Welcome to the GovNavigators podcast - a government focused podcast that won't make you seasick.

Tune in each week to hear news and insightful, entertaining guests - all on the topic of government management.

Check out more at www.govnavigators.com. 

Adam Hughes and Robert Shea are back on the podcast circuit with the inaugural episode of the GovNavigators Podcast. After some shameless self-promotion, Adam and Robert cover the release of President Biden's FY24 budget, including the always thrilling Analytical Perspectives volume (see this GovNavigators summary for highlights). 

Other topic discussed include:

•  The new National Cybersecurity Strategy,
• The White House's latest efforts to combat fraud and identity theft (including Washington's favorite release - a headline-grabbing Inspector General report),
• Debate from Congress and federal agencies to the Mayor of Washington DC, and
• The hasty launch of the GovNavigators internship program.

Adam and Robert are off to a rocky start in Episode 2 of the GovNavigators Podcast, until some friends inadvertently come to the rescue. Listen in for a tour de force of luminaries who were previous guests of the podcast that shall not be named.

With Congress still out of session for a district work period, Robert and Adam discuss a pretty hefty week in government management news, including an OMB regulatory process overhaul, a nastygram from the Department of Labor Inspector General to states, and whether IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel has seen Brewster's Millions (the Richard Pryor version).

The GovNavigators also is excited to welcome noted fraud expert and CEO of Audient Group Linda Miller, who joins the podcast to share the joys of entrepreneurship and keys for detecting and preventing fraud in government.

Friend of the show Charles Cooper from Brumidi Group joins the podcast this week to share some keen observations and his optimistic view from Capitol Hill as Congress returns to Washington.

In the news, Robert and Adam have somewhat opposing views on a new OMB memo strongly encouraging federal employees to return to the office and they also contemplate the upcoming release on quite an auspicious day of GAO's High Risk List.

Sandwiched between a discussion of the Professional Services Council annual conference, the release of the biennial GAO High Risk List, and a look at the week ahead, the GovNavigators talked with Independence Hydrogen's urbane CFO, Owen Barwell.

Owen walked Robert Shea and Adam Hughes through the journey from problem identification, study, and policy shaping to solution development using Independence Hydrogen's veteran-run effort to provide communities access to affordable, low-carbon hydrogen as an example.

Moving Dirt. Welding stuff. Government at work, indeed.

This week on the GovNavigators Podcast, Robert and Adam discuss Speaker McCarthy's triumph taking all night to pass a bill that will never become law and OPM's release of its new data strategy. Also, former Federal CIO Tony Scott joins to talk about the importance of cyber resiliency, the topic of a recent report from the IBM Center for the Business of Government. Oh, and one more thing - be sure to listen to the end to hear the first (but likely not the last) visit from the Office of Standards to the podcast.

More about the Report
Preparing the Government for Future Shocks is a new report written by Tony Scott in collaboration with the IBM Center for the Business of Government, the IBM Institute for Business Value, the National Academy of Public Administration, and the Centro Studi Americani.  The report outlines four action steps designed to help build cyber resiliency that resulted from two international round-table discussions of experts.

This week, Robert and Adam are joined by Doug Criscitello and Dr. Monique Mansoura, two of 34 renown experts who came together to sift through an enormous amount of information related to COVID to try to makes some sense of it all.

Doug and Monique share their insights and takeaways from a plain-spoken and clear sighted book the group published titled "Lessons from the COVID War."  

Friend of the show Matthew Cornelius joins the GovNavigators Podcast to reflect on his time on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and his contributions to federal IT policy over his career. He also dishes some dirt and shares shocking personal facts about his time in college.

Robert and Adam also cover breaking news out of GAO (?!), the battle of the bots, and debate who got the better invite to events celebrating the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Chief Human Capital Officers Council.

Max Stier, Founding President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service and Brooke Bollyky, Managing Director and Partner, North America Public Sector Practice Lead at BCG join the GovNavigators Podcast to talk about the results of the 2022 Best Places to Work in Government report.

Robert and Adam also mark the 20th anniversary of the Chief Human Capital Officer's Council and debate the merits of the IRS taking on private sector software company TurboTax, among other competitors in the tax prep software space.

The GovNavigators are taking a break this week – enjoy a brief, pop-up Memorial Day episode. We hope you’re taking time out to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice many have made safeguarding our fragile democracy and its sacred freedoms.

And tell Francis Rose we said it right.

Debt Deal’s done. Now we can go back to worrying about the specter of AI!

Tech Guru & AlphaAdvisors.xyz founder Kyle Murphy joins the GovNavigators to break down AI; what it means for you & government in a way even we can understand. Essential listening.

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Jason Miller, Executive Editor of Federal News Network joins for an extended discussion of the latest news and headlines in government management, including Tik Tok bans, vacancies at OMB, and updates to the President's Management Agenda.

And in case you haven't heard, The GovNavigators Show is now also available each Monday at 1:00 pm ET on the radio at 1500 AM and online at Federal News Network. 

Well - that didn't take long. We're already recycling podcast guests (sort of)!

Friend of the program and certified favorite guest Katie Malague joins to discuss her work as the Principal Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Management at Federal Student Aid. Topics covered on this episode include horrible government job titles, the dismay of not being understood by your Alexa, how to build a great organization culture, and whether to acknowledge turds in the punch bowl. And don't miss our exploration of the contrasts in masculinity in Succession and Tedd Lasso.

Robert and Adam also cover the upcoming appropriations time crunch, the release of GAO's always hotly anticipated overlap and duplication report, and another significant cyber hack impacting multiple federal agencies.

What is a QSMO? Does anyone really know? Long-time listener from the Bureau of the Fiscal Service Garen Behnke joins The GovNavigators Show to share the latest on the FM Quality Service Management Office. 

Galen dives into what a QSMO is, what problems it is trying to solve, and some of the latest services available to agencies. #veronicacorningstone #FMQSMO 

Happy Independence Day! In this special pop up episode, Robert and Adam share their plans for celebrating America's 247th birthday and reflect on how those plans will likely fall far short of how John Adams envisioned future generations marking the birth of our nation.

Enjoy the holiday all! 

Justin Baer, Vice President for Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis at ForsMarsh joins the GovNavigators Show to discuss evidence-based policymaking, program evaluation, and his love for randomized control trials. Robert and Adam also discuss with Justin his recent op-ed, which advises the IRS on the best ways to determine the effectiveness of its new Direct File tax return service.   

Show Notes:
Jason Miller acquisition rundown: Busy Fourth Quarter to Bleed Into Just as Crazy First Quarter of FY2024

Justin's NextGov Op-Ed: For IRS Direct File, Let Evidence Guide the Way
IRS Report to Congress on Direct File Tax Return System

Triple Lindy Reference

Agile methodologies have been used in software development for years. But how can we bring the same concepts of Agile software development to all aspects of government management?

Joseph Mitchell, Director of Strategic Initiatives & International Programs at the National Academy of Public Administration and Ed DeSeve, Executive Visiting Fellow at the IBM Center for the Business of Government, Coordinator for the Agile Government Center (and Senior Advisor at GovNavigators!) join the program to talk about the work they help lead at the Agile Government Center trying to answer that very question.

Show Notes:
GSA Instructional Letter on AI
GSA IT Modernization Centers of Excellence: AI Guide for Government
GSA Announces News TMF New Targeted Investments

Our long-time friend Jen Kerber joins the program with her partner-in-crime Jordan Burris from Socure to discuss the evolution of the challenge of online identify verification. Both former federal government officials working in the identify space, Jen and Jordan talk about some of the unique challenges to identify proofing and ways in which the government can continue to improve its systems of ensuring people can access online government services accurately and easily.

The GovNavigators welcome Jessica Lucas-Judy from the Government Accountability Office to discuss Robert's favorite publication in all of government management: GAO's Duplication and Cost Savings report. 

Robert and Adam also praise the nomination of friend of the program and former MD Governor Martin O'Malley to run the Social Security Administration and put some money on the line about the outcome of the appropriations process later this year. 

This week, author and tech guru Jen Pahlka joins the GovNavigators Show to talk about her new book, Recoding America: Why Government is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better. The former Deputy Chief Technology Officer of the United States, Pahlka shares stories and insights about the unique structures in all levels of government in the U.S. that are holding us back.

Robert and Adam also dive into the continued efforts of the Biden Administration to get federal employees back to empty offices, acquisition improvements instituted by the Army, and the recently released National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy.

Robert and Adam stay light on their feet this week and wiggle out of a jam by rebroadcasting a previously recorded episode of the GovNavigators Podcast...I mean the GovNavigators Show.

Don't miss one of the original episodes when friends joined the show from far and wide. And shout out to late 1990's NBC execs for their "It's New to You" summer promo campaign.

Trust in government in the United States has dropped drastically since the 1960s, hovering as low as 20% in some recent surveys. Srikant Sastry, leader of Cherry Bekaert's Advisory Services and Ed DeSeve, Coordinator of the Agile Government Center at NAPA (and Senior Advisor at GovNavigators) join the show to talk about their recent op-ed in GovExec titled, "Trust in the federal government is in a tailspin. Here's how agencies can rebuild it."

Show Links:
Commission on PPBE Reform Interim Report
Circular A-11
Agile Government Center Framework
Treasury Seeks Greater Data Sharing in Interagency Plan to Curb Improper Payments

Friend of the show Charles Cooper, Managing Partner and Founder of Brumidi Group is back by popular demand! Charles joins Robert and Adam to discuss the overflowing fall agenda for Congress as the August recess draws to a close. From appropriations and the potential for a government shutdown to the farm bill, NDAA, tax extenders, Chinese tariffs, and the Senate appointment process, they cover a lot of ground.

Robert and Adam also lean on the GovNavigators intern (and give a h/t to Wayne's World) to flashback to Charles's previous appearance to determine if his prediction turned out to be true.

Show Notes:
Eric Katz GovExec article: Slashing the federal workforce and eliminating agencies: Takeaways from the first Republican presidential debate

As summer draws to a close, the GovNavigators pause to celebrate organized labor - the people who brought you the weekend! And in honor of the long weekend, we bring back the most popular episode of the GovNavigators Show to date - Recoding America with Jen Pahlka.

So grab a cold beverage of your choice, sit back, relax, and enjoy the Labor Day holiday! 

Show Notes
Dowager Countess of Grantham
Kings Dominion Law
History of Labor Day

Recoding America: Why Government is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better

Robert and Adam are back after the Labor Day holiday and review the big items on the fall agenda in Washington. And Indiana's Chief Data Officer (and Executive Director of the Indiana Management Performance Hub) Josh Martin joins the GovNavigators Show to talk about Indiana's approach to data and how to get things done in government.

Show Notes
From shutdown prospects to anti-telework bills: 5 things to watch when Congress returns
*NEW* Sludge Daily

Former Federal executive and DHS CIO Richard Spires joins the GovNavigators Show to talk about his latest book, Government Can Deliver: A Practitioner's Guide to Improving Agency Effectiveness and Efficiency. Richard shares advice and stories from his decades of experience transforming major private sector and government technology operations and the impetus that lead him to write his second book since leaving government service.

Hosts Robert and Adam also cover the latest on budget negotiations, developments in regulating AI, and an upcoming week overflowing with events. Oh - and they also discuss the launch of their new one-stop shop website for government news: The Sludge Daily.

Show Notes
White House Secures New AI Pledges
Launch of The Sludge Daily

Upcoming Event Links
Route Fifty’s Future Cities Program
ACT-IAC's The Future Evolution of the Workforce
AGA’s Internal Controls & Fraud Event
GovExec's 2023 Leading Brands Breakfast

The GovNavigators are joined by CX royalty as Martha Dorris from Dorris Consulting International and Charlotte Lee from Granicus join to talk about the evolution of customer experience initiatives in government and their efforts to create the Customer Experience Leadership Institute at the University of Virginia.

Defying the odds makers, Congress is able to pass a continuing resolution through November 17, buying additional time to try to complete appropriations bills. But how we'll not just end up back where we started remains unclear.

Jason Van Sice, Vice President for Advanced Recognition Systems at NEC Corporation of America joins the show to talk about the use of biometrics in the digital transformation of travel.

Digital Transformation of Travel

There are a host of cyber activities and initiatives underway in the federal government right now, and what better way to mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month than by having Mitch Herckis, Branch Director for Federal Cybersecurity at the Office of Management and Budget on to detail them all for us. Mitch also has an encyclopedic memory of E.O. and M-memo numbers, which warms our hearts at GovNavigators.

Resources
E.O. 14028: Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity
M-22-09: Federal Zero Trust Strategy
M-23-22: Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience
M-22-01: Improving Detection of Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities and Incidents on Federal Government Systems through Endpoint Detection and Response
M-22-18: Enhancing the Security of the Software Supply Chain through Secure Software Development Practices
 

Robert and Adam get a visit from The GovNavigators Show overlord Jason Miller to deliver their annual performance review. They discuss the shutdown hangover (the "shutdown letdown"), the latest update to the long-running FITARA scorecard, and an upcoming reorganization at the Federal Acquisition Service at GSA. 

This week, Robert and Adam dive into the inspiring honorees of the Service to America Medals, put on by the Partnership for Public Service, which celebrate extraordinary achievements of public servants (and also dish on the GovNavigators sponsored after party and the emergence of the GovNavigators flu!). 

Our guests this week (LaJuanna Russell, CEO of Business Management Associates, and Nichole Atallah and Meghan Leemon with PilieroMazza) share the latest details of changes to SBA's 8(a) Small Business Development Program after some pivotal court rulings and talk about what it will mean for small business government contractors.

The GovNavigators chat with Ryan Higgins, Chief Information Security Officer and Deputy CIO, and Trey Kennedy, Senior Strategic Advisor to the CISO at the Department of Commerce about the challenges of securing data and networks at one of the largest and most diverse federal agencies . Ryan and Trey talk about nontraditional paths to working in cybersecurity, the soft skills necessary to be successful coordinating across organizations with drastically different missions, and the opportunities they have to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity every month (not just during cybersecurity awareness month). 

After returning from Hershey, PA from the ACT-IAC Imagination #ELC23 conference, Robert and Adam sit down with some of the power players who made it possible. USDA CIO Gary Washington, Safal Partners Malcom Harden, and ACT-IAC CEO Dave Wennergren join the GovNavigators Show to recap one of the biggest government technology conferences of the year.

Show Links
ACT-IAC Events Calendar
President Biden's Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence

This week, Dan Pomeroy, Deputy Associate Administrator at the Office of Technology Policy at GSA joins the show to talk about the Biden Administration's work to create a more open and accountable government through the fifth National Open Government Action Plan.

Show Notes
White House Press Release on Fifth Open Government Action Plan
Fifth Open Government Action Plan
Section508.gov
Accessibility Requirements Tool (ART)

The GovNavigators ship has come in! This week, Reps. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and William Timmons (R-SC), leaders of the former House Select Committee on Modernization of Congress, come on the show to share details about their groundbreaking, successful work trying to fix Congress. Their innovative approach to the Select committee (and the new bipartisan Fix Congress Caucus) made over 200 recommendations to improve the way Congress works - many of which have already been implemented.

And they are actually pretty funny too. This episode of the GovNavigators Show can’t be missed.

Show Links
Final Report of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress
Washington Post Profile of Select Committee

Fed Gov Today Host and (Best?) Friend of GovNavigators Francis Rose joins the show to discuss the latest happenings in government management, his new gig, and proper holiday salutations. Francis remembers his FedHeads hosting days, his beginnings working in government media, and the lost of our friend Charlie Clark.

Show Links
Saying Goodbye to a Giant in Government Journalism

The GovNavigators chat it up this week with the woman in charge of "sparking new life" into the workforce of the Internal Revenue Service. Chief Human Capital Officer Traci DiMartini shares some of the reasons she decided to leave GSA to head up HR at the IRS, why a sense of humor is the best tool in her HR toolbox, and what big plans are in store for one of the best funded agencies in the government. 

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Larry Allen of Allen Federal Business Partners, one of the most knowledgable government acquisition experts in the business joins to share his view of federal contracting right now and gives some end of calendar year advice to both contractors and agencies. He also outs himself as a lover of the pre-shot clock era four corners offense in basketball! 

Show Notes
Status of FY24 Appropriations
ATARC 2023 CIO Summit

Well, we knew this day was bound to come. The GovNavigators have run out of podcast guests....I mean friends. No - just kidding. Instead, listen this week to hear a recap of the year in government management (and much more) from Robert and Adam. 

Friend of GovNavigators (FOGN) Kyle Murphy, Founder of Alpha Advisors, joins the show to talk about the promise and perils of AI tools in 2024. Robert and Adam also cover some hot topics from the break at the top of the episode and preview the week ahead. 

Show Links
OMB Memo on FAQs on Discretionary Spending Limits
Searchable Online Plum Book
Harvard study on AI's impact on knowledge workers (TL;DR: NY Times's coverage)

Friend of GovNavigators (#FOGN) Charles Cooper (aka Mr. Sunshine) joins the show again to preview the upcoming legislative agenda in Congress in 2024 and how the presidential election will impact what gets done (and what doesn't). Despite his perfect record predicting tough legislative outcomes, we're sure he'll hit a roadbump sometime in 2024.

Robert and Adam also mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day and review the latest happenings in government management. 

Show Notes
Brumidi Group
Wasabi Fenway Bowl Results
HSGAC AI Hearing: Wonder Women of Tech
January 17: AGA Webinar: Uniform Guidance and Grant Accounting 

Another Friend of GovNavigators (#FOGN) Kris Rowley, the Chief Data Officer of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors joins the GovNavigators Show to ruminate on popular depictions of oversight of the banking community, the importance of data and data management and whether AI will rise up and destroy humanity. You don't want to miss this one.

Show Links
It's a Wonderful Life: Better in Color or Black and White?
Conference of State Bank Supervisors

Upcoming Events
Coleridge Initiative’s Data for Evidence-building Webinar
AFCEA DC's Monthly Luncheon: DISA's 2024 Priorities
AGA's Wake up Wednesday Webinar: Finding the Data to Drive Improved Performance: Tips for Government Practitioners

We're back with another #FOGN this week as Dan Chenok, Executive Director of the IBM Center for the Business of Government joins to talk about the Center's 25th anniversary and the decades of outstanding work it has undertaken in order to improve government management.

Show Notes
IBM Center for the Business of Government
AFCEA Bethesda Health IT Summit 2024 (January 30-31)
ACT-IAC Acquisition Forum (January 31)
HSGAC Business Meeting (January 31)
Results for America: Celebrating 5 Years of the Evidence Act (January 31)

Amy Edwards Holmes, Executive Director of the Bloomberg Center on Government Excellence (GovEx) and Friend of GovNavigators (#FOGN) joins the show to talk about working with mayors and local government leaders to build a data-driven public sector that fairly and justly uses data, research, and analytics.

The GovNavigators check in with Deputy Performance Improvement Officer Steve Brockelman at the General Services Administration to talk about performance management and organizational health in government. From swapping stories about Adam Hughes's performance reviews to making up acronyms for OMB Memos to the nitty gritty of performance management, this episode has it all!

Show Notes
Opportunities for Management when Budgeting, by Steve Redburn of George Washington University (and former OMB executive).
CBO Says Deficit to Grow Slower Under McCarthy-Biden Agreement (Washington Post coverage)
CBO Budget and Economic Outlook
IRS: Fund Us and We'll Collect Billions from Tax Cheats
Bill Introduced to Extend Credit Monitoring to Victims of 2015 OPM Breach
#GovLove Week
Senior Executive Association 2024 Leadership Summit

The GovNavigators are bringing back the highest rated episode in GovNavigators history for an encore performance this week. If you didn't listen to #BFOGN Traci DiMartini, Chief Human Capital Officer at the IRS the first time around - you don't want to miss this.

And Robert and Adam recorded an updated news segment too - the excitement of the release of the long-awaited federal programs inventory just had to be talked about.

Show Notes
Federal Program Inventory
GAO: FY 2023 and FY 2022 Consolidated Financial Statements of the U.S. Government
FedScoop: GSA Updates TMF Repayment Policy Following Lawmakers' Proposal
PSC Law Enforcement Conference

On the cusp of yet another potential government shutdown during one of the most disruptive budgeting years ever, the GovNavigators pull in the big guns to explore some much needed reforms to the federal budget process.

Former OMB Senior Executive and current Professorial Lecturer at the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration at GWU Steve Redburn joins the GovNavigators Show to talk about a new report from the IBM Center for the Business of Government he authored capturing recommendations to reforming the federal budgeting process.

For the budget wonks in the audience, you've probably heard some of these recs before, but there are likely a few new ones too. Grab your green eyeshades and tune in!

Show Notes
Opportunities for Management when Budgeting 
House Launches Bipartisan AI Task Force
11-Nation Operation Takes Down World’s ‘Most Harmful’ Cybercriminal Group
Understaffing and Mismanagement Contributed to Hundreds of Deaths in Federal Prisons
VA Sexual Harassment Investigation Recommends Firing, Recouping Bonuses from Supervisors
Get Your Leap Day On!

Upcoming Events
AGA National Leadership Training
ACT-IAC Small Business Matchmaking Event
SludgeDaily Shutdown Countdown Clock

Sara Thomas and Holly Sydnor, #FOGN and Founders of All Women Leadership join the GovNavigators to talk about starting their #WOSB, favorite movie quotes, and innovative acquisition strategies they have employed to help improve outcomes for agencies.

Show Notes
Congress Avoids Shutdown
Marine Corps Becomes First Military Branch to Receive Clean Audit
NIST Releases Version 2.0 of Landmark Cybersecurity Framework

Upcoming Events
President Biden Delivers State of the Union Address (3/7)
ACT-IAC Innovation Awards Nominations Close (3/8)

Drew Friedman from Federal News Network checks in on the GovNavigators and talks about everything you'd want to know about Federal Executive Boards. Drew spent upwards of a year talking to FEB leaders around the country about its role, operations, and what's ahead for FEBs. She also has likely gathered plenty of feedback to report back to our overlord, Federal News Network Executive Editor Jason Miller. 

Show Notes
FNN Special Report: The 85 Percent: FEBs Burst the DC Bubble
Government Shutdown Averted as Senate Passes $459 Billion Funding Bill
Let AI Remake the Whole U.S. Government (oh, and Save the Country)

The GovNavigators are joined this week by the smartest man in government - the Comptroller of the United States Gene Dodaro. Robert and Adam reflect on Gene's 50 (!) years of service at the Government Accountability Office, the changes he's seen in the government over that time, and the areas he's particularly proud of in his almost 15 years leading the government's watchdog organization. And you'll probably learn a few things about him you might not know.

Show Notes
Inside the Blunders That Plunged the College Admission Season Into Disarray
HHS opens probe into UnitedHealth’s cybersecurity as hack fallout continues
IRS Tax-Filing Pilot Opens Wide, With Aim of 100,000 First-Year Users
Fact Sheet: President's FY2025 Budget

Upcoming Events
Coleridge Initiative's 4th Annual Convening
ACT-IAC Shared Services Summit

This week, the GovNavigators are graced by evidence-based policymaking royalty! The Founder and President of the Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy Jon Baron joins to talk about how far evidence-based policymaking has come and what remains to be done. 

Show Notes
Congress Avoids a Shutdown...Yet Again
DHS Releases AI Roadmap
Overreported Maternal Death Rate
Email Mistake on Inflation Data Roils Markets

One of the leading candidates for Best Friend of GovNavigators status Katie Malague joins the GovNavigators Show for a second time.  Katie recently joined the Office of Personnel Management as its Chief Management Officer overseeing the internal operations and management of the agency. Katie talks about how so much of her previous experience in government has led her back to the mission of OPM.

Show Notes
OMB Releases Final AI Guidance
OMB Publishes Revisions to Statistical Policy Directive #15

Events
AGA ERM Workshop (April 16, 2024)
ACT-IAC Climate Change Summit (April 17, 2024)

#FOGN Nick Hart joins the GovNavigators Show and brings a friend - Natalie Evans Harris - the new Vice President for External Engagement at the Data Foundation. Nick and Natalie talk about the expanding work of the Data Foundation, AI, statistical policy directives 1-15, and much more. It's an exciting time to be a data #nerd in government.

Show Notes
OPM Issues Final Rule for Schedule F Protections
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards
A Quarter of Feds Feel Burnt Out

Ever heard of the Office of Performance and Personnel Management (OPPM) at OMB? You have? Gold star for you!

OPPM is an unheralded office, but one that has grown in size, scope, and importance. And we can think of few (except perhaps Robert Shea) who are better suited to lead it than Loren DeJonge Schulman. Listen in to hear about her role as Associate Director of OPPM, the important initiatives her office is leading across government, and whether Robert will apply for the open Deputy position working for Loren. 

Show Notes

• Calling All Americans! OMB requesting ideas about how to make a more inclusive, responsive, and transparent government (you can also respond through the traditional Federal Register notice).
• GSA announces Login.gov will pilot facial recognition tech
• White House, Senate Democrats release pandemic fraud legislation (White House fact sheet; Senate press release). 
• Stamp prices are going up! 

Events
UiPath: AI at Work in the Public Sector
ACT-IAC Climate Change Summit

Another #FOGN Doug Criscitello, Program Integrity Fellow at Arnold Ventures joins Adam and Robert on the GovNavigators Show to talk about a growing part of the federal government with big implication for almost every American: federal credit programs.

Show Notes

• The Rise of U.S. Government Lending: Emergency Response or the New Normal?
• 30,000 died in fiscal 2023 waiting for disability decisions from Social Security
• Federal Government Loses an Estimated $233 Billion to $521 Billion Annually
• Golf Ireland

Events
GovExec's Evening of Honors (April 24)
NAPA Standing Panel on Executive Organization and Management (April 26)
Federal Credit Working Group Kick Off (May 13)

The Chief Inspector General of the State of Florida Melinda Miguel joins the GovNavigators Show to talk about the importance of collaboration, bringing accountability to state government, and her award-winning work creating a statewide center of excellence for cyber audit in Florida. She even stumps Robert and Adam with a government acronym! Tune in to find out which one! 

Show Notes
AGA's Performance Counts!

We're kicking off Public Sector Recognition Week with the one and only Max Stier of the Partnership for Public Service. Max shares about his lifetime struggle to find other humans named Max, the potential threats to an independent, professional civil service, and the compounding effect of honoring the best in government service.

Show Notes
Public Service Recognition Week
Baltimore Sun: Martin O’Malley is the commissioner Social Security needs
The G Word

Events
Reflections on the 10th Anniversary of the DATA Act: Examining the Impact and the Future of Open Data (May 8)

Former Acting Secretary of the Army and Commissioner on the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Reform Commission John Whitley joins the GovNavigators to talk about his career in government and the PPBE Commission's efforts to modernize the budgeting process at DoD to suit a more modern world. 

Show Notes
Commission on Planning., Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Reform
Sign up for GovNavigators Weekly Public Policy Updates

The GovNavigators get to the bottom of a standoff between OMB and GAO over the latest estimates of the size and scope of fraud in federal programs. Rebecca Shea at the GAO and FOGN Linda Miller, CEO of Audient Group join the GovNavigators to spill the tea about the latest in government fraud. 

The GovNavigators skip a guest this week and record a shorter pop up episode to honor the sacrifices of those who have given their lives in defense of the United States. Robert and Adam also review some of their recent adventures and preview an upcoming guest.

Show Notes
Best Places to Work in Government (full list)
WP's Joe Davidson: Social Security, Export-Import Bank among survey’s worst federal workplaces
Sign up for the GovNavigators Public Policy Updates

Defense Policy Luminary Peter Levine of the Defense Management Institute joins the GovNavigators Show to talk about his decades of work on Capitol Hill and in the belly of the beast attempting to reform and improve management practices at the Department of Defense. 

Show Notes
Little Guy Wins! Stuart Harrow v. Department of Defense
Check out Tracklight
IRS Direct File Here to Stay
Robert Shea - Defense Department Expert!

Upcoming Events
HSGAC Hearing: Steamlining the Fedeal Cybersecurity Regulatory Process
AGA/AFERM: ERM Summit
ACT-IAC/HIMSS: Health Innovation Summit 24

We are truly grateful that Natalie Alms joined the GovNavigators Show so we could apologize in person for our egregious mistake when we identified her employer. Everyone of course knows that Natalie still works at NextGov/FCW! Tune in to hear the latest government management stories and updates from Natalie's beat.

Show Notes
IRS Makes Direct File Permanent
House Passes TMF Authorization Bill
Agencies are on the clock to improve their digital accessibility — here’s how they’re doing so far
Dr Pepper Ties Pepsi as America’s No. 2 Soda
Blueprints for Learning: A Synthesis of Federal Evidence-Building Plan

Upcoming Events
Partnership for Public Service Trust Summit
ACT-IAC ITVMO Annual Summit

Former OMB Executive Dustin Brown joins the GovNavigators Show to talk about his over two decades at OMB, serving for four different presidents, and why he left to help improve one of the most important federal agencies in the government - the Social Security Administration.

Show Notes
White House to host event showcasing AI’s potential

Upcoming Events
PSC Acquisition Conference

Fascinating new data is out on the state of digital identity in government from the Center for Digital Government and #FOGN Jen Kerber (Senior Director for Government Affairs at Socure) and Dustin Haisler (President of e.Republic and the Center for Digital Government) join the show to talk about it. 


Show Notes
The State of Digital Identity in 2024
CBO: An Update to the Budget and Economic Outlook: 2024 to 2034
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver on Schedule F
Visit Ireland

Still recovering from Robert Shea's 15 minutes of fame on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the GovNavigators take a break from guests this holiday week to reflect on major Supreme Court rulings and the state of stare decisis, two major birthdays, a wedding, and the beauty of fights for independence everywhere.

Robin Champ and Suzette Brooks Masters from the Federal Foresight Advocacy Alliance join the GovNavigators Show to talk about the importance of utilizing strategic foresight in the federal government and their efforts to create a U.S. Office of Strategic Foresight.

Show Notes
TMF Names New Director
FedRAMP Emerging Technology (ET!) Prioritization Framework
It was a $6.6B deal for 9 years. Then the feds reneged. Did politics play a role?

Upcoming Events
ACT-IAC Federal Insights Exchange: GenAI at DHS

The GovNavigators are joined this week by Tim Brennan, Vice President of Government Relations at the Professional Services Council (PSC). Robert and Adam grill Tim about dressing for the job you want, the levels of calcification of the federal bureaucracy, and the wide range of policy issues he is leading the charge on for PSC.

Show Notes
Biden Administration's Cybersecurity Priorities for the FY2026 Budget
PPS Center for Presidential Transition Persistently Vacany Positions Report
IRS reports collecting $1 billion from rich households’ back taxes

John Salamone, Chief Human Resources Officer of the House of Representatives joins the GovNavigators Show to talk about bringing structure and resources to the 435+ offices of the U.S. House of Representatives. John shares how he fell into working in human resources and some of the exciting new programs and supports he is helping to create in the House.

Show Notes
OIRA: Tackling the Time Tax


Upcoming Events
PSC: Artificial Intelligence Roundtable (members only)
Crafting a Secure AI Framework

Washington Post reporter Liz Goodwin joins Robert and Adam to talk about her work shining a light on the U.S. Congress. Specifically Liz talks about her report opening up and analysing the data on a new House program allowing for reimbursement for living expenses while in Washington D.C. And she and Robert talk about their shared TX roots.

Show Notes

• OMB Memo: Modernizing the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
• FACT SHEET: OMB Releases FedRAMP Guidance to Accelerate the Secure Adoption of Cloud Services
• OMB Releases Update to Circular A-11
• What your member of Congress expensed under a new, receipt-free program
• Galveston Oh Galveston (by Glen Campbell)

The GovNavigators consult with the Oracle of Congress - Managing Partner and Founder of Brumidi Group Charles Cooper. Charles reviews the (small) progress made in Congress so far this year and previews the host of work left to do when it returns from the August recess. Oh - and he gives an (unpaid) shout out about how much he likes the GovNavigators!

Show Notes
FedRAMP Request for Comments on Program Metrics
President's Management Agenda Quarterly Updates
GSA Announces First OASIS+ Award Decisions

Upcoming Events
GSA Industry Symposium (August 7)
AGA/Celonis Public Sector Process Intelligence Forum (August 13)

FOGN Christina Ho joins the GovNavigators Show to talk about her role as a Board Member of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), the many nicknames she has been given, and how she has made principled stands on policy in her role on the PCAOB.

Show Notes
WSJ: The Auditing Industry’s Regulator Has a Vocal Critic. And She’s on Its Board
FNN: Pentagon releases key CMMC contracting rules
OMB Report to Congress on Telework and Real Property Utilization
OMB Memo: Improving the Federal Hiring Experience

Upcoming Events
PSC: Overturning Chevron Deference: Impacts on GovCon Industry (August 20)
Alliance for Digital Innovation: FedRAMP 2.0 (Part 2) (August 22)
ACT-IAC 45th Anniversary Golf Tournament (August 26)
AFCEA DC 1st Annual Golf Tournament (August 26)

Lauren Stocker, Acting Director of GSA's Office of Evaluation Sciences stops by to talk about her interesting career path at GSA, what the Office of Evaluation Sciences does to improve government programs and why we need more of it. Oh...and she drops the bomb that she's a Houstonian! 

Show Notes
Call for Participation: NIST-Supported Nationwide AI Red-Teaming Exercise
WSJ: Schumer Optimistic About Passing Federal AI Regulation This Year
Social Security to Simplify Disability Evaluation Process
United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas Ruling

Upcoming Events
Transforming Workforce Management with Agile, Human-Centered Design and AI

The GovNavigators take a respite to celebrate Labor Day and also the first GovNavigators wedding as Robert's middle daughter got married over the holiday weekend. And they'll need the rest - Congress returns this week to an overflowing slate of to dos, there are only a few weeks left in FY24 for agencies to spend end of year funds, and a presidential transition (or one kind or another) is imminent. 

Commerce Department Senior Advisor Shannon Arvizu rejoins the GovNavigators Show to share the latest on the development of the Department's new data strategy and talk about the release of its Equitable Data Playbook.

Show Notes
NY Times: Leaked Reports and Political Heat Are Testing Trust in Economic Data
Washington Post: The Canary

Events of the Week
Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals
Service to the Citizen Awards
 

This week the GovNavigators are joined by Margot Conrad, the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of Personnel Management. Margot shares some of the details of a slew of exciting new policy initiatives at OPM and how the agency is working to create tools and flexibilities that support federal agencies human capital needs.

Show Notes
OMB Circular A-129 Update
OMB/OPM Memo: Improving the Federal Hiring Experience
2024 Service to America Medal Winners

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
AGA Internal Control and Fraud Prevention Training (Sept. 19-20) 

The GovNavigators are joined by Andrea Sampanis, Acting Director of the Grants Quality Service Management Office (QSMO). Andrea talks about some of the challenges faced by the over 50 different grant making agencies and the work the Grants QSMO has undertaken to help improve the federal grant making process. And she shares some of the amazing work the QSMO did using human centered design to deliver real solutions that lessen the burdens on tribal grant recipients in rural and underserved areas.

Show Notes
Tribal Customer Experience Pilot for Post-Award Reporting
Federal Grants Systems Hub
GSA Announces Open Government Federal Advisory Committee
Washington Post "Who is Government" Series
Urgent Need for a Congressional Evidence Commission

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
NASCIO Annual Conference (September 29 - October 2, New Orleans, LA)

Reforming DOD's storied but cumbersome budget process is a work in progress. But it’s critical to strengthening the organization’s warfighting capability. Listen in to hear Russell Rumbaugh, the Navy's CFO and Assistant Secretary for Financial Management, share some of the progress the Navy and Marine Corps have made modernizing financial management and discuss PPBE reform and other policy changes with Andy Lucido, Managing Director and Practice Leader at Alvarez & Marsal Federal. 

Show Notes
Andy Lucido in FNN: Tailor DoD’s budget process to the national security imperatives the times demand
Department of the Navy's Audit Sizzle Reel

Congress passes bill to prevent government shutdown, add funds for Secret Service
FBI’s Carahsoft raid comes amid allegations of price-fixing
U.S. agencies publish plans to comply with White House AI memo 

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
National Association of State CIOs Annual Conference (Sept 29 - Oct 2)
CX Day (Oct 1)
ATARC Zero Trust Summit (Oct 3)

The FedRAMP program has been around for over a decade and has recently released a host of new policies and resources, including a new roadmap, a refreshed OMB policy memo, two different pilots, an emerging technology prioritization framework, an a request for public comment on new metrics. Zaree Singer, Agency Engagement Lead at the FedRAMP program at GSA joins the GovNavigators Show to talk about the new and refurbished FedRAMP program.

Show Notes
FedRAMP Roadmap
Emerging Technology Prioritization Framework
FedRAMP Agile Delivery Pilot
Refreshed OMB Policy Memo
FedRAMP Metrics for Public Comment

News Links
WSJ: Cheetos Turning Mice Translucent
OMB Issues Guidance to Advance the Responsible Acquisition of AI in Government
GAO: OMB Needs a Structure to Govern and a Plan to Develop a Comprehensive Inventory
Wash Post: After bungling financial aid process, Ed Dept. begins testing new FAFSA
Fed News Network: Rep. Mace questions GSA’s plan for replacing FedRAMP JAB

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
PSC: 2024 Defense Conference (10/8/24)
ACT-IAC: Cybersecurity Summit and U.S. Cyber Challenge Awards Ceremony 2024 (10/9/24)
AFCEA Bethesda: Kickin' It with Energy: A Conversation With Leadership (10/10/24)
Abundance Conference (10/9/24 - 10/10/24)

Amira Boland, Chief of Staff at the New Practice Lab, and former OMB lead for Customer Experience joins the GovNavigators Show to reflect on her time in government, her tips for re-architecting a bureaucracy (don't be afraid of the source document; taking risks is ok!), and her Sammies win!

Show Notes
Supreme Court ignites wave of lawsuits against federal regulations
Learn about the Service to America Medals 2024 Management Excellence Medal Winner: Amira Boland 

Events on GovNavigators's Radar
AGA's Technology Transformation Summit (November 6, 2024)

Jenny Mattingley, Vice President for Government Affairs at the Partnership for Public Service and former Executive Director of the PIC (among many other amazing roles) joins the GovNavigators Show to share more about her efforts to bring people together (sometimes at a happy hour) to solve challenges facing the federal workforce.

Show Notes
OMB: Protecting Privacy When Federal Agencies Use Commercially Available Information
Program Integrity Alliance
Partnership - Vision for a Better Government
Google.org announces a $10 million grant to the Partnership for Public Service to launch the Center for Federal AI

Events on the GovNavigators Radar
ACT-IAC: Imagination ELC24
2024 SECAF Golf Tournament (Benefitting TAPS)
 

Dave Wennergren, CEO at the American Council for Technology - Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC) and the most cheerful gentleman we know joins the GovNavigators Show to give a preview of the upcoming Imagination ELC24 conference and talk about the latest trends and developments in government tech.

Show Notes
GSA's Login.gov announces certification of Identity Assurance Level 2 (IAL2) compliance
OMB Publishes the Trust Reg
How a wonky, centrist catchphrase explains Harris’s platform
A Simple Plan to Solve All of America’s Problems

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
GAIN 2024 (October 17, 2024)
Small Business Alliance - FY25 Government Wide IT Category Forum
ACT-IAC Imagination ELC24 (October 27-29, Hershey, PA)
ACT-IAC CX Summit (November 15, Crystal City, VA)

Terry Gerton, President and CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration joins the GovNavigators Show to share groundbreaking research commissioned by NAPA about how to best communicate the value, results, and role of government to everyday Americans.

Show Notes
Open Government Federal Advisory Committee Holds First Public Meeting
GSA Release: Technology Modernization Fund announces investments upgrading customer experiences in housing and Social Security services
Council on Federal Financial Assistance

Events on GovNavigators' Radar
Data Foundation GovDATAx: Data to Results: Mapping the Future of Effective Government (October 30)
NAPA Fall Meeting (November 13-15)

#FOGN Ann Dunkin joins the show shortly before departing the federal government after her second tour of duty running the IT shop of a major federal agency. Ann shares her reflections on the good, the bad, and the ugly of working in federal IT, the importance of collaboration, and some of the things she's learned along the way.

Show Notes
Axios: Vivek Ramaswamy: Firing federal workers will be good for them
Biden-Harris PMA Celebration
Evaluations.gov: Launching the New Evidence Project Portal! 

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
Trump and GovCon: Preparing for 2025 and Beyond (Use code GovExecVIP100 for a registration discount courtesy of the GovNavigators)

The Program Integrity Alliance is a new nonprofit dedicated to strengthen integrity and data-driven fraud prevention in the U.S. for a more trustworthy, effective, and efficient government. Linda Miller and Gavin Ugale, co-founders of the PIA join the show to talk about why they created the "do-tank" and some of the big plans they have to help strengthen fraud prevention in government.

Listen to the GovNavigators Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Show Notes

• CBS News: What to know about Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy
• Douglas Holz-Eakin in The Hill: Musk’s bold plans for ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ face roadblocks
• George Will in the Washington Post: The World's Richest Person is about to Receive a Free Public Education
• Contact Linda Miller (Linda.Miller@programintegrity.org) or Gavin Egale (Gavin.Ugale@programintegrity.org).   

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
Data Foundation CDO Survey Report Release (11/19)
PSC Vision Federal Market Forecast Conference (11/19)
CDO Symposium (11/21)

In this special pop-up episode of the GovNavigators Show, Robert and Adam recap an historic week with the release of an updated OMB Circular A-50 (and also the election again of Donald Trump).

But most important of all, this episode honors the commitment and sacrifice of our country's veterans and their families. Please make sure to thank a veteran the next chance you get and get involved to help the more than 18 million living veterans with the support they need.

Show Notes
OMB Circular A-50
Ways to Help Veterans

Events on the GovNavigators's Radar
ACT-IAC CX Summit
NAPA Fall Meeting

The Lacey Lewis #Era has begun at GovNavigators. Our first employee joins the show to talk about her background and Texas roots, interest in public policy, and spills the tea about her internship at OMB. Don't miss this one!   

Show Notes
WashPost: ‘DOGE’ tweets illustrate an almost impossible budget-cutting agenda
OMB Releases Annual Data Showing Lowest Government-wide Improper Payment Rate Since 2014
O'Malley: SSA’s 2024 progress refutes government doubters

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
ACT-IAC’s Fighting Fraud in Government (Virtual)
**GovExec: Trump and GovCon: Prepping for 2025 and Beyond (sign up for the GovNavigators weekly policy updates for an exclusive discount code for this event)

With the transition to the incoming Trump administration well under way (and somewhat behind schedule), Jim Cook, Strategic Engagement Executive and Chair of the Innovation Institute at ACT-IAC and Troy Schneider, Principal at TKS Strategies join the show to talk about the deep dive they are helping to lead at ACT-IAC on the presidential transition.

Show Notes

• OMB (OIRA) Memo: Supporting Usability Testing Through Paperwork Reduction Act Flexibilities 
• Washington Post: Supreme Court to examine power of Congress to delegate authority
• Wikipedia: List of Announced Political Appointments by President-elect Trump

Events on the GovNavigators's Radar
GovExec Outlook Event: Trump & GovCon: Prepping for 2025 and Beyond (December 16) 

Robert and Adam wrap up the year with a look back at the season’s podcast highlights, a dive into DOGE mania, and insights into what’s ahead for next year. Wishing you happy holidays!

Show Notes
GAO: Fraud Risk Management Report
Biden EO: Executive Order on the safe, secure, and trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence   
FedRAMP: Securing Cloud Services for the federal Government

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
ATARC's Public Sector Summit (December 18th) Register
Meritalk’s TechTonic celebration of FITARA’s A’s (December 19th) Register

Charles Cooper, Founder and Managing Partner of the Brumidi Group, celebrated the new year with Robert and Adam by crafting significant predictions for 2025. His expert insights on the infamous Department of Government Efficiency and the future of Congress under the Trump Administration are sure to pique your interest. Happy New Year!

Show Notes
Congressional Updates: Speaker Johnson Re-elected
Biden Message: Message to the Congress on Death of James Earl Carter, Jr.

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
January 7-9: Events surrounding the funeral of President Jimmy Carter.
January 15: ACT-IAC's Winter Membership Meeting

With January 20 approaching, Federal News Network Executive Editor Jason Miller joins the show to discuss DOGE and brings some much needed reality to the reported trillion-dollar cuts to the federal budget. He also shares his insights on the upcoming presidential transition and shares an update on the current efforts of the agency landing teams.

Show Notes
Trump Administration Announcement: 100 Executive Orders
DOGE Update: $2 Trillion is Best Case Scenario
President Jimmy Carter Funeral Service: Memorable moments

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
January 15: ACT-IAC's Winter Membership Meeting
February 2: PSC’s Annual Leadership Summit 
February 19: ACT-IAC's Digital Transformation Summit
February 19-20:AGA’s National Leadership Training 
February 20: PSC’s Federal Law Enforcement Conference 

Loren DeJonge Schulman, Associate Director of the Office of Performance and Personnel Management within the Office of Management and Budget, joins the GovNavigator show to reflect on her experiences in the federal government and celebrate her team's achievements. In her discussion with Adam and Robert, Loren shares her favorite memories from OMB, what she is most proud of, and what she would pursue if she had more time. Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
January 20: Inauguration of the 47th President of the United States
January 23: Data Foundation’s Live Virtual event: Understanding OMB’s new “Open by Default” Data Management Guidance 
February 2: PSC’s Annual Leadership Summit 
February 19: ACT-IAC's Digital Transformation Summit
February 19-20: AGA’s National Leadership Training 
February 20: PSC’s Federal Law Enforcement Conference 

As the new administration takes control, government efficiency takes center stage. Congressman Pete Sessions, Chair of the DOGE Caucus, joins the GovNavigators to discuss the role of the DOGE Caucus, his vision for government modernization, and his efforts to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in government.

Show Notes
Trump Administration's First Week: Presidential Actions
Congressional Testimony: Examining a Path Forward to Assess Agencies’ Efforts to Prevent Improper Payments & Fraud
Inauguration Recap: Five Key Moments

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
January 30: Growth Officers Association’s Navigating Federal Procurement Event
February 2: PSC’s Annual Leadership Summit 
February 4-6: Shared Services Leadership Coalition’s Event: Federal Shared Services - Leveraging a Best Practice to Improve Government
February 19: ACT-IAC's Digital Transformation Summit
February 19-20: AGA’s National Leadership Training 
February 20: PSC’s Federal Law Enforcement Conference 

As the Bloomberg Center for Government Excellence marks its 10th anniversary, Executive Director Amy Edwards Holmes joins the GovNavigators show to reflect on GovEx’s impact and unveil her next steps. She discusses the center’s strides in modernizing data for real-world change and shares her insights on the future of AI in government.

Show Notes
OMB Memo: Federal Financial Assistance Pause Rescinded
OPM Memo: Federal Administrative Leave
2025 Fed 100: List Announced

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
February 2: PSC’s Annual Leadership Summit 
February 4-6: Shared Services Leadership Coalition’s Event: Federal Shared Services - Leveraging a Best Practice to Improve Government
February 19: ACT-IAC's Digital Transformation Summit
February 19-20: AGA’s National Leadership Training 
February 20: PSC’s Federal Law Enforcement Conference 

As the new administration takes shape, C-SPAN's Director of Communications, Howard Mortman, joins the GovNavigators to share insights on the network's coverage, from confirmation hearings to shifts between administrations and what's on the network's horizon.

Show Notes
Trump Administration Actions: Deferred Resignation Program Blocked by Federal Judge
Find Federal Expenditures: USASpending.gov

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
February 19-20: AGA’s National Leadership Training 
February 20: PSC’s Federal Law Enforcement Conference 

The GovNavigators would like to take a moment to honor Presidents Day as we prepare for another busy week. The DOGE mania is in full swing, and Congress is scheduled to hear a budget resolution on the House floor following the Presidents' Day recess.

Stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter! Visit our website here to sign up.

This week, The GovNavigators welcomes one of our favorite guests, Kelly Morrison, Senior Vice President at HumanTouch. With a distinguished 16-year tenure in the federal government she shares insights from her federal service and explores how data management and modernization can drive efficiency within DOGE's mission. 

Show Notes
Presidential Actions:  

• Radical Transparency about Wasteful Spending 
• Ensuring Accountability for all Agencies 
• Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy 
• Ensuring Lawful Governance-DOGE Initiative 

OPM Memos: 

• Amendment to Temporary Transitional Senior Executive Service Appointment Authorities 

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
February 25: House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Hearing on GAO’s High-Risk List.

March 12 : ACT-IAC's Federal Tech Market Update 

March 19: ACT-IAC's Emerging Tech Demo Day

From Silicon Valley to just north of Capitol Hill, Betsy Beaumon joins the GovNavigators Show to share how she brought tech-driven transformation to the Social Security Administration. She reflects on her personal connection to SSA’s mission, the creation of the Office of Transformation, and the major strides made in improving security, operations, and customer experience.

Show Notes
GAO: High-Risk Report
DOGE EO: Implementing the President's "Department of Government Efficiency" Cost Efficiency Initiative

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
March 4: The President addresses a Joint Session of Congress at 9:00 p.m. ET
March 12: ACT-IAC's Federal Tech Market Update
March 19: ACT-IAC's Emerging Tech Demo Day

This week, the GovNavigators welcome Nikki Clowers, Managing Director of the Office of Congressional Relations at GAO, to explore the vital role GAO plays in supporting oversight on Capitol Hill. She breaks down the GAO High Risk List—why it matters, how it guides government reform, and what it reveals about agencies in need of transformation. 

Show Notes
GAO: High-Risk Report
Trump's Joint Address to Congress: Key Highlights

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar

March 11: The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Hearing: Moving from Recovery to Prevention of Improper Payments and Fraud 

March 13: FedScoop’s Federal Forum 

March 12: ACT-IAC's Federal Tech Market Update

March 19: ACT-IAC's Emerging Tech Demo Day

Ed Amorosi, partner at Haynes Boone, joins the GovNavigators this week to discuss the legal battles over executive orders, personnel dismissals, and contract cancellations. He unpacks the jurisdictional disputes complicating these cases, their broader implications, and the upcoming court decisions that could set major precedents—including long-awaited clarity on the Impoundment Act.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Show Notes
Executive Order 14222: Federal agencies review all federal contracts & grants

Executive Order 14151: Eliminating DEI Programs

NIH: Indirect Cost Rates: Supplemental guidance 

"Well-nigh irrefragable proof:" The high standard for showing bad faith by a government official in terminating a contract for convenience

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
March 19: ACT-IAC's Emerging Tech Demo Day
March 20: AWS’ Federal Forum