Fed Gov Today

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, procurement law expert, Alan Chvotkin, partner at Centre Law Group, joins the program to unpack the ongoing overhaul of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). From its original goal in 1984—to create a single, uniform, government-wide standard for buying goods and services—to today’s piecemeal reforms, Alan explains what’s been fixed, what’s been lost, and what still needs atte...

Former Administrator of Federal Procurement Policy and current Octoparo CEO, Joe Jordan, joins Francis to unpack the new government-wide deals on artificial intelligence. From the so-called “$1 AI licenses” to the promises of massive cost savings, Joe explains why these teaser agreements may not be as transformative as they sound—and why agencies must think just as hard about how to exit contracts as they do about entering them. He...

This episode dives into the leadership crisis facing federal government executives. Former OPM Associate Director, Ron Sanders, joins Francis to unpack why senior executives feel isolated, without peers or mentors to guide them, and how new executive development programs from OPM are attempting to fill the void. Sanders reflects on the failures of the Federal Executive Institute (FEI), why generic leadership training doesn’t cut it...

On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, former Joint Artificial Intelligence Center Director Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan (USAF, Ret.) joins to discuss a turning point for artificial intelligence in government. With the General Services Administration striking deals to make AI tools available across agencies for as little as $1, Shanahan breaks down what these agreements mean for federal users, the defense community, and the ...

In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, you will learn why the IRS is pulling the plug on its long-troubled taxpayer self-service kiosks. Eleina Monroe, Chief of Staff for Inspections and Evaluations at the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), reveals how more than half of the 100 kiosks in 37 field offices were out of service—some for over a year—due to outdated trackball navigation, unrepairable ...

Francis sits down with retired Foreign Service officer Don Kilburg to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the world of diplomacy. Drawing from his new book, AI Use Cases for Diplomats, Kilburg outlines why he believes AI isn’t just a helpful tool but a responsibility for global leaders to embrace. 

He discusses his 100 practical AI use cases for diplomats, designed as both a field manual and a vision f...

Colonel Mac McHenry, US Marine Corps Reserve (Ret.) and senior advisor at the Defense Innovation Unit, joins the show to discuss why Chief Technology Officers in government are struggling to drive innovation—despite being tasked as strategic visionaries. Drawing from his recent RealClearDefense article, “The Toothless Technologist,” Mac explains how the government imported the CTO model from the private sector but failed to give it...

Francis welcomes Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, to explain how the TSP prioritizes spending less—not more—in order to keep more dollars invested directly in your account. Kaplan details how the agency’s consistent track record of executing below budget reflects a fiduciary mindset focused on maximizing long-term value for you and other federal employees and retirees. You’...

This episode explores how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cyber capabilities are redefining both frontline and back-office military operations. Mike Black, retired Air Force Colonel and Vice President for Defense at AFCEA International, joins Francis to share insights from AFCEA events around the globe—including what’s trending, what’s urgent, and what the joint force is prioritizing in this rapidly evolving landscap...

Former GSA executive, Erv Koehler, dives into the federal government’s long-running challenge with bid protests—and offers practical, innovative solutions. From football-inspired “timeouts” to rethinking price assessments, Erv explains how the government can cut down on frivolous protests without undermining legitimate contractor concerns.

You’ll learn how the Government Accountability Office's recent stats—showing that over ha...

Todd Harrison, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, joins Francis to examine the fiscal year 2026 defense budget proposal from the Trump administration, which totals $848 billion. Harrison discusses how the reconciliation process is being used to fund Department of Defense programs and compares it to the previous use of Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding. 

He explains the procedural and political difference...

Chris Hamm, CEO of FIN Acquisitions and former director of FEDSIM at GSA, joins the program to discuss a provision in the Senate’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that aims to reduce frivolous bid protests in federal contracting. Hamm outlines the intent behind Section 816 of the NDAA, which seeks to create financial disincentives for contractors who file meritless protests. He explains why, despite the goo...

In this episode of Fed Gov Today, you will get an inside look at a groundbreaking transformation taking place at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Acting Commander Kenneth Watson of DLA Land and Maritime joins the show to detail the agency’s Technical Data Management Transformation (TDMT), a bold initiative aimed at digitizing and modernizing how the DLA handles technical specifications for military parts and equipment. 

You will ...