CMMC Is Here: What Every DOD Vendor Must Know Before November 10
In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, the clock is ticking for vendors that do business with the Department of Defense. The long-anticipated final rule for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is officially out, and it takes effect November 10. That means solicitations will soon include CMMC requirements — and with more than 100,000 companies needing assessments, competition for assessors will heat up fast.Government contracts expert, Eric Crusius of Hunton Andrews Kurth, joins Francis to break down the rule’s three-tier model, the phased rollout over the next three years, and what companies must do now to stay competitive. He explains why self-assessments will be required in year one, why there may be a “run on the bank” for assessors, and what questions businesses should ask before hiring assessment partners.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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VA Whistleblower Oversight: GAO Finds Gaps and Missed Follow-Through
In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive deep into how the Department of Veterans Affairs manages whistleblower cases. Tom Costa, Director of Education, Workforce, and Income Security at the Government Accountability Office, joins the program to share GAO’s latest insights on recordkeeping, settlement tracking, and the need for stronger follow-through on corrective actions designed to protect whistleblowers.Costa discusses why whistleblower retaliation cases at VA have shifted since 2020, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and explains why differences between VA’s data and the Office of Special Counsel’s records raise important concerns. He also outlines challenges within VA’s authority structure, where the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection currently lacks the ability to oversee settlement implementation, slowing needed reforms.Francis and Tom examine GAO’s recommendations to improve VA’s oversight and strengthen coordination with OSC, while considering whether additional steps from Congress may be needed to ensure whistleblower protections are fully effective.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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Veterans First: VA’s Drive to Modernize IT, Accelerate Benefits & Harness AI
The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.
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Back to School for Your Retirement: TSP Lessons You Can’t Afford to Skip
It’s back-to-school season, but this time, the lessons are for your future financial security. On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive into the Thrift Savings Plan’s growing library of resources designed to help federal employees and military service members make smarter retirement decisions. Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, joins Francis to share how participants can access online learning, live webinars, and bite-sized YouTube videos to better understand everything from investment options and in-service withdrawals to long-term retirement planning and beneficiary designations. He explains how participant feedback drives the creation of new educational content, highlights the surge in usage of the TSP mobile app, and offers insight into what’s ahead—including in-plan Roth transfers and upcoming end-of-year considerations. Plus, you’ll learn how rigorous internal audits and top-tier cybersecurity practices ensure the TSP remains secure and effective for its more than 6 million participants.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
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The CIO Crisis: Why Short Tenures Threaten Federal IT Modernization
On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, we dive into the persistent challenges slowing down federal IT modernization. Despite growing urgency to upgrade systems and strengthen cybersecurity, the average CIO tenure remains just two to two and a half years—barely enough time to build relationships, understand sprawling enterprises, and execute meaningful strategies. Francis sits down with Nick Marinos, Managing Director of Information Technology and Cybersecurity at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), to discuss why DHS has 43 open GAO recommendations across IT, financial management, and acquisitions—all tied to items on GAO’s High Risk List. Marinos explains why these recommendations serve as a “cheat sheet” for incoming CIOs, highlights where DHS has made strides with FedRAMP and zero trust, and outlines the remaining vulnerabilities that must be addressed.Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at FedGovToday.com.
Veteran host Francis Rose gives Federal government decision-makers news and information about management, workforce, IT, and acquisition, to help those leaders do their jobs better.
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