Fed Gov Today

Hosted by FedGovToday.com

Management News Commentary

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Episodes

341

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Veteran host Francis Rose gives Federal government decision-makers news and information about management, workforce, IT, and acquisition, to help those leaders do their jobs better.

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60 recent

September 4, 202610 min

TSP’s Digital Overhaul: Faster Payments, Stronger Security and a New Life Events Hub

The Thrift Savings Plan is rolling out new digital tools designed to make managing retirement accounts easier for participants and their families. TSP Director of External Affairs Jim Kaplan discusses the new Life Events Hub, which allows beneficiaries to report a participant’s death, upload documentation and track the transfer process online. He also outlines upcoming improvements to digital payments, phishing-resistant multifactor authentication and installment payments. Kaplan explains how TSP evaluates new capabilities based on participant demand and return on investment. He also shares early results from Roth in-plan conversions, which have moved more than $1 billion since launching this year. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or at FedGovToday.com

September 2, 202617 min

Why the Pentagon Can’t Afford to Wait for Quantum

Former Defense Threat Reduction Agency program manager Steve Hoffman joins Fed Gov Today to discuss how the Pentagon can turn emerging technologies into operational capabilities faster. Hoffman explains why quantum technology could reshape sensors, computing and warfare, and why government, industry and academia need to collaborate before breakthroughs arrive. He explores the balance between warfighter demand and technology push, the importance of rapid experimentation and early user feedback, and lessons from Ukraine’s adoption of new capabilities. Hoffman also examines acquisition reform, the defense industrial base and the challenge smaller companies face securing capital, scaling production and crossing the “valley of death.” Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or at FedGovToday.com

August 30, 202628 min

How Intelligence, AI and Space Integration Are Changing the Fight

The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube . Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or anytime at FedGovToday.com

August 28, 202614 min

The Pentagon’s $7 Billion IT Buying Bet: Can Category Management Finally Work?

The Pentagon is changing how it buys technology, and former Pentagon Deputy CIO Danielle Metz says the shift could deliver major benefits for both warfighters and taxpayers. Metz joins Fed Gov Today to break down the Defense Department’s new IT category management strategy, including its $7 billion enterprise software agreement with Oracle. She explains why centralized buying can reduce costs, improve access to technology and create more predictable acquisition processes. Metz also discusses the challenge of moving individual DoD organizations onto enterprise contracts, the importance of strong governance and leadership, and how this strategy could shape the next iteration of JWCC. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or at FedGovToday.com

August 25, 202612 min

Can the FAR Overhaul Survive a Leadership Change?

One of the leaders behind the FAR overhaul is leaving government. Former OFPP Administrator Joe Jordan joins Fed Gov Today to examine what Kevin Rhodes’ departure could mean for the future of federal acquisition reform and why institutionalizing changes will be critical to maintaining momentum. Jordan discusses the importance of finding a successor who can continue the overhaul, the unconventional approach helping reforms move quickly, and the role agencies across government play in the effort. He also raises concerns about proposed SBA size standards that could dramatically expand which companies qualify as small businesses for federal contracting opportunities. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or at FedGovToday.com

August 23, 202628 min

The Pentagon’s Billion-Dollar Bet on America’s Defense Supply Chain

August 17, 202628 min

CBP’s Cloud Countdown, AI’s Cyber Challenge & OneGov’s $1 Billion Milestone

August 11, 202613 min

What Federal Employees Need to Know About SECURE 2.0

The Thrift Savings Plan is making retirement saving easier for federal employees while strengthening oversight and controlling costs. Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the TSP, explains how the agency is automating Roth catch-up contributions required under SECURE 2.0. He also discusses a 14% increase in rollovers into the TSP, record assets in several funds, and growing adoption of lifecycle funds. Kaplan details improvements following the recordkeeping system transition, including fewer audit recommendations and the closure of all recommendations from a GAO review. He also explains why coming in under budget directly benefits TSP participants and beneficiaries. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or at FedGovToday.com

August 4, 202617 min

How the VA Is Borrowing Arlington National Cemetery's Playbook to Transform Veteran Services

The Department of Veterans Affairs is modernizing how it serves veterans and their families by adopting technology developed at Arlington National Cemetery. Renea Yates, Director of the Office of Army Cemeteries, and Mike Bowers, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for VA's National Cemetery Administration, explain how years of collaboration are helping replace fragmented legacy systems with a unified digital platform. They discuss the importance of adapting business processes instead of customizing software, using geospatial technology to improve burial accountability, and managing organizational change. The conversation also explores how shared innovation is improving the customer experience while creating a roadmap for future modernization across government. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or at FedGovToday.com

August 2, 202628 min