HSDF THE PODCAST

Hosted by Homeland Security & Defense Forum

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Episodes

156

Latest episode

Apr 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Homeland Security and Defense Forum proudly presents HSDF THE PODCAST, an engaging series of policy discussions with senior government and industry experts on technology and innovation in government. HSDF THE PODCAST looks at how emerging technology - such Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing, 5G, and cybersecurity - is being used to support government missions and secure U.S. national interests.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

April 16, 202623 min

Quantum Tools for Government Optimization Part 1

Welcome to “HSDF THE PODCAST,” a collection of policy discussions on government technology and homeland security brought to you by the Homeland Security and Defense Forum In this episode, We trace quantum from strange physics to useful tools, highlighting where annealing delivers value now and where sensing may outpace computing. We show how to scope a pilot, measure speed to solution, and decide when classical, AI, and quantum work best together. Featuring:- Prachi Vakharia, President, Washington Institute for STEM, Entrepreneurship and Research - Allison Schwartz, Global Government Relations & Public Affairs Leader, D-Wave - Dr. Reggie Brothers, Operating Partner, AE Industrial (moderator) This discussion took place January 22nd, 2026, at HSDF’s Technology Innovation in Government SymposiumFollow HSDF THE PODCAST and never miss latest insider talk on government technology, innovation, and security. Visit the HSDF YouTube channel to view hours of insightful policy discussion. For more information about the Homeland Security & Defense Forum (HSDF), visit hsdf.org.

April 16, 202620 min

Quantum Tools for Government Optimization Part 2

Welcome to “HSDF THE PODCAST,” a collection of policy discussions on government technology and homeland security brought to you by the Homeland Security and Defense Forum In this episode, We show how quantum becomes useful now through cloud access, Python-based tools, and focused pilots in logistics, materials, sensing, and security. We balance realism on timelines with concrete wins, from port optimization to post-quantum crypto planning and AI synergies. Featuring:- Prachi Vakharia, President, Washington Institute for STEM, Entrepreneurship and Research - Allison Schwartz, Global Government Relations & Public Affairs Leader, D-Wave - Dr. Reggie Brothers, Operating Partner, AE Industrial (moderator) This discussion took place January 22nd, 2026, at HSDF’s Technology Innovation in Government SymposiumFollow HSDF THE PODCAST and never miss latest insider talk on government technology, innovation, and security. Visit the HSDF YouTube channel to view hours of insightful policy discussion. For more information about the Homeland Security & Defense Forum (HSDF), visit hsdf.org.

April 7, 202622 min

Outcome Over Process: Transforming DHS Procurement for Efficiency and Innovation Part 1

Welcome to “HSDF THE PODCAST,” a collection of policy discussions on government technology and homeland security brought to you by the Homeland Security and Defense ForumIn this episode, We unpack how DHS leaders move from compliance-heavy buying to outcome-based contracting that delivers speed, clarity, and measurable results. Coast Guard, TSA, and CBP share practical ways to define success, choose the right contract type, and adjust incentives without slowing the mission.Featuring:- Julie Koo, Chief of the Contracting Office for the Border Enforcement and Administration Portfolio, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)- Denise Morales, Head of Contracting Activity, Transportation Security Administration (TSA)- Shreena Morris, Head of Contracting Activity, U.S. Coast Guard- Sarah Green, Deputy Chief Procurement Officer, DHS (moderator)This discussion took place January 22nd, 2026, at HSDF’s Technology Innovation in Government SymposiumFollow HSDF THE PODCAST and never miss latest insider talk on government technology, innovation, and security. Visit the HSDF YouTube channel to view hours of insightful policy discussion. For more information about the Homeland Security & Defense Forum (HSDF), visit hsdf.org.

April 7, 202617 min

Outcome Over Process: Transforming DHS Procurement for Efficiency and Innovation Part 2

Welcome to “HSDF THE PODCAST,” a collection of policy discussions on government technology and homeland security brought to you by the Homeland Security and Defense ForumIn this episode, We map a practical path to outcome-based contracting that trades complexity for clarity and speed. We unpack modular awards, the skills procurement teams need, how reform opens new options, and how industry can help us rewire habits for better results.Featuring:- Julie Koo, Chief of the Contracting Office for the Border Enforcement and Administration Portfolio, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)- Denise Morales, Head of Contracting Activity, Transportation Security Administration (TSA)- Shreena Morris, Head of Contracting Activity, U.S. Coast Guard- Sarah Green, Deputy Chief Procurement Officer, DHS (moderator)This discussion took place January 22nd, 2026, at HSDF’s Technology Innovation in Government SymposiumFollow HSDF THE PODCAST and never miss latest insider talk on government technology, innovation, and security. Visit the HSDF YouTube channel to view hours of insightful policy discussion. For more information about the Homeland Security & Defense Forum (HSDF), visit hsdf.org.

March 31, 202622 min

Transformative Al & Technology for Decisionmaking Part 1

Welcome to “HSDF THE PODCAST,” a collection of policy discussions on government technology and homeland security brought to you by the Homeland Security and Defense ForumIn this episode, we explore how the Coast Guard turned AI from promise to practice by embedding governance in architecture, treating data as a product, and keeping humans accountable at critical decisions. Real use cases in HR and audits show faster, fairer outcomes with measurable gains.Featuring:- CDR Jonathan White, Cloud and Data Branch Chief, U.S. Coast Guard - Carin Quiroga, Chief Data Officer, Immigration and Customs Enforcement- Courtney Whelan-Stillmun, Principal Architect, Google Public Sector (moderator)This discussion took place January 22nd, 2026, at HSDF’s Technology Innovation in Government Symposium Follow HSDF THE PODCAST and never miss latest insider talk on government technology, innovation, and security. Visit the HSDF YouTube channel to view hours of insightful policy discussion. For more information about the Homeland Security & Defense Forum (HSDF), visit hsdf.org.

March 31, 202622 min

Transformative Al & Technology for Decisionmaking Part 2

Welcome to “HSDF THE PODCAST,” a collection of policy discussions on government technology and homeland security brought to you by the Homeland Security and Defense Forum In this episode we take you inside the shift from siloed spreadsheets to governed data products, and show how that foundation lets AI cut hours from planning and reporting without replacing human judgment. Along the way, we break down the hidden process gaps that look like “bad data,” the cultural resistance that slows sharing, and the simple moves—like quality trend monitoring and clear ownership—that unlock momentum. Featuring:- CDR Jonathan White, Cloud and Data Branch Chief, U.S. Coast Guard - Carin Quiroga, Chief Data Officer, Immigration and Customs Enforcement- Courtney Whelan-Stillmun, Principal Architect, Google Public Sector (moderator) This discussion took place January 22nd, 2026, at HSDF’s Technology Innovation in Government SymposiumFollow HSDF THE PODCAST and never miss latest insider talk on government technology, innovation, and security. Visit the HSDF YouTube channel to view hours of insightful policy discussion. For more information about the Homeland Security & Defense Forum (HSDF), visit hsdf.org.

March 31, 202621 min

Transformative Al & Technology for Decisionmaking Part 3

Welcome to “HSDF THE PODCAST,” a collection of policy discussions on government technology and homeland security brought to you by the Homeland Security and Defense ForumIn this episode, we lay out a practical path to trusted AI in government: build a mission fabric that captures operational context, invest in shared data architecture, and measure decision quality through iterative delivery. We also tackle brittle models, multimodal sensing, and smarter procurement that values outcomes over promises.Featuring:- CDR Jonathan White, Cloud and Data Branch Chief, U.S. Coast Guard - Carin Quiroga, Chief Data Officer, Immigration and Customs Enforcement- Courtney Whelan-Stillmun, Principal Architect, Google Public Sector (moderator)This discussion took place January 22nd, 2026, at HSDF’s Technology Innovation in Government SymposiumFollow HSDF THE PODCAST and never miss latest insider talk on government technology, innovation, and security. Visit the HSDF YouTube channel to view hours of insightful policy discussion. For more information about the Homeland Security & Defense Forum (HSDF), visit hsdf.org.

March 24, 202618 min

Safer, Smarter, Faster: The Future of Travel Part 1

Welcome to “HSDF THE PODCAST,” a collection of policy discussions on government technology and homeland security brought to you by the Homeland Security and Defense Forum In this episode, We map how biometrics, mobile identity, and open architectures are reshaping travel from check-in to border crossing, and how partnerships prepare the system for the World Cup and beyond. CBP, TSA, and State share concrete steps toward faster, safer, and more predictable journeys. Featuring:- Tim Ahrens, Artificial Intelligence & Automation Team Lead, Bureau of Diplomatic Technology, Department of State- Matt Davies, Executive Director, Admissibility and Passenger Programs, Office of Field Operations, Customs and Border Protection - Balaji Subramaniam, Acting Chief Information Officer, Transportation Security Administration - Aaron Silverman, Strategy Leader, Deloitte- Luke McCormack, Former CIO, Departments of Homeland Security and Justice (moderator) This discussion took place January 22nd, 2026, at HSDF’s Technology Innovation in Government Symposium Follow HSDF THE PODCAST and never miss latest insider talk on government technology, innovation, and security. Visit the HSDF YouTube channel to view hours of insightful policy discussion. For more information about the Homeland Security & Defense Forum (HSDF), visit hsdf.org.

March 24, 202618 min

Safer, Smarter, Faster: The Future of Travel Part 2

Welcome to “HSDF THE PODCAST,” a collection of policy discussions on government technology and homeland security brought to you by the Homeland Security and Defense ForumIn this episode, We open the floor to audience questions and dig into how border security is changing, how TSA builds sustainable innovation, and why the future of identity blends biometrics with digital IDs. We close with practical changes travelers will see for the World Cup and Olympics.Featuring:- Tim Ahrens, Artificial Intelligence & Automation Team Lead, Bureau of Diplomatic Technology, Department of State- Matt Davies, Executive Director, Admissibility and Passenger Programs, Office of Field Operations, Customs and Border Protection - Balaji Subramaniam, Acting Chief Information Officer, Transportation Security Administration - Aaron Silverman, Strategy Leader, Deloitte- Luke McCormack, Former CIO, Departments of Homeland Security and Justice (moderator)This discussion took place January 22nd, 2026, at HSDF’s Technology Innovation in Government SymposiumFollow HSDF THE PODCAST and never miss latest insider talk on government technology, innovation, and security. Visit the HSDF YouTube channel to view hours of insightful policy discussion. For more information about the Homeland Security & Defense Forum (HSDF), visit hsdf.org.

March 17, 202622 min

Modernizing the ICE Mission: A Conversation with Dustin Goetz Part 1

Welcome to “HSDF THE PODCAST,” a collection of policy discussions on government technology and homeland security brought to you by the Homeland Security and Defense ForumIn this episode, We explore how to balance mission urgency with responsible modernization across ICE, from field radios and mobile apps to AI and data mesh. We share a practical way to turn security from a blocker into an enabler while building a workforce ready for zero trust and rapid change.Featuring:- Dustin Goetz, Chief Information Officer, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Luke McCormack, Former CIO, Departments of Homeland Security and Justice (moderator)This discussion took place January 22nd, 2026, at HSDF’s Technology Innovation in Government SymposiumThank you for Tuning in to “HSDF the Podcast”. Follow HSDF THE PODCAST and never miss the latest insider talk on government technology, innovation, and security. Visit the HSDF YouTube channel to view hours of insightful policy discussion. For more information about the Homeland Security & Defense Forum (HSDF), visit hsdf.org.Follow HSDF THE PODCAST and never miss latest insider talk on government technology, innovation, and security. Visit the HSDF YouTube channel to view hours of insightful policy discussion. For more information about the Homeland Security & Defense Forum (HSDF), visit hsdf.org.

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