The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton
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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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton __ __ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton __ __ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Coming up today on "The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton __ __ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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… __ __ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton __ __ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton __ __ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
