The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Is SBA moving the small business contracting goal posts?

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

Nearly seven months into the fiscal year, the Small Business Administration is considering moving the small business contracting goal posts for agencies. In a document sent to agencies in March, SBA detailed several new factors it will consider as it grades agency efforts to contract with small businesses. For more on this new methodology and why SBA's plans are causing concern among small business experts and on Capitol Hill, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me to discuss.

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TSA advances ‘GoldPlus’ privatization plan

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

The Transportation Security Administration has quietly been advancing big changes to the private contractor security screening program. TSA says the goal is innovation and a better passenger experience. It comes against the backdrop of Trump administration efforts to privatize more TSA operations. For the latest, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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Two Pentagon workforce decisions are raising new concerns about capacity and consent

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

Congressional scrutiny of the Department of Defense’s clearance backlogs comes as the Pentagon again asks civilian employees to volunteer for temporary immigration‑support deployments. Together, the moves highlight growing strain on the defense civilian workforce and the systems that support it. We’ll unpack both with Dan Meyer, national security partner at Tully Rinckey.

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The outcome of one lawsuit could shape how future FBI investigations are handled

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

Three former FBI agents fired last fall are now bringing a class‑action lawsuit, arguing their removals crossed a line with consequences beyond their own cases. What the legal challenge could mean for agents working controversial investigations and for the Bureau itself is the focus of our conversation with former FBI agent David Sundberg.

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A new strategic plan signals how the Office of Special Counsel sees its responsibilities evolving over the next five years

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

The Office of Special Counsel occupies a complicated place in the federal system; part protector, part enforcer and increasingly, a test of trust for career employees. As demand rises and scrutiny intensifies, OSC is formally defining how it sees that role over the next five years. My guest is Charles Baldis, senior counsel and designee to the acting special counsel at the Office of Special Counsel.

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

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

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A new strategic plan signals how the Office of Special Counsel sees its responsibilities evolving over the next five years
The outcome of one lawsuit could shape how future FBI investigations are handled
Two Pentagon workforce decisions are raising new concerns about capacity and consent

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

OPM and GSA embark on plans to consolidate headquarters

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

The federal government’s landlord and its human resources office are embarking on plans to share the same headquarters. The Office of Personnel Management and the General Services Administration are moving together under one roof. This is the latest example of agencies in the Washington, D.C. area moving out of headquarters that aren’t meeting minimum occupancy requirements recently set by law. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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With the federal workforce at a 15-year low, some agencies are looking to hire

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

After major staffing reductions under the Trump administration, the federal workforce is at a 15-year low. But now, some agencies are reversing course and talking again about expanding recruitment opportunities. That comes as administration officials are also pushing for hiring reforms, like technical assessments and pooled recruitment. For the latest on agency hiring prospects, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman sat down with vice president of government affairs at the Partnership for Public Service, Jenny Mattingley.

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A major environmental decision is now locked in, with lingering questions about the process behind it

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

The National Nuclear Security Administration has finalized a site‑wide environmental impact statement for Los Alamos, shaping the lab’s path for years to come. Reviewers say the process raises important questions about how impacts were evaluated and what assumptions were made and how those choices may ripple through future oversight and planning. Joining me to explain where process missteps might affect future implementation is Dr. Dylan Spaulding, a senior scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

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Quantum computing is a national priority, but who’s actually in charge?

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

The federal government’s national strategy for quantum computing lays out broad goals, but a new GAO review finds gaps in coordination, accountability, and performance measurement across agencies. We’ll walk through what’s missing and what updating the strategy could change with Candace Wright, director for science, technology assessment, and analytics at the Government Accountability Office.

Read the report here: https://files.gao.gov/reports/GAO-26-107759/index.html?_gl=1*1u44tf*_ga*MTc1Mjk3OTI1MC4xNzQ2NjUwOTc0*_ga_V393SNS3SR*czE3NzQ2MjcyOTMkbzQ4JGcwJHQxNzc0NjI3MzAyJGo1MSRsMCRoMA..

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

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

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The real challenge with AI and advanced computing is closing the gap between where the technology exists and who can actually use it
Quantum computing is a national priority, but who’s actually in charge?
A major environmental decision is now locked in, with lingering questions about the process behind it

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

The real challenge with AI and advanced computing is closing the gap between where the technology exists and who can actually use it

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

Advanced computing and AI are reshaping nearly every sector, but access to those capabilities remains uneven. The National Science Foundation is launching a new effort aimed at broadening who can use advanced computing. Dr. Erwin Gianchandani joins me from the National Science Foundation.

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Marine Corps looks to AI and cloud services in effort to accelerate delivery to warfighters

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

The challenge of delivering capabilities to warfighters at a faster rate is hardly a new problem for the Defense Department. But with the rise of artificial intelligence and cloud services, there may be no better opportunity to shift the timetable and accelerate delivery. For more on how at least the Marine Corps is cutting down the time it takes to deliver capabilities, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller talked to David Raley, the chief digital business officer of the Marine Corps Community Services, about a platform that is cutting down the time to delivery to as little as 15 minutes.

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OMB looks to hold agencies accountable for how they buy commercial items

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

For perhaps the first time since the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act became law in 1994, the Office of Management and Budget is holding agencies accountable for how they buy commercial items. What’s different now is that OMB wants agencies to prove they’re meeting the spirit and intent, not just the letter, of the law. For more on how OMB is raising the bar, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.

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Sometimes even a solid argument isn’t enough to save a bid protest

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

The Court of Federal Claims agreed that the Navy mishandled affiliate past performance in a major procurement, then rejected the protest on procedural grounds. The Noblis decision is a cautionary tale about record discipline, expert evidence and the limits of post‑hoc fixes. Here to walk us through the case is Zach Prince, partner at Haynes Boone.

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Political transitions test how disciplined contractors really are about risk, compliance and decision‑making

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

Periods immediately after an election are often defined less by new rules than by unanswered questions. For government contractors, that uncertainty can create real legal, contractual, and operational risk long before policies change. Joining me to talk about how contractors can prepare for political transitions without overcorrecting is partner at Jenner and Block, David Robbins.

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Budgets don’t just fund programs. They tell the workforce—and industry—what the government values most

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

Looking at the president’s defense budget request, the story isn’t just how much money is there, but what the administration is asking the Pentagon to lean into. Meanwhile, shutdown‑related delays at DHS are testing contractor resilience in real time. Jim Carroll, CEO of the Professional Services Council, joins us to walk through the real world impacts.

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

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

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Budgets don’t just fund programs. They tell the workforce and industry what the government values most
Political transitions test how disciplined contractors really are about risk, compliance and decision‑making
Sometimes even a solid argument isn’t enough to save a bid protest

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

Forest Service plans to carry out major reorganization with or without approval from Congress

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

The Forest Service is defending its plan to relocate its headquarters out West and shutter most of its research facilities, as part of a major agency reorganization. The agency is looking to move its headquarters to Salt Lake City, Utah and close all of its regional offices. The agency is making its case to Congress, but says it will proceed with these plans with or without approval from lawmakers. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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DHS officials warn about growing shutdown backlogs

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

The Department of Homeland Security has now been in a shutdown for more than two months. DHS officials are warning Congress about growing backlog of contracts, cancelled planning activities, and more impacts as the shutdown drags on. For the latest, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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The rising cost of security is reshaping who can run for office and how campaigns operate

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

Running for federal office now comes with security costs that were once rare and those costs are rising fast. A new analysis looks at how the growing need for personal and digital security is changing who can realistically run for office, and how campaigns operate behind the scenes. We’ll talk through what that shift means for access, participation, and the health of democratic institutions, with Justin Sherman of the Public Service Alliance.

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Congress is often treated like an abstract institution, but it’s also a workplace, with real security pressures and family realities

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

Behind the scenes on Capitol Hill, concerns about personal safety, logistics and family well‑being shape how members and staff experience the job day to day. We’ll take a practical look at how those very human factors affect focus, capacity, and the ability to do sustained legislative work. Danielle Stewart from the POPVOX Foundation joins me.

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Congress is building a path to resolution for DHS — even as it opens the next appropriations cycle

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

DHS remains the only federal agency operating without a finalized 2026 appropriations bill, leaving Congress to rely on an unusually intricate reconciliation process to reach an outcome. All of this is happening as lawmakers begin shaping 2027 spending plans, layering urgency onto an already stalled debate. We’ll walk through the implications with Capitol Hill Correspondent for WTOP, Mitchell Miller.

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

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

Coming up on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Congress is building a path to resolution for DHS, even as it opens the next appropriations cycle
Congress is often treated like an abstract institution, but it’s also a workplace, with real security pressures and family realities
The rising cost of security is reshaping who can run for office — and how campaigns operate

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

OPM adds cybersecurity jobs to Tech Force hiring program

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

The Trump administration is widening its lens for recruiting technologists to the federal workforce. The Office of Personnel Management has just expanded the Tech Force hiring program to include opportunities for cybersecurity specialists. Here with the latest, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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DoD seeks to curb high military spouse unemployment with expanded hiring flexibilities

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

The White House has set a goal to reduce military spouse unemployment by 5%, but there is only so much it can do since it significantly scaled back federal hiring. Now, the Defense Department is stepping in with new efforts to address the issue. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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ARPA‑H’s “1 Cure” program is betting that smarter design can expand cancer care to more people, faster

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

The promise of ARPA‑H isn’t just speed, but intention, building ambitious research programs around patient impact rather than hype. One of its newest efforts aims to make cancer treatment simpler, more accessible, and easier to deploy. Here to explain the vision behind “1 Cure,” is the Program Manager Dr. Wilfred Ngwa.

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A new digital catalog is changing how the public can engage with America’s overseas war memorials and records

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

For decades, the American Battle Monuments Commission has served as guardian of U.S. military cemeteries and memorials around the world. A new online catalog now extends that mission by making records and collections accessible far beyond those physical sites. We’ll look at who benefits most and what this access makes possible with Charlotte Meunier, museum curator for the American Battle Monuments Commission.

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

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

Coming up on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A new digital catalog is changing how the public can engage with America’s overseas war memorials and records
ARPA‑H’s “1 Cure” program is betting that smarter design can expand cancer care to more people, faster

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

CISA spikes CyberCorps internships amid shutdown

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

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency will not offer internships to CyberCorps Scholarship for Service students this summer due to the government shutdown. It’s the second year in a row CISA has withdrawn the internships. But the Office of Personnel Management is rolling out new cybersecurity job opportunities this week. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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‘Less people and better results:’ IRS CEO says filing season goals met after 27% staffing cut

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

The IRS is touting its performance during this year’s filing season as evidence that it can still carry out its tax duties despite losing more than a quarter of its workforce under the Trump administration. The agency’s top official says technology improvements at the IRS are making it easier for taxpayers to get help online and that it’s seen a year-over-year decrease in phone calls. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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A big refund feels good, but getting more of your money throughout the year may feel better

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

Many federal employees treat tax refunds as a bonus, even though they reflect pay that could have arrived earlier with different planning. In a moment when many families are reassessing work, finances, and long‑term decisions like college, timing and strategy matter. Here to help feds think through both is president of Armed Forces Mutual, Mike Meese.

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A proposed federal personnel shift could chill whistleblowers long before anyone gets fired

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

As agencies begin reclassifying parts of the federal workforce to Schedule Policy/career, the Project on Government Oversight warns that shifts in the rules may carry real consequences for whistleblowers. Their analysis argues Congress, not agencies is the key backstop for ensuring protections apply regardless of classification. Here to walk us through the risks is Joe Spielberger, Senior policy counsel at the POGO.

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Many former federal employees are navigating the job market for the first time in years and finding that networking looks different

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

Many former federal employees are navigating the job market for the first time in years, only to find that the rules around hiring and networking have shifted. Research suggests the process feels more transactional, but that doesn’t mean experience and competence no longer matter. Helping us make sense of the new normal is managing director of business intelligence at Express Employment International, Stephanie Miller.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Thursday, April 16, 2026

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

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Many former federal employees are navigating the job market for the first time in years and finding that networking looks and feels different than they remember
A proposed federal personnel shift could chill whistleblowers long before anyone gets fired
A big refund feels good, but getting more of your money throughout the year may feel better

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

House Democrats deepen investigation into federal retirement delays

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

House Democrats are doubling down on their investigation into the Trump administration’s management of the government’s retirement processing system. That comes as some federal retirees remain without annuities months after submitting their applications. Here with the latest, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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OMB: ERM going from compliance exercise to management tool

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

When the Office of Management and Budget decided to remove the specific section on enterprise risk management from Circular A-123, Eric Ueland, the deputy director for management, received some direct feedback. For more on why Ueland says the ERM community’s unhappiness with OMB’s decision is overblown, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now with details.

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GAO finds most of the Pentagon’s joint bases are falling short of facility sustainment goals, raising new questions about readiness and accountability

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

The Defense Department’s joint bases were created to improve efficiency and readiness, but sustaining those facilities has proven uneven. A new GAO report finds most joint bases are funded below sustainment goals, with limited visibility into how resources are allocated and lingering disputes over who pays for what. To walk through the findings and what they mean for readiness, we’re joined by Alissa Czyz, Director of Defense Capabilities and Management at the Government Accountability Office.

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As the Department of Labor faces scrutiny over fraud and oversight, its new IG is bringing a law‑enforcement mindset to the job

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

From unemployment insurance to workforce programs, the stakes for fraud oversight at Labor remain high. The department’s inspector general says his law‑enforcement experience influences how he prioritizes cases and assesses risk. Anthony D’Esposito, the DOL IG, joins me now to discuss his approach to this important work.

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

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

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

As the Department of Labor faces intense scrutiny over fraud and oversight, its new inspector general is bringing a law‑enforcement mindset to the job
GAO finds most of the Pentagon’s joint bases are falling short of facility sustainment goals, raising new questions about readiness and accountability

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

Navy takes big steps to reduce it sprawling IT networks

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

For the Navy, consolidating and reducing its sprawling IT networks has been a decades‑long effort. But in recent years, the pace has picked up. Starting from several thousand networks, the service expects to be down to fewer than 100 by next year. Scott St. Pierre, the Navy’s director of enterprise networks and cybersecurity, spoke with Federal News Network’s Jared Serbu at our recent DoD Modernization Exchange.

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CDC eases telework restrictions for disabled employees, as HHS faces 9,000-request backlog

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is giving employees with disabilities more flexibility to telework as a reasonable accommodation. CDC supervisors will once again be able to grant telework as an interim reasonable accommodation, while employees wait for final approval from the Department of Health and Human Services. HHS rolled out a new policy last year that strictly limited medical telework. 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.

Big ideas and big missions still live or die on budgets and contracts, and this year’s request raises questions

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

While agencies talk about modernizing data practices and accelerating research, the President’s budget request reveals where execution pressure is likely to land first. From FY27 funding priorities to what Artemis II showed about how complex missions really get done, we’ll break down what matters most for agencies and contractors with Stephanie Kostro, president of the Professional Services Council.

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

As federal agencies rethink how data moves, they’re also rethinking how ideas move, especially from the lab to policymakers

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

This week, early‑career scientists will step up to a microphone and have three minutes to explain their research to policymakers, without jargon and with only one slide. The National Lab Research SLAM is designed to move ideas out of the lab and into federal decision‑making faster. Here to tell us what to watch as it gets underway is Antonya Sanders from Los Alamos National Laboratory.

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

New technology is changing how federal agencies use personal data and this week, new tools aim to show what responsible use should really look like

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

From cross‑agency data sharing to AI‑driven analysis, federal programs now rely on personal information in ways the Privacy Act never fully anticipated. As new APDU resources roll out this week, they aim to clarify how data actually moves, where risks emerge, and what reasonable expectations should look like today. Bethanne Barnes from the Association of Public Data Users joins me to walk through those challenges.

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, April 14, 2026

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

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

New technology is changing how federal agencies use personal data and this week, new tools aim to show what responsible use should really look like
As federal agencies rethink how data moves, they’re also rethinking how ideas move, especially from the lab to policymakers
Big ideas and big missions still live or die on budgets and contracts, and this year’s request raises some important questions about execution

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

AI poses urgent challenges to how agencies handle CUI

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

Agencies have long struggled to manage so-called controlled unclassified information, or CUI. Now artificial intelligence is posing new and urgent challenges to how agencies handle, share and protect that sensitive information. But federal executives also see opportunities to use AI to modernize their approach to CUI. 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 government paid $4.5 billion to feds who took the DRP, one estimate shows

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

The government paid an estimated $4.5 billion for federal employees not to work under the deferred resignation offer last year. The calculation comes from a new data report from the Partnership for Public Service. The organization’s report calculates other cost expenditures, all tied back to the Trump administration’s overhauls to the federal workforce. 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.

Artificial intelligence may offer federal financial managers something they’ve long lacked: real visibility across programs and payments

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

Instead of another systems overhaul, a new IBM Center report zeroes in on how metadata and AI can illuminate relationships across federal financial operations. That added visibility, the research argues, could help agencies spot improper payments and fraud much earlier in the process. Here to walk us through the key insights is executive director of the IBM Center for the Business of Government, Dan Chenok.

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

Apportionments rarely make headlines, but they play a decisive role in how Congress’s funding decisions are actually carried out

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

Apportionments are a core but often overlooked part of how congressional funding decisions are implemented across the executive branch. A new analysis highlights how deviations from historical or statutory patterns can create downstream risks for agencies, programs, and oversight. Breaking down what to watch for is Cerin Lindgrensavage, counsel at Protect Democracy.

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After a two‑week recess, Congress is back in Washington with a crowded spring agenda and several unfinished fights waiting on the Hill

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

Lawmakers return to Capitol Hill this week facing pressure to move stalled legislation, navigate internal party tensions and make progress on must‑pass items before the calendar tightens further. We’ll walk through what’s realistically at the top of Congress’s agenda now that members are back in town, with Loren Duggan from Bloomberg Government.

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

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

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

After a two‑week recess, Congress is back in Washington with a crowded spring agenda and several unfinished fights waiting on the Hill
Apportionments rarely make headlines, but they play a decisive role in how Congress’s funding decisions are actually carried out. New analysis is drawing attention to patterns that warrant closer oversight
Artificial intelligence may offer federal financial managers something they’ve long lacked: real visibility across programs and payments

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After a nearly a decade, GSA on track to fully implement TDR

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

One of Ed Forst’s first priorities as GSA administrator has been finishing what’s been years in the making. In his first 100 days on the job, Forst moved to implement Transactional Data Reporting across all multiple award schedule contracts. To explain what that expansion means for agencies and vendors, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.

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White House seeks $17.5 billion for Golden Dome, but most funding hinges on reconciliation

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

The Trump administration’s Golden Dome missile defense system could receive $17.5 billion in fiscal 2027 after it received a $23 billion down payment last summer. But almost the entire sum hinges on another reconciliation bill. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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Health‑coverage decisions in retirement can shape when and how federal retirees tap their money

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

Once federal employees leave service, decisions about FEHB and Medicare quickly intersect with how they draw income from the TSP. Those choices are easier to manage when they’re coordinated rather than made in isolation. Joining us to connect the dots is federal retirement expert Tammy Flanagan, principal at RetireFederal.

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The Washington DC metro region continues to stand out for regional job losses and new Brookings data shows the recovery still hasn’t materialized

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

New data from Brookings shows the Greater Washington region is still losing ground on jobs, raising questions about how economic systems tied to federal work are adapting or failing to over time. The region is responding strategically, but so far, those responses haven’t translated into measurable improvement. Here to explain what’s happening beneath the surface is Tracy Loh, fellow at the Brookings Institution.

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Artemis II is showing how federal education and operational experience come together in space

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

Several Artemis team members bring military and academic backgrounds that reflect a long‑term federal investment in advanced education. Observers say the mission highlights how institutions like the Naval Postgraduate School translate classroom learning into real‑world mission execution. Joining us from mission control in Housing is science writer with the Naval Postgraduate School, Dan Linehan.

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

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

Coming up on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Artemis II is showing how federal education and operational experience come together in space
The Washington DC metro region continues to stand out for regional job losses and new Brookings data shows the recovery still hasn’t materialized
Health‑coverage decisions in retirement can shape when and how federal retirees tap their money

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

TSA budget cuts jobs in privatization push

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

The Trump administration wants to start privatizing more airport security screening operations. The White House’s 2027 budget request would cut jobs at the Transportation Security Administration and shift much of that funding to private screening contractors . For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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Political appointments surging, career SES workforce shrinking under Trump 2.0

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

The federal government currently has both the largest political workforce and the lowest levels of senior career leaders in decades. A new report finds that there are now more political appointees in place under the Trump administration, than any other modern U.S. president. At the same time, senior career leadership staffing has gone down 30%. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Small businesses are navigating one of the most turbulent federal contracting environments in decades and the SBA Office of Advocacy is here to help

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

The Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy has released its first‑year report examining how small businesses are responding to rapid shifts in federal contracting and regulatory policy. The findings highlight both strain and adaptation as firms adjust to changing rules and agency practices. We’ll walk through what stood out and what comes next with Chip Bishop, Deputy Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the Small Business Administration.

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HUD’s first‑year reset on fair‑housing guidance is reshaping how landlords, owners, and local governments navigate federal housing rules

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

HUD’s decision to withdraw long‑standing fair housing guidance is changing how landlords, developers and local governments interpret their federal obligations, even as the underlying law remains the same. The move is raising new questions about compliance, enforcement and how much certainty housing providers can rely on as policy priorities shift. Helping us make sense of that landscape is Gwen Roy Harrison, a principal at Offit Kurman.

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GSA spent a $100 million on building studies, but an IG audit found the agency lacked a consistent way to track whether that work informed decisions

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

Over a five‑year period, GSA’s Public Buildings Service obligated more than $100 million for building studies, but a new inspector general audit finds the agency lacked a consistent way to track those studies or whether their recommendations informed decisions. We’ll break down what the audit examined, what it found, and what GSA has been asked to fix with Michelle Westrup and Brian Gibson from the GSA Office of Inspector General.

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

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

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

GSA spent more than $100 million on building studies, but an inspector general audit found the agency lacked a consistent way to track whether that work informed decisions
HUD’s first‑year reset on fair‑housing guidance is reshaping how landlords, owners, and local governments navigate federal housing rules
Small businesses are navigating one of the most turbulent federal contracting environments in decades and the SBA Office of Advocacy is here to help

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

DoD still failing to properly mark CUI data years after initial audit

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

The Defense Department is once again facing scrutiny over how it handles sensitive but unclassified information, after a new watchdog review found that widespread problems identified years ago remain unresolved. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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After DOGE-era cuts, GSA resumes hiring, scrutinizes in-office attendance for employees

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

The General Services Administration, a former hub of activity for the Department of Government Efficiency is looking to hire hundreds of employees after facing deep workforce cuts last year. The agency’s top leader is also taking on a second job as the acting head of the National Archives and Records Administration. And for its current workforce, GSA is asking employees to provide a daily check-in on where they’re working. For a look at all of this, we’re joined by Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman.

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DOGE’s Medicaid data experiment adds a new player to healthcare fraud enforcement: the public

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

By releasing a sweeping Medicaid claims dataset, DOGE is testing whether broader public analysis can complement government fraud investigations. The move raises questions about accuracy, accountability and whether this approach is scalable or sustainable. I'll walk through the pros and cons with John Barry, senior counsel at Epstein Becker Green.

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From AI to DEI to national security, congressional oversight is widening and more agencies are being asked to explain how decisions get made

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

Congress may be struggling to pass legislation, but it’s not slowing down when it comes to oversight. Investigations in 2026 are moving faster, stretching wider, and pulling in companies, universities, and nonprofits that may not see themselves as obvious targets. Joining me to break down what’s driving this moment and what smart preparation really looks like is Partner at Morgan Lewis, Amanda Robinson.

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Federal transparency has improved on paper—but GAO says key gaps still undermine accountability and program integrity

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

Congress and federal agencies have taken steps to improve transparency around spending and programs, but GAO says persistent gaps continue to limit oversight, efficiency and program integrity. From incomplete spending data to FOIA backlogs and missing program inventories, these weaknesses carry real operational consequences. To explain where transparency efforts are falling short and what would make the biggest difference, we’re joined by Jeff Arkin, Director of Strategic Issues at the Government Accountability Office.

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

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

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Federal transparency has improved on paper—but GAO says key gaps still undermine accountability and program integrity
From AI to DEI to national security, congressional oversight is widening and more agencies are being asked to explain how decisions get made
DOGE’s Medicaid data experiment adds a new player to healthcare fraud enforcement, the public

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

White House asks for record $75.7B for civilian agency IT

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

The departments of Justice, Veterans Affairs and Treasury are among the biggest winners when it comes to increasing their technology budgets for 2027. These and a handful of other civilian agencies are driving the Trump administration’s record $75.7 billion IT request for next year. Here with more details and analysis of the 2027 IT budget request for civilian agencies, is Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller.

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Trump’s 2027 budget request doubles down on agency reorganizations panned by Congress

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

The Trump administration is once again pursuing deep spending cuts for federal civilian agencies, as part of its budget request for next year. Overall it’s proposing a 10% cut to nondefense discretionary spending. The White House is also doubling down on reorganization plans that Congress ignored in a comprehensive spending plans for this year. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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The administration’s new cyber strategy bets that coordination, not regulation drives better security outcomes

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

More than 80% of U.S. critical infrastructure is owned by the private sector, putting public‑private collaboration at the center of the administration’s Cyber Strategy for America. We’ll examine what that partnership needs to look like in practice with John Miller of the Information Technology Industry Council.

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The CAS Board is carrying out a congressional mandate with comments now open

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

The Board’s proposal implements 2026 NDAA language aimed at simplifying CAS without losing oversight. With comments due soon, agencies and contractors are weighing how the rule reshapes compliance, audits, and long‑term contract management. We'll walk through the proposed rule and what happens next, with Dan Ramish, a partner at Haynes Boone.

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OMB’s latest IT memo echoes years of policy, but signals some important shifts agencies can’t ignore

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

OMB memo M‑26‑10 revisits familiar themes around CIO authority and IT governance, but with sharper expectations for transparency, reporting, and shared responsibility. The question now is what agencies are expected to do differently and how this guidance changes day‑to‑day decision‑making for federal IT leaders. Here to walk us through the key points of the memo is former GSA Administrator and Senior Fellow at George Mason University’s Baroni Center for Government Contracting, Emily Murphy.

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

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

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

OMB’s latest IT memo echoes years of policy, but signals some important shifts agencies can’t ignore
The CAS Board is carrying out a congressional mandate with comments now open
The administration’s new cyber strategy bets that coordination, not regulation, drives better security outcomes

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

White House budget proposal silent on civilian federal pay raise

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

The odds are not in federal employees’ favor for getting a pay raise next year. The White House’s budget request does not include any mention of a 2027 raise for civilian workers. That’s in contrast with a proposed raise of up to 7 percent for military members. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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White House seeks 5%–7% military pay raise in 2027 budget request

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

The White House is proposing a significant military pay raise as part of its massive $1.5 trillion defense budget request. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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Federal government shutdowns have become routine, but their impact on public safety is anything but routine

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

Shutdowns are no longer rare events, and law‑enforcement leaders say that recurring uncertainty creates real risks for public safety agencies that rely on continuity and trust. The National Police Association is throwing its support behind the Eliminate Shutdowns Act as a way to break that cycle. Joining me to discuss why predictability matters so much for policing and public safety operations is Spokesperson for the National Police Association, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith.

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Year after year, the same financial weaknesses keep showing up in the government’s books

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

Another year, another GAO audit unable to certify the federal government’s financial statements. The latest report points to persistent problems that agencies and Congress have struggled to fix, despite targeted improvements in some areas. Joining us to explain what’s stuck and what could change is Dawn Simpson from GAO.

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The President’s budget landed on Capitol Hill last week, but left plenty of unanswered questions

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

The President’s budget proposal sets the stage, but much of the action is happening elsewhere on Capitol Hill. We begin with a look at how lawmakers are handling overlapping funding challenges and what comes next with Mitchell Miller, Capitol Hill Correspondent for WTOP.

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

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

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The President’s budget landed on Capitol Hill last week, but left plenty of unanswered questions. We'll take a closer look at how Congress is navigating the budget moment
Year after year, the same financial weaknesses keep showing up in the government’s books
Federal government shutdowns have become routine, but their impact on public safety is anything but routine

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

Trump administration recruiting project managers across agencies

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration is opening up more opportunities to expand hiring across government. In less than a week, the Office of Personnel Management has set up an “early-career talent network” and also launched a recruitment effort for project managers. The initiatives come after sweeping reductions to the federal workforce over the last year. Here with the latest, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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CyberCorps grads consider private sector as fed hiring challenges persist

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:30:00 -0000

A patchy federal job landscape is threatening to upend a longstanding cyber talent pipeline. Hundreds of students graduate from the CyberCorps Scholarship-for-Service program every year. But recent and soon-to-be graduates say they continue to face major challenges in finding federal job opportunities. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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A new ARPA‑H effort aims to change how doctors understand and treat critical illness in real time

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

When patients become critically ill, their bodies often fall into a dangerous immune response loop that today’s ICU tools can’t fully see or stop. The CIRCLE program aims to give doctors a clearer roadmap by combining new sensors, faster lab insights, and digital models that predict how a patient will respond. Joining me to discuss long‑term promise for ICU care is Dr. Yoram Vodovotz, Program Manager for CIRCLE at ARPA‑H.

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Rubin Observatory just turned the night sky into a live feed and the universe is far busier than anyone imagined

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

The launch of Rubin Observatory's alert system marks a breakthrough in astrophysics, giving scientists a real‑time stream of changes across the sky, from brightening stars to newly spotted asteroids. It’s one of the final steps before the Legacy Survey of Space and Time, which will scan the southern sky every night for a decade with unprecedented precision. Dr. Bob Blum joins us to share why this moment is so scientifically and cosmically exciting.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, April 3, 2026

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

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Rubin Observatory just turned the night sky into a live feed and the universe is far busier than anyone imagined
A new ARPA‑H effort aims to change how doctors understand and treat critical illness in real time

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

TSA agents see partial paychecks

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

Transportation Security Administration employees are seeing their first paychecks in more than a month. TSA agents are being paid this week despite lawmakers failing to come to an agreement on a Department of Homeland Security spending bill. That means thousands more DHS staff are continuing to work with out pay. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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What Army civilians should consider before accepting VERA or VSIP

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

As Army civilians who have been identified as “surplus” begin receiving automated notices giving them a few days to decide whether to accept a reassignment, retire early or opt in for a buyout, many are making these life-altering decisions with limited information. Here with an update to her story from Monday is Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis.

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A military family’s decades‑long journey with autism is now helping other families navigate a system that often feels impossible to manage

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

April is World Autism Month, and for military families, navigating autism care often means navigating multiple systems at once. Jaime and Tracy Parent have spent more than thirty years raising an autistic child while moving through diagnoses, deployments, school changes and the maze of military and civilian support programs. Their new book, "The Mission at Home," turns that lived experience into practical guidance for families facing the same transitions and gaps in care. We’ll hear from Jaime and Tracy about what they’ve learned and what still needs to change.

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A large TSP balance is a success story, until Required Minimum Distributions turn it into a tax problem

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

Federal employees often retire with two advantages many Americans don’t have: a steady pension and a sizable TSP. But when Required Minimum Distributions kick in, those income streams can collide, triggering higher taxes and unexpected ripple effects. We’ll look at how that happens and why planning years ahead can change the outcome with Thiago Glieger of RMG Advisors.

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Shutdowns don’t just disrupt agencies, they disrupt household finances, and the data shows it almost immediately

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

Federal employees may eventually be made whole after a shutdown, but the timing matters. After the most recent missed paycheck, data from USAA shows requests for financial relief spiking among federal workers, highlighting short‑term cash‑flow pressures even when back pay is expected. We’ll walk through what those patterns reveal about how workers navigate fixed bills and uncertainty with Daniel Diaz, spokesperson for USAA Bank.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, April 2, 2026

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

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Shutdowns don’t just disrupt agencies, they disrupt household finances, and the data shows it almost immediately
A large TSP balance is a success story until Required Minimum Distributions turn it into a tax problem
A military family’s decades‑long journey with autism is now helping other families navigate a system that often feels impossible to manage

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

Treasury prepares RIF for office created to avoid financial crisis, IRS IT resumes hiring after mass reassignments

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

More shakeup at the Treasury Department. The department is preparing for targeted layoffs at an office focused on monitoring the stability of the U.S. financial system. And over at the IRS, its IT shop is back in hiring mode. This comes after it permanently reassigned more than 1,200 IT employees to other parts of the agency. 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.

Harsher penalties for contractors who violate new DEI EO

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

Federal contractors have been required to comply with the Trump administration’s mandate to remove anything that is considered diversity, equity and inclusion for the past 15 months. But under President Donald Trump’s new executive order, signed last week, vendors face harsher penalties that could include False Claims Act lawsuits as well as possible suspension and debarment. For more on why this new order goes further than previous efforts, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me to discuss.

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During COVID, SBA moved fast to deliver disaster loans, but GAO says limited access to IRS tax data made oversight harder and increased program risk

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

When disaster loan programs scale up quickly, data sharing becomes critical. GAO says outdated systems and manual consent requirements limited SBA’s access to IRS tax data during COVID, leaving oversight gaps even as billions went out the door. Joining me to break down why that matters and where progress has been made is Director for Financial Markets and Community Investment at GAO, Courtney LaFountain.

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U.S. Strategic Command has awarded a $500 million IDIQ contract to accelerate delivery of warfighter‑ready solutions as defense needs evolve

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

U.S. Strategic Command has awarded a $500 million IDIQ contract to the University of Nebraska’s National Strategic Research Institute to support warfighter‑ready solutions. The award is structured to emphasize speed, flexibility, and direct operational relevance rather than one‑off research projects. Joining me to talk through how these funds will advance STRATCOM's mission is the Director of NSRI, Rick Evans.

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As uncertainty clouds federal research budgets, a new analysis shows how NIH funding ripples through state and local economies nationwide

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

The National Institutes of Health funding touches far more than major research institutions. A new analysis maps how those dollars support jobs and businesses nationwide. United for Medical Research’s latest report breaks down the geographic reach of that impact and why timing matters as budgets tighten. Joining us to walk through the findings is Caitlin Leach, President of United for Medical Research.

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, April 1, 2026

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

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

As uncertainty clouds federal research budgets, a new analysis shows how NIH funding ripples through state and local economies nationwide
U.S. Strategic Command has awarded a $500 million IDIQ contract to accelerate delivery of warfighter‑ready solutions as defense needs evolve
During COVID, SBA moved fast to deliver disaster loans, but GAO says limited access to IRS tax data made oversight harder and increased program risk

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The Army's concept of a single IT network moves closer to reality

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0000

The Army has been talking for many years about the concept of a single IT network. But it’s made real, measurable progress recently. The service started with 42 networks, then reduced the number to 19, and then just five over the last few years. At the same time, the Army is moving toward more software-defined networks. Leo Garciga is the Army’s chief information officer. He talked about those initiatives with Federal News Network’s Jason Miller.

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Army ‘rebalancing’ effort forces civilians to accept reassignments to avoid layoffs

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0000

The Army is moving thousands of civilian employees into new roles under a sweeping “rebalancing” effort aimed at avoiding layoffs — but workers are required to accept a reassignment within days or risk separation from federal service. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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Contractors are playing a bigger role in TSA screening and national security AI, but that raises new questions about accountability and execution

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

As the DHS shutdown highlights stress points in TSA operations, a long‑running federal program that relies on contractors is getting renewed attention just as agencies are also leaning more heavily on industry partners for artificial intelligence in national security. To connect those dots, I'm joined by Stephanie Kostro, President of the Professional Services Council.

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The administration says new Medicaid work rules will save money, but first, states will spend a lot figuring out how to make them work

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

As the new work‑requirement mandates roll out, states are confronting a costly truth: their eligibility systems weren’t built for this level of verification. Upgrades, contractors and extra staff could push total costs past a billion dollars before a single dollar in federal savings is realized. We get the ground‑level view from AP’s David Lieb.

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A new approach to the Pentagon’s long‑troubled audit effort is taking shape as fresh leadership resets expectations

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

After years of failed attempts, the Defense Department is refining its strategy for achieving and sustaining a clean financial audit. With new financial management leaders in place and growing scrutiny from Congress, the pressure is shifting from progress to proof. To explain what’s different this time, we’re joined by the CEO of the Society of Defense Financial Management, Rich Brady.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, March 31, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A new approach to the Pentagon’s long‑troubled audit effort is taking shape as fresh leadership resets expectations
The administration says new Medicaid work rules will save money, but first, states will spend a lot figuring out how to make them work
Contractors are playing a bigger role in TSA screening and national security AI, but that raises new questions about accountability and execution

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

‘Significant’ staff cuts drive rising FOIA backlogs

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

Freedom of Information Act backlogs have been increasing across government for years. But the Trump administration’s workforce cuts have deepened challenges for already strained federal FOIA offices. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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‘Stressful, chaotic, never-ending:’ DoD employees face mounting strain as Middle East conflict widens

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

As the conflict in the Middle East escalates following the U.S. and Israel’s launch of “major combat operations” against Iran, Defense Department employees say the demands of a new war are adding strain to an already stretched workforce. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, March 30, 2026

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

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Both the U.S. and the EU are quietly narrowing chances for the public to weigh in on new rules and one expert says it’s time to pay attention
Billions are flowing into munitions production, but there are limits to how quickly the U.S. can replenish its stockpiles
They’re on recess, but DHS funding, voting rules, and overseas troop support are all waiting when Congress comes back

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They’re on recess, but DHS funding, voting rules and overseas troop support are all waiting when Congress comes back

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

Congress is heading into the Easter recess with the Department of Homeland Security still unfunded and no clear path to a deal. The president’s move to ensure TSA agents continue getting paid may buy time, but it doesn’t resolve the broader standoff or the demands piling up behind it. Loren Duggan of Bloomberg Government joins us with the latest read on where things stand and what’s likely to move—or harden—during the break.

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Billions are flowing into munitions production, but there are limits to how quickly the U.S. can replenish its stockpiles

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

Ongoing U.S. operations tied to Iran are driving a rapid drawdown of munitions, putting new pressure on the defense industrial base. While billions have already been invested to expand production, questions remain about how resilient that system really is under stress. To explore what matters most right now, I’m joined by the Director, Center for the Industrial Base at CSIS, Jerry McGinn.

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

Both the U.S. and the EU are quietly narrowing chances for the public to weigh in on new rules and one expert says it’s time to pay attention

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

New research argues that opportunities for public comment are shrinking on both sides of the Atlantic, as governments move faster and give people less time to respond. Those shortcuts may seem efficient, but they come with real risks for transparency and the quality of policymaking. Steven Balla, co-director of the regulatory studies center at George Washington University, is here to explain the pros and cons.

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VA restores AFGE labor contract, but isn’t implementing it, court documents show

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

A federal judge ordered the Department of Veterans Affairs to restore its labor contract with its largest union. The VA says it has complied with that ruling, but documents show that it isn’t actually implementing the contract’s provisions. The case focuses on an executive order President Donald Trump signed last year barring many agencies from collective bargaining. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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OPM’s Kupor would be ‘perfectly happy’ hiring more feds if contractors are cut

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration says it is open to hiring more federal employees, but with one big caveat. The Office of Personnel Management says that should only happen if agencies can cut down their contractor support. OPM Director Scott Kupor expanded on that idea and many of the administration’s other priorities during a House subcommittee hearing this week. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, a new guide asks Americans to think differently about their role in democracy

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The National Urban League says many people are exhausted by political noise but still care deeply about the country’s future. Its new guide, released ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, is meant to meet people where they are and give them practical ways to engage. Joining us to explain the thinking behind it is Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League.

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After last year’s deadly mid‑air collision, Reagan National’s tower is finally getting modern tools built to cut workload and reduce risk on the ground

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The FAA’s Terminal Flight Data Manager system is now fully operational at DCA, bringing predictive tools, integrated surface displays, and a shared real‑time picture of the airfield. The goal is simple: fewer delays, stronger coordination, and a smoother experience for millions of passengers each year. We explore what travelers will notice and what comes next with Doug Lieberman, Vice President and CTO of air traffic for Leidos.

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A flagship government and industry leadership program is getting a fresh start with a new class and a new vision for 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

ACT-IAC has relaunched its Partners Program with a 2026 class built for a moment when government and industry are looking for steadier leadership. The new cohort brings together senior leaders who want to deepen their impact and learn from a Pathfinder team drawn from across agencies and major contractors. We get the big-picture view of this new chapter from ACT-IAC President and CEO, Dave Wennergren.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Friday, March 27, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A flagship government and industry leadership program is getting a fresh start with a new class and a new vision for 2026
After last year’s deadly mid‑air collision, Reagan National’s tower is finally getting modern tools built to cut workload and reduce risk on the ground
As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, a new guide asks Americans to think differently about their role in democracy

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

Navy’s turning small ‘bets’ into enterprise services

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

These days you can bet on almost everything from sports to politics to the stock market. At the Department of the Navy, PEO Digital is making big bets on technology. As part of its shift to a more lean, startup mindset, the Navy is making small investments in technologies that they hope will deliver big results. For more on how the Navy’s Program Executive Office Digital is testing and deciding on its technology bets, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller talked to Louis Koplin, the acting program executive officer for the Navy’s PEO Digital.

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TSA employees at ‘breaking point’

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Department of Homeland Security shutdown has now stretched for more than 40 days. And Transportation Security Administration employees say they’ve reached a breaking point. TSA call outs are leading to delays at some airports. And the agency is losing staff as it prepares for record-high levels of travel this summer. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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War headlines and market volatility might rattle TSP investors, but history offers some important perspective

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

With U.S. markets down and volatility on the rise, war in the Middle East is adding a new layer of anxiety for TSP investors. History shows markets have reacted to past conflicts in uneven, but often surprising ways, and those lessons matter for today’s decisions. Joining me to talk through what to do, what to avoid, and how strategies differ for workers and retirees is financial planner Art Stein.

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Fixing the talent pipeline doesn’t require a single sweeping reform, but it does require coordination

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The Bipartisan Policy Center's new report argues that piecemeal reforms can’t solve today’s labor and skills challenges. Instead, it calls for a shared strategy that shapes decisions across education systems, workforce programs, and employers. We’ll explore what that would mean in practice with Margaret Spellings, former Secretary of Education and current president and CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, March 26, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Fixing the talent pipeline doesn’t require a single sweeping reform — but it does require coordination
War headlines and market volatility might rattle TSP investors—but history offers some important perspective

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

After losing more than 350,000, an in-depth look at the state of the federal workforce

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

More than 350,000 federal employees left the government in 2025, whether voluntarily or by force. But some positions and agencies were more heavily targeted by the Trump administration, while others saw increases in their numbers. An in-depth analysis of data from the Office of Personnel Management reveals key details of where the federal workforce stands today. Federal News Network's Drew Friedman gets more from Drew DeSilver, a senior writer at the Pew Research Center.

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State Dept evaluations could push out more diplomats, after mass layoffs last year

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The State Department carried out widespread layoffs last summer. But it’s still scrutinizing its workforce. The Department is planning to potentially remove or reassign more Foreign Service employees who don’t meet new performance standards. This comes as the Trump administration is planning to limit the number of federal employees who can receive top marks on their annual performance reviews. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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A new center wants to turn regulatory “big ideas” into results that actually work on the ground

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The regulatory landscape around climate policy is shifting, and many agencies are left with outdated tools to manage modern risks. The Federation of American Scientists' Center for Regulatory Ingenuity hopes to give them a clearer path, offering practical guidance, partnerships and support for innovative approaches. We’ll talk through that mission with Dr. Hannah Safford, Associate Director of Climate and Environment at FAS.

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As U.S. Marines move offshore near Iran, Washington is expanding its military options without committing to boots on the ground

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

When Americans hear about Marines deploying toward the Middle East, it can sound like the first step toward a ground war. In reality, these forces are often used to prevent leaders from being boxed into one. To explain what this deployment does; and doesn’t mean, I’m joined by combat veteran and national security expert, Colonel William Dunn.

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As climate pressures intensify, a new strategy argues the U.S. needs a water reset now, not years from now

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A new document from The Aspen Institute makes a blunt point: America’s water systems are strained by climate, growth and aging infrastructure, and the nation has no coherent plan to deal with these challenges. The report calls for a national framework to modernize infrastructure, reform governance and elevate water as a core economic issue. To find out more about what it will take to move this from proposal to action, I'm joined by Dr. Newsha Ajami, founding director of the Risk, Resilience, and Recovery program at Stanford.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, March 25, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

As climate pressures intensify and no federal entity owns a national water agenda, a new strategy argues the U.S. needs a water reset now, not years from now
As U.S. Marines move offshore near Iran, Washington is expanding its military options without committing to boots on the ground
A new center wants to turn regulatory “big ideas” into results that actually work 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.

OPM’s Kupor on administration's merit hiring plan

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

It’s been nearly 10 months since the Trump Administration unveiled its “merit hiring” plan. And the plan has changed a bit since then, along with the administration’s overall workforce goals. Strict quotas for workforce reduction are gone, for example. And there’s a new emphasis on pooled recruitment for technical jobs. Scott Kupor is the director of the Office of Personnel Management. He shared a progress report with Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Under Trump 2.0, federal employees disengaged, dissatisfied, survey shows

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Federal employees are reporting significantly diminished engagement in their jobs and declining views of political leadership. New survey results from the Partnership for Public Service show major drops in satisfaction and morale during 2025. That’s after a year of upheavals across the federal workforce. 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 GSA prepares its next Schedule refresh, contractors are weighing how AI fits into rules that weren’t built for it

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

We’ve been talking about what’s changing in GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule and how contractors will have to respond. The next question is how industry is reacting, especially as agencies try to buy AI through systems that weren’t designed for it. To take us there, I’m joined by Jim Carroll, CEO of the Professional Services Council.

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The U.S. is pushing back on foreign data‑sovereignty rules and it could reshape how global companies handle their information

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The administration is telling American diplomats to challenge foreign data‑localization laws, raising fresh concerns for firms that move data across borders. Those rules are multiplying overseas, creating real tension for companies already navigating privacy, compliance and fast‑moving AI demands. To understand the practical implications of this new approach, I'm joined by 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.

GSA has issued its first-ever acquisition clause aimed squarely at AI, contractors are already warning it could be a game changer

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The General Services Administration is rolling out the government’s first acquisition regulation clause written specifically for artificial intelligence systems. It sets sweeping new rules on data ownership, licensing, disclosure and who’s on the hook when AI is used in contract performance—raising red flags across the contracting community. We’ll break down what’s in the clause, who it applies to, and why industry groups are pushing back, with Dan Ramish, Partner with 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 Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, March 24, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

GSA has issued its first-ever acquisition clause aimed squarely at artificial intelligence—and contractors are already warning it could be a game changer
The U.S. is pushing back on foreign data‑sovereignty rules, and it could reshape how global companies handle their information
As GSA prepares its next Schedule refresh, contractors are weighing how AI fits into rules that weren’t built for it

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

Mullin to revoke Noem’s $100K review policy

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

President Trump’s new choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security is advancing toward Senate confirmation. Markwayne Mullin had his nomination hearing before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee last week. In some areas, he tried to present a sharp contrast to outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins with more.

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The Trump administration's AI message is sending mixed messages

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration is sending industry mixed messages when it comes to artificial intelligence. On one hand, the White House is emphasizing the use of commercial products and standards. But on the other, recent actions by DoD and GSA send the exact opposite message. For more on how the administration is causing confusion and concern in the federal market when it comes to AI, Federal News Network's executive editor Jason Miller joins me to discuss.

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

Practical politics and some strategic horse trading may be returning to Congress

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Facing pressure to act on national security and domestic priorities, lawmakers appear more willing to negotiate across issue lines. That includes DHS funding and confirmations, questions about authorizing military operations and funding them, and unresolved bills touching surveillance, housing, and financial policy. To assess whether this moment leads to real progress, we’re joined by Capitol Hill Correspondent for WTOP, Mitchell Miller.

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With travel season ramping up, the CDC just hit a record number of volunteers to help monitor any viruses on the move

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Over one million people have now participated in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance. The purely voluntary program helps to detect and respond to emerging public health threats. To learn more about the scope of the program and what this milestone means, Federal News Network’s Eric White spoke with Heather Reese, who leads the TGS program at the CDC.

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A strategic alliance between the Federal Laboratories Consortium and FedTech is looking to speed up real‑world technology

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A new alliance between the FLC and FedTech is aimed at solving a long‑standing gap; connecting federally funded R&D with entrepreneurs ready to build real products and companies. The partnership promises practical support for labs, small businesses, and regional innovation ecosystems. We explore what’s ahead with Paige George of the Federal Laboratory Consortium.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, March 23, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A strategic alliance between the Federal Laboratories Consortium and FedTech is looking to speed up how federally funded research becomes real‑world technology
With travel season ramping up, the CDC just hit a record number of volunteers to help monitor any viruses on the move
Practical politics—and some strategic horse trading—may be returning to Congress

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

USPS cutting delivery days ‘on the table,’ as agency runs out of cash, postmaster general tells lawmakers

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Postal Service says it’s close to running out of cash and may need to cut delivery days. USPS is asking lawmakers to step in and offer some assistance. Congress passed major postal reform legislation in four years ago, but the mail agency is still seeing multi-billion dollar annual net losses. 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.

As Golden Dome’s price tag rises, some say new estimate is no more credible

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Pentagon’s ambitious “Golden Dome” missile defense system is getting more expensive. New estimates from the Defense Department put the price tag at $185 billion; that's $10 billion more than the president originally said it would cost. But some analysts say the new estimate is no more believable than the president’s initial price tag. 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.

A mixed‑reality rollout from the Army National Guard is giving students a firsthand look at the skills and careers behind disaster response

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

A new program called “Disasterville” brings National Guard missions into schools through a mix of physical props and virtual reality, letting students step into the middle of a flood, wildfire, or earthquake response. It’s part of a broader effort to build awareness of the Guard’s role in disaster relief. Here to explain the effort is Staff Sergeant Adam Szabo from the National Guard Bureau.

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

A new “drone killer” cartridge aims to give Marines a simple, low‑cost way to stop small drones with the rifles they already carry

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

As adversaries lean heavily on small drones for surveillance and strikes, U.S. forces need a response that doesn’t slow them down. Engineers focused on low cost and plug‑and‑play integration and early testing suggests they may have found it. We talk through the capability with Brian Hoffman, Man-Portable Weapons Chief Engineer at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane.

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With drones now touching everything from security to agriculture, The University of Texas at El Paso is gearing up to build the technology

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The University of Texas at El Paso is strengthening its ability to test next‑generation drone and counter‑drone systems and to apply them to challenges like border security, disaster response, and infrastructure monitoring. It’s part of a growing shift where unmanned systems are becoming essential tools for agencies and communities, not just experimental platforms. We’ll explore what that means for UTEP’s future with Aerospace Center Executive Director Dr. Shery Welsh.

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, March 20, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A mixed‑reality rollout from the Army National Guard is giving students a firsthand look at the skills and careers behind disaster response
With drones now touching everything from security to agriculture, The University of Texas at El Paso is gearing up to train the people and build the technology that this new landscape demands
A new “drone killer” cartridge aims to give Marines a simple, low‑cost way to stop small drones with the rifles they already carry

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

Defense secretary launches "ruthless review" of military's legal offices

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has launched a “ruthless” review of how the military’s legal offices are organized. Experts say while there is room to streamline these offices’ operations, the review will likely be used to thin out the ranks of military lawyers. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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Agencies are starting to take action on the new national cyber strategy

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration’s new national cyber strategy is starting to translate into agency actions. But there are still a lot of questions about what comes next with the implementation of the strategy. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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So many personnel policies are shifting at the same time that even seasoned federal workers are struggling to follow

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Several weeks into the DHS shutdown, front‑line employees from TSA to the Coast Guard are working without pay as airport delays mount and families feel the strain. At the same time, the administration is accelerating major personnel changes, from Schedule Policy/Career conversions to new RIF rules that could redefine job security for tens of thousands of federal workers. We’ll connect all of those threads now with John Hatton, Staff Vice President for Policy and Programs at NARFE.

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The message from Maryland, losing a federal job doesn’t have to mean leaving the region

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

As federal workers and contractors navigate sudden disruption, Maryland leaders are focused on keeping families housed, connected, and economically mobile. Housing tied to transit and new pathways into emerging industries are central to that strategy. We'll learn more from Congressman Glenn Ivey of Maryland and Bryan Franklin, Deputy Director of LISC-DC.

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What happened inside government last year explains many of today’s gaps in capacity and accountability

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Traditional guardrails eroded quickly during the Trump administration’s first year, with ethics bodies sidelined and inspectors general forced out while DOGE tested the limits of its authority. The result was a federal landscape with fewer protections and less capacity just as major decisions were being made. To dig into what that means for rebuilding, I’m joined by Faith Williams of the Project on Government Oversight.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, March 19, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

What happened inside government last year explains many of today’s gaps in capacity and accountability
The message from Maryland: losing a federal job doesn’t have to mean leaving the region
So many personnel policies are shifting at the same time that even seasoned federal workers are struggling to follow which changes matter most right now

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OPM launches new HR shared service center for agencies

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Agencies have a new opportunity to get help with modernizing their HR functions. A new “HR shared service center” from the Office of Personnel Management launched this week. If agencies opt into OPM’s offer, for a fee, they’ll get access to a suite of IT tools to streamline their human capital management capabilities. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Trump brings ‘war on fraud’ into focus with task force of benefits-paying agencies

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

President Donald Trump promised he would wage a “war on fraud” at his State of the Union address. Now those plans are coming into focus. A new executive order calls on nearly a dozen benefits-paying agencies to come up with ways to reduce fraudulent payments. Vice President JD Vance will lead the task force. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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GAO finds persistent gaps and data problems in OMB’s federal program inventory, limiting its value for oversight and decision‑making

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The federal program inventory was meant to give policymakers a clear picture of what the government does and how much it spends. GAO says that picture remains incomplete, with missing programs, outdated listings, and inconsistent data undermining confidence in the site. Here to walk through GAO’s findings and what OMB needs to fix is Dawn Locke, Director in GAO’s Strategic Issues team.

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A major reboot of the government’s small‑innovation programs is finally moving after months of uncertainty

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The Senate has advanced a bill that would reauthorize the SBIR and STTR programs through 2031 after a long lapse, and it comes with some notable changes for small R&D firms. The package adds tougher foreign‑risk screening and introduces new “Strategic Breakthrough” Phase II awards that can reach up to $30 million. We’ll look at what those shifts mean for innovators and contracting officers with Emily Murphy, former GSA Administrator.

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New limits on executive pay and dividends are changing expectations across the defense sector

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The administration’s new rules on executive pay, dividends and other financial tools haven’t moved defense earnings, but they’re already reshaping how companies think about future contracts. Those limits could eventually influence everything from talent pipelines to supply‑chain stability as they get written into deals over the coming year. We get the latest market signals and industry reactions from Paul Murphy of Bloomberg Government.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, March 18, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

New limits on executive pay and dividends are changing expectations across the defense sector, even if the effects haven’t hit earnings yet
A major reboot of the government’s small‑innovation programs is finally moving after months of uncertainty
GAO finds persistent gaps and data problems in OMB’s federal program inventory, limiting its value for oversight and decision‑making

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As the Navy pushes to embed 5th generation wireless technologies across its system, we get an update

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Navy is in the middle of a year-long push to embed fifth-generation wireless technologies across its systems and installations. And the service’s 5G Integrated Product Team says it’s “making progress” on expanding network coverage. Jason Fox is the director of the 5G IPT in the Department of the Navy Office of the Chief Information Officer. He talked with Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday about that progress.

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Navy creating new contract center for excellence for SBIR, STTR

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

As soon as President Donald Trump signs the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer program reauthorization act into law, the Department of Navy will be ready. While the House still needs to do its job and pass the SBIR bill, the Navy has been using the last six months to update its program. With a sneak peak into the Navy’s plans for the future of its SBIR program, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.

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From the Strait of Hormuz to the factory floor, today’s Middle East operations are reshaping what the Pentagon asks of its contractors

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Ongoing U.S. military operations in the Middle East are stretching supply chains, increasing demand for munitions and intelligence, and raising new questions about how long industry can sustain the pace without supplemental funding. Behind every deployment, contractors are providing the logistics, technology, and support that make operations possible. Joining me to break down what this moment means for industry is President of the Professional Services Council, Stephanie Kostro.

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A military widow who turned her deepest loss into a decade of service is being honored with one of TAPS’ highest awards

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

For more than a decade, Sara Wilson has been a steady presence for families navigating military grief, from Good Grief Camps to crisis support in some of the hardest moments. Her peer‑to‑peer networks, advocacy work, and calm guidance have strengthened the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, or TAPS, community at home and abroad. She joins me ahead of receiving the Senator Ted Stevens Leadership Award at this year’s TAPS Honor Guard Gala.

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CBO's latest assessment shows a federal outlook defined by rising costs, structural imbalances and tough choices ahead

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

According to the Peterson Foundation, this year’s CBO outlook lays out a budget weighed down by structural forces; from health‑care costs to an aging population that outpace the revenue coming in. It’s a forecast shaped by competing political pressures and economic realities that don’t move in the same direction. We’ll explore whether there’s any realistic path to addressing those imbalances with Brett Loper, Executive Vice President of Policy at the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, March 17, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

CBO's latest assessment shows a federal outlook defined by rising costs, structural imbalances and tough choices ahead
A military widow who turned her deepest loss into a decade of service is being honored with one of TAPS’ highest awards
From the Strait of Hormuz to the factory floor, today’s Middle East operations are reshaping what the Pentagon asks of its contractors

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GSA to be designated as QSMO for acquisition

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The General Services Administration is set to lead an acquisition system consolidation across government. That’s because GSA will be designated a “quality service management office” for acquisition. For more on what that means and what comes next, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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Lawmakers question DoD’s growing use of equity investments to strengthen DIB

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Defense Department has begun taking a series of equity stakes in companies deemed critical to national security. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have questions about the new strategy. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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Escalating conflict abroad is now driving debates over war powers, energy prices and the fate of key funding bill

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Democrats are signaling they may force votes tied to the Iran conflict while leadership scrambles to keep DHS funding and other priorities on track. Energy interventions meant to blunt price spikes are adding new economic pressure that could reshape the legislative lineup. We’ll look at how these forces converge on Capitol Hill with Loren Duggan, Deputy News Director at Bloomberg Government.

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AI is now a competitive edge in federal capture and small firms need to adjust fast

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

AI is reshaping the skills contractors need to compete. Small businesses in particular need to adjust how they use these tools inside their proposals. An intentional approach can help a proposal stand out in a crowd. We get practical guidance from Desmond Brown, former Executive Director, Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Department of Veterans Affairs.

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As HHS looks to speed up AI in clinical care, the big questions are burden, trust and what comes next.

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The Department of Health and Human Services asked clinicians, patients, developers and health systems how the agency should guide the use of AI in health care delivery. That feedback will shape the Department’s approach to trust, interoperability and responsible adoption. We talk through what happens next with Deputy National Coordinator for Policy at HHS, Mark Atalla.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, March 16, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

As HHS looks to speed up AI in clinical care, the big questions are burden, trust and what comes next
AI is now a competitive edge in federal capture, and small firms need to adjust fast
Escalating conflict abroad is now driving debates over war powers, energy prices and the fate of key funding bills

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

IRS phase-out of paper checks leaves some taxpayers waiting months for refunds

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers are facing extended wait times to receive their tax refunds from the IRS. In the past many of them would normally receive a paper check from the agency. But the Trump administration is phasing those out in favor of electronic payments that are faster and less prone to errors. In some cases, taxpayers are now waiting months for their refunds. News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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OPM’s Kupor defends Schedule Policy/Career, as finalization nears

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

After a year of workforce overhauls, the Trump administration is continuing to charge forward with major changes for federal employees. The new Schedule "Policy-slash-Career" classification is on the brink of becoming reality. Revisions to the performance management system will soon take shape. Many of these looming changes come directly from the Office of Personnel Management. At a Federal News Network event last week, reporter Drew Friedman sat down with OPM Director Scott Kupor to hear his take on some of these new policies. Here's an excerpt of that conversation.

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Applications are open for a program that helps Navy and Marine Corps families pay for school through grants and interest‑free loans

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The Navy‑Marine Corps Relief Society has opened its 2026–27 Education Assistance Program, giving spouses and children a chance to apply for scholarships and interest‑free loans that can ease the cost of higher education. The Society supports hundreds of families each year through this program, and demand for this cycle is already building as more households look for help balancing school, service, and rising costs. We get the latest on who qualifies and how the program works from RADM (Retired) Dawn Cutler, Chief Operations Officer for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

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A smaller IRS staff could mean a longer wait for returns

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Tax season is underway, but the agency at the center of it is dealing with a shrinking workforce and the loss of tools meant to make filing easier. Those gaps are raising worries about whether the IRS can keep up, especially when it comes to customer service. For more, Federal News Network’s Eric White spoke with former Treasury Department Deputy Chief of Staff Julie Siegel.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, March 13, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A smaller IRS staff could mean a longer wait for returns
Applications are open for a program that helps Navy and Marine Corps families pay for school through grants and interest‑free loans

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

CMS’s two-pronged approach to crushing fraud, waste, abuse

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Four of the six major programs run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services saw their improper payment rate increase in fiscal 2025. Medicare Part C, Medicare Part D and Medicaid all saw upticks in how much money went out the door that shouldn’t have. While not all improper payments are considered fraud, CMS is planning an all out effort to reign in fraud specifically, and improper payments more broadly. For more on how CMS will take on this systemic challenge, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.

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CISA delays cyber incident reporting town halls due to shutdown

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Homeland Security shutdown is delaying key public meetings over forthcoming cyber incident reporting regulations. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency had planned on holding the meetings this month. But much of CISA’s operations have been curtailed by the shutdown. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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Questions about pay, leave payouts and retirement rules can catch a lot of federal employees off guard

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Some feds are seeing unexpected effects from the new special pay rate for law enforcement and from year‑end retirements that didn’t line up with when agencies process annual leave payouts. New retirees also face a set of early housekeeping steps that can make a big difference in how smoothly their benefits begin. We sort through the practical details with federal retirement expert Tammy Flanagan.

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Americans seeking a way out of the Middle East are once again turning to Congressional caseworkers

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

With official guidance thin and evacuation routes uncertain, Americans overseas are flooding Congressional offices for help, recreating the same crisis‑driven scramble we saw after the fall of Kabul. Caseworkers, who were never meant to be emergency responders are again stepping into life‑and‑death situations as they try to fill gaps left by strained federal operations. We’ll dig into what’s happening on the ground with Anne Meeker, deputy director of the Popvox Foundation.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, March 12, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

DPAA’s family updates remain the heart of a mission that still spans the globe in search of answers
As the situation in the Middle East worsens, Americans seeking a way out are once again turning to Congressional caseworkers — and the workload is beginning to look uncomfortably familiar
Questions about pay, leave payouts, and retirement rules can catch a lot of federal employees off guard

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DPAA’s family updates remain the heart of a mission that still spans the globe in search of answers

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

DPAA’s mission is to account for missing service members from World War II through Vietnam, work that depends as much on scientific progress as on the trust they build with families. Their Family Member Updates have become one of the few places where relatives can hear, face‑to‑face, what’s happening in long‑standing cases. Joining us to explain why those touchpoints remain essential are Col. Derek Rankin and Mr. Tim McMahon. Col. Rankin is Chief of Staff at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Mr. McMahon is Armed Forces Medical Examiner System DNA Operations director.

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‘Radical reduction’ of GSA-owned buildings needed to address growing maintenance backlog, panel finds

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

A multibillion-dollar backlog of building maintenance projects has grown too large for the federal government’s landlord to effectively manage. That’s according to a board that advises the General Services Administration on buildings it should sell or dispose of. The board recommends a “radical reduction” of buildings GSA owns. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman join us with more.

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Army to use alternative promotion authority to give officers more flexibility in their careers

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

The Army is beginning to use a promotion authority Congress approved in 2018 that could give some officers more flexibility in how they move through the ranks. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis gives us an update.

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Amid mounting warnings that Iran or its proxies could strike back, GAO says HHS isn’t fully aligned on public‑health preparedness

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

The heightened threat environment has put a spotlight on federal readiness, but a new GAP review shows HHS still lacks formal mechanisms to coordinate its two major preparedness programs. Those gaps matter when states face overlapping health hazards from outbreaks to extreme weather to hostile‑actor disruptions. GAO’s Mary Denigan‑Macauley joins us with the details.

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The Army is about to open its first operational makerspace in Europe

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

The 21st Theater Sustainment Command. cuts the ribbon March 13 on its Innovation Lab at Kaiserslautern, Germany, built to help Soldiers tackle problems closest to the mission. The lab ties frontline needs to Army Development Command’s ability to prototype and test new concepts. We look at what Soldiers can build, how ideas move through the pipeline, and what success looks like in year one with Major Ron White, Chief Innovation Officer of the Army's 21st TSC.

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A sudden change to how VA evaluates disabilities triggered immediate backlash from veterans and their advocates

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

By bypassing notice‑and‑comment and issuing an interim final rule, VA shocked groups that normally get a heads‑up on major policy shifts. Veterans responded with near‑universal concern about how treatment‑controlled symptoms would be judged. We hear why the response was so sharp from Carl Blake, CEO of the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, March 11, 2026

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

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A sudden change to how VA evaluates disabilities triggered immediate backlash from veterans and their advocates
The Army is about to open its first operational makerspace in Europe, a new hub where soldiers can turn ideas into real solutions for the mission
Amid mounting warnings that Iran or its proxies could strike back, GAO says HHS isn’t fully aligned internally on the public‑health preparedness programs states rely on most

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

Trump administration is out with a new national cyber strategy

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration is out with a new national cyber strategy. The administration’s focus is on making cyber adversaries pay for trying to hack into government networks or critical infrastructure. But there are a lot of familiar themes from past cyber strategies as well. To break it all down, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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Key data on political appointees missing from 'PLUM' book

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Errors and inconsistencies in a public list of political appointees are raising concerns over the data’s reliability. A new analysis of the so-called “PLUM” book, from the Government Accountability Office, finds that the list of federal executives does not contain all data required by statute. It’s also missing key information across several agencies and senior-level positions. Here with the details, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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What does the IRS do if someone is kidnapped and not able to pay taxes?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

It will hopefully never happen to you, but what if you're taken hostage and therefore unable to file a tax return? It's probably one of the last things on your mind during a traumatic experience, so the IRS does have a plan in place to make sure a victim doesn't face any unfair consequences from their ordeal. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration recently took a look at those protocols. To learn what they found, Federal News Network's Eric White spoke to one of the auditors who conducted the review at TIGTA, John Da Cruz.

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The Pentagon’s “supply‑chain risk” label for Anthropic now forces a legal and operational reckoning across the defense industrial base

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

The Defense Department says it has officially notified Anthropic that the company and its products are deemed a supply‑chain risk, a move that could require defense vendors to certify they aren’t using Claude in DoD work. The designation stems from a breakdown over AI guardrails and the Pentagon’s insistence on “all lawful purposes,” raising questions about the scope of the Department’s authority and how a challenge would play out. We’ll sort the law from the headlines and what contractors need to do now with Zach Prince, partner at Haynes Boone.

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As debates sharpen over military use of AI, the Aerospace Industries Association is outlining a path for agentic systems in defense

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

AIA says agentic AI could unlock faster, more adaptive decisions across the defense industrial base, but only if agencies and contractors address risks and real‑world friction. The conversation is unfolding as policymakers debate how military AI should be governed and what limits are necessary. Tim White, Vice President of Engineering and Technology at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), is with me to outline the path ahead.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, March 10, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

As debates sharpen over military use of AI, the Aerospace Industries Association is outlining a path for agentic systems in defense
The Pentagon’s “supply‑chain risk” label for Anthropic now forces a legal and operational reckoning across the defense industrial base
What does the IRS do if someone is kidnapped and not able to pay taxes?

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

Federal cybersecurity leaders look to AI to thwart cyber adversaries using the same AI technology

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

Federal cybersecurity leaders say they’re looking to artificial intelligence to help thwart cyber adversaries who are increasingly using AI themselves. Gharun Lacy is the deputy assistant secretary of state for cyber and technology within the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security. And Joseph Aguayo is the deputy chief information security officer at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. They talked with Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday. Lacy speaks first.

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Army overhauls direct commissioning process to bring in civilian tech experts faster

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

The Army is overhauling its direct commissioning program as it tries to bring more civilian tech experts into uniform. Service officials say the program will “completely upskill” Army organizations over time. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis is here with an update.

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A stalled DHS funding fight at home and rising tensions abroad are pushing Congress into another week of high‑stakes maneuvering

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Leadership changes sparked by DHS Secretary Noem’s departure and Oklahoma Senator Mullin’s potential role have stirred new political drama but provided no path forward on the Department of Homeland Security’s funding freeze. Add to that a Congress increasingly split over war‑powers resolutions and the path to any Middle East supplemental, and the next few months look anything but predictable. We connect the political and procedural dots with Mitchell Miller of WTOP.

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NIH sets up camp near one of the worst environmental disasters ever

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Three years after a freight train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, residents are still worried about the health risks from the controlled burns that sent toxins into the air. Now, the National Institutes of Health has set up a new research office on the ground to monitor those impacts. Federal News Network’s Eric White spoke with the person running that effort, Dr. Ashlinn Quinn, to find out how it's going.

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U.S. organizations should prepare for potential retaliation in the cyber domain as tensions with Iran escalate

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Experts say the next month could bring disruptive cyber activity from Iran and its aligned groups, and they’re urging organizations to shore up defenses now. The concerns center on the likelihood of targeted operations against the sectors with the highest visibility and the weakest points of entry. We'll examine what the threat picture looks like—and how leaders can harden their operations quickly—with James Turgal, VP of global cyber risk at Optiv.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Monday, March 9, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

U.S. organizations should prepare for potential retaliation in the cyber domain as tensions with Iran escalate
NIH sets up camp near one of the worst environmental disasters ever
A stalled DHS funding fight at home and rising tensions abroad are pushing Congress into another week of high‑stakes maneuvering

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How NAVWAR is keeping the small business light burning

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The last 12 months have been tough for small business government contractors, to say the least.There is increased scrutiny on not just the 8(a) program, but on all small business set-aside contracts. The Small Business Innovation Research Program has been on pause since October. And then there was the longest-ever government shutdown that delayed work and contract awards. But it’s all not bad news as there is now some light at the end of the SBIR tunnel. For more on how small businesses can navigate this tough time, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller caught up with Kim Reidy, the director of the Office of Small Business Programs for the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command and Shadi Azoum. the program manager of the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs also at NAVWAR, at the West conference in San Diego.

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OPM wants agencies to prioritize employees’ performance, not tenure, during RIFs

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:30:00 -0000

Agencies may soon make their layoff decisions based on performance, rather than tenure. A new proposal from the Trump administration seeks to reverse agencies’ current order of operations when deciding who to remove, or retain, in a reduction-in-force. Here with the latest, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, March 6, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The Schedule Policy/Career rule raises alarms about the independence of federal science
New rules implementing the Administrative False Claims Act could expand how federal agencies pursue smaller fraud cases
This year’s tax rules introduce new benefits and new confusion for federal workers and the military

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This year’s tax rules introduce new benefits and new confusion for federal workers and the military

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Federal workers and military families are navigating one of the most complex tax seasons in recent memory. New rules on overtime, car‑loan interest, and Social Security are changing how many households will file. Here to break down the changes and what they mean in practice is Mike Meese, president of Armed Forces Mutual.

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The Schedule Policy/Career rule raises alarms about the independence of federal science

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

OPM says the creation of Schedule Policy/Career aims to increase accountability, but it may instead introduce new vulnerabilities for federal researchers. Critics warn that the change could affect not only scientific judgment today but the long‑term pipeline of expertise inside government. Peter Bonner from the Federation of American Scientists joins me now.

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New rules implementing the Administrative False Claims Act could expand how federal agencies pursue smaller fraud cases

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The Civilian Board of Contract Appeals has issued new procedural rules to implement the Administrative False Claims Act, a revamped law that gives federal agencies greater ability to pursue smaller fraud cases involving government contracts. The changes could expand enforcement tools and raise new compliance considerations for contractors doing business with the federal government. To help unpack what the new rules mean and how companies should prepare, Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Dan Ramish, Counsel at Haynes Boone.

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Noem, top DHS officials to be deposed in FEMA staffing cut lawsuit

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:30:00 -0000

Top Department of Homeland Security officials could be deposed in a lawsuit challenging staff cuts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The case centers on whether DHS is allowed to enact major workforce reductions at FEMA. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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Navy launches departmentwide organizational review that could reshape civilian workforce

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Department of the Navy is conducting a departmentwide organizational review that could lead to significant restructuring of its civilian workforce and reductions in civilian personnel. The review is part of a broader Defense Department effort to reshape its civilian workforce and align personnel and resources with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s priorities under the National Defense Strategy. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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With CFPB weakened, states are fighting to regain the data and support they need to protect consumers

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

With the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau less active and running with fewer resources, many states no longer get the data they need to finish their own consumer protection cases. A new multistate lawsuit aims to restore the bureau’s full funding. We wanted to understand what that means for states like Maryland, so Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Bill Meeks, Director of the Lending and Finance Unit in the Consumer Protection Division for Maryland’s Attorney General.

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AI systems are only as safe as the environments where they’re trained and tested, a point now hitting home across DoD and the federal government

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Before an AI agent can support a mission, teams need to know how it handles uncertainty, manipulation, and unexpected inputs. That requires sandboxes built for evaluation rather than production. We talk through what that entails with AI red‑team specialist Bri Frost, Director of Product Management at Cloud Range.

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A massive reinvestment push is reshaping military housing, aiming to fix the hazards families have lived with for years

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Across hundreds of military communities, the housing system is finally confronting aging infrastructure and the reliability gaps that affect daily life for families. The work happening now is a real‑world test of how policy decisions and oversight translate into improvements at scale. We get an inside look at how those choices are made and measured from Brian Stann, CEO of Hunt Military Communities.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, March 5, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A massive reinvestment push is reshaping military housing, aiming to fix the hazards families have lived with for years
AI systems are only as safe as the environments where they’re trained and tested — a point now hitting home across DoD and the federal government
With CFPB weakened, states are fighting to regain the data and support they need to protect consumers

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OPM’s HR IT consolidation effort hit with new obstacles

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration’s drive to create one human capital management system for all of government is running into the unfortunate realities of government contracting. Two new protests are putting the Office of Management and Budget’s aggressive timeline to fully transition every major agency to this consolidated modernized system by July 4, 2027 at risk. For an update on the administration's HR IT modernization program, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.

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GSA's updated contractor cybersecurity requirement is causing some industry stress

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The General Services Administration has updated its contractor cybersecurity requirements. The standards are similar to the Pentagon’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program. But there are also some key differences in GSA’s standards that are causing consternation in industry. For more, Federal Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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GAO says the Space Development Agency’s timeline for missile-warning satellites may be outpacing reality

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

GAO says the Space Development Agency is at risk of falling behind on missile-warning capability because of technology readiness gaps and schedule planning weaknesses. The report also warns that users don’t have enough transparency into how requirements are set, and DOD still lacks a reliable life‑cycle cost estimate. We'll walk through the detail's with GAO’s Jon Ludwigson.

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The administration’s biggest defense request yet may depend on a budget maneuver to survive the next Congress

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The president has proposed a historic $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027. But with the possibility of divided government after the midterms and the risk of another yearlong continuing resolution, that funding boost could stall before it ever reaches the Pentagon. There may be another route for the White House to go though, the budget reconciliation process. To find out how that could work, Federal News Network' Eric White spoke with John Ferrari, non-resident scholar with the American Enterprise Institute.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, March 4, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Two December cases show DOJ is shifting its cyber enforcement into higher gear
The administration’s biggest defense request yet may depend on a budget maneuver to survive the next Congress
GAO says the Space Development Agency’s timeline for missile-warning satellites may be outpacing reality

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Two December cases show DOJ is shifting its cyber enforcement into higher gear

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Two very different cyber cases — a DFARS‑driven settlement and a criminal indictment involving FedRAMP misrepresentations; are giving contractors a preview of DOJ’s posture for 2026. Both point to a more aggressive and more varied enforcement landscape. We’re talking through what that means with Andrew Liebler and Lance Taubin of Alston & Bird.

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A look at how federal agencies are using artificial intelligence

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:30:00 -0000

Federal agencies are releasing their new use case inventories for artificial intelligence. Across the government, there now are more than 2,500 AI use cases, an increase of more than 800 since last year. And with the rise of agentic AI, agencies are positioning themselves to drive toward more automation and efficiencies. Kelly Fletcher is the chief information officer for the State Department. And Kris Saling is the chief technology advisor for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. They talked about the state of their AI rollouts with Federal News Network’s Jason Miller. Fletcher leads off this excerpt from the discussion.

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Former USAID employees mark one year since major agency cuts

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:30:00 -0000

Hundreds of former USAID employees and their supporters gathered in downtown Washington, D.C., last week. Their rally marked exactly one year since the agency shuttered, and thousands of staff members were escorted out of their offices. At the rally, former employees called out impacts of the Trump administration’s dismantling of USAID, while also considering their path forward. Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman was there.

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DoD’s move against Anthropic and its plan to deploy all FY 2026 funding at once could reset the market for federal contractors

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

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

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A once‑gutted government tech program is coming back to life as OPM prepares to hire its first TechForce cohort

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

A remnant of DOGE is about to get a new life under the Trump administration. OPM plans to issue its first TechForce job offers this week, as the agency wraps up reviews for software engineers and data scientists who would serve two‑ to four‑year tours on modernization projects. To find out how this effort will work — and how it differs from past attempts to bring more technologists into government —Federal News Network’s Eric White spoke with Lauren Chambers, a Ph.D candidate at the UC Berkeley School of Information.

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From poll‑worker shortages to new federal proposals, 2026 could test election systems

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Election offices are heading into 2026 with real pressure on staffing, administration, and public confidence. New proposals at the federal level could add to the workload as local officials prepare for a complex election cycle. We break down the biggest challenges with Donald Palmer, Chairman of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, March 3, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Coming up on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

From poll‑worker shortages to new federal proposals, 2026 could test election systems
A once‑gutted government tech program is coming back to life as OPM prepares to hire its first TechForce cohort
DoD’s move against Anthropic and its plan to deploy all FY 2026 funding at once could reset the market for federal contractors

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Pentagon takes on the task of tracking natural disaster costs at military installations

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:30:00 -0000

Natural disasters at military installations have caused billions of dollars in damage over the past decade, but the Defense Department began tracking those costs just recently. That data, however, remains incomplete and at times inaccurate. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Kristy Williams, director of defense capabilities and management at the Government Accountability Office, about the Pentagon’s efforts to improve natural disaster cost tracking.

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CISA leadership shakeup comes amid ‘pressure’ moment for cyber agency

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:30:00 -0000

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

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Congress is as busy as ever, and DHS is still not funded

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Congress is busy as ever. Hearings, the State of the Union, potentially major legislation, and oh yea, the Department of Homeland Security is still not funded. I got an update on what is top of mind on Capitol Hill right now from Loren Duggan, Deputy News Director for Bloomberg Government.

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New data may change what we know about staffing, stability, and capacity on Capitol Hill

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Behind every hearing, bill, and negotiation are staff whose careers have never been consistently tracked. A new dataset brings order to that picture and gives Congress and the public a clearer sense of its workforce. The architect of the HillClimbers Index is Omar Awan, and he joins me now to show how this new visibility can guide decisions on staff size, compensation, and day‑to‑day operations.

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EPA’s State Revolving Funds move billions into water infrastructure; an internal audit says the agency isn’t accurately tracking how that money is spent

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

According to the OIG, EPA regions underreported improper and unknown payments in the SRF program by tens of millions of dollars, driven by documentation gaps and incomplete reporting. The findings point to weaknesses in the agency’s largest funding stream and the controls meant to protect it. We walk through the implications with Devon Padula from the EPA Office of Inspector General.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, March 2, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

EPA’s State Revolving Funds move billions into water infrastructure; an internal audit says the agency isn’t accurately tracking how that money is spent
New data may change what we know about staffing, stability and capacity on Capitol Hill
Congress is as busy as ever and DHS is still not funded

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USDA to sell part of headquarters complex amid broader plan to relocate DC-based employees

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Agriculture Department is selling one of its headquarters buildings, as part of an ongoing agency reorganization. USDA is putting its South Building near the National Mall over to the General Services Administration, which plans to put it on the market. Senior officials say the building is underutilized and faces a billion-dollar maintenance backlog. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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Marine Corps looks to Navy to meet its readiness goals

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Marine Corps has a readiness problem. Only about 45% to 50% of its amphibious groups have the ability to be forward deployed. For more on how the Marines are working with the Navy to achieve a readiness rate of 80%, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller sat down with Lieutenant General Jay Bargeron, the deputy commandant for plans, policies and operations for the Marine Corps, at the recent WEST conference in San Diego, California.

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Could there be a way to make economic sanctions more mission oriented?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

One of the main tools foreign policy leaders have to exert pressure on other governments is through the use of economic tools. Sanctions, export controls, investment restrictions, and financial measures have been used with much more frequency rather than more invasive methods. But has their recurring use made it more difficult to lose sight of their main purpose in the first place? I recently spoke to Lt. Col. Mary Hossier, Department of the Air Force senior military fellow at the Center for a New American Security, who makes the case that a more doctrinal approach, such as those used by the military, may help keep the main goals in sight.

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A year after the midair collision near Reagan National, the NTSB's findings raise fresh questions about the safety gaps that allowed it to happen

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Families have filed suit alleging the 2025 crash was both foreseeable and preventable, as investigators detailed long‑standing risks in the capital’s most sensitive airspace. With urgent NTSB recommendations on the table and renewed scrutiny of how DCA’s flight corridor is managed, we look at what should have happened at every step to prevent a tragedy like this and what should happen next with aviation attorney Timothy Loranger.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, February 27, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A year after the midair collision near Reagan National, the NTSB's findings raise fresh questions about the safety gaps that allowed it to happen
Could there be a way to make economic sanctions more mission oriented?

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

OPM to tighten reins on federal employees’ performance reviews

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

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

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Military services can enforce stricter enlistment standards than those set by the Defense Department

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

An expunged record at the state level may not be enough to qualify for military service. A federal appeals court says the service branches can enforce stricter enlistment standards than those set by the Defense Department, and don’t have to honor state expungements when evaluating potential recruits. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke to Ira Rushing, associate with Tully Rinckey PLLC, about how the court’s decision could impact current service members or potential recruits.

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How to make sure your nest egg is thriving

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

You've got the money, you'd like it to continue to grow throughout your retirement, where should you put it? It's an age old question that you get a different answer to depending on who and when you ask it. I certainly don't know the answer, so let's talk to someone who does. Certified financial planner Art Stein joins me.

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A record‑shattering year for False Claims Act recoveries is forcing a sharper look at where the money flows

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The government brought in an all‑time high of $6.8 billion in False Claims Act recoveries last year, with healthcare driving most of the action. DOJ is zeroing in on managed care billing, drug‑pricing tactics, and medical‑device safety — and it’s adding discrimination in hiring and pay as a new area of focus. We’ll unpack what that means for companies and why enforcement keeps following the money with Kate Seikaly (CYCLE-y) of Reed Smith.

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As AI transforms the workforce, a new report finds veterans may have an edge

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Using exclusive retention data, Redeployable and Hire Heroes USA tracked where veterans actually stay and grow in the civilian workforce, even as AI reshapes entire industries. Their analysis spotlights six fields with strong job growth, high veteran staying power, and low automation risk — a combination that signals long‑term stability. We’ll break down why these fields stand out and what the research means for veterans making career decisions right now with Ben Read and Charlotte Creech. Ben is the Co-Founder and CEO of Redeployable and Charlotte is Chief Program Officer at Hire Heroes USA.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, February 26, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

As AI transforms the workforce, a new report finds veterans may have an edge, and the data shows exactly which career paths offer the strongest long‑term payoff
A record‑shattering year for False Claims Act recoveries is forcing a sharper look at where the money flows and why DOJ’s enforcement firepower keeps circling back to healthcare
How to make sure your nest egg is thriving

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Education Dept moves more work to other agencies, but hasn’t reassigned more employees yet

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Education Department is handing off more work to other federal agencies, as part of plans to dismantle its operations. It’s sharing some of its duties with the departments of State Department and the Department of Health and Human Services. Education transferred some of its employees to the Labor Department last year. But so far, no employees have been detailed to State or HHS. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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Pentagon eyes 2028 to deliver much-delayed background investigation system

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

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

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Tribes are gaining long‑term roles in managing natural and cultural resources, but GAO says those agreements could be more effective

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

GAO reviewed how agencies work with Tribes to share decisions on natural and cultural resources and found that while these agreements can provide meaningful, long‑term participation, they’re built unevenly from agency to agency. Some agencies have the legal authority to create deeper partnerships, while others, including the Forest Service and NOAA’s marine sanctuaries don’t, limiting Tribal influence over similar lands and waters. We’ll explore what it will take to close those gaps with GAO’s Anna Maria Ortiz.

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What to expect in the first months of your retirement

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Your final day of working can approach fast once you have it set. At least, that's what I've been told. The changes however can be even more rapid after you do retire. So what can you expect your first few months of not having to punch the clock every day? We welcome Private Wealth Adviser with RMG Advisors Thiago Glieger.

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A check-in with the office in charge of running the Capitol building

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

With 2026 underway, we thought we'd check in with office in charge of running the Capitol, the building that is. It's been over 230 years since George Washington laid the cornerstone for the building, and obviously it's come a long way. To find out what's in store for the future, Federal Drive host Terry Gerton talked to the one person who best knows that answer, Architect of the Capitol Thomas Austin.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Wednesday, February 25, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

A check-in with the office in charge of running the Capitol building
What to expect in the first months of your retirement
Tribes are gaining long‑term roles in managing natural and cultural resources, but GAO says those agreements could be far more consistent and far more effective

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

Can NASA refocus and invigorate its workforce?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

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

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With shutdown threats mostly behind them, contractors focus on eventful opportunities

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

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

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If you think an old tax issue is behind you, the IRS may be about to prove otherwise

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

With enforcement ramping up and penalties increasing, the Voluntary Disclosure Program is becoming the safest way to resolve past tax mistakes before they turn into something bigger. We’ll walk through the risks, red flags, and first steps with Valerie Makarewicz and Tino Lisella, Partners at Carlton Fields.

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For victims, a quick stop at an ATM or gas station can turn into wiped‑out accounts and days of financial chaos after a skimmer steals their card data

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Card‑skimming is no longer a local nuisance; it’s become a coordinated, multi‑state fraud pipeline built on speed, technology and volume. The Secret Service is tracing how these crews operate, and partnerships with banks and local police are helping shut them down. We’ll look at the scope of the threat and the impact on victims with Secret Service Special Agent Michael Peck.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Tuesday, February 24, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

For victims, a quick stop at an ATM or gas station can turn into wiped‑out accounts and days of financial chaos after a skimmer steals their card data
If you think an old tax issue is behind you, the IRS may be about to prove otherwise
With shutdown threats mostly behind them, contractors focus on eventful opportunities

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

House Democrats pressure Bureau of Prisons leadership on staffing ‘crisis’

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

House Democrats are pressing Bureau of Prisons leaders on their plans to address long-time staffing shortages. For years, low staffing at BOP has contributed to operational issues and unsafe conditions across the federal prison system. A letter sent Friday to BOP’s Director says the workforce issues have reached a “crisis point.” Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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NIH expands AI pilots amid staffing reductions

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The National Institutes of Health continued to lean into the use of artificial intelligence last year. The NIH has now initiated more than 100 AI pilots over the last few years. Those efforts ramped up as the health agency also navigated staffing cuts and other turmoil in 20-25. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me now.

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A new Supreme Court ruling has upended the President’s global tariff plan just as Congress faces fresh pressure to avert a partial shutdown at DHS

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The Supreme Court’s decision striking down the administration’s tariff framework landed in the middle of a crowded stretch on Capitol Hill, where talks to end the DHS partial shutdown have turned to carving agencies out for standalone funding. Lawmakers are also weighing everything from reconciliation plans to aviation safety and the latest FISA fight. We break down what to watch in the days ahead with WTOP’s Capitol Hill Correspondent, Mitchell Miller.

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Congress.gov is gearing up for another round of user research after a revealing set of interviews late last year

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

After completing interviews with congressional and public users in November and December, the Congress.gov team is preparing for a new research phase this spring. The insights from last year’s sessions are guiding the next steps in modernizing the user experience. I'll explore the takeaways and what’s ahead with Chief of the Design Division, OCIO, at the Library of Congress, Kristin Davis.

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The BIOSECURE Act is coming, and no contractor is as “biotech‑free” as they think

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

A new federal law is about to require contractors to map their supply chains, vet their vendors, and prove they’re not relying on banned biotech companies. Many firms will discover exposure they didn’t know they had. We’ll explain what’s at stake with Alex Major, Partner and Co‑Chair of the Government Contracts & Global Trade Practice at McCarter & English.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, February 23, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The BIOSECURE Act is coming, and no contractor is as “biotech‑free” as they think
Congress.gov is gearing up for another round of user research after a revealing set of interviews late last year
A new Supreme Court ruling has upended the President’s global tariff plan just as Congress faces fresh pressure to avert a partial shutdown at Homeland Security

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DoD memo’s use cases clarify mission impact of new policies on PKI credentials, expanded authentication

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

One of the key highlights of the Defense Department’s recent memo on multi-factor authentication for unclassified and secret networks is the clarification that DoD Public Key Infrastructure — not the common access card itself — is the department’s primary authenticator. Previous policies would often go back and forth between describing the CAC or PKI as DoD’s primary credential, creating confusion. Plus, the memo finally introduces passwordless authentication methods designed to give service members faster, more flexible access to systems. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Alex Antrim and Adam Oliver, senior solutions engineers at Yubico..

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For DOT, 6-month sprints demonstrating aptitude for modernization

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Transportation Department is pushing back against the old adage, “if it ain’t broke, why fix it?” Instead, DOT is looking at all of its technology systems and infrastructure and asking how they can drive better outcomes, particularly through modernization. For more on how Transportation is modernizing many of its legacy systems, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller caught up with Pavan Pidugu, the chief digital and information officer at the Department of Transportation, to learn more.

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A new Executive Order aims to rethink how the nation tackles addiction, shifting from treatment alone to a broader, community‑anchored approach to recovery

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The White House’s new Great American Recovery Initiative reframes addiction as a chronic disease that needs steady support, not just clinical services — a shift meant to close the gap between how many Americans struggle with substance use and how few receive help. It calls for stronger coordination across government, healthcare, and communities to make recovery more accessible, more connected, and more rooted in real life. We’ll dig into what that means on the ground with Melissa Sosinski, host of Empathy Affect podcast, who’s spent years talking with leaders and people with lived experience about what recovery really looks like.

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The government’s first $1 million antitrust whistleblower award could reshape how companies think about risk, and about their own employees

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

DOJ’s first antitrust whistleblower reward signals a more aggressive approach to rooting out market‑allocation and procurement‑related fraud, especially in digital marketplaces. With employees now financially incentivized to report before companies self‑disclose, the competitive landscape for leniency has shifted. We explore how enforcement is changing with Ann O’Brien, partner at Shepherd and Co-Leader of the firm's Antitrust and Competition Practice Group.

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The White House has scrapped the one‑size‑fits‑all SBOM mandate and told agency leaders to own their cyber risk, now flexibility meets accountability

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

OMB’s new memo rescinds the Biden‑era requirements and shifts software and hardware security to an agency‑driven, risk‑based model. SBOMs and attestations move from “must” to “may.” That means CIOs and CISOs can tailor what they ask for from vendors, but they’ll also carry the burden of proving those choices keep mission systems safe. We’ll dig into what this change unlocks and where it could create blind spots with Jean‑Paul Bergeaux, Federal CTO at GuidePoint Security.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, February 20, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The White House has scrapped the one‑size‑fits‑all SBOM mandate and told agency leaders to own their cyber risk. Now flexibility meets accountability
The government’s first $1 million antitrust whistleblower award could reshape how companies think about risk... and about their own employees
A new Executive Order aims to rethink how the nation tackles addiction, shifting from treatment alone to a broader, community‑anchored approach to recovery

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

Lawmakers eyeing changes to federal benefits, hiring, pay

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

Over the last several weeks, lawmakers have been examining several bills that would affect federal employees in different ways. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, in particular, recently advanced legislation that may bring changes to federal benefits and hiring practices. Joining me with a review of these bills is Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Postal union president focused on keeping USPS an ‘affordable option,’ amid agency’s financial woes

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Postal Service typically sees its best financial results in the first quarter of each fiscal year. That’s because of the year-end holiday season and sometimes a surge in political mail. But USPS is starting this fiscal year with a $1.3 billion net loss. It posted a rare net profit for the same period last year. The American Postal Workers Union says USPS should focus on affordable services and improved service to win back customers. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman spoke with APWU President Jonathan Smith.

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It’s starting to feel like Census Groundhog Day, the same warning signs from 2020 are showing up again for 2030

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The Census Project says the warning signs are back, calling the path to 2030 a “Census Groundhog Day” moment that echoes the troubles of 2020. From lagging timelines to unresolved operational risks, the report suggests the bureau is once again running out of runway. Steve Jost and Howard Feinberg join us to explain what’s at stake. Steve is Senior Advisor for Avoq, and a consultant to The Census Project. Howard is Senior VP for Advocacy at the Insights Association and co-director of the Census Project.

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The search for the next Comptroller General is turning into a mystery, no one knows when the process will even begin

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

With Gene Dodaro’s 15‑year term closed out and Orice Williams Brown serving in an acting capacity, Congress and the administration now face a high‑stakes selection governed by one of the most bipartisan appointment processes in government. The next leader must balance independence, expertise and credibility to keep GAO’s work above politics. POGO’s Janice Luong joins us to break down what comes next.

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Major shifts across climate, labor, immigration and other key policy areas made 2025 a year of rapid regulatory change

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

A presidential handoff at noon on January 20 triggered an abrupt reversal across federal policymaking, with agencies shifting from one set of priorities to another almost instantaneously. That whiplash was intensified by a surge of midnight rules on the way out and rapid reversals on the way in, as well as a renewed push by President Trump to expand executive authority. We’ll walk through how that turbulence is reshaping regulation with Finn Dobkin and Matias Vesperoni of the George Washington University Regulatory Studies Center.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, February 19, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Major shifts across climate, labor, immigration and other key policy areas made 2025 a year of rapid regulatory change
The search for the next Comptroller General is turning into a mystery — no one knows when the process will even begin
It’s starting to feel like Census Groundhog Day ... the same warning signs from 2020 are showing up again for 2030

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

How a DHS shutdown affects different components and employees

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Department of Homeland Security is in shutdown mode, but most DHS employees are continuing to work through the lapse in appropriations. Many DHS personnel will also have to work without pay until the White House and lawmakers negotiate a funding deal. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me

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DoD enters decadeslong barracks lease as lawmaker warns privatization push lacks accountability tools

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Defense Department has locked itself into another decadeslong lease this time for privatized military barracks, expanding a housing model that has posed significant challenges for military family housing for decades. A Senate lawmaker now warns that the 50 year agreement will limit the Pentagon’s ability to change contract terms and hold private companies accountable for inadequate living conditions. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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When severe weather hits, alerts only save lives if people can understand them, and GAO says millions still can’t

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

GAO reports that millions of residents still receive severe‑weather alerts only in English, and that the National Weather Service’s AI translation initiative risks stalling without better planning and stronger coordination. Technical constraints, resource shortages, and policy barriers are slowing progress nationwide. We look at what GAO recommends and how agencies can close trust‑eroding gaps with Cardell Johnson, Director, Natural Resources and Environment at GAO.

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For feds and retirees, uncertainty is creeping in as customer‑service problems and new personnel rules raise fresh questions about stability and fairness in the system

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

OPM’s customer‑service struggles are coming at the same time the agency is rewriting policies that affect job security and appeals. We’ll unpack what it all means for people counting on a stable, fair system with John Hatton, staff vice president for policy and programs at NARFE.

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A year into the job, the VA secretary reflects on what he’s learned, what he’s changing, and what he hopes to tackle next

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Secretary Doug Collins is a year into his tenure at the VA. He joins me now for a look back at what he learned over the past year and how those lessons informed his plan to reorganize the Veterans Health Administration. We'll also examine how VA is making progress in benefits eligibility decisions and payments. He'll lay out what’s changing and why. and what he hopes to accomplish in the year ahead. Here's my conversation with Secretary Collins.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, February 18, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A year into the job, the VA secretary reflects on what he’s learned, what he’s changing, and what he hopes to tackle next
For feds and retirees, uncertainty is creeping in as customer‑service problems and new personnel rules raise fresh questions about stability and fairness in the system
When severe weather hits, alerts only save lives if people can understand them, and GAO says millions still can’t

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

OPM directs agencies to move forward with ending collective bargaining

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration is telling agencies to proceed with terminating their collective bargaining agreements if they haven't already a new advisory from the Office of Personnel Management follows two executive orders last year that directed most agencies to cancel their union contracts. That's despite ongoing litigation against the president's orders here with the latest is Federal News Network's Drew Friedman.

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VA data shows it cut health care hiring times in half, but it’s using different metrics

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

Data from the Department of Veterans Affairs shows it cut health care hiring times by more half. The Trump administration directed agencies to speed up time-to-hire governmentwide. But a closer look at the VA’s data shows that it’s using different metrics than it’s used in the past. For a closer look at the numbers … Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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The DHS partial shutdown is stretching on, and this week’s negotiations are taking place with Congress out of town

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The standoff over DHS funding is now shaping operations across the department, the next round of negotiations, and the political backdrop for the State of the Union later this month. The SAVE Act moves to the Senate and the President touts an executive order. We sort out what’s moving and what’s not with Loren Duggan, Deputy News Director at Bloomberg Government.

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Fiscal uncertainty and payment delays are putting new pressure on contractors working across DHS and State

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Contractors supporting DHS are navigating a mix of shifting reviews, uneven funding streams, and slow reimbursements for work already completed. Those delays are now rippling through companies that don’t get upfront payments and rely on predictable cash flow to keep projects moving. We break down what’s driving the bottlenecks and who’s feeling it most with Stephanie Kostro, Executive Vice President for Policy at the Professional Services Council.

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A new congressional caucus is stepping up to defend the federal workforce at a critical moment

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

After a year of deep disruptions to the career civil service, lawmakers have created a bicameral caucus to defend federal workers and modernize the systems they rely on. Its goals range from protecting nonpartisan public service to improving pay, retention, and professional development. One of the leaders behind the effort is Rep. James Walkinshaw of Virginia. He joins me now to walk through the strategy and goals for the new caucus.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, February 17, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A new congressional caucus is stepping up to defend the federal workforce at a critical moment
Fiscal uncertainty and payment delays are putting new pressure on contractors working across DHS and State
The DHS partial shutdown is stretching on, and this week’s negotiations are taking place with Congress out of town

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

'Best of' The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Monday, February 16, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

It's President's Day, and today on the 'Best of' The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton we look back at some of our discussions highlighting important research on federal management issues.

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Naval Information Warfare Systems Command zeroes in on priorities for its new cyber directorate

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command stood up a new cyber directorate last August to take a more comprehensive approach to cybersecurity across the enterprise. The office is zeroing in on three priorities: speeding up zero‑trust adoption, strengthening secure software practices and bringing cutting‑edge defensive technologies into the fight. For more on why Navwar created the directorate and where it’s headed, Federal News Network’s Jason Miller spoke with Rachel Bondi, the deputy director for the cyber innovation unit and CTO for mission systems afloat, at the West Conference in San Diego.

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Continuing resolutions lead to delays, higher costs, and operational disruptions, watchdog finds

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The full impact of continuing resolutions is hard to pin down for the Defense Department, but a government watchdog says the funding lapses consistently lead to delays, higher costs, added administrative work and operational disruptions — including a facilities sustainment contract at Joint Base San Antonio that more than doubled after CR‑related delays. They also disrupted training and exercises and forced financial staff to rework budgets to navigate CR limits instead of supporting the mission. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Rashmi Agarwal, a director on the Government Accountability Office’s defense capabilities and management team.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, February 13, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A renovation job at Fort Meade turned into a dispute over delays, badges, background checks, and ultimately, whether the government can be held responsible for acting like… well, the government
In 2026, law‑enforcement hiring isn’t a staffing challenge. It’s a risk‑management challenge hiding inside a staffing challenge

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

A renovation job at Fort Meade turned into a dispute

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The Armed Services Board rejected Meltech’s multimillion‑dollar claim, ruling that Fort Meade’s updated security rules were sovereign acts, the kind the government issues for everyone, not targeted at a single contract. And even if they weren’t, the record showed plenty of unforced errors by the contractor. Today, we walk through the case, the doctrine at its core, and the practical lessons for contractors working behind the gate with Partner at Haynes Boone, Zach Prince.

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

In 2026, law‑enforcement hiring isn’t a staffing challenge, it’s a risk‑management challenge hiding inside a staffing challenge

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

As law enforcement agencies at every level scale up recruiting, legacy background tools can’t track officer movement or surface red flags early enough to matter. Joining me to explain why those gaps show up first in hiring, and what a modern, shared digital platform would let agencies see that they can’t see today is the Founder of Guardian Alliance Technologies, Justin Biedinger.

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

CIA emphasizes speed under new acquisition framework

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Central Intelligence Agency is lifting the veil on some acquisition reform priorities. Earlier this week, the CIA announced a new acquisition framework that focuses on speed and innovation. The agency says it wants to better harness cutting edge commercial technologies. 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.

Navy puts finishing touches on new AI strategy

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Department of the Navy is putting the finishing touches on a new AI strategy. Officials say it’s a direct response to lessons learned from recent conflicts and the increasing speed at which adversaries are able to adapt their tactics and technologies. The strategy has undergone two rounds of review, and it’s expected to be signed soon by the Secretary of the Navy. As Federal News Network’s Jared Serbu reports, officials say they’re trying to build on the Navy’s own operational experience, and on and best practices from industry.

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Federal employees have new rules, new documents, and new timelines to keep an eye on this year

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

Accessing the right tax forms, tracking changes to 2026 pay and TSP contribution limits, and navigating the retirement backlog are all hitting federal employees at once. We’ll walk through what’s new, what’s changing, and what to expect as the year unfolds. Joining me is federal benefits expert Tammy Flanagan.

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VA rolled out new AI tools quickly, but without a system to catch mistakes, patient safety is on the line

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

A new review shows Department of Veterans Affairs clinicians are using AI tools for documentation and decision support, but there’s no system in place to detect mistakes or respond to risks. Without better oversight, the technology could unintentionally affect patient diagnoses and care. Here to explain the warning and what needs to happen next is the VA's Inspector General, Cheryl Mason.

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A new IG audit finds DoD isn’t fully tracking F‑35 contractor performance, raising questions about oversight on the Pentagon’s costliest program

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

The F‑35 is the Pentagon’s most expensive weapons program, and the Department relies on contractors to keep it performing as promised. But a new DoD Inspector General audit says the Department isn’t consistently tracking or documenting that performance, leaving gaps that affect cost, schedule, and readiness. We'll look at what the auditors found and what DoD is doing about it with Chris DePerro, Supervisory Auditor, Program Director, Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, February 12, 2026

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

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Geton

A new IG audit finds DoD isn’t fully tracking F‑35 contractor performance, raising questions about oversight on the Pentagon’s costliest program
VA rolled out new AI tools quickly, but without a system to catch mistakes, patient safety is on the line
Federal employees have new rules, new documents, and new timelines to keep an eye on this year

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

Trump administration advances plan to strip job protections from career federal employees

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

In just a few weeks, tens of thousands of career federal employees could lose their civil service protections. Positions that get converted to the new Schedule Policy/Career will no longer have the ability to appeal an adverse action or termination. But additional guidance is out, showing some other benefits employees might lose if they are reclassified. 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.

IRS officially puts back-office employees on ‘involuntary’ details to handle filing season work

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The IRS is notifying back-office employees that they will temporarily cover frontline filing season work through this summer. Training for these detailed employees will begin nearly a month after the start of this year’s tax filing season. The agency’s taxpayer service division lost a significant number of employees last year. The IRS also fell short of its hiring goals this season. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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A system meant to reduce prison recidivism can’t do its job if the inputs are wrong

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

GAO found the Bureau of Prisons struggling with timely assessments and unreliable program data, making it harder to know whether incarcerated people are getting the programming the First Step Act requires. Add in delays applying earned time credits, and the whole recidivism‑reduction strategy wobbles. GAO’s Gretta Goodwin joins me to talk about the risks and the fixes.

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When we look at USPS only through a profit lens, we miss the economic engine sitting in plain sight

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

New research from Brookings shows that rural counties with stronger access to post offices have more small‑business activity, even when broadband and other factors are the same. That suggests the postal network is doing far more economic heavy lifting than policymakers assume. We’ll dig into the findings with Elena Patel, co-director of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center and a senior fellow in the Economic Studies Program at the Brookings Institution.

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A medical breakthrough that sounds like science fiction is on the horizon: printing organs that could match any patient, on demand

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

For patients waiting on transplants, the gap between supply and need has always been measured in lives. ARPA‑H’s new program aims to close that gap entirely by pursuing bioprinted organs that don’t require a donor and don’t trigger rejection. It’s a bold bet on what medicine could look like next, and we'll explore the details with the Program Manager of the PRINT program, Ryan Spitler.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Wednesday, February 11, 2026

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

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A medical breakthrough that sounds like science fiction is on the horizon: printing organs that could match any patient, on demand
When we look at USPS only through a profit lens, we miss the economic engine sitting in plain sight
A system meant to reduce prison recidivism can’t do its job if the inputs are wrong

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

Army prepares to debut “generational” change in the way it provides food to soldiers

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

Next week, the Army plans to debut what’s meant to be a “generational” change in the way it provides food to soldiers. At Fort Hood, Texas, the service plans to launch its new “campus style” dining concept, a model that could eventually replace legacy dining facilities around the world. But to do it at just one installation, the Army had to overcome some significant bureaucratic and acquisition hurdles. If it’s successful, the service will need to figure out how to remove those hurdles entirely. Details from Federal News Network’s Jared Serbu.

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

Trump administration advances plan to strip job protections from career federal employees

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration’s newly finalized “Schedule F” policy is making big headlines. But there are also several other significant changes coming for the federal workforce. Three recent proposals look to give the Office of Personnel Management more authority, something that could bring significant changes for employees. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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

The rules of federal buying are being rewritten, and everyone is feeling the shift

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The landscape of government buying is shifting, with one agency already showing real savings after moving to a new government‑wide cloud purchasing approach. At the same time, the collapse of a major technology contract vehicle is sending agencies and vendors looking for new paths forward. And as small‑business rules get a closer look, many firms are discovering requirements they didn’t realize applied to them. We’ll break down what all of this means with 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.

Turning a lifetime of savings into a steady retirement paycheck takes more than a rule of thumb

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Federal employees spend decades learning how to save, but far less time learning how to draw those savings down safely. From balancing pension, Social Security, and TSP withdrawals to avoiding early‑retirement missteps, distribution planning is its own discipline. We break down how to build a reliable monthly paycheck in retirement with Thiago Glieger of RMG Advisors.

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

After a tough year for federal employees, how do leaders still on the job keep their teams motivated and moving toward better performance?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Dave Lebryk has spent a career leading teams through calm and crisis across the federal government. Now, after stepping away from public service, he’s watching former colleagues shoulder one of the toughest years in recent memory. We’ll tap into his perspective on how leaders still on the job keep themselves grounded, keep their teams motivated, and keep pushing for better performance even when the system is strained.

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, February 9, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

After a tough year for federal employees, how do leaders still on the job keep their teams motivated and moving toward better performance?
Turning a lifetime of savings into a steady retirement paycheck takes more than a rule of thumb
The rules of federal buying are being rewritten, and everyone is feeling the shift

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

VA looks to get new Electronic Health Record system back on track

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Department of Veterans Affairs is looking to get the rollout of a new multi-billion-dollar Electronic Health Record back on track, after pausing the project for three years. The VA is planning for its new EHR from Oracle-Cerner to go live at 13 sites in 2026. It'll start with four sites in Michigan in April. Unlike previous deployments, the upcoming go-lives to take place in waves. Since 2023 the project has been on pause while the VA addressed outages and productivity declines at sites that adopted the new EHR. For a closer look at this project, Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman spoke with VA’s Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence.

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Five updates on the Trump admin’s cybersecurity agenda

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration is preparing to roll out several major cybersecurity policy updates in the coming weeks and months. At the top of the list is a new national cybersecurity strategy. But there are several other cyber developments worth watching. For more on that, 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.

A pivotal week for Congress as the clock runs down on DHS funding and lawmakers look for a path out of another shutdown fight

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

With just five days left before the DHS continuing resolution runs out, lawmakers are weighing a mix of short‑term fixes and longer‑shot options to keep the department open. Those talks are unfolding alongside a crowded agenda that includes the SAVE Act, questions about crypto and banking, and the launch of a new Federal Workforce Caucus. We’ll also look at what upcoming oversight hearings could mean for the funding debate with WTOP 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.

Washington talks a lot about regulations, but rarely about how the regulators themselves operate

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

A new paper argues that the real action inside multimember commissions isn’t in public votes or partisan balance; it’s in the internal mechanics that shape every regulatory outcome. Here to unpack how these bodies actually function, why their design matters more than ever, and what’s at stake as legal and political pressures mount is assistant professor of law in the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University, Todd Phillips.

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

A new Pentagon‑funded study is testing whether autonomous oxygen therapy can take lifesaving care out of a medic’s hands and put it into an intelligent system

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The Defense Department is backing a new study to see whether an autonomous oxygen system can help medics deliver safer, more precise care in the field. The University of Colorado Anschutz team will test the O2matic technology in real prehospital settings to see if it can lighten medics’ workload, conserve oxygen, and improve survival in both military and civilian emergencies.

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, February 9, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A new Pentagon‑funded study is testing whether autonomous oxygen therapy can take lifesaving care out of a medic’s hands and put it into an intelligent system, changing how patients are treated in the most dangerous and remote environments
Washington talks a lot about regulations—but rarely about how the regulators themselves operate
A pivotal week for Congress as the clock runs down on DHS funding and lawmakers look for a path out of another shutdown fight

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

Trump administration could pour trillions into Golden Dome that is unlikely to work

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

A fiscal watchdog group says the Trump administration’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative could cost as much as $3.6 trillion over the next 20 years, far exceeding the White House’s projected $175 billion. The group also argues the effort faces “insurmountable” technical hurdles and that it is likely that Golden Dome will simply not work. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Gabe Murphy, policy analyst at Taxpayers for Common Sense.

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

Trump administration advances plan to strip job protections from career federal employees

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

Tens of thousands of career federal employees will soon be made easier to fire. That's after Office of Personnel Management issued a final rule on “Schedule Policy/Career.” Once fully implemented, the new employment classification will exempt many employees from long-standing job 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.

Behind DoD’s contract review is a bigger question: how far can enforcement go without undercutting small‑business programs themselves?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Small business set‑asides are mandated by statute, anchored in the rule of two, and central to competition in the defense industrial base. The Secretary’s memo adds new tests for mission necessity, subcontracting compliance, and market pricing — all under compressed deadlines. Here to explain what this could mean for contractors across every socioeconomic category is partner at Haynes Boone, Dan Ramish.

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

Technical debt puts federal cybersecurity at risk, the question now is how to break out of the cycle

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Aging network infrastructure is consuming maintenance dollars that should be funding modern, secure architectures, especially as agencies try to integrate AI. It’s a spiral that deepens cyber risk and delays progress. We’ll look at options for getting out of that cul‑de‑sac with Cisco’s Senior Director for Technology Policy, Eric Wenger.

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

AI is stepping directly into America’s scientific engine room as OpenAI expands its work with the Department of Energy

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

OpenAI’s new agreement with the Department of Energy marks a shift from pilot projects to full‑scale collaboration inside the national labs. The partnership aims to speed up scientific discovery across all domains by putting AI models into real research workflows. Here to walk through how that integration works, and what it means for the next phase of scientific progress, is Global head of innovation policy at OpenAI, James Hairston.

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, February 6, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

AI is stepping directly into America’s scientific engine room as OpenAI expands its work with the Department of Energy
Technical debt puts federal cybersecurity at risk. The question now is how to break out of the cycle
Behind DoD’s contract review is a bigger question: how far can enforcement go without undercutting small‑business programs themselves?

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

Shared services still hindered by long-standing barriers

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The long-journey of getting agencies to adopt shared services for back office functions like financial management or human resources has quietly made real progress over the last decade. But a new report by the Government Accountability Office shows agencies have yet to solve some of the long-standing challenges to adopting shared services. For more on what GAO found and where shared services is heading next, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller 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 surveys existing contracts to expand right to repair access

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Army has launched a service-wide survey of all existing contracts to determine where limited access to technical data is hindering soldiers’ ability to maintain and repair their own equipment. 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.

You can't properly celebrate America's 250th birthday without the artifacts that created it

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

As the nation prepares to mark America’s 250th birthday, the National Archives is taking some of its most treasured records on the road. It's also unveiled a newly renovated flagship exhibition, giving visitors an immersive, high-tech look at 250 years of U.S. history. To learn about these endeavors and other activities slated for the occasion, Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Grace McCaffrey, Acting Executive of External Affairs and Communications at NARA.

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

Patent reform is back on the table, and a leading Senator says the stakes for American innovation couldn’t be higher

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Lawmakers pushing for new rules say uncertainty in U.S. patent eligibility is putting innovators at risk and giving global competitors room to run. The proposal would clarify what can be patented, streamline coordination between federal agencies, and open the door for clearer pathways to generics. I'll explore the ideas driving the reform effort with one of the bill's sponsors, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

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, February 5, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Patent reform is back on the table, and a leading Senator says the stakes for American innovation couldn’t be higher
You can't properly celebrate America's 250th birthday without the artifacts that created it

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

Partial shutdown ended, as Trump signs package securing back pay for furloughed feds

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

A short-term partial government shutdown is over after House lawmakers have reached a deal to fund much of the federal government. A majority of agencies now have funding through the end of the fiscal year. That’s except for the Department of Homeland Security. It’s under a two-week stopgap spending bill, buying lawmakers more time to negotiate additional guardrails on federal immigration operations. 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.

GSA ends U.S. participation in ‘open government’ initiative

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration has withdrawn the United States from the Open Government Partnership, an international initiative the U.S. helped create nearly 15 years ago. Administration officials say the OGP was ineffective and waste of money. But critics of the move say it’s another example of the Trump administration backsliding on transparency and accountability. 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.

Are federal programs doing enough to stop fraud before it happens?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

GAO found major gaps in anti-fraud practices across grants, contracts, and loans. Only one program of five examined met all nine leading safeguards. Hannah Padilla, Director, Financial Management and Assurance at GAO, explains where agencies must act first to strengthen oversight.

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

Emerging technologies are quickly becoming the backbone of national power, but most leaders still aren’t trained to understand them

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The Krach Institute is throwing open the doors to its Tech Diplomacy Academy, aiming to train leaders worldwide on the technologies reshaping security and freedom. We'll dig into why tech diplomacy has become essential, and how free societies can stay ahead as the stakes rise with the CEO of the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue, Michelle Giuda.

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

Thousands of Maryland jobs and millions in wages are tied to federal decisions, a new tool makes those consequences visible.

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

After early cuts at HHS and USAID translated into thousands of lost jobs and hundreds of millions in foregone wages, Maryland officials wanted a sharper view of what was happening. The result is a new modeling tool that lets policymakers see the impact of federal spending shifts at the county and agency level. Joining us to explain how it works is Ben Siegel, Deputy Comptroller of Maryland for Policy.

See the dashboard here: https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/news/maryland-comptroller-and-smith-school-release-federal-spending-scenarios-and-dashboard

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, February 4, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Thousands of Maryland jobs and millions in wages are tied to federal decisions. A new tool makes those consequences visible
Emerging technologies are quickly becoming the backbone of national power ... but most leaders still aren’t trained to understand them
Are federal programs doing enough to stop fraud before it happens?

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

Air Force ends hearings for SAP appeals, raising due process questions

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Air Force has quietly eliminated all in-person and virtual hearings for Special Access Program (SAP) appeals, replacing them with a paper-only process. It's still unclear whether the Air Force will allow individuals to submit written responses instead of a personal appearance. It is also possible that decisions will rely entirely on existing security files, with no opportunity for individuals to respond, which would be a loss of due process. For more. Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis spoke with Dan Meyer, partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC..

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

VA reorganization to shift health care workforce to hubs with growing veteran population

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Department of Veterans Affairs is looking to shift more of its health care workforce to facilities facing a growing veteran population. That’s the latest from the VA’s long-awaited agency reorganization. That also means drawing down staffing levels in places where the veteran population is shrinking. 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.

New guidance from GSA is carrying forward last year’s push to rein in consulting contracts, roll out the FAR overhaul and put real pressure on value‑added resellers

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

GSA is moving quickly on multiple fronts from refreshing its major GWACs to gathering fresh data from VARs—signaling a continued shift toward tighter oversight of how agencies buy services and technology. At the same time, Treasury’s cancellation of its Booz Allen Hamilton contracts has raised new questions about how far that scrutiny will go across the government. We’ll sort out the implications for agencies and contractors with 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.

If you care about America’s innovation pipeline, you need to understand what’s happening to Bayh‑Dole and the small businesses it was built to support

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Research shows Bayh‑Dole has fueled thousands of inventions, patents and startups, but disruptions like SBIR’s expiration and 8(a)’s turmoil are testing the system. Jere Glover and Joe Allen are here to explain how those shocks ripple into federal R&D, commercialization and long‑term competitiveness. Jere Glover serves as the Executive Director of the Small Business Technology Council. Joe Allen is Executive Director of the Bayh-Dole Coalition.

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

Big changes are finally reshaping how the Pentagon buys and innovates, and the next wave of reform is already underway

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The 2026 NDAA marks one of the most significant shifts in defense acquisition in more than a decade, from reshaping how the Pentagon buys to opening new paths for commercial innovation. It also sets the stage for DoD’s next round of ecosystem reforms, with lawmakers already at work on the 2027 bill. We’ll break down what’s really changing and what it means for industry with former Pentagon official Stephanie Barna.

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, February 3, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Big changes are finally reshaping how the Pentagon buys and innovates, and the next wave of reform is already underway
If you care about America’s innovation pipeline, you need to understand what’s happening to Bayh‑Dole and the small businesses it was built to support
New guidance from GSA is carrying forward last year’s push to rein in consulting contracts, roll out the FAR overhaul, and put real pressure on value‑added resellers

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

A group of former senior federal executives take another look at boosting federal agency performance

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

For more than 30 years, Washington has churned out idea after idea to boost federal agency performance. We’ve seen everything from the Clinton administration’s Reinventing Government push, to the Bush administration’s PART reviews, to the Government Performance and Results Act. Now, a group of former senior federal executives, calling themselves We the Doers, say there’s a better way, drawing on more than 88 years of combined service. For a look at what they’re proposing, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller spoke with Maureen Klovers and April Harding, the group’s co-founders.

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

Unions, nonprofits challenge FEMA staffing cuts in court

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -0000

A coalition of unions and nonprofits is challenging cuts to staff at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In a new lawsuit, they allege the workforce reductions violate laws that restrict the Department of Homeland Security from making sweeping changes at FEMA. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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Congress may have sorted out most of its spending drama over the weekend, but the final stretch of the 2026 appropriations process is far from simple

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

After a chaotic stretch on Capitol Hill, Congress seems to have settled most of the remaining 2026 funding fights. But even with the dust clearing, the path forward on the final bills still isn’t entirely locked in. Here to break down what the House will tackle this week and what the split over DHS funding could mean for the agencies caught in the middle is deputy news director for bloomberg government, Loren Duggan.

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A standout year for the TSP is giving investors plenty to build on for 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The TSP’s performance in 2025 ended on a much stronger note than anyone expected after a rough start to the year. International stocks pulled ahead, bonds finally delivered meaningful gains, and U.S. markets stayed lofty despite all the noise. We’ll look at what mattered, what didn’t, and what comes next with financial planner Art Stein.

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Boards are reassessing governance and risk, new EO broadens what counts as defense‑contractor underperformance

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

A new executive order is putting fresh pressure on defense companies to show they’re investing and performing the way the government expects. The broad language means boards may have to rethink how they manage delivery, oversight, and capital decisions across the whole enterprise. We get into what leaders should be doing now with Chris Griesedieck, partner at Venable.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, February 2, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Boards are reassessing governance and risk as a new executive order broadens what counts as defense‑contractor underperformance
A standout year for the TSP, from a foreign‑stock surge to a long‑awaited bond rebound, is giving investors plenty to build on for 2026
Congress may have sorted out most of its spending drama over the weekend, but the final stretch of the 2026 appropriations process is far from simple

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FedRAMP turns to government cloud leaders for ways to improve the program

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

After a year of talks with industry on how to improve the program, FedRAMP is turning inward. Leaders of the government’s cloud security assessment program say they’re increasing their engagements with federal agencies and the Office of Management and Budget as they continue to work toward a faster, less costly version of the program, called “FedRAMP 20 X.” But they say they’ve already made significant improvements, and with a smaller budget. Here's Federal News Network's Jared Serbu with the details.

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Vendors see GSA reseller RFI as a positive sign

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration’s effort to cap the fees charged by value‑added resellers appears to be slowing down. The General Services Administration has put out a new request for information, and that pause is giving some vendors relief that the agency is taking more time to understand the market. For more on what the RFI signals and how industry is reacting, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.

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Founding Fathers with a little extra bounce, a new bobblehead set marks America’s 250th

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

A new limited‑edition bobblehead set is celebrating America’s 250th in a fun, historic way. It turns the Declaration of Independence into a collectible featuring key Founding Fathers. We’re talking about the idea behind it with Phil Sklar, co‑founder and CEO of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum.

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Can automation in government coexist with transparency and public trust?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

AI promises speed, but efficiency isn’t democracy’s goal. Michael Livermore, Professor of Law and Co-Director of the LawTech Center at the University of Virginia, explains why ignoring that tension could reshape governance in troubling ways.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, January 30, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Can automation in government coexist with transparency and public trust?
Founding Fathers with a little extra bounce, a new bobblehead set marks America’s 250th

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After the failure of the DoD's new travel management system, a watchdog looks for answers

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

After spending five years and tens of millions of dollars developing a new travel management system, the Defense Department abruptly scrapped the effort in 2023 and reverted to the legacy Defense Travel System it was meant to replace. A government watchdog looked into why the program failed and how the Pentagon can avoid repeating the same mistakes. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Vijay D'Souza, Director of GAO’s Information Technology and Cybersecurity.

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After missing hiring goals, IRS dials back taxpayer phone assistance targets

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The IRS says it’s ready for this year’s filing season which began on Monday. But the agency faces a slew of challenges. A looming government shutdown would limit its ability to serve taxpayers. The agency also missed several key hiring goal for the filing season and is scaling back expectations for how many calls from taxpayers it will answer. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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2026 could bring more than budget battles for federal employees

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Beyond funding debates, federal workers are facing big shifts in how performance is measured and retirement claims are processed. From Schedule Policy/Career implementation to tackling a growing retirement backlog at OPM, we’ll explore what’s changing and what it means with John Hatton of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE).

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When government stops looking ahead, the risks multiply. A new survey shows foresight is fading fast

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

From pandemics to AI disruption, foresight helps agencies anticipate what’s next. But a new report finds that capability is shrinking fast across the federal government. Here to share what’s behind the trend and what’s at stake are Kara Cunzeman and Robin Champ. They are co-founders, along with Suzette Brooks-Masters, of the Federal Foresight Advocacy Alliance (FFAA)

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Facing mounting energy threats, the Pentagon is betting on industry partnerships to build resilience fast

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Executive orders on energy dominance are reshaping defense priorities. We’ll explore how public-private partnerships, federal land leasing and emerging tech like microgrids can strengthen military energy resilience, with Tom Holm, Executive Director of the Energy Defense Council.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, January 29, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Facing mounting energy threats, the Pentagon is betting on industry partnerships to build resilience fast
When government stops looking ahead, the risks multiply. A new survey shows foresight is fading fast
2026 could bring more than budget battles for federal employees

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Treasury cuts ties with Booz Allen over tax records breach

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The hits keep coming for federal consulting contractors. First, the Trump administration questioned the value of these types of contracts, leading to a significant reduction in existing deals and the slow down of awards of new solicitations. Now the Treasury Department is taking aim specifically at one of the biggest vendors. Treasury cancelled all 31 of its contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton. For more on why Treasury is taking these actions and what it means for the consulting market more broadly, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.

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DHS spending bill would formalize Trump cuts to oversight offices

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The homeland security spending bill is now at the heart of Congress’s latest shutdown fight. And that bill would solidify cuts made by the Trump administration to three Department of Homeland Security oversight offices. For more, Federal News network’s Justin Doubleday joins me.

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Your local library may be a polling place, an emergency hub...and a building in crisis

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

A recent report from GAO finds widespread structural and safety issues in public libraries, with 61% reporting health hazards and most struggling to fund repairs. David Marroni, Director, Physical Infrastructure, GAO explains what’s driving the problem and what solutions are on the table.

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A sweeping vision for a bigger Navy is running head‑first into the hard realities of the shipyards expected to build it.

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Long before anyone talks about a “golden fleet,” the starting point matters and today’s shipbuilding base is running well below the level political rhetoric implies. Capacity is strained, delivery timelines keep slipping, and shifting requirements make it even harder for industry to plan or invest. We’ll map the gap between ambition and what’s actually achievable with Seamus Daniels, a Fellow in Defense Budget Analysis at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, January 28, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A sweeping vision for a bigger Navy is running head‑first into the hard realities of the shipyards expected to build it
Your local library may be a polling place, an emergency hub...and a building in crisis

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

VA officially lifts hiring freeze, but staffing caps still in place for shrinking workforce

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Department of Veterans Affairs is officially lifting a hiring freeze on its health care workforce after shedding tens of thousands of positions last year. But the VA which saw its first-ever workforce net decrease is unlikely to hire its way to a higher headcount than what is currently has. Senate Democrats say VA facilities are still facing strict staffing caps as the department moves ahead with its reorganization. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman is here with more details.

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A bipartisan group of lawmakers push for meaningful protections for military families

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Change the Air Foundation recently found that nearly 97% of service members reported at least one significant problem in their military-provided home — with mold, mildew and water damage cited most frequently. Now, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing for meaningful protections for military families, including holding private military housing companies financially responsible for the health and safety of the homes they lease on military bases.

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The Defense Department is taking a closer look at 8(a) contracts, and reshaping how innovation is managed

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The Defense Department is sending two clear signals to the contracting community this month: it’s reviewing large 8(a) contracts, and it’s reshaping how innovation moves through the Pentagon. We’ll walk through what’s under review, what’s changing in the innovation ecosystem, and what industry should be paying attention to right now with Jim Carroll, CEO of the Professional Services Council.

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On the eve of a major public‑service award, a look at why integrity, courage, and principled leadership still define excellence in government

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Tomorrow night, the National Academy of Public Administration will present the Elliot L. Richardson Prize for Excellence in Public Service, an award rooted in a legacy of integrity and constitutional courage. Ahead of the ceremony, we’re talking about why Richardson’s example still matters, what the prize is meant to honor, and why this year’s recipients, Janet Yellen and Gary Locke, reflect that standard of service. Joining us is James‑Christian Blockwood, President and CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration.

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A closer look at what Congress protected in the FY 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science bill—and how lawmakers plan to hold agencies accountable

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Congress has cleared the FY 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill, rejecting proposed cuts to major science and research agencies and adding new oversight requirements on how federal funds are spent. We’ll talk about what that funding signals about congressional priorities, how it affects agencies like NASA, NOAA, and NIST, and why oversight has become a central focus as agencies move to execute their budgets. Joining us is Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Tuesday, January 27, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A closer look at what Congress protected in the FY 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science bill and how lawmakers plan to hold agencies accountable for how that funding is used
On the eve of a major public‑service award, a look at why integrity, courage, and principled leadership still define excellence in government
The Defense Department is taking a closer look at 8(a) contracts, and reshaping how innovation is managed

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2025 marked a year of deep change for government oversight and accountability officials

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

For government oversight and accountability officials, 2025 was a year of deep change and uncertainty. President Donald Trump fired inspectors general, removed the heads of independent agencies, and sought to reduce the level of internal oversight within government. But members of the oversight community say their job is more important than ever as they prepare for challenges both near and long term. Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday reports.

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Trump lauds ‘tremendous’ federal workforce cuts. Good government group calls them ‘disturbing.’

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Governmentwide, agencies saw a loss of about 320,000 federal employees over the course of 2025. As he marked one year in office, President Trump called those cuts to the federal workforce “tremendous.” But good government groups are painting a much darker picture of what’s to come. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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With House spending bills done, focus turns to the Senate where work is expected to wrap up this week, ahead of the January 30th deadline

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

With House spending bills finished, the spotlight turns to what Congress tackles next from health care funding and ACA subsidies, to renewed crypto legislation, and early plans for a sweeping 2026 reconciliation package aimed at lowering costs. Sorting through those priorities and what they mean for the months ahead is Mitchell Miller, congressional and health policy reporter.

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The drone economy is about to take off fast, a $355B market and a new rule could make Drones-as-a-Service the next big thing

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The economics of drone operations are about to change. One operator supervising ten autonomous aircraft could redefine cost and margin for delivery and inspection. That future hinges on Part 108, a proposed FAA/TSA rule that moves what are currently waiver-only experiments to a national standard. Here to break down the implications is James McDanolds, Program Chair at Sonoran Desert Institute’s School of Uncrewed Technology.

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A sweeping audit could reshape the 8(a) program and federal contractors are bracing for what comes next

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The SBA, Pentagon, and Treasury are running simultaneous audits of the 8(a) program, each targeting different risks but all aimed at restoring integrity to a system the administration says has been widely misused. The scale of the oversight is something the contracting community hasn’t seen before. We'll explore what ties these reviews together and what contractors might expect with Emily Murphy, senior Fellow at the George Mason University Baroni Center for Government Contracting and a Former GSA Administrator.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, January 26, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A sweeping audit could reshape the 8(a) program and federal contractors are bracing for what comes next
The drone economy is about to take off fast. A $355B market and a new rule could make Drones-as-a-Service the next big thing
With House spending bills done, focus turns to the Senate where work is expected to wrap up this week, ahead of the January 30th deadline

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VA poised to award the biggest service contract in government history, but Congress has questions

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The Department of Veterans Affairs is getting ready to award what’s likely to become one of the biggest service contracts in government history, possibly a trillion dollars over the next decade. It’s the follow-on contract vehicle for the private sector health care services VA started paying for under the MISSION Act. Officials say it’ll bring more rigorous management to the department’s role as a health care payer. But members of Congress have questions — and say they were left in the dark about the contract, right up until the moment VA issued the RFP last month. Details from Federal News Network’s Jared Serbu.

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Congress pushes back on parts of DoD’s acquisition reform agenda

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

While Congress is largely backing the Defense Department’s efforts to overhaul its acquisition system, lawmakers are pushing back on some of the Pentagon’s reform requests. They are also concerned that the department's workforce cuts will cripple its ability to implement the reform agenda. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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FedRAMP is getting faster, new automation and pilots promise approvals in months, not years

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

With FedRAMP 20x and the 2026 Phase 2 pilot, the government is moving toward automation, machine-readable evidence, and collaborative monitoring. We’ll explore what these changes mean for SaaS providers and how companies can cut costs and timelines without sacrificing security with Irina Denisenko, CEO of Knox Systems.

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An organization's new name signals a broader mission to support both Airmen and Guardians

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

After more than 80 years as the Air Force Aid Society, the nonprofit is rebranding as the Air & Space Forces Aid Society to reflect its commitment to both communities. Here to explain the change, what it means for military families, and how the organization is meeting urgent needs is the CEO of AFAS, Retired Air Force Major General Ed Thomas .

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An interesting case at the Court of Federal Claims could shape future energy savings performance contracts

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

A case before the Court of Federal Claims highlights how shifting requirements in an ESPC project sparked a costly dispute and what it could mean going forward.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, January 23, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

An interesting case at the Court of Federal Claims could shape future energy savings performance contracts
An organization's new name signals a broader mission to support both Airmen and Guardians
FedRAMP is getting faster, new automation and pilots promise approvals in months, not years

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

3.8% pay raise for air traffic controllers, Education Dept cuts rejected: Highlights from final FY 2026 spending bills

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

Congressional appropriators are one step closer to reaching a comprehensive spending deal for the rest of the fiscal year before a stopgap spending bill expires at the end of the month. They’ve released the final four spending bills needed to fully fund the federal government. The bill spares many agencies from deep budget cuts. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman joins us with more.

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OPM details expectations for the 'rule of many' in federal hiring

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Office of Personnel Management is out with more details on how agencies should implement the new “rule of many.” It’s a recruitment technique that changes how hiring managers rank and select job candidates. The Trump administration says the “rule of many” will streamline and improve the hiring process. But implementation also depends on agencies’ resources and how willing they are to change their approach. Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman gets more from vice president of government affairs at the Partnership for Public Service, Jenny Mattingley.

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Market data shows surprising winners and losers among top federal contractors after a year of turmoil

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

A volatile year across the federal marketplace produced results few expected, with some major contractors posting strong gains while others slipped under the weight of delays and cancellations. New analysis shows how shifting defense priorities, executive‑order signals and program setbacks reshaped the landscape for investors. We break down the biggest surprises and what they signal for 2026 with Paul Murphy, senior contracts analyst with Bloomberg Government.

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Quiet firings with big consequences, why the lack of transparency when relieving military leaders matters

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Abrupt removals of top military leaders are happening with little explanation, raising alarms about accountability and readiness. Virginia Burger from the Project on Government Oversight is here to break down the findings and the path forward.

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IRS CI posts a record year: $10.6 B in financial crimes uncovered and cyber seizures soaring

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

IRS Criminal Investigation closed FY 2025 with $10.59  billion in identified financial crimes and a 60% surge in seized digital data. Justin Campbell, Acting Deputy Chief, IRS Criminal Investigation, is here to explain what fueled this record-breaking year and how CI is preparing for the next wave of financial crime.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, January 22, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

IRS CI posts a record year: $10.6 B in financial crimes uncovered and cyber seizures soaring—a big year for tax fraud enforcement
Quiet firings with big consequences...why the lack of transparency when relieving military leaders matters
Market data shows surprising winners and losers among top federal contractors after a year of turmoil

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

DoD looks to audit 8(a) sole source contracts

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The 8(a) small business contracting program is coming under the microscope of its biggest user. The Defense Department is joining a growing list of agencies auditing the use of sole source contracts through the 8(a) program. For more on what DoD’s decision to launch the audit means for the future of the 40-year-old program, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now.

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Judge finds TSA violated court order in new attempt to dissolve union

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Transportation Security Administration employees will continue to have a union after a new court ruling. That’s because a federal judge blocked TSA’s latest attempt to dissolve a 2024 collective bargaining agreement that covers some 47,000 airport screeners. Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me with more on the case and what comes next.

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GAO warns disaster readiness gaps could leave communities exposed when the next storm hits

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

GAO’s latest high-risk report flags uneven preparedness across states and localities, despite billions in FEMA grants and expanded training programs. We’ll explore what drives these disparities, how performance is measured and the implications of a bigger local role in future disasters, with Christopher Currie, Director, Homeland Security and Justice at the Government Accountability Office.

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With a new executive order clearing the path for federal AI standards, the question now is whether Congress will finish the job

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

States are racing to regulate AI, creating a patchwork that Kevin Frazier warns could stifle innovation. Now, a sweeping executive order asserts federal preemption and launches a litigation task force to challenge state laws. Frazier joins us to unpack the constitutional stakes and whether Congress will finally step in.

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A new year brings new opportunities, where should contractors focus in 2026?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Deltek’s latest analysis highlights the top federal programs and sectors poised for growth. Here to share what’s on the horizon and how contractors can position for success is Senior Vice President of Information Solutions at Deltek, Kevin Plexico.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, January 21, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A new year brings new opportunities. Where should contractors focus in 2026?
With a new executive order clearing the path for federal AI standards, the question now is whether Congress will finish the job
GAO warns disaster readiness gaps could leave communities exposed when the next storm hits

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Lawmakers push to overhaul complex reserve duty status system

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Defense Department has long tried to simplify and reform the reserve duty status system, which has become too complex and has created pay and benefits inequities. Lawmakers are now pushing to streamline the system. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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Watchdog urges DHS to address ‘fragmented’ law enforcement hiring

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

It's no secret that the Department of Homeland Security has big goals when it comes to law enforcement recruiting. But DHS’s inconsistent hiring practices could trip up the department’s ambitious targets. That’s according to a new report from DHS’s inspector general. For more on the findings, 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.

From ACA subsidies to a stalled crypto overhaul, lawmakers are juggling more than spending deadlines this week

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

With just days left before the January 31st deadline, Congress has passed some key 2026 funding bills—but the biggest and most contentious ones are still waiting. Lawmakers are also wrestling with ACA subsidy talks, a crypto bill that keeps slipping off the calendar and new tensions with Europe over Greenland. For the full picture, we turn to Loren Duggan, Deputy News Director for Bloomberg Government.

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A fresh push for industrial capacity is taking center stage in the administration’s “Arsenal of Freedom” tour

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Pete Hegseth’s visit to Lockheed Martin’s F‑35 facility spotlighted themes like mission readiness, manufacturing scale and at‑home production of critical capabilities. But he's walking a tightrope between encouraging industrial partners and tightening oversight through a new executive order. We'll walk through the challenges with Stephanie Kostro, President of the Professional Services Council.

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Government CIOs are racing to deploy AI for better digital experiences, but citizens say security and transparency matter more

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Digital government depends on trust, yet a Gartner survey shows citizens want control over their data and clarity on how it’s used. From lifecycle protection to transparency dashboards, federal agencies face a mandate to rebuild confidence while accelerating transformation. Here to outline the priorities is Gartner Senior Director Analyst, Mike Shevlin.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, January 20, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Coming up today on "The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Government CIOs are racing to deploy AI for better digital experiences, but citizens say security and transparency matter more
A fresh push for industrial capacity is taking center stage in the administration’s “Arsenal of Freedom” tour
From ACA subsidies to a stalled crypto overhaul, lawmakers are juggling more than spending deadlines this week

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

Why agencies still use polygraphs and what a recent failure means for trust and reform

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Polygraphs remain a gatekeeper for sensitive roles at agencies like CISA and DoD, but a recent failure involving CISA’s acting director has sparked debate. Are these tests reliable, and what safeguards exist against misuse? Joining us to examine the controversy is Dan Meyer, Equity Partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC.

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Best of "The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton" - - Monday, January 19, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

It's Martin Luther King Day, and today on The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton we’re sharing with you some of our recent stories on security issues. We’ll hear from…

William Turton on reports FBI Director Kash Patel granted polygraph waivers to Dep. Dir. Bongino and two senior aides.
Dan Meyer on the use of polygraphs for sensitive roles at agencies like CISA and DoD, and what safeguards exist against misuse.
Carl Ghattas will help us understand the complexity of planning security operations for mega events like the upcoming world cup.
Frank Rosenblatt on the process for determining whether military orders are lawful or not.

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Data-driven reforms speed up surplus equipment turnaround at DLA

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

From old uniforms to entire frigates. When the military services have a piece of equipment they no longer need, it heads to the Defense Logistics agency's disposition Services Group. Quite often, DLA is able to find a new home for those items, but the agency is trying to significantly increase how often that happens, including by maintaining digital want lists from the military services so they can keep track of demand signals. Mike Cannon is the director of DLA disposition services. He talked about some of the latest developments on the reutilization front with Federal News Network's Jared Serbu.

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Majority of frontline Social Security employees earn less than a living wage, study finds

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

More than half of the Social Security Administration’s frontline employees are earning less than what’s necessary to afford a basic standard of living in their communities. That’s according to a new report by Strategic Organizing Center, a research partner for the American Federation of Government Employees. SSA employees say that amid workforce challenges the agency is unable to keep up with the needs of beneficiaries. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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New tech could shield warfighters from one of the deadliest threats on the battlefield, gamma radiation

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The National Strategic Research Institute has launched a year-long study to identify breakthrough solutions for radiation protection, ranging from advanced nanocomposite shielding to medical countermeasures. The effort could pave the way for next-generation gear, including an entirely new protective suit, according to Director, Medical Countermeasures, National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska, Dr. Terry Thiem.

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National service is struggling to connect with younger Americans, the problem may be both the message and the messenger

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Research from Fors Marsh shows recruiting challenges go beyond eligibility to issues of perception and influence. From military campaigns to civilian programs, agencies need new strategies to make service resonate with a generation that expects speed, clarity and authenticity. Dr. Brian Griepentrog, president of Research and Advisory Services at Fors Marsh, is here to share what works and what doesn’t.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - January 16, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

National service is struggling to connect with younger Americans, the problem may be both the message and the messenger
New tech could shield warfighters from one of the deadliest threats on the battlefield: gamma radiation

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

DoD lacks reliable data on the number of civilians teleworking, working remotely

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Defense Department doesn’t have reliable data on the number of civilian employees eligible to telework or work remotely. That is according to the Government Accountability Office. The watchdog also found the department has never evaluated the impact of those programs on the department’s goals such as recruitment and retention. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Alissa Czyz, Director in the defense capabilities and management team at GAO.

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CISA director void leaves cyber agency embroiled in uncertainty

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

It’s been nearly a full year since the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has had a Senate-confirmed director. Cyber experts say the leadership void is preventing CISA from moving forward on key cybersecurity issues. For more, Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday is here.

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Authorized investigations shouldn’t mean unpredictability, why transparency and clear deadlines matter for agency fairness

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Agencies are authorized to conduct enforcement investigations, but opaque and unpredictable processes can undermine accountability and trust. Here to outline practical steps agencies can take to improve transparency, set clear timelines, and balance openness with confidentiality is Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Law at George Washington University, Aram Gavoor.

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Underused space across USPS facilities could be a hidden drag on modernization and budgets

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

A new USPS OIG audit finds millions of square feet sitting idle or underutilized, raising questions about cost, efficiency and missed opportunities. From consolidation hurdles to creative reuse, the report outlines why this matters and what options are on the table. Joshua Bartzen, Audit Director at the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, is here to share the findings and recommendations.

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Resilient supply chains start with knowing what really matters, and what doesn’t

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

A new Brookings Institution report warns that U.S. readiness hinges on a sharper definition of the national security industrial base. Michael O’Hanlon joins me now to explain why, without clear criteria, policymakers risk misallocating resources and leaving critical sectors exposed.

Read the report here: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/building-greater-resilience-and-capacity-in-the-us-national-security-industrial-base/

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Thursday, January 15, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Resilient supply chains start with knowing what really matters, and what doesn’t
Underused space across USPS facilities could be a hidden drag on modernization and budgets
Authorized investigations shouldn’t mean unpredictability, why transparency and clear deadlines matter for agency fairness

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

Shrinking federal office space, more agencies spared from major cuts: Highlights from latest spending bills

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are getting closer to reaching a comprehensive spending package for the rest of fiscal 2026. In the latest step, House and Senate appropriations reached a deal on a new set of spending bills covering financial services, foreign affairs and national security. The spending plan spares the IRS and the State Department from major cuts and calls on speeding up the disposal of excess federal real estate. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman joins us with more.

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OPM data overhaul reveals deeper federal workforce insights

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

Clearer numbers on the federal workforce are coming into view. That’s with the Office of Personnel Management’s major update to one of its largest data assets, FedScope. The now renamed “federal workforce data” website aims to deliver information faster, and with more frequent updates. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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Who’s getting Medicare-funded residency slots, and why equity still lags

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

GAO reviewed CMS’s distribution of 1,000 new Medicare-funded residency positions and found urban hospitals dominating while rural facilities face steep barriers. Here to explain what’s behind the pattern and what changes could help balance geography and specialties before the program ends is Leslie Gordon, Director for Medicare at GAO.

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A recent VA audit finds major gaps in homeless screening follow-ups

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

A new Veterans Affairs Inspector General audit shows 61% of veterans flagged for homelessness at VistA sites didn’t get proper follow-up, exposing systemic weaknesses in the referral processes. Here to explain what went wrong, the risks for veterans and how the VA can fix it is Steve Bracci, a Deputy Assistant Inspector General for the Office of Audits and Evaluations at VA OIG.

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More than 100 former DOJ civil rights attorneys say the Division meant to protect vulnerable communities is being dismantled

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

A December 9th letter signed by over 100 former Justice Department civil rights lawyers warns that the Division is “under attack,” citing actions that undermine enforcement and erode judicial independence. Here to explain what’s at stake and what it means for everyday Americans, is Paul Kiesel, attorney and founder of Speak Up for Justice.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, January 14, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

More than 100 former DOJ civil rights attorneys say the division meant to protect vulnerable communities is being dismantled
A recent VA audit finds major gaps in homeless screening follow-up that put some veterans at risk of falling through the cracks
Who’s getting Medicare-funded residency slots, and why equity still lags

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

The Space Force's 'Futures Command' is still trying to chart its future

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The nation’s newest military service still has a lot of work to do to chart its future. The Space Force had been planning to use a new “Futures Command” to handle that work, and it was supposed to be up and running by last year. That didn’t happen as scheduled. But the idea’s not dead either. Leaders say they’re still planning a new organization to help shape the service’s future, but they also needed to make sure it aligns with the new administration’s priorities. Details now from Federal News Network’s Jared Serbu.

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A constant stream of executives are leaving the government

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

If you’ve spent anytime on LinkedIn over the last month, you may have seen what seems to be a constant stream of executives leaving federal service. Whether they are retiring, took the deferred resignation program or just through normal attrition, the exodus of federal executives feels more acute than ever before. In the federal report this week, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller takes a deep dive into the data and offers federal executives who recently left some advice to find success in the private sector. Jason joins me now.

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Could psychedelics help stop the veteran suicide crisis? Congress seems ready to find out

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act aims to give the VA dedicated capacity to research emerging treatments for PTSD and other invisible wounds. We’ll hear from Representatives Lou Correa from California and Jack Bergman from Michigan, the lawmakers behind the push, and what it means for veterans and families.

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Air quality data may not tell the whole story, and that could put communities at risk

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The Environmental Protection Agency may be relying on air quality data that underreports pollution. Biased data can mean declaring areas clean when they’re not. A recent report from the agency's IG warns that gaps in EPA oversight could expose communities to harmful pollution. Assistant Inspector General Paul Bergstrand is here to explain the risks and the fixes.

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The data behind America’s health decisions is starting to disappear, with potentially serious consequences

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Behind every health policy and intervention is data, but some of that data may soon be gone. A new analysis warns of cascading effects on research, programs and health equity, unless action is taken now. Joel Gurin, President and Founder of The Center for Open Data Enterprise is here to explain what’s at stake and what might be done.

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, January 13, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The data behind America’s health decisions is starting to disappear, with potentially serious consequences
Air quality data may not tell the whole story, and that could put communities at risk
Lawmakers Push for VA Mental Health Reform as Congress convenes

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

Concerns mount over FEMA staff reductions

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

Federal Emergency Management Agency started off the new year by not renewing appointments for 50 disaster management staff. That cut is sparking concerns about potential FEMA plans for deeper staff reductions. For more on the situation, 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.

‘A huge test for the IRS’: Senators warn shrinking workforce may hamper upcoming filing season

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The IRS is weeks away from the start of a busier-than-usual filing season. But a group of senators is warning that the agency may be stretched too thin to respond to taxpayers’ needs. The agency lost about a quarter of its workforce last year and is embarking on a major shakeup of its IT operations. 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 House clears a key spending package and ACA subsidy extensions

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

The House has passed the Commerce Justice Science minibus, but lawmakers face a packed agenda before the January recess. Appropriators aim to release text for the next bundle including State Foreign Ops, Financial Services and Homeland Security soon, even as DHS funding hangs in the balance after a fatal ICE shooting. We’ll also track ACA subsidy talks in the Senate, war powers votes brewing on both sides of the Capitol and how Republicans plan to regroup after their retreat. We hear from Mitchell Miller, Capitol Hill correspondent for WTOP.

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In a crowded federal contracting space, Hive Group bets on innovation

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

Federal agencies face mounting pressure to modernize without sacrificing security or compliance. Will Fortier, CEO of Hive Group, joins us to discuss the tech and process innovations driving mission value, the critical decisions behind Hive’s growth, and what the next five years look like for federal contracting in this episode of "Government Contractors to Watch" sponsored by JP Morgan Chase.

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

The President’s PMA push to “Deliver Results and Buy American” meets a thicket of rules

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

Consumer “Made in USA” claims require products to be “all or virtually all” U.S.‑made, while federal procurement uses different and tightening domestic content tests under the Buy America Act and the Berry Amendment. That complexity is colliding with the President’s new PMA goal to “Deliver Results and Buy American.” It raises the stakes for verification, disclosure, and enforcement. Here to sort out what contractors must do to stay compliant is counsel at Reed Smith and former FTC “Made in USA” program manager, Julia Ensor.

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, January 12, 2025

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

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The President’s PMA push to “Deliver Results and Buy American” meets a thicket of rules that contractors can’t afford to misread
In a crowded federal contracting space, Hive Group bets on innovation
The House clears a key spending package and ACA subsidy extensions

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

Trump calls for capping executive pay at defense contractors

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

President Donald Trump took aim at defense contractors Wednesday, announcing new restrictions on executive pay and stock buybacks as part of the administration’s push to speed procurement and revitalize the defense industrial base. Trump said companies "are not permitted in any way, shape or form to pay dividends or buy back stock, until they are able to produce a superior product, on time and on budget." He also said he would ask Congress for a $1.5 trillion defense budget in fiscal 2027.

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New federal telework guidance reaffirms Trump’s in-office orders

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Office of Personnel Management is out with new guidance on telework and remote work for federal employees. The updated policy now emphasizes as much in-person presence as possible across government. OPM’s revisions aim to better align with the Trump administration’s return-to-office orders. Here with the details, 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.

Ever tried fixing your own car? The right-to-repair fight is heating up as costs soar and Congress weighs a national law

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Despite strong bipartisan support and rising repair costs, right-to-repair provisions were stripped from the NDAA. Now, all eyes are on the REPAIR Act as lawmakers debate whether Americans should control how and where they fix their vehicles. Justin Rzepka, executive director of the Consumer Access to Repair Coalition, breaks down what’s at stake.

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

The latest shutdown exposed real problems in how Washington funds Indian Country

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The federal government’s oldest legal obligations to provide health, education, and economic support for Tribal Nations remain chronically underfunded and uniquely vulnerable to shutdowns. A new Brookings Institution analysis argues Congress should shift more Native American funding to mandatory spending to protect treaty commitments. Here with more details is the report's author, Brookings Fellow Robert Maxim.

Read the report here: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-government-shutdown-shows-the-need-to-reform-how-the-federal-government-funds-native-american-tribes-and-communities/

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, January 9, 2025

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The latest shutdown exposed real problems in how Washington funds Indian Country
Ever tried fixing your own car? The right-to-repair fight is heating up as costs soar and Congress weighs a national law

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

NDAA scales back ambitious acquisition reforms, offers little on workforce

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

Lawmakers said the fiscal 2026 defense policy bill would deliver “the most significant acquisition reforms in a generation,” but some of the most ambitious changes lawmakers were pushing for during negotiations didn't make it into the final. Still, some provisions that survived negotiations could meaningfully change how the Defense Department buys technology, especially from small businesses and nontraditional contractors. 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.

Secret Service touts hiring goals amid major law enforcement recruiting push

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Secret Service is aiming to hire thousands of new employees over the next two years. To meet its goals, the agency is trying to cut its hiring timelines in half. The Secret Service’s recruiting push is just the latest in a hiring spree happening across federal law enforcement agencies. 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.

ISOA’s Global Summit is coming up, connecting government and industry for stability operations worldwide

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

From fragile states to disaster zones, ISOA helps bridge U.S. agencies and private sector capabilities. Its upcoming Global Summit in Washington will spotlight partnerships, small business opportunities, and trends shaping stability operations. Here with the details is Howie Lind, President of ISOA.

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

Congress let ACA subsidies expire; Carolyn Bourdeaux explains the impact and why offsets matter for the debt crisis

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The Affordable Care Act’s enhanced subsidies expired at year’s end, leaving millions facing higher premiums and lawmakers facing tough choices. Here to explain the real-world impact, why offsets matter, and what Congress must do to balance health care access with fiscal discipline is former member of Congress and now Executive Director of the Concord Coalition and Concord Action, Carolyn Bourdeaux.

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

SIGAR’s final report closes a chapter on Afghanistan oversight

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

SIGAR was born in 2008 to fill a critical gap in accountability for U.S. reconstruction efforts. Its last report distills hundreds of audits into hard truths: systemic weaknesses that outlasted the mission and reforms that never fully took hold. As the watchdog sunsets in early 2026, Acting Inspector General Gene Aloise explains what happens next—and why those lessons matter now more than ever.

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, January 8, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

SIGAR’s final report closes a chapter on Afghanistan oversight
Congress let ACA subsidies expire; Carolyn Bourdeaux explains the impact and why offsets matter for the debt crisis
ISOA’s Global Summit is coming up...connecting government and industry for stability operations worldwide

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

AI may not be the federal buzzword for 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Here's some good news for 2026, the buzzword in federal IT and acquisition community will not be artificial intelligence. But don't worry, AI and all the things around it will continue to be a hot topic. For more on the federal IT and acquisition topics, some experts say they'll be watching closely, Federal News Network's executive editor Jason Miller joins me with details from his annual survey.

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In ‘minibus’ spending package, lawmakers reject deep budget cuts, limit agency reorganizations

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Congressional appropriators are rejecting some of the most severe agency budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration. It’s the latest step lawmakers are taking to pass a comprehensive spending plan for the rest of the fiscal year … and avoid a partial government shutdown at the end of the month. They’re also looking to put additional guardrails on unilateral agency reorganizations that could further shrink the federal workforce. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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America’s data system is losing staff, funding, and trust

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

A new report warns that America’s federal statistical system is “at risk,” citing steep staffing losses, shrinking budgets, and eroding public trust. The analysis outlines nine steps to stabilize the system and modernize data delivery. Nancy Potok, former chief statistician of the United States, explains why the fix may require an entirely new organizing strategy backed by law.

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An accurate census shapes how billions flow to states and cities

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The census is more than just a headcount. It's the foundation for funding schools, clinics, and roads. A new report shows why accuracy matters more than ever. Sean Moulton from the Project on Government Oversight is here with the details.

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From paychecks to policy shifts, 2025 tested military families. We'll look to 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Financial strain, workforce upheaval, and uncertainty marked the past year for servicemembers and veterans. Mike Meese, President of Armed Forces Mutual, looks back at the biggest challenges of 2025 and ahead to the policies that could shape 2026.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, January 7, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

From paychecks to policy shifts, 2025 tested military families. We'll look ahead to what’s next in 2026
An accurate census shapes how billions flow to states and cities
America’s data system is losing staff, funding, and trust. Could a new strategy backed by law turn the tide?

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VA in 2026 looks to get EHR rollout back on track, embark on health care reorganization

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Department of Veterans Affairs is embarking on big changes. Next year, it's looking to get the rocky rollout of the new electronic health record back on track. VA medical facilities already using the system have been beset with problems for years. Meanwhile, the VA is planning to roll out the biggest reorganization of its healthcare operation in decades. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman is here with more.

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DoD expands login options beyond CAC

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The Defense Department is expanding secure methods of authentication beyond the traditional Common Access Card, which will give users more alternative options to log into its systems when CAC access is impractical or infeasible. A new Pentagon memo lays out when alternative multi-factor authentication tools can be used and updates the list of approved authentication tools for different system impact levels. Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis has more.

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The news cycle for defense contractors is not slowing down as 2026 gets started

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

The Department of Defense has unveiled its first wave of 31 class deviations under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, a move aimed at cutting red tape and accelerating procurement. At the same time, a draft executive order could impose new limits on buybacks, dividends, and executive pay for defense firms. Here to walk through what these changes mean for industry and mission delivery is Stephanie Kostro, President of the Professional Services Council.

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The SNAP program is under pressure, and states are drowning in paper as new mandates kick in

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Stricter federal compliance rules and mounting backlogs have exposed a critical weakness in how states process SNAP benefits. Modernizing document workflows in these outdated, paper-heavy systems could be the key to faster, more accurate aid delivery for millions of families. Andrew Joiner, CEO of Hyperscience, is here to share how AI can help solve the paperwork bottleneck.

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Technology emerges as the key for states to meet Medicaid work verification rules before December 2026 deadline

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

A federal mandate now requires states by December 2026 to confirm 80 hours of work or qualifying activities for Medicaid enrollees each month. Here to explain how automation could help states comply with these complex requirements and protect beneficiaries is General Manager and Senior Vice President at CITIZ3N, Rob Miller.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, January 6, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Technology emerges as the key for states to meet Medicaid work verification rules and avoid coverage gaps before the December 2026 deadline
The SNAP program is under pressure, and states are drowning in paper as new mandates kick in
The news cycle for defense contractors is not slowing down as 2026 gets started

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3 efforts federal employees should track from Trump's management agenda

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

Heading into 2026 the Trump administration appears to only be getting started on its plans for overhauling the career civil service. Further changes for the federal workforce are on the horizon, and many of them are laid out in the goals of the new President's management agenda. Here with a look at what's ahead for federal employees is Federal News Network's Drew Friedman.

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Five things to watch in cybersecurity for 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

The past year in federal cybersecurity policy was full of uncertainty; a change in administration, expiring authorities and the emergence of artificial intelligence all brought plenty of questions to the cybersecurity landscape. Going into 2026 cyber policymakers and experts are hoping for more clarity. For more on what to expect in the year ahead, Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday joins me now.

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Congress returns with deadlines looming and big questions on spending and landmark legislation

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Both chambers return with packed agendas: the House eyeing ACA subsidies, hearings, and unfinished appropriations, while the Senate juggles confirmations and spending bills. Looming over it all are big 2026 questions, will January end in a CR or a shutdown, who might rise or fall in leadership, and whether major legislation like CISA reauthorization, workforce protections, and AI rules can break through gridlock. Loren Duggan, Deputy News Director at Bloomberg Government, is here with his predictions.

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From language services to tech-driven defense, SOSi is making the most of innovation to stay ahead in federal contracting

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Julian Setian has scaled SOSi into a mid-tier powerhouse without outside equity or set-asides while betting big on innovation. From AI to ISR, he shares the pivotal shifts that define SOSi’s niche and its vision for the next five years in this episode of "Government Contractors to Watch" sponsored by JP Morgan Chase.

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From gift lists to government systems, agentic AI is changing how we plan and prepare

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

If you’ve used AI to plan holiday travel or organize gift lists, you’ve seen its convenience. Agentic AI takes that autonomy further, promising to streamline operations and strengthen security, but it also demands new policies and workforce skills. Jason Oxman, President and CEO of the Information Technology Industry Council, explains what government must do now to prepare.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, January 5, 2025

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

From gift lists to government systems, agentic AI is changing how we plan and prepare
From language services to tech-driven defense, SOSi is making the most of innovation to stay ahead in federal contracting
Congress returns with deadlines looming and big questions on spending and landmark legislation

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'Best of' The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, January 2, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

It's January 2nd 2026, and today on the 'Best of' The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton, the closing panel for the Professional Services Council's VISION conference. Terry spoke with Vince Holloway, co chair of PSC defense panel and Kirsten Webb, co chair of their civilian agencies panel about how government contractors adapted to the disruptions of 2025 what strategies worked and what lessons were learned.

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'Best of' The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, January 1, 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

It's New Year's Day 2026, and coming up on the 'Best of' The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton, we share some of our regular guests with their predictions for 2026.

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FAA could see major steps towards modernization in 2026

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 12:30:00 -0000

The FAA has been working to update its aging air traffic control system, literally, for decades now. But 2026 is looking to be a big year on the FAA modernization front. The One Big Beautiful Bill Congress passed earlier this year puts more than $12 billion toward air traffic control modernization. And the FAA’s new administrator expects to obligate about half of that by the end of this fiscal year. Federal News Network’s Jared Serbu has an update on the agency’s modernization plans and how they’ve changed under the new administration.

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The Pentagon says it's short more than 20,000 cyber professionals, one group says veterans could help fill the gap

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

The Pentagon faces a shortage of more than 20,000 cyber professionals, and across the country, the civilian cyber shortfall is estimated at over 750,000. This raises big questions about how to build a stronger pipeline. Veterans bring mission focus and technical aptitude, but challenges remain in training, credentialing, and connecting talent to opportunity. Ryan Dunford of Bit Wizards is here to explore what works and what’s next for bridging the gap between military service and cyber careers.

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NIH aims to enroll a million Americans in a health study, but first it must close critical gaps in protecting their data

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

The All of Us Research Program aims to build one of the largest health databases in history, but an OIG audit found weaknesses in the National Institutes of Health’s oversight and access controls that could put sensitive participant data at risk. Charles Summers from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is here to discuss what needs to change to protect privacy as enrollment grows.

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Bid protests crafted by AI are increasing, but when they cite cases that don’t exist, the fallout is real

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

As contractors lean on AI to draft bid protests, some filings have cited cases that don’t exist or don’t support their claims. We’ll explore why this is happening, the legal risks and what AI means for speed and accuracy in acquisition with Stephen Bacon, partner in the Government Contracts Practice Group at Rogers Joseph O'Donnell.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - December 31, 2025

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Bid protests crafted by AI are increasing, but when they cite cases that don’t exist, the fallout is real
NIH aims to enroll a million Americans in a health study, but first it must close critical gaps in protecting their data
The Pentagon says it's short more than 20,000 cyber professionals...one group says veterans could help fill the gap

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

Acquisition more than IT drove the news in 2025

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:30:00 -0000

In 2025 for a change, federal acquisition dominated the news cycle. From the FAR overhaul to GSA's OneGov strategy to the increased scrutiny on consultants, contracting was front and center for much of 2025. For more on some of the top news stories across the federal technology and acquisition landscape, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me with insights from his annual survey of experts.

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House Democrats question OPM on retirement processing delays

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:30:00 -0000

Federal retirement delays are gaining more attention and criticism in Congress. House Democrats are pressing the Office of Personnel Management for answers on how it’s addressing abnormally high retirement numbers. The application surge, largely caused by the deferred resignation program, is slowing down retirement processing for thousands of former feds. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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From DOJ to VA, Kshmendra Paul’s journey shows what lasting public service looks like

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

After nearly two decades shaping data sharing and governance across federal agencies, Kshmendra Paul has been elected a NAPA Fellow. We’ll talk about his proudest accomplishments, what this honor means, and his advice for the next generation of public servants.

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2026 could be the year government contracting shifts from disruption to execution

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

The Senate wrapped up 2025 by confirming 97 Trump appointees, bringing the total to 417 for his second term, a move that restores some predictability for industry and speeds up acquisition decisions. From procurement momentum to defense modernization and small-business integration, PSC is tracking the trends that will shape the year ahead. Joining us to break it down is Jim Carroll, President and CEO of the Professional Services Council.

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On a remote Alaskan glacier, a mission of recovery and respect continues

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

It’s a mission shaped by harsh terrain and deep responsibility: recovering and identifying service members lost in an Alaskan crash more than 70 years ago. Kate Grosso and Carlos Colon, medicolegal investigators with the Department of Defense, share what it takes to make that happen.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, December 30, 2025

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

On a remote Alaskan glacier, a mission of recovery and respect continues
2026 could be the year government contracting shifts from disruption to execution
From DOJ to VA, Kshmendra Paul’s journey shows what lasting public service looks like

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

2025 marks a transformational year for the Defense Dept

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:30:00 -0000

2025 has been a transformational year for the Defense Department. The Air Force scrapped most of its sweeping Reoptimization Initiative announced under previous leadership. The Army undertook one of its most significant acquisition and organizational reform efforts in decades. Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis joins me now to highlight some of the biggest changes that happened across the Defense Department this year.

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CBP increases hiring incentives, amid record DHS recruiting year

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:30:00 -0000

The Department of Homeland Security's year was marked by high profile immigration enforcement operations and turbulence behind the scenes. DHS also received a historic influx of new funding under the tax and reconciliation bill passed by Congress in July, but the department faces some big management challenges as it prepares for a consequential year ahead. Justin Doubleday joins me now for more on DHS Year in Review.

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An FBI practice meant to safeguard national security was quietly set aside for top leadership

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

New reporting shows FBI Director Kash Patel granted polygraph waivers to Deputy Director Dan Bongino and two senior aides. That's an unprecedented step in the bureau’s clearance process. William Turton of ProPublica explains what that decision means for vetting standards and oversight.

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When the U.S. stops tracking global air quality, the world feels it

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

The State Department’s Global Air Monitoring Program gave diplomats and citizens abroad real-time data on air pollution and drove transparency worldwide. Its shutdown leaves a gap with serious health and economic consequences. We’ll explore what’s at stake and what it would take to restore the program with retired foreign service officer Tahra Vose.

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A hidden DoD lab sounds like a cyber-thriller, but its real mission is shaping the future of digital investigations

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Few people outside the Pentagon know about the Defense Department's CyberCrime Center's Cyber Forensics Lab, but its work underpins Defense Department criminal investigations, major defense contractor cases, and even Justice Department prosecutions. Today, we’ll uncover how this team’s cutting-edge capabilities strengthen national security and redefine what’s possible in digital forensics with the lab's director, Kevin Rivera.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, December 29, 2025

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A hidden DoD lab sounds like a cyber-thriller, but its real mission is shaping the future of digital investigations
When the U.S. stops tracking global air quality, the world feels it
An FBI practice meant to safeguard national security was quietly set aside for top leadership

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

'Best of' The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, December 26, 2025

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

It's Friday, December 26th, and today on the 'Best of' the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton, we're sharing conversations with some amazing people and what motivates their public service.

Diana Burley
Elizabeth Kolmstetter
Dr. David Goff

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'Best of' The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, December 25, 2025

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

It's Thursday, December 25th, Christmas Day and today on the 'Best of" the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton, we're sharing some of our conversations with amazing people on what motivates their public service.

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After a tumultuous year, the federal workforce looks a lot different

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:30:00 -0000

After a tumultuous year for the federal workforce, many feds are in a much different position now than they were at the start of 2025. The Trump administration's workforce reductions hit some agencies harder than others, but no matter which way you slice it, the loss of 300,000 employees has significantly reshaped government. Here with more on this is Federal News Network's Drew Friedman.

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Trump administration reshaping of agencies saw GSA as focal point of governmentwide changes

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:30:00 -0000

The Trump administration reshaped many agencies this year. But the General Services Administration became the focus point of many governmentwide changes. The Department of Government Efficiency set high cost-cutting goals for GSA. Next year, an agency watchdog take a closer look at whether it met those targets. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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Therapy4Feds offers a lifeline for former federal employees facing tough times

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

After a year of shutdowns, cuts and uncertainty, many former federal employees are struggling with stress and identity loss. Therapy4Feds offers free and low-cost counseling to help them cope and rebuild. We’ll talk with founder Roz Beroza about why she launched the program and how people can get support.

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The start of a new year is the perfect time to reset your financial game plan

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

From TSP contributions to investment choices and building a stronger safety net, a few smart moves now can set federal employees up for confidence all year long. Certified Financial Planner Thiago Glieger joins me with helpful hints to building a strong financial plan.

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A sweeping NDAA change could strip away decades of cost rules for most defense contractors

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

The new law exempts nontraditional defense contractors from FAR cost principles, certified cost or pricing data, and Defense Department business systems requirements, potentially affecting more than 90% of the defense industrial base. We’ll break down what this means with Dan Ramish, partner at Haynes Boone.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Wednesday, December 24, 2025

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

A sweeping NDAA change could strip away decades of cost rules for most defense contractors
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reset your financial game plan
Therapy4Feds offers a lifeline for former federal employees facing tough times

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

Trump’s ‘Warrior Dividend’ for troops is housing money approved by Congress

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:30:00 -0000

President Donald Trump announced last week that every service member would receive a $1,776 bonus right before Christmas. The president suggested that the money would come from excess tariff revenues. Turns out, the money is coming from funds Congress already approved to boost military housing allowance. Federal News Network Anastasia Obis has more.

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Head of NIST cyber education initiatives calls it a career

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:30:00 -0000

The National Institute of Standards and Technology drives many cyber workforce and education initiatives under the NICE program. And for the last decade, Rodney Petersen has been the familiar face in charge of leading NICE. Petersen is retiring at the start of the new year. He recently sat down with Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday to discuss the evolution of the cyber workforce during his time in government and what comes next in the age of artificial intelligence.

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A new honor for a leader who’s shaped cybersecurity policy and talent across sectors

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Diana Burley has helped define national cybersecurity standards, advised agencies and built bridges between research and practice. Now, she’s been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, a milestone that reflects her impact on the future of the cybersecurity and the workforce. She joins me to offer some insights from her long career in public service.

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

The NDAA is signed, and at over 3,000 pages, it could be your holiday read

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

The new National Defense Authorization Act spans thousands of pages, but one theme stands out: speed. The Professional Services Council says the law will accelerate delivery of critical technologies and give innovative companies a clearer path to support the warfighter. PSC President Stephanie Kostro joins us to break down what matters most, without making you read all 3,000 pages.

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

The NDAA could redefine life for military families by including a Bill of Rights they helped write

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act includes key protections from the Military Family Bill of Rights, a framework created by spouses and parents to guarantee safety, dignity, and transparency for those who serve alongside service members. Brandi Jones, Organizing Director at Secure Families Initiative, is here to explain what these changes mean and why families fought for them.

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, December 23, 2025

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The NDAA could redefine life for military families by including a Bill of Rights they helped write
The NDAA is signed, and at over 3,000 pages, it could be your holiday read. But buried in all that text are big changes for defense acquisition
A new honor for a leader who’s shaped cybersecurity policy and talent across sectors

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

New requirements on the way for preparing federal employees to join the SES

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:30:00 -0000

Agencies may soon see more robust requirements when preparing federal employees to join the Senior Executive Service. A new proposal from the Office of Personnel Management looks to reform and standardize SES candidate development programs across government. But without the right attention, planning, and resources, some say OPM’s efforts could fall flat. Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman gets more from the Partnership for Public Service’s vice president of government affairs, Jenny Mattingley.

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‘Loser’s pay’ rules coming despite declining bid protests

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:30:00 -0000

Vendors who file frivolous bid protests will now be held more accountable under a provision in the 2026 defense authorization bill. The “loser pays” language is trying to actively discourage incumbent contractors from filing protests just to keep getting paid. New data from the Government Accountability Office shows vendors are becoming more discerning when it comes to filing complaints, seemingly making this new language less necessary. Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me to discuss the current bid protest landscape.

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The holiday break comes with unfinished business on Capitol Hill

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Before recess, lawmakers moved a few priorities forward but also left major challenges behind. Deputy News Director for Bloomberg Government, Loren Duggan, joins us with the scorecard and the stakes for January.

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2025 reshaped federal cybersecurity, from new mandates to tougher compliance rules

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This year brought sweeping changes to how agencies and contractors secure sensitive data, from the rollout of CMMC to tighter restrictions on controlled unclassified information. Townsend Bourne, Partner at Shepherd Mullin, explains why 2025 was a turning point and what it means for risk management going forward.

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DHS calls it a once-in-a-lifetime chance for STEM students and the clock is ticking

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate is accepting applications for its HS-POWER internship program. The program offers hands-on work on mission-critical technologies with DHS mentors. Here to tell us more about the program and the January 5th application deadline, is Deputy Director, Office of University Programs at the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, Jennifer Foley.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Monday, December 22, 2025

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

DHS calls it a once-in-a-lifetime chance for STEM students—and the clock is ticking
2025 reshaped federal cybersecurity, from new mandates to tougher compliance rules
The holiday break comes with unfinished business on Capitol Hill

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Former FEMA leaders call for 'clarity' amid delayed council report

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0000

The future at the Federal Emergency Management Agency remains murky after the Trump administration recently delayed a long-anticipated report from the FEMA Review Council. The uncertainty around the council’s recommendations cap a year of flux at FEMA. Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday joins me with more details.

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What happens now that the IRS has officially suspended Direct File

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0000

The Treasury Department is officially suspending Direct File, a free online tax filing platform the IRS launched last year. The department said it’s exploring alternatives. That includes strengthening its partnership with tax preparation companies through its Free File program. Direct File expanded to 25 states during this year’s filing season and saw higher favorability scores. But Treasury said the program cost too much and didn’t see enough usage to keep scaling it up. For more on what happens next, Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman spoke with the CEO of Code for America, Amanda Renteria.

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A recent court ruling could reshape how agencies source under the Trade Agreements Act

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

The Court of Federal Claims ruled that the VA violated the Trade Agreements Act by awarding a drug contract to a non-compliant supplier, rejecting the agency’s argument that high cost justified bypassing the law. The decision underscores that TAA imposes an outright sourcing prohibition and not a price preference. Here to explain what this means for federal procurement is Partner at Haynes Boone, Dan Ramish.

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New provisions in the shutdown-ending funding deal aim to modernize Congress

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

The bipartisan package that ended the shutdown includes measures to upgrade legislative operations, from a Data Map for AI readiness to Case Compass for smarter constituent service. Danielle Stewart of POPVOX Foundation explains how these changes tackle Congress’s “pacing problem” and what comes next.

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When hackers weaponize AI, the rules of cyber defense change overnight

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Anthropic says Chinese hackers used its Claude chatbot to automate a cyberespionage campaign against tech firms, financial institutions and government agencies, marking what could be the first large-scale AI-driven attack. Joining me to explain what this means for defenders and what’s next for nation-state tactics is the former department head of AI security at MITRE and co-founder of AI security consulting firm, Fire Mountain Labs, Dr. Josh Harguess.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Friday, December 19, 2025

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

When hackers weaponize AI, the rules of cyber defense change overnight
New provisions in the shutdown-ending funding deal aim to modernize Congress with data tools and casework innovations championed by POPVOX Foundation
A recent court ruling could reshape how agencies source under the Trade Agreements Act

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Military Family Advisory Network survey looks to shape policy

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:30:00 -0000

The Military Family Advisory Network is conducting its biennial survey to better understand the needs of military and veteran families worldwide. The stories shared through the survey lead to real change. The research has helped shape major policy and quality-of-life reforms, including the Military Housing Privatization Initiative’s Tenant Bill of Rights and a Congressional quality-of-life panel for service members and their families. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Military Family Advisory Network’s Chief Executive Officer Shannon Razsadin.

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OPM seeks early-career talent for ‘Tech Force’ federal hiring initiative

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:30:00 -0000

The Office of Personnel Management wants to bring a surge of technical expertise into the government’s ranks. The agency is aiming to recruit 1,000 new federal employees for the inaugural class of the “U.S. Tech Force." The new hiring effort comes after hundreds of thousands of feds left government this year. Here with details, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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What reforms can fix our fragile air traffic control system?

moconnell@federalnewsradio.com — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

America’s air traffic system is showing cracks, and the shutdown only widened them. Chris Edwards of the Cato Institute is here to explain why budget dependence and failed modernization make the system fragile, and why he believes a Canadian-style model could be the fix.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Is SBA moving the small business contracting goal posts?

TSA advances ‘GoldPlus’ privatization plan

Two Pentagon workforce decisions are raising new concerns about capacity and consent

The outcome of one lawsuit could shape how future FBI investigations are handled

A new strategic plan signals how the Office of Special Counsel sees its responsibilities evolving over the next five years

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

OPM and GSA embark on plans to consolidate headquarters

With the federal workforce at a 15-year low, some agencies are looking to hire

A major environmental decision is now locked in, with lingering questions about the process behind it

Quantum computing is a national priority, but who’s actually in charge?

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

The real challenge with AI and advanced computing is closing the gap between where the technology exists and who can actually use it

Marine Corps looks to AI and cloud services in effort to accelerate delivery to warfighters

OMB looks to hold agencies accountable for how they buy commercial items

Sometimes even a solid argument isn’t enough to save a bid protest

Political transitions test how disciplined contractors really are about risk, compliance and decision‑making

Budgets don’t just fund programs. They tell the workforce—and industry—what the government values most

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

Forest Service plans to carry out major reorganization with or without approval from Congress

DHS officials warn about growing shutdown backlogs

The rising cost of security is reshaping who can run for office and how campaigns operate

Congress is often treated like an abstract institution, but it’s also a workplace, with real security pressures and family realities

Congress is building a path to resolution for DHS — even as it opens the next appropriations cycle

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

OPM adds cybersecurity jobs to Tech Force hiring program

DoD seeks to curb high military spouse unemployment with expanded hiring flexibilities

ARPA‑H’s “1 Cure” program is betting that smarter design can expand cancer care to more people, faster

A new digital catalog is changing how the public can engage with America’s overseas war memorials and records

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

CISA spikes CyberCorps internships amid shutdown

‘Less people and better results:’ IRS CEO says filing season goals met after 27% staffing cut

A big refund feels good, but getting more of your money throughout the year may feel better

A proposed federal personnel shift could chill whistleblowers long before anyone gets fired

Many former federal employees are navigating the job market for the first time in years and finding that networking looks different

The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - Thursday, April 16, 2026

House Democrats deepen investigation into federal retirement delays

OMB: ERM going from compliance exercise to management tool

GAO finds most of the Pentagon’s joint bases are falling short of facility sustainment goals, raising new questions about readiness and accountability

As the Department of Labor faces scrutiny over fraud and oversight, its new IG is bringing a law‑enforcement mindset to the job

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

Navy takes big steps to reduce it sprawling IT networks

CDC eases telework restrictions for disabled employees, as HHS faces 9,000-request backlog

Big ideas and big missions still live or die on budgets and contracts, and this year’s request raises questions

As federal agencies rethink how data moves, they’re also rethinking how ideas move, especially from the lab to policymakers

New technology is changing how federal agencies use personal data and this week, new tools aim to show what responsible use should really look like

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

AI poses urgent challenges to how agencies handle CUI

The government paid $4.5 billion to feds who took the DRP, one estimate shows

Artificial intelligence may offer federal financial managers something they’ve long lacked: real visibility across programs and payments

Apportionments rarely make headlines, but they play a decisive role in how Congress’s funding decisions are actually carried out

After a two‑week recess, Congress is back in Washington with a crowded spring agenda and several unfinished fights waiting on the Hill

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

After a nearly a decade, GSA on track to fully implement TDR

White House seeks $17.5 billion for Golden Dome, but most funding hinges on reconciliation

Health‑coverage decisions in retirement can shape when and how federal retirees tap their money

The Washington DC metro region continues to stand out for regional job losses and new Brookings data shows the recovery still hasn’t materialized

Artemis II is showing how federal education and operational experience come together in space

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

TSA budget cuts jobs in privatization push

Political appointments surging, career SES workforce shrinking under Trump 2.0

Small businesses are navigating one of the most turbulent federal contracting environments in decades and the SBA Office of Advocacy is here to help

HUD’s first‑year reset on fair‑housing guidance is reshaping how landlords, owners, and local governments navigate federal housing rules

GSA spent a $100 million on building studies, but an IG audit found the agency lacked a consistent way to track whether that work informed decisions

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

DoD still failing to properly mark CUI data years after initial audit

After DOGE-era cuts, GSA resumes hiring, scrutinizes in-office attendance for employees

DOGE’s Medicaid data experiment adds a new player to healthcare fraud enforcement: the public

From AI to DEI to national security, congressional oversight is widening and more agencies are being asked to explain how decisions get made

Federal transparency has improved on paper—but GAO says key gaps still undermine accountability and program integrity

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

White House asks for record $75.7B for civilian agency IT

Trump’s 2027 budget request doubles down on agency reorganizations panned by Congress

The administration’s new cyber strategy bets that coordination, not regulation drives better security outcomes

The CAS Board is carrying out a congressional mandate with comments now open

OMB’s latest IT memo echoes years of policy, but signals some important shifts agencies can’t ignore

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

White House budget proposal silent on civilian federal pay raise

White House seeks 5%–7% military pay raise in 2027 budget request

Federal government shutdowns have become routine, but their impact on public safety is anything but routine

ARPA‑H’s “1 Cure” program is betting that smarter design can expand cancer care to more people, faster