The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Thursday, October 29, 2026
The Federal Drive with Terry GertonShow Notes
Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton The Justice Department has fewer attorneys. The workload didn't get the memo Recent conflicts have made one thing clear: knowing what the military needs and producing enough of it are two different challenges A discovery at NIST changed how researchers think about an unusual quantum material. One physicist is being honored for that work See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
More from The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton
Two Marines are suing the Defense Department over a data breach that exposed the personal information of more than three million people with ties to the U.S. military. The lawsuit alleges the department ignored years of internal warnings and failed to protect sensitive records. 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.
The Defense Department has backed itself into a corner with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program. Every reason Kirsten Davies, the DoD chief information officer, gave for pausing CMMC and for conducting a “top to bottom” review has been called into question based on data in its own request for information. Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me with exclusive details about why DoD's rationale for its CMMC pause is falling apart. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Some military installations face persistent challenges recruiting workers and delivering critical services because of where they're located. A new GAO review found the Defense Department still lacks a consistent definition of what qualifies as a remote or isolated installation, making it harder to target resources and support those communities. Joining me now with the details is Kristy Williams, director in GAO's Defense Capabilities and Management team. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Programs that introduce students to science, technology and artificial intelligence can shape the federal workforce years before a hiring decision is made. Through national competitions, teacher-development efforts and new AI initiatives, one Department of Energy leader has worked to expand those opportunities. Joining me now is Jan Tyler, recipient of the 2026 Arthur S. Flemming Award. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Senior Executives Association is calling for Congress to take a larger role in setting key federal workforce policies. Its new policy agenda argues that some rules affecting career executives should be established in statute rather than changing from one administration to the next. Joining me for an exclusive conversation is Mary Kate Whalen, president of SEA. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.