wes Ladlee is the chief of Army Medical Logistics Command’s maintenance support office. He talked about the improvements 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.

USPS axing its regulator is on the table, as it looks for ways to avoid running out of cash

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Postal Service, on the verge of running out of cash early next year, is pricing out a wide range of possible reforms that, if passed by Congress, could address the agency’s long-term financial problems. One of them would be eliminating its regulatory agency, which must approve USPS requests to raise stamp prices. USPS expects to run out of cash early next year, but is relying on some extraordinary measures to push back that financial cliff. 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.

Agencies are under pressure to move quickly and enforce the rules, they still have to document the process, SBA may have missed a case

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A recent case involving the suspension of an 8(a) contractor is raising questions about how agencies document their decisions. An SBA appeals judge sent the case back, saying the record didn’t meet even basic requirements. So the issue, for now, isn’t whether the agency was right, it’s whether it showed its work clearly enough to justify the action. Zach Prince, partner at Haynes Boone, joins me now to talk through what happened.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congress and multiple administrations keep coming back to the idea of fixed-price contracts, but it's more complicated than that

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Fixed‑price contracting is often treated as the answer to cost control in federal acquisition, and it works when requirements are clear and outcomes are known. But as agencies try to apply that model more broadly, they keep running into the reality that many projects don’t start with that kind of certainty. Here with a perspective from the industry side of the table is Brian Miller, president of BMNT.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a marathon markup, the House has shaped its version of the NDAA, but the final outcome is still very much in play

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The House has moved its defense policy bill out of committee, mixing acquisition changes with broader policy fights. But with the Senate still to act and negotiations ahead, this version is far from final. And what shows up in this bill will shape how agencies buy, manage, and oversee work across government. We have the President of the Professional Services Council, Stephaie Kostro, here to walk us through the headlines.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, June 9, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

After a marathon markup, the House has shaped its version of the NDAA, but the final outcome is still very much in play
Congress and multiple administrations keep coming back to one idea, use more fixed‑price contracts to control costs and improve outcomes. But putting that into practice is more complicated than it sounds
When agencies are under pressure to move quickly and enforce the rules, they still have to document how they make decisions, and one recent case suggests SBA didn’t

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stanton is driving a new teamwork mindset at DISA

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Lieutenant General Paul Stanton is redefining the concept of team work at the Defense Information Systems Agency. The director of DISA says the interdependency of technology systems and the speed of artificial intelligence are driving this change. WIth more on what DISA’s new approach to team work is going to look like, 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.

HASC advances right to repair proposal, industry pushes back

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The House Armed Services Committee adopted an expansive right-to-repair amendment Thursday over the objections of the committee’s chairman and several Republicans, setting up another major fight with industry over the Pentagon's access to technical data and software. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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A proposed NDA for federal employees is drawing attention to how information moves inside government and who feels safe sharing it

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A proposal to create a governmentwide nondisclosure agreement for federal employees is raising new questions about transparency and accountability. The administration says it reinforces existing rules, but critics warn it could have a broader impact on how employees communicate and report concerns. That tension between policy and behavior is at the center of the debate. Joe Spielberger of the Project on Government Oversight joins me now to break down the possible outcomes.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s a new temporary selection to lead U.S. intelligence and it’s a good moment to look at what that job demands and how the process works

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The appointment of an acting DNI brings up bigger questions about how the intelligence community is led and coordinated. That includes what kind of experience the role demands and how long an acting structure can hold. Here with insight on what has to go right is former FBI special agent and national security expert, Rich Kolko.

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Congress makes headway on ICE and CBP funding, but not much else

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

After late-night votes and a contentious markup, Congress is inching forward on some of its highest-profile priorities, including ICE and CBP funding and the annual defense authorization bill. Regular appropriations for 2027 are also moving through committees. Loren Duggan, Deputy News Director for Bloomberg Government, joins me now to walk through where things stand.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Monday, June 8, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Congress makes headway on ICE and CBP funding, but not much else
There’s a new temporary selection to lead U.S. intelligence and it’s a good moment to look at what that job demands and how the process works
A proposed NDA for federal employees is drawing attention to how information moves inside government and who feels safe sharing it

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Forest Service offers separation incentives to employees ahead of relocations

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Forest Service is offering separation incentives to employees ahead of an agency reorganization that will move hundreds of positions across the country. The Forest Service told employees in a recent email that it will offer Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIP) to employees impacted by the agency’s upcoming reorganization. The Agriculture Department announced in March that the Forest Service would move its headquarters to Salt Lake City, Utah. 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.

CISA close to issuing new cyber AI directive

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Agencies will soon get their first set of marching orders from President Donald Trump’s executive order on artificial intelligence from earlier this week. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is expected to issue at least one binding operational directive as soon as today to direct agencies to secure large language models. For more on the BOD and other changes expected from the AI EO, 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.

CMMC has moved from planning to enforcement and contractors are feeling it

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

After years of preparation, cybersecurity requirements for defense contractors are now being enforced in real time. That shift is exposing gaps between what companies thought was ready and what actually meets the standard.Here to walk through what he’s seeing inside the defense supply chain is Emil Sayegh, CEO of Cybersheath.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, June 5, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

CMMC has moved from planning to enforcement and contractors are feeling it
When it comes to inflation, playing it safe isn’t always the safest investment move

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When it comes to inflation, playing it safe isn’t always the safest investment move

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

For federal employees and retirees, inflation is changing the math on everything from retirement income to basic savings strategy. Some of the choices that feel conservative, like leaning on the G Fund or sitting on cash can fall behind over time. Art Stein joins me to walk through how inflation is affecting federal financial security.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI executive order sets stage for new cybersecurity directives

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The White House is moving toward a voluntary process for reviewing frontier artificial intelligence models for cybersecurity risks. The review process is laid out in an AI security executive order executive order signed out this week. The order also sets the stage for new governmentwide cybersecurity directives. Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me now 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.

Trump moves about 8,000 federal positions to Schedule Policy/Career

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration has taken the final step to make Schedule Policy/Career a reality. Close to 8,000 career federal employees will be moved into the new employment category with limited job protections. The move is meant to boost workforce accountability, but has also drawn sharp criticism. 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.

New research suggests some of the states most closely tied to the federal government may not be the ones you expect

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

For years, rankings of state dependence on federal spending have focused largely on government transfers. A new study from the Pioneer Institute takes a broader view, incorporating everything from Social Security and Medicare to defense spending, military payrolls and disaster assistance. The results challenge some conventional assumptions, placing Maryland and Virginia among the states most dependent on federal dollars. To learn more, Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Liam Day of the Pioneer Institute.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Building more missile defense capability means rebuilding the industrial base behind it

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A new production center in Alabama reflects a larger effort to expand U.S. munitions capacity, but the real story runs through suppliers, hiring and how quickly that system can respond to demand. As the Pentagon looks for more surge capability, industry is working through the constraints that shape what’s possible. Tim Cahill, President of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, is here to discuss what that means on the ground.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Getting from a patent to a product is still where many ideas get stuck

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Even with the Bayh‑Dole framework in place, moving a federally funded discovery into the market still depends on licensing, capital and timing. A new report highlights where those steps break down and how researchers and entrepreneurs work through them. Here to share their own journey through the innovation ecosystem are Dr. Eric Fossum and Dr. Sabrina Kemeny.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, June 4, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Getting from a patent to a product is still where many ideas get stuck
Building more missile defense capability means rebuilding the industrial base behind it
New research suggests some of the states most closely tied to the federal government may not be the ones you expect

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An excerpt from "Your Federal Life," with Karen Lee, co-founder of FedsForward

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

After upheavals across the federal workforce, and hundreds of thousands of public servants leaving their jobs, grassroots organizations have been rising to meet the moment. One of those groups is called FedsForward, which has been building tech-enabled tools to help civil servants navigate career change. Federal News Network's Drew Friedman recently caught up with Karen Lee, a co-founder of FedsForward.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

OPM to crack down on ineligible health insurance enrollees

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Enrollees in the government’s health insurance programs will soon face tighter requirements when adding family members to their plans. A new final rule from the Office of Personnel Management will expand the verification process for insurance enrollees. It’s an effort to reduce spending on ineligible participants. 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.

Two changes moving through the House would reshape how agencies buy, from who gets a shot to how fast decisions get made

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The House is trying to give the “Rule of Two” more legal weight, even as it pushes agencies to move faster on acquisition. One effort tightens expectations. The other opens the system up. Former GSA administrator Emily Murphy is here to walk us through what these changes might mean for the daily work of buying for the government.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Telehealth expanded quickly, oversight is still catching up

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

An HHS inspector general audit found that targeted system edits and clearer coding guidance could have prevented a share of improper Medicare payments tied to virtual visits. Here to talk us through what those fixes would change and how CMS is responding, is Assistant Regional Inspector General for Audit Services at the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Kari Lowery.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Helping disaster survivors recover is one of FEMA’s most visible missions, GAO reviews the results

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Delivering disaster assistance at scale is one of FEMA’s toughest operational challenges. A GAO review looks at where the system struggles to match survivor needs after major disasters, and Chris Currie, Director in the Homeland Security and Justice team at GAO, is here to walk us through the details.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, June 3, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Helping disaster survivors recover is one of FEMA’s most visible missions. A new GAO review looks at how well that assistance actually lines up with what survivors need on the ground
Telehealth expanded quickly, oversight is still catching up
Two changes moving through the House would reshape how agencies buy, from who gets a shot to how fast decisions get made

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NIH turns to AI to handle large data sets across disconnected systems

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The National Institutes of Health is leaning into artificial intelligence to gather insights from a vast amount of health data. And the hope is that shift will let the agency conduct research more quickly and offer new tools to support clinicians. Susan Gregurick is associate director for data science at NIH. She talked with Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman about how AI is helping to unlock insights across disconnected systems.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FEMA begins limited hiring campaign after wave of departures

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is hiring again. With Atlantic hurricane season officially underway, FEMA is trying to fill hundreds of open positions. But that comes after the agency lost roughly 5,000 employees since last January. For the latest, 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.

Retirement changes the rules for your portfolio, but what worked while you were building savings can start to create real risk once you begin to withdraw

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The move from saving to spending introduces a different kind of risk, where timing matters as much as returns. That shift can change outcomes quickly, especially in the early years of retirement. Certified financial planner Thiago Glieger of RMG Advisors, joins me to walk through those risks and how to plan for them.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s more AI activity inside federal agencies than ever before, but the results aren’t always easy to see

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Federal agencies have expanded their use of artificial intelligence beyond early experimentation, but maturity varies widely from one organization to another. Some have moved toward operational use, while others are still working through basic implementation. That uneven progress is shaping how much of that activity actually turns into results. Here to break down her recent findings and take a look at the future is Valerie Wirtschafter of the Brookings Institution.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A simpler way to file taxes ran into a complicated system around it

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Direct File had to fit into an ecosystem that includes private tax prep companies, state system and IRS capacity. Even with positive user feedback, that environment created friction that could shape what comes next. Gabriel Zucker, Fellow at the Economic Security Project, joins us to walk through a new report that details what happened with Direct File and what lessons future reformers should learn.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, June 2, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

There’s more AI activity inside federal agencies than ever before, but the results aren’t always easy to see
A simpler way to file taxes ran into a complicated system around it
Retirement changes the rules for your portfolio, what worked while you were building savings can start to create real risk once you begin drawing it down

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USDA relocation of food assistance employees will lead to major staffing losses, union warns

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Agriculture Department is relocating employees at many of its component agencies. That includes staff at the Food and Nutrition Service which carries out SNAP and other food assistance programs used by tens of millions of Americans. But many FNS employees say they would sooner quit than jobs than relocate, according to an internal poll conducted by their union. 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.

Regulations for grants management are getting their second major rewrite in two years

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The regulations for grants management are getting their second major rewrite in two years. The Office of Management and Budget has three main goals in its proposed rewrite of 2 CFR 200, including improving the transparency and accountability of grant awards. Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now to discuss what the proposed changes say and would mean for agencies.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fraud detection is getting more data‑driven and the Justice Department is raising expectations for how that work gets done

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The DOJ’s new FOCUS initiative puts a spotlight on the quality behind data‑driven fraud claims, encouraging closer engagement with analysts who can show their methods hold up. That shift could change what kinds of cases make it forward and what organizations need to be ready for when they do. Here with more insight into how these cases are proceeding is Tom Suddath, partner at Reed Smith.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Coast Guard has plenty of tools to assess waterway risk—the challenge is making them work together

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Looking at risk one tool at a time can leave gaps in how the full system is understood. That’s prompting a closer look at how assessments are connected—and how they guide choices. For a look at how those pieces could work together differently, I'm joined by Susan Resetar and Eric Cooper of RAND.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The to-do list for Congress is filled with regular, and not so regular, order

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

As Congress returns after the Memorial Day holiday recess, the things they left on the desk are still there and how lawmakers use the next two months could shape funding, oversight and the runway agencies have heading into fall. We'll get the details from WTOP's capitol hill correspondent, Mitchell Miller.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, June 1, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The to-do list for Congress is filled with regular, and not so regular, order
The Coast Guard has plenty of tools to assess waterway risk, the challenge is making them work together
Fraud detection is getting more data‑driven and the Justice Department is raising expectations for how that work gets done

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

House NDAA would set up protected disclosure program for AI incidents

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 29 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

House lawmakers want to ensure any incidents involving Defense Department artificial intelligence systems are quickly reported. The House Armed Services Committee’s mark up of the 2027 defense authorization bill would establish a protected disclosure program for AI systems at DoD. 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.

Federal employees may see faster path to promotions

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 29 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Federal employees may soon see opportunities to move up the career ladder more quickly. The Office of Personnel Management is proposing to eliminate a required waiting period for federal promotions. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As AI reshapes work, a new program is showing what it takes to keep up

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 29 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

As AI reshapes how work gets done, a new, hands‑on program is showing how veterans can build real, usable skills and do it quickly. It’s a practical take on the Labor Department’s push for AI fluency, with results already taking shape. Mika Cross and Ted Adair join me to walk through what participants are learning.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For military families, the pressure isn’t just external, it shows up at home

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 29 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

New survey data shows military families facing sustained financial and daily life pressures from childcare to employment that are starting to affect stability and readiness. As demands on the force grow, those strains are getting harder to ignore. Kathy Roth‑Douquet of Blue Star Families joins me with what the latest numbers show.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The same data that’s out there about you can also be used against you and now it is

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 29 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Reports of an Iranian‑linked group contacting U.S. troops using their own personal data points to a shift in cyber conflict from networks to people. It’s direct, personal and hard to defend against. Ron Zayas, CEO of Ironwall, joins me with what that means for service members and the federal workforce.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, May 29, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 29 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The same data that’s out there about you can also be used against you and now it is
For military families, the pressure isn’t just external, it shows up at home
As AI reshapes work, a new program is showing what it takes to keep up

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

VA’s EHR rollout gets bipartisan praise, as employee groups warn they’re still seeing issues

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 28 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Department of Veterans Affairs is getting bipartisan praise for its resumed rollout of a new Electronic Health Record; a multibillion-dollar project that has run into myriad problems since it began under the first Trump administration. The VA rolled out the system to new sites last month after a three-year pause on deployment. Groups representing VA employees, however, say the latest facilities to adopt the new EHR are dealing with problems. 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.

OMB revamps cyber event logging requirements

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 28 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Agencies will soon have new requirements for logging cybersecurity data to better secure their systems and data against ever increasing threats. The Office of Management and Budget’s new memo outlining these changes is one of several ways the Trump administration is recalibrating cyber defenses as the threat of artificial intelligence-fueled cyber attacks increase.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal financial management has always been a no‑fail mission, the past year has added new pressure

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 28 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Workforce strain and technology changes are reshaping how federal financial management gets done. That’s affecting everything from daily decisions to long-term accountability across agencies. Here to share more about the future of federal financial management are Ann Ebberts, CEO of the Association of Government Accountants and Rich Brady, CEO of the Society of Defense Financial Management.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Even as agencies try to bring in new talent, a lot of current employees are making tough decisions about pay, retirement, and whether to stay

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 28 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Budget uncertainty, pay debates, and retirement delays are shaping real decisions for federal workers right now. That’s affecting whether people stay, leave, or retire—and how stable the workforce feels day to day. John Hatton, staff vice president at NARFE, joins us to explain what’s driving those challenges and what they mean for the workforce.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NASA is testing a faster way to recruit top engineering talent inside the federal hiring guardrails

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 28 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

NASA is testing a new way to bring engineers and technologists into the agency more quickly. The idea is to move faster while still working inside federal hiring rules. Here to tell us how the program will work is NASA Chief Human Capital Officer, Kelly Elliott.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, May 28, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 28 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

NASA is testing a faster way to recruit top engineering talent inside the federal hiring guardrails
Even as agencies try to bring in new talent, a lot of current employees are making tough decisions about pay, retirement and whether to stay
Federal financial management has always been a no‑fail mission, the past year has added new pressure to a workforce already stretched across competing demand

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"FedRAMP certified" vs. "FedRAMP authorized"

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 27 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Federal Risk Authorization and Management Program is making a simple word change that will hopefully put to rest some long-standing confusion about the cloud security program. Under the new rules, cloud services the program has approved will be dubbed “FedRAMP certified” instead of “FedRAMP authorized.” Nicole Thompson is the security director for FedRAMP at the General Services Administration. She talked about the latest changes with Federal News Network’s Jason Miller.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump administration pushes governmentwide NDA for federal employees

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 27 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Federal employees may soon have to start signing non-disclosure agreements. The Office of Personnel Management has unveiled a governmentwide NDA template for agencies. It’s an attempt to stop government documents from being leaked to the press. 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.

Some of the most important parts of disaster response happen long before anything goes wrong

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 27 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Hurricane season is starting, and FEMA is looking at changes to how it responds. That puts new attention on the people and capacity behind the scenes and how ready they are before a crisis begins. Here to discuss how contractors work with federal agencies to plan for disaster response is 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.

DoD’s ability to protect classified information held by its contractors depends on a system under growing strain

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 27 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

GAO says the agency responsible for overseeing classified work at defense contractors is falling short of its mission, with gaps in inspections, staffing and risk prioritization. Joe Kirschbaum of the Government Accountability Office explains how those weaknesses affect security and what changes matter most now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Even as a legal challenge unfolds, a new DEI order for federal contractors is already being enforced

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 27 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The administration’s latest DEI directive is moving ahead on two tracks, into federal contracts and into federal court. While a lawsuit raises questions about its scope and authority, agencies are pressing forward with new clauses and compliance expectations. Dan Ramish, Partner at Haynes Boone, explains where things stand and what contractors can’t afford to wait on.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, May 27, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 27 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Even as a legal challenge unfolds, a new DEI order for federal contractors is already being enforced through the contracting proces
.DoD’s ability to protect classified information held by its contractors depends on a system under growing strain
Some of the most important parts of disaster response happen long before anything goes wrong and often with help from contractors

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HHS shrinks cash awards for top performers, shifting funds to bonuses with less clear criteria

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 26 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Department of Health and Human Services is shrinking cash awards for its top performers. In its place, the department is shifting a majority of its bonus budget to cover “special act” awards with eligibility criteria that are less well-defined. This is all part of a governmentwide push to limit the number of top scores federal employees get on their annual performance reviews. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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The GSA updates its Federal Acquisition Service organizational structure

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 26 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The General Services Administration’s Federal Acquisition Service updated its organizational structure to better reflect how agencies buy and vendors sell. The new setup features five new portfolios called: Assist, Centralize, Create, Deliver and Optimize. Each is bringing together sometimes disparate services and moving FAS out of its previous organizational structure that centered on category management. For more on what drove this reorganization, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller caught up with Laura Stanton, the acting commissioner of GSA’s FAS.

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A week that didn’t end the way Congress planned

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 26 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Both chambers were lining up for votes, then packed up and left town early. From sudden funding fights to shifting priorities, it turned into a week of surprises on Capitol Hill. Joining me to walk through what happenedand what comes next is Loren Duggan, Deputy News Director for Bloomberg Government.

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Existing ethics laws weren’t written with prediction markets in mind

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 26 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Political prediction markets allow traders to profit from future events tied to public decision‑making. But as oversight systems come under strain, POGO says that structure creates risks current ethics laws were not designed to address. Janice Luong, a policy analyst at the Project on Government Oversight, walks us through how those markets work and where guardrails fall short.

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The federal watchdog system was built to be independent by design, a former inspector general tells us why that design still matters

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 26 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The inspector general system has weathered political pressure before, but this moment is testing how durable it really is. Even so, the day-to-day work of audits, investigations, and accountability continues. Former FDIC Inspector General Jay Lerner is here with perspective from inside that system.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, May 26, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 26 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The federal watchdog system was built to be independent by design, a former inspector general tells us why that design still matters
Existing ethics laws weren’t written with prediction markets in mind
A week that didn’t end the way Congress planned

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, May 25, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 25 May 2026 10:00:00 -0000

It's Memorial Day, and coming up today on "The Best of The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton,"

A military widow turned profound loss into a decade of service. Now she’s receiving high honors
A PCS move can test a family’s finances, routines and support systems all at once
A military family is sharing lessons from their decades‑long journey with autism

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Senate lawmakers renew military right to repair push

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 22 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Lawmakers are renewing their efforts to give service members the ability to fix their own equipment after popular right to repair provisions were stripped from the 2026 defense policy bill following strong industry pushback. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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Trump administration’s RIF overhauls ‘troubling’ to former MSPB officials

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 22 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration is looking to overhaul federal employees’ avenues for appealing adverse personnel actions. As that gets underway, former officials from the Merit Systems Protection Board are warning of significant consequences for the civil service. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Even as AI gets better at finding digital weak spots, it doesn’t eliminate the human role in cyber conflict

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 22 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Security teams have long chased known vulnerabilities, but AI is accelerating how new ones are discovered and exploited in a world where cyber operations are already part of state competition. Here to walk through how that changes the balance between attackers and defenders is associate professor of the practice of cyber studies at the University of Tulsa, Justin Miller.

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Cyber isn’t just about defense anymore, governments increasingly assume they’ll use offensive cyber tools as part of state power

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 22 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Offensive cyber operations have moved from the margins of national security into the core of how governments plan for conflict, deterrence and competition. That shift means agencies are building cyber capabilities into standing strategy and industry is increasingly expected to design, operate and protect systems with the assumption that cyber operations are a normal feature of state behavior. Kat Sommer of NCC Group is here to share more of their recent findings and recommendations.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Friday, May 22, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 22 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Cyber isn’t just about defense anymore. Governments increasingly assume they’ll use offensive cyber tools as part of state power
Even as AI gets better at finding digital weak spots, it doesn’t eliminate the human role in cyber conflict

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Three recent solicitations offer an interesting glimpse into the Trump administration’s influence on federal procurement

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 21 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

From the overhaul of the Federal Acquisition Regulations to the push for consolidation and centralization, these three requests for proposals demonstrate how agencies are implementing and accepting the Office of Management and Budget’s prioritization of reforming federal technology and acquisition management. In his reporter's notebook, executive editor Jason Miller writes about how the RFPs from Commerce, Treasury and GSA are demonstrating the changes happening. Jason joins me now to discuss.

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HHS sends RIF notices to dozens of staff it missed during office-wide layoffs last year

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 21 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Department of Health and Human Services carried out widespread layoffs a year ago. Now it’s sending out a second wave of reduction in force notices. HHS says these are more targeted layoffs, targeting employees it missed when their offices and programs were eliminated last year. All of this is happening as HHS embarks on a hiring surge. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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A PCS move can test a family’s finances, routines and support systems all at once

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 21 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

PCS moves can put real strain on military families from unexpected costs to the impact on careers and kids. Sarah Roder, Director of Partnerships and Member Engagement at Armed Forces Mutual, joins us to explain where families get caught off guard and what helps smooth the transition.

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After a tough year for federal senior executives, new leadership at SEA is looking at what comes next

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 21 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Federal senior executives are coming out of a demanding year, with mission changes, retirements and rising expectations across agencies. That pressure is reshaping how SES leaders approach their roles and forcing a reset inside the organization that supports them. Dr. Michelle Sutter, executive director of the Senior Executives Association, joins us to talk about what comes next for SES leaders and how SEA is adjusting.

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Having expertise doesn’t always mean the system knows what to do with it

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 21 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The Air Force has spent years building China‑related expertise. But researchers find the personnel system doesn’t always reward or retain that specialization. That leaves a gap between what strategy calls for and how careers actually play out. Dr. Miriam Matthews and Cristina Garafola from the Rand Corporation join us with their analysis.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Thursday, May 21, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 21 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Having expertise doesn’t always mean the system knows what to do with it
After a tough year for federal senior executives, new leadership at SEA is looking at what comes next
A PCS move can test a family’s finances, routines, and support systems all at once

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pentagon begins sweeping review of military legal system

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 20 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has launched a sweeping review of the military legal system, directing the Pentagon’s general counsel to convene a special review panel that will conduct what he described as an “ongoing, long-term, departmentwide review of all aspects of the military legal system.” The review faces numerous challenges — and the panel’s structure will determine whether it leads to meaningful reform. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Ira Rushing, an associate at the Tully Rinckey law firm…

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4 benefits bills for federal employees, retirees to watch

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 20 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Some adjustments to financial security, retirement payments and insurance options for feds are in the beginning stages of consideration in Congress. Four recent bills that House and Senate lawmakers have introduced over the last few weeks aim to tackle a range of benefits issues across government. Here with details, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Some of the biggest cyber risks to the military don’t start inside government networks

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 20 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

By opening its Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Program to new partners, the Pentagon is trying to reduce vulnerabilities across the supply chain. As those risks extend beyond government systems into the private sector, partnership becomes central. How that model works and what success looks like is at the center of my conversation with Terry Kalka, director of the Defense Industrial Base Collaborative Information Sharing Environment at the Defense Department Cyber Crime Center.

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The administration is leaning on the Defense Production Act to shape supply chains through federal support, not mandates.

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 20 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The latest use of the Defense Production Act expands federal tools to support domestic energy capacity across the supply chain. It does not compel action, but it opens a path for financing and program support. Whether that translates into projects will turn on agency follow-through. Scott Johnson, of counsel at Foley & Lardner, is here to share with us how that would work.

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Getting the rules right early can shape both safety and growth of emerging technologies

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 20 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A new GAO assessment looks ahead at emerging technologies where early decisions could shape how they’re used and how they’re governed across government. We talk through what those trends are and what Congress and agencies need to be thinking about now with GAO Chief Scientist Dr. Sterling Thomas.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, May 20, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 20 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Getting the rules right early can shape both safety and growth of emerging technologies
The administration is leaning on the Defense Production Act to shape supply chains through federal support, not mandates
Some of the biggest cyber risks to the military don’t start inside government networks

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Naval Postgraduate School at the center of Navy's efforts to integrate AI into warfighting functions

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Navy is ensuring its officers at the highest levels understand how artificial intelligence works as it adopts and integrates it into its warfighting functions. The Naval Postgraduate School is at the center of those efforts, providing both the courses and the technology to drive that learning. For more on what NPS is doing, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller caught up with Randy Pugh, the vice provost for warfare studies, the director of the Office of Warfare Studies and the lead of the AI task force.

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State Dept directs managers to ‘revise and recalibrate’ scores for employee evaluations they’ve already submitted

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The State Department is directing managers to go back and revise recently submitted annual performance evaluations to give employees lower scores. That’s all part of recent governmentwide guidance limiting the number of top scores that federal employees can receive. Impacted employees say these changes could disrupt the collaborative nature of their diplomatic work. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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Challenging a GAO protest stay override may be getting clearer—but not any easier

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

When a contractor files a bid protest at GAO, the award usually pauses while the protest is reviewed. But recent court decisions are clarifying when agencies can override that stay and how closely judges will examine those decisions afterward. Here to help us understand the complexity of this contingency is Zach Prince, partner at Haynes Boone.

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Federal contractors are doing more than delivering programs

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

As hantavirus cases draw renewed attention, contractors are part of how the government builds capacity in public health emergencies, especially with large gatherings like the World Cup on the horizon. At the same time, a new Pentagon memo is putting more pressure on how contractors account for facility costs. Jim Carroll, CEO of the Professional Services Council joins me to connect those dots.

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Growth across federal contractors is showing up alongside new pressure on margins, controls and visibility.

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Deltek’s new Clarity report, based on 2025 data, shows a widening divide inside the federal contracting market. The firms growing fastest aren’t just adding revenue, they’re maintaining tighter controls and fewer hidden risks at the same time. Kevin Plexico, senior vice president of information solutions at Deltek, explains what the data shows about balancing speed and scrutiny across the market right now.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, May 19, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Growth across federal contractors averaged about 15% in 2025, according to Deltek’s latest Clarity report, but that growth is showing up alongside new pressure on margins, controls and visibility
Federal contractors are doing more than delivering programs, they’re helping the government respond when conditions change quickly
Challenging a GAO protest stay override may be getting clearer, but not any easier

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Federal agencies double the number of AI use cases

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 18 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Federal agencies doubled their number of AI use cases over the past year. That’s according to the latest inventory maintained by the Office of Management and Budget. There are now more than 3,600 use cases documented across the government. Gregory Barbaccia is the federal chief information officer and chief AI officer. In a conversation with Jason Miller, Barbaccia gave us an update on Federal News Network’s 2026 A-I and Data Exchange.

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The military takes a closer look at the impact of Permanent Change of Station moves

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 18 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Last year, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the military services to reduce the number of Permanent Change of Station moves by 50%. The Air Force, in partnership with RAND, then took a closer look at how longer assignments and fewer moves would impact budgets, readiness, retention and the career development of Airmen. To understand more about RAND's findings, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Lisa Harrington, senior operations researcher at RAND and Kelly Atkinson, political scientist at RAND.

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The IRS’s service picture may be improving, but taxpayers are still running into real friction

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 18 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel’s 2025 annual report surfaces nearly 200 recommendations on where IRS communication and services continue to break down. Philip Hwang, national chair of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel at the IRS, explains what taxpayers are still struggling with and how their feedback helps to shape what changes next.

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Reorganization plans can look clean on paper and turn out far messier in real life

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 18 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A year ago, the Interior Department pitched a sweeping reorganization as a way to save money and streamline operations. What the evidence actually shows about how that played out is the focus of my conversation with Tim Whitehouse, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

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A tied vote, a stalled reconciliation package, and big questions about how laws actually get finished

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 18 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Congress is wrestling with the big questions, but it’s the details that are slowing everything down. That tension between ambition and execution shows up across the agenda and it’s shaping what happens next. Here to bring us to speed on the details is WTOP's capitol hill correspondent, Mitchell Miller.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, May 18, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 18 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A tied vote, a stalled reconciliation package and big questions about how laws actually get finished
Reorganization plans can look clean on paper and turn out far messier in real life
The IRS’s service picture may be improving, but taxpayers are still running into real friction

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Agriculture employees sue Rollins over ‘escalating’ religious messaging

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 15 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Agriculture Department employees are suing Secretary Brooke Rollins over what they are calling “coercive” religious messaging. The lawsuit comes in response to an Easter message that Rollins sent to 100,000 department employees. Plaintiffs say her email implies an “in-group” religion at USDA and that those who don’t agree may face “negative consequences.” Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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GSA to add grants management systems to the schedules under a SIN

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 15 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The growth of shared services for grants across government has climbed steadily over the last five years. Through the Grants Quality Service Management Office, 29 agencies are using standardized technology services to help award more than $1.2 trillion a year. With more on how the Grants QSMO plans to further drive standardization into grants management, Federal News Network’s executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.

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Some of the most important environmental policy work doesn’t happen in legislation, it shows up in how agencies act, spend, and measure results

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 15 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Shaping environmental outcomes isn’t limited to writing legislation. In many cases, it comes down to knowing how federal decisions actually get made, through regulation, procurement, data and funding choices that shape behavior across the system. That’s the approach being taught to climate professionals by Mai Sistla, Senior Climate Policy Advisor at the Aspen Policy Academy.

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Testing new technology is one thing, making it work in the field and getting people to trust and use it is another

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 15 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Testing new technology is one thing. Making it work in real conditions and earning trust is another. USDA’s new National Proving Grounds Network is designed to close that gap, testing emerging agriculture technologies on working farms and ranches so they can move from idea to adoption. Here to explain how that model is taking shape is Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics and Chief Scientist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Scott Hutchins.

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Environmental change can turn rare risks into immediate problems, the Army Corps of Engineers is stepping in to manage the consequences

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 15 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Glacier‑related flooding is becoming more frequent and more dangerous in parts of the country, prompting the Corps to step in with targeted mitigation efforts. We hear how that work is unfolding on the ground, from Mike Records and Daryl Downing with the Army Corps of Engineers on site in Alaska.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, May 15, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 15 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on "The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton"

Environmental change can turn rare risks into immediate problems and the Army Corps of Engineers is stepping in to manage the consequences
“Testing new technology is one thing, making it work in the field and getting people to trust and use it is another
Some of the most important environmental policy work doesn’t happen in legislation it shows up in how agencies act, spend and measure results

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FEMA to create public assistance dashboard under new law

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 14 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s grant processes are about to get a little more transparent. That’s because a new law requires FEMA to publish a dashboard of public assistance claims stemming from federal disasters. That requirement comes as the administration and Congress consider broader reforms to FEMA. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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DoD proposes new rule expanding FOCI scrutiny

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 14 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Defense Department is proposing a sweeping rule that would significantly expand the government’s scrutiny of foreign ownership and influence across the defense industrial base, requiring tens of thousands of uncleared contractors to comply with security requirements historically applied only to companies handling classified information. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Scott Freling, co-chair of Covington’s Government Contracts practice, and Heather Finstuen, partner at Covington & Burling.

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As federal missions grow more complex, technology transfer is getting a credential meant to sustain expertise and credibility over time

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 14 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The Federal Laboratory Consortium has introduced a professional designation designed to strengthen how federal labs move research into real‑world use by building recognized, transferable expertise. The goal is to create a clearer marker of credibility for agency leadership, industry partners and the workforce itself. My guest is Andy Myers, technology transfer lead at the Kansas City National Security Campus.

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What happens to the human body when missions become longer, more demanding and harder to support from Earth?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 14 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A joint effort bringing together Navy medicine, the Air Force Research Laboratory, NASA and academic researchers is reshaping how the government studies human performance under changing gravity. The focus is building durable capability for longer, more demanding missions. My guests are Rich Folga and Dr. Michael Schubert. Dr. Schubert is Professor in the ENT Department at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Mr. Folga is Aerospace Medical Research Device Program Manager, Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory.

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The Army is testing whether rail networks can carry medical evacuation in modern warfare

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 14 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Using allied rail systems in Europe, the Army is testing how rail evacuation could expand medical capacity during large‑scale conflict. Here with more details on what's being tested by this exercise is Col. Crystal Belew, Commander of the 519th Hospital Center.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Thursday, May 14, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 14 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on "The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton"

The Army is testing whether rail networks can carry medical evacuation in modern warfare
What happens to the human body when missions become longer, more demanding and harder to support from Earth?
As federal missions grow more complex, technology transfer is getting a credential meant to sustain expertise and credibility over time

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USPS floats more financial aid from Congress as way to avoid running out of cash next year

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 13 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Postal Service generally pays its own bills through its own revenue. That’s been the way it has operated for more than 50 years. But the agency is floating the possibility of Congress stepping in to provide more financial assistance to keep the agency from running out of cash early next year. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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House Republicans want more information about federal employee dispute settlements

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 13 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

House Republicans are demanding more information about the costs of settlements for federal employee disputes with their agencies. A new letter from leaders on the Oversight committee argues that agencies are settling too often, instead of fighting cases they could likely win. But the letter is also coming under scrutiny from federal employment attorneys. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Receiving federal funds now comes with a different kind of risk calculus for grantees

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 13 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A tougher federal anti‑fraud posture is changing how grants and contracts are scrutinized, especially when routine compliance decisions come under review after problems emerge. We’ll look at where scrutiny is showing up, who’s being held accountable and what recipients are expected to get right with Michael Anderson, counsel at Smith Anderson.

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The size of the federal grants system is well known, how well it’s set up to manage that scale is another question

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 13 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

As the federal government takes on more financial risk, a GAO review of government‑wide grants management points to staffing limits, data mismatches and unclear roles that complicate how funds are awarded and overseen. The findings suggest persistent operational challenges that accounting fixes alone haven’t solved. Jeff Arkin is director of strategic issues at the Government Accountability Office.

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Managing disaster risk is about how risk is understood, priced, and communicated across the system

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 13 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Insurance pricing plays a powerful role in signaling where disaster risk is increasing and where the federal government is increasingly exposed when coverage breaks down. We’ll examine a proposal that would bring the federal government into the reinsurance market, how that could affect those signals and what questions leaders should ask before shifting risk further upstream. Professor Ben Collier of the University of Wisconsin is here to guide us through those questions.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, May 13, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 13 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Managing disaster risk is about how risk is understood, priced and communicated across the system
The size of the federal grants system is well known, how well it’s set up to manage that scale is another question
Receiving federal funds now comes with a different kind of risk calculus for grantees

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

PRAC finds an ongoing mission in the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Pandemic Response Accountability Committee was originally scheduled to sunset in September 2025. But the pandemic watchdog has an ongoing mission; it’s overseeing another broad tranche of funding. The One Big, Beautiful Bill Act signed into law last year will keep the PRAC up and running for at least another 8 years and tasks the committee with keeping tabs on the budget reconciliation bill. Ken Dieffenbach is PRAC’s executive director. He talked with Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman about the committee’s ongoing work.

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FEMA Review Council backs off on staffing cuts in final report

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

A Trump-appointed advisory committee is urging sweeping overhauls at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The FEMA Review Council approved its final report to the president last week. The group’s report do not include earlier, draft recommendations that would have cut FEMA’s workforce by up to 50 percent. Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me with the details.

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Fixed‑price contracts assume stable requirements. Federal missions rarely cooperate, and the friction between the two is back in focus

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Federal execution increasingly turns on how risk is managed across contracts and capabilities. Recent policy signals are testing whether existing structures can absorb that pressure. Here to break down the root issues is Stephanie Kostro, president of the Professional Services Council.

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Innovation has expanded choice in consumer finance, but it’s also exposed limits in how well regulation keeps up

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

From fintech tools to new credit models, consumer finance has changed faster than the regulatory framework around it. Todd Zywicki says that gap is a central focus of the new Institute for Consumer Financial Choice at George Mason University, which is designed to bring more empirical research into consumer‑finance policy debates.

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If you feel unsure about retirement, you’re asking the right question

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

For many federal employees, retirement planning stalls at the same point: uncertainty about whether the numbers, timing, and assumptions really hold up. Instead of chasing certainty, there’s a better way to assess readiness. Joining me to explain how feds can evaluate retirement readiness using structure rather than stress is Certified financial planner Thiago Glieger.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, May 12, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

If you feel unsure about retirement, you’re asking the right question
Innovation has expanded choice in consumer finance, but it’s also exposed limits in how well regulation keeps up and who ends up bearing the risk
Fixed‑price contracts assume stable requirements. Federal missions rarely cooperate, and the friction between the two is back in focus

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Democrats urge OPM to continue ‘vital’ Combined Federal Campaign

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 11 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Office of Personnel Management is being urged 'not' to shut down the Combined Federal Campaign. More than 40 Democrats penned a letter to OPM, warning that ending the CFC would be “disastrous” for the organizations that rely on it. The letter comes as the Trump administration is signaling a possible decommission of the decades-old program. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Military spouses press Congress to expand small business opportunities

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 11 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Military spouses were on Capitol Hill last week to push lawmakers to support legislation aimed at expanding access to capital and Small Business Administration resources for military spouse entrepreneurs , The effort's advocates say this could help address the persistently high military spouse unemployment rate and improve military retention. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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Congress is heading into a busy legislative stretch, even as larger questions hang over its future

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 11 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Lawmakers return for a packed two‑week work period, with several major bills queued up for action. At the same time, unresolved redistricting fights around the country are raising longer‑term questions about the shape and capacity of the next Congress. Loren Duggan, managing editor at Bloomberg Government, joins us to sort through both the immediate agenda and what’s coming next.

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Veterans have seen this story before and they’re paying close attention to what comes next

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 11 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

When GI Bill abuse surfaced years ago, veterans’ benefits kept flowing to schools that met higher‑education standards but failed veterans themselves. Now, as accreditation standards are back under review, advocates say lessons from that era still haven’t fully been applied. They’re pushing to give Title 38, the veterans’ benefits law a clearer role in determining which schools qualify for GI Bill dollars. Joining me to explain how those changes could better protect veterans before harm occurs is Vice President for Veterans and Military Policy at Veterans Education Success, Will Hubbard.

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From the battlefield to the benefits system: how government decisions during war echo long after service ends

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 11 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

At stake in the Bagram bombing case is whether contractors retain broad immunity when supporting military operations and how much legal distance the government can place between itself and the work it assigns. The outcome could shape how the Defense Department handles oversight and risk‑sharing in future conflicts. I talked with Lisa Himes, of counsel with Rogers Joseph O’Donnell.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, May 11, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 11 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

From the battlefield to the benefits system: how government decisions during war echo long after service ends
Veterans have seen this story before and they’re paying close attention to what comes next
Congress is heading into a busy legislative stretch, even as larger questions hang over its future

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most IRS staff involuntarily detailed to taxpayer services put on extended tour of duty

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 08 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

IRS employees temporarily reassigned to cover frontline work during this year’s filing season will stay on these assignments a while longer. The agency is asking IT and human resources staff to stay on temporary details for another 120 days. Most impacted staff have been in training and are now addressing a backlog of amended tax returns. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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Native-American firms raise alarm bells over 8(a) program delays

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 08 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The number of contract awards to 8(a) small businesses are down across the government. But Native American, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian-owned companies are feeling the brunt of the downturn. The Small Business Administration also has slowed down the approval of new applications to the 8(a) program. SBA hasn’t processed an application since August. All of these concerns drove the Native American Contractors Association to finally speak up about the impact of the Trump administration’s actions on their communities. For more on this latest in a growing number of concerns about the 8(a) program, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.

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You can buy better tools, but that alone won’t get you to perfect cyber security

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 08 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Cyber spending often focuses on new platforms and advanced defenses. But experience shows those investments fall short when organizational practices, training and accountability don’t evolve alongside them. Here with a perspective on why people remain central to effective cyber security is Senior Director, Civilian Experience and Policy Research at ForsMarsh, Nicole Togno. Cyber spending often focuses on new platforms and advanced defenses. But experience shows those investments fall short when organizational practices, training, and accountability don’t evolve alongside them. Here with a perspective on why people remain central to effective cyber security is Senior Director, Civilian Experience and Policy Research at ForsMarsh, Nicole Togno.

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What does the FCC have to do with cyber security?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 08 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

From emergency alerts to disaster communications, the systems that keep the public informed depend on secure communications networks. Here to explain how the FCC is approaching cybersecurity through the lens of public safety and why preparedness matters as much as regulation is Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission, Zenji Nakazawa.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, May 8, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 08 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

What does the FCC have to do with cyber security?
You can buy better tools, but that alone won’t get you to perfect cyber security

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DoD strikes deals with major tech firms to deploy AI on classified networks

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Defense Department has struck deals with some of the nation’s largest technology companies to deploy their advanced artificial intelligence capabilities on its classified networks. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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CISA tells critical organizations to prepare for cyber outages

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is urging water, power and other critical infrastructure organizations to prepare to operate without internet and other technology services. That’s the overarching goal of a new initiative unveiled by CISA this week. The agency says organizations need to be prepared to operate through IT outages and other challenges during a geopolitical crisis. For more, Federal News Network Justin Doubleday joins me.

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Customer experience modernization sounds straightforward, until agencies try to execute it

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Federal leaders are under growing pressure to improve how the public experiences government, even as they manage compliance, security and aging systems. We'll explore where agencies are encountering the most friction and what’s helping them move from intent to execution with general manager for U.S. federal government at Granicus, John Boerstler.

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A new executive order makes fixed‑price, performance‑based contracts the default across the federal government

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A new executive order makes fixed‑price, performance‑based contracts the default across the federal government, requiring extra justification and senior approval when agencies want to do something else. That shift could reshape how contracting officers plan, justify and manage major programs, according to Senior Fellow at the George Mason University Baroni Center for Government Contracting, Emily Murphy.

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Public Service Recognition Week often thanks people for what they do. This year, one national effort is asking how the country understands public service

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

At a moment when trust in government is closely tied to how work actually gets done, the National Academy of Public Administration is treating recognition as more than a ceremony. We’ll talk about why NAPA is making “Celebrating the American Public Servant” a year‑long effort and what they’re learning about durability, trust, and service across every level of government with James‑Christian Blockwood, president and CEO of the Academy.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, May 7, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Public Service Recognition Week often thanks people for what they do. This year, one national effort is asking something harder: how the country understands public service in the first place
A new executive order makes fixed‑price, performance‑based contracts the default across the federal government
Customer experience modernization sounds straightforward, until agencies try to execute it

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

OPM rolls out AI tool to develop position descriptions

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 06 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Federal hiring managers will soon have a new tech resource at their disposal. The Office of Personnel Management has just rolled out “USA Class.” It’s an AI tool that can generate federal position descriptions. With the new resource, OPM is hoping it can relieve some hiring burdens for HR staff. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Amid hiring push, State Dept finalizes hundreds layoffs initiated last summer

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 06 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The State Department has concluded its widespread reduction in force nearly a year after it began. The department is officially separating hundreds of Foreign Service officers who received reduction in force notices last summer. The department tried to part ways with these employees before, but has kept on paid administrative leave since July 2025. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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A conversation with a 2026 Sammies awardee whose federal research reshaped an entire industry

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 06 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A Sammies award this year recognizes USDA research that improved animal health and food productivity through genetics. Dr. Paul VanRaden joins us to explain how long‑term public investment delivered results for the dairy industry and for the broader public.

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Public Service Recognition Week comes at an uneasy moment for the federal workforce, after cuts, restructuring and tighter performance rules

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 06 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Public Service Recognition Week is usually about gratitude. This year, it follows workforce reductions, sharper accountability rules, and renewed debates about capacity and morale. Scott Kupor says recognition, in this moment, is less about ceremony and more about how the government expects people to do their jobs.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, May 6, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 06 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Public Service Recognition Week comes at an uneasy moment for the federal workforce after cuts, restructuring and tighter performance rules. So what does “recognition” actually mean right now?
For a lot of employees, recognition isn’t about awards, it’s about trust, respect and whether their work still matters day to day
A conversation with a 2026 Sammies awardee whose federal research reshaped an entire industry

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Bureau of Consular Affairs rethinks customer service as passport applications surge

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 05 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

At the State Department, a growing demand for passports has led the Bureau of Consular Affairs to rethink its customer experience strategy. In 2025, the bureau issued more than 27 million passport books and cards. That’s a one-year record. Matt Pierce is the deputy assistant secretary of State for passports. As he told Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman, the department is managing to hold processing times at record lows – despite that record volume.

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GAO would need to cut 1,000 employees under House bill

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 05 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Government Accountability Office is facing a budget cut from House appropriators for the second year in a row. GAO would need to cut roughly 1,000 jobs under a bill being advanced in the House Appropriations Committee. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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Public Service Recognition Week is about honoring federal work as it exists now, this year’s Sammies tell that story in a different way

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 05 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Public Service Recognition Week is often about celebration, but it also serves as a moment to reflect honestly on how federal work is actually being done. This year, the Partnership for Public Service narrowed the Sammies awards to just four recipients. Michelle Amante joins me to talk about why that matters and what these awardees represent about public service right now.

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For some new retirees, the paperwork may be done, but the money still hasn’t arrived

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 05 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Thousands of federal employees retired at the end of the last fiscal year expecting a smooth transition, only to find themselves waiting months for their first retirement payment. That delay can turn careful planning into real stress, especially when questions about savings, TSP withdrawals and Medicare decisions all come at once. Federal retirement expert Tammy Flanagan is here with wise advice on how retirees can steady themselves when the timeline doesn't go as planned.

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An IBM settlement is reshaping how contractors look at DEI compliance

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 05 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A recent settlement involving IBM has drawn broad attention across the federal contracting community, drawing attention well beyond the specifics of a single company. For many contractors, the case raises questions about how workplace initiatives intersect with long‑standing employment and contracting rules. Joining me with more details is Sheila Abron, Partner at Fisher Phillips and Chair of the Firm’s Government Contracting, Compliance, and Reporting Practice Group.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, May 5, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 05 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

An IBM settlement is reshaping how contractors look at DEI compliance
For some new retirees, the paperwork may be done, but the money still hasn’t arrived
Public Service Recognition Week is about honoring federal work as it exists now, this year’s Sammies tell that story in a different way

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Space Force moves Air Force reservists into part-time Guardian roles

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 04 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Space Force is getting ready to bring part-timers into its force as it continues to build a personnel model radically different from other services. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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Suspended EPA employees allege retaliation, whistleblower violations

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 04 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

More than 100 Environmental Protection Agency employees were disciplined last year, after signing a “declaration of dissent.” Many of those employees are now pursuing formal legal remedies, alleging unlawful retaliation. Here with the latest, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Why some of Congress’ biggest fights don’t really end when the gavel comes down

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 04 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In Washington, a vote doesn’t always mean resolution. In some of the biggest congressional fights, decisions can leave everyone bruised, with new conflicts already taking shape. WTOP Capitol Hill Correspondent Mitchell Miller joins us with a look at what Congress has settled and what it hasn’t.

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In government, offering your best professional advice doesn’t guarantee it will be taken or that it will be risk‑free

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 04 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Federal News Network has been reporting on the fallout from EPA’s decision to discipline employees who signed a declaration of dissent. Now, we’re turning to how that call was made, despite internal warnings about legal risk. It highlights a familiar tension across government: what happens to career expertise when agency leaders choose another path. Here to discuss his reporting on this issue is Kevin Bogardus from E&E News.

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Congress already strips pensions for some crimes, a new bill would expand the list

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 04 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Under current law, Members convicted of certain corruption offenses can forfeit their pensions, while other serious misconduct is treated differently. A bipartisan bill aims to close those gaps by including violent crimes and sexual misconduct involving staff. Supporters say the goal is accountability, not punishment by press release. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, who co‑sponsored the bill, joins me now.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Monday, May 4, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 04 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on 'The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton'

Congress already strips pensions for some crimes, a new bill would expand the list
In government, offering your best professional advice doesn’t guarantee it will be taken or that it will be risk‑free
A vote doesn’t always bring closure on Capitol Hill, why some of Congress’s biggest fights don’t really end when the gavel comes down

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Navy sets date for all employees to incorporate AI tools

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 01 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Department of the Navy is one the biggest users of the Defense Department’s Gen AI.mil platform. The Navy designated the generative artificial intelligence tool as an enterprise service in just five days after evaluating it. It also told all employees to use it for controlled unclassified information and Impact Level 5 (IL5) data by April 30 or yesterday. But just giving sailors, marines and civilians access to the large language models and saying “use it” without any training is not a recipe for success. For more on how the DON is ensuring its employees are gaining real benefits from AI tools, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me with details.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal job applicants can’t skip ‘loyalty question’ that OPM says is optional, court filings claim

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 01 May 2026 11:30:00 -0000

New essay questions on many federal job applications asking candidates how they would advance the Trump administration’s policies, are optional, according to the Office of Personnel Management. Unions challenging the questions in a lawsuit say many job applicants can’t skip over the essays and can’t submit their applications without answering them. The questions are appearing on a growing number of federal job applications. 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.

How shared experience plays a role in helping people reset under sustained stress

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 01 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Sustained stress is a reality for many veterans, first responders and federal employees. New data from the Veteran Tickets Foundation looks at how shared live experiences help people reset and reconnect, particularly when formal systems move slowly or unevenly. Federal News Network's Eric White caught up with Chief Strategy Officer for Veteran Tickets Foundation, Steve Weintraub, to get more insight.

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Markets have felt shaky for months, but the returns tell a very different story

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 01 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Markets have been noisy for months. But when you look past daily swings, many TSP funds are firmly in positive territory, highlighting the gap between headline volatility and how markets actually price information. Certified Financial Planner Art Stein is here to help explain the disconnect and how investors should respond.

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A court ruling protected the Institute for Museum and Library Services, but the fight isn’t over

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 01 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A federal court has blocked administrative efforts to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services. But the administration’s latest budget proposal would eliminate its funding anyway, putting legal clarity and budget reality on different tracks. Joining me to walk through what the ruling does, what it doesn’t, and what happens next is President of the American Libraries Association, Sam Helmick.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, May 1, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 01 May 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A court ruling protected the Institute for Museum and Library Services, but the fight isn’t over
Markets have felt shaky for months, but the returns tell a very different story
How shared experience plays a role in helping people reset under sustained stress

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