Fed Gov Today

Listeners will learn how the L Funds work, why nearly 25% of participant allocations are now going into them, and how they automatically shift investments toward safer assets as retirement nears. Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlkaplan/] joins the show to break down what that milestone means and why it matters for your retirement planning. Jim also explains how the L Funds’ default status for new enrollees simplifies decision-making while still offering flexibility for participants to customize their strategy. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fed-gov-today/id1658568583], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4uZKvNEsaU5R7YQE3bkg6Z?si=ff40b1ebad464495], or at FedGovToday.com [http://fedgovtoday.com/].

The Fed Gov Today TV Show [https://fedgovtoday.com/] airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@FedGovToday]. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fed-gov-today/id1658568583], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4uZKvNEsaU5R7YQE3bkg6Z?si=ff40b1ebad464495], or anytime at FedGovToday.com [http://fedgovtoday.com/].

Former Director of the Office of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) at the Department of Defense, Doug Schmidt, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/honorable-dr-douglas-c-schmidt-b61aa/] unpacks one of the most pressing challenges in national security: the future of weapons testing in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven military landscape. Schmidt lends his insider perspective on the implications of a new directive from the Secretary of Defense —one that dramatically reshapes DOT&E with a leaner workforce and increased emphasis on automation and artificial intelligence. Listeners will gain a rare glimpse into the high-stakes tension between innovation and oversight, as Schmidt discusses the difficulties of testing emerging, low-cost, rapid-deployment systems from non-traditional defense contractors. He raises critical concerns about integration, validation, and maintaining operational realism in testing environments—especially as staff and institutional memory are diminished. Schmidt also explores how automation and AI, while promising, still require substantial R&D investment before they can reliably replace the human expertise essential to effective testing.  Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fed-gov-today/id1658568583], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4uZKvNEsaU5R7YQE3bkg6Z?si=ff40b1ebad464495], or at FedGovToday.com [http://fedgovtoday.com/].

Former Federal CIO, Clare Martorana [https://www.linkedin.com/in/claremartorana/], unpacks the complex, fast-evolving role of data in driving government performance and public service. Clare explores how federal agencies are racing to keep up by improving data management, modernizing IT infrastructure, and nurturing cross-agency collaboration. She speaks openly about the patchwork progress across the federal ecosystem and the urgent need for sustainable funding strategies and partnerships with Congress to match the speed of innovation. You’ll also hear a powerful defense of bipartisan collaboration and continuity in federal tech programs like the Quality Service Management Offices (QSMOs) and the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF). Claire stresses that good tech policy is not red or blue—it’s purple. Subscribe and listen to the Fed Gov Today Podcast anytime on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fed-gov-today/id1658568583], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4uZKvNEsaU5R7YQE3bkg6Z?si=ff40b1ebad464495], or at FedGovToday.com [http://fedgovtoday.com/].

The Fed Gov Today TV Show [https://fedgovtoday.com/] airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@FedGovToday]. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fed-gov-today/id1658568583], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4uZKvNEsaU5R7YQE3bkg6Z?si=ff40b1ebad464495], or anytime at FedGovToday.com [http://fedgovtoday.com/].