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The GovCIO Media & Research podcast network comprises GovCast, CyberCast and HealthCast featuring conversations with key leaders on timely issues impacting the federal IT landscape. Topics include cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, IT modernization, data analytics, workforce development and more.
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Six months after War Secretary Pete Hegseth directed sweeping acquisition reforms across the department, the Defense Information Systems Agency is accelerating its transition from government-developed cybersecurity tools to commercial technologies. On this episode of CyberCast, Brian Hermann, director of PAE Cyber at DISA, discussed how the agency is modernizing its cyber acquisition strategy by prioritizing commercial solutions, software-as-a-service offerings and more flexible contracting approaches. Hermann explained why DISA believes commercial technologies can deliver capabilities faster, reduce operational risk and better keep pace with evolving cyber threats. The conversation also explored how DISA is breaking down budget silos and consolidating resources to give portfolio leaders greater flexibility to adopt new technologies and retire legacy systems more quickly. As the department's acquisition transformation takes shape, Hermann outlines DISA's evolving role as an integrator of commercial capabilities — ensuring interoperability and mission effectiveness across contested, coalition and edge environments.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape government technology, National Endowment for the Arts CIO and Chief AI Officer Jim Tunnessen said the technology has significant potential to accelerate modernization, streamline software development and improve operational efficiency. Tunnessen pointed to AI-assisted development as a fundamental shift in how agencies build applications, enabling smaller teams to deliver capabilities faster than through traditional development methods. He said agencies must balance those gains with strong governance, transparency and cybersecurity guardrails. At the NEA, Tunnessen views AI as a tool for enhancing back-office operations while ensuring human judgment remains central to evaluating artistic work.
The Department of Veterans Affairs' Office of the Inspector General serves as the agency's internal watchdog, and leaders are leveraging technology to improve oversight. The office's CIO Lance Jenkinson discussed how the OIG is using AI to strengthen oversight, improve operational efficiency and ensure the agency's IT systems meet security and compliance requirements. Jenkinson also discussed why strong governance, clear policies and thoughtful implementation are essential to maximizing AI's benefits while mitigating potential risks.
DODNet leaders say 90-day OTA cycles and flexible engineering models are helping DISA deliver capabilities at the speed of cyber threats. Guest: Kelli Garczynski, acting DODNet Deputy Program Manager, and Mike Butler, Chief Engineer, DODNet, DISA Description: As cyber threats evolve and technology advances at an unprecedented pace, the Defense Information Systems Agency is rethinking how it acquires and delivers capabilities. Acting DODNet Deputy Program Manager Kelli Garczynski and DODNet Chief Engineer Mike Butler joined CyberCast to discuss how DISA is adopting agile acquisition strategies and accelerating procurement timelines to strengthen network defenses and deliver mission capabilities faster. Butler said DISA must pair technical agility with contract agility to keep pace with rapidly changing threats across War Department networks. Traditional acquisition timelines, he noted, can leave critical engineering efforts lagging behind emerging mission requirements. To address that challenge, Garczynski said DISA is increasingly using Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) to rapidly identify, evaluate and deploy the best technologies for warfighters. By leveraging OTAs, DISA aims to move from industry engagement to contract award in as little as 90 days, dramatically reducing the time required to field new capabilities. Garczynski added that modern architectures such as DODNet and DISA's zero-trust initiative, Thunderdome, cannot be developed through rigid, static requirements. Butler said continuous data collection and operational feedback allow DISA to adjust requirements in real time, enabling more responsive development and a stronger defense against active adversaries.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is using artificial intelligence to strengthen criminal investigations and improve workforce efficiency. Eric Shen, inspector in charge of the Criminal Investigations Group, explained how investigators use AI to analyze large volumes of data, identify patterns and generate insights that support complex investigations. Shen also discussed how the agency is applying AI to streamline administrative workflows, giving personnel more time to focus on investigative work. While AI is not replacing investigators, it is helping teams uncover connections in sophisticated crimes, including financial fraud, that would be difficult or time-consuming to detect through manual analysis alone.
Cybersecurity leader and author Agatha Merle discussed her unconventional path into cybersecurity, why creating more inclusive workplaces is essential to strengthening the industry and how creativity has become one of the most important tools for cyber defenders. Merle shared lessons from interviewing more than 100 women for her book, "Cyber Like a Girl", and offered practical advice for leaders on recruiting, mentoring and retaining diverse talent. She also explained why networking, authentic mentorship and building a strong support system can help aspiring professionals thrive in the field.
The U.S. Army is expanding its use of artificial intelligence across the enterprise, from administrative operations to battlefield decision-making and logistics. As AI adoption accelerates, Army leaders are also navigating the cybersecurity and governance challenges that come with integrating the technology into mission systems. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jordan Duke, chief of the Cybersecurity Division at the Army Contracting Command, outlined his role overseeing cybersecurity and how AI is shaping the future of Army acquisition. Army Contracting Command manages procurement across the service, supporting everything from everyday office supplies to advanced weapons systems. Duke discussed how the organization is addressing cybersecurity risks across its vast acquisition environment and how AI is being integrated into contracting workflows, including solicitations, cybersecurity and enterprise operations.
Justin Cole, director of data transparency at the Treasury Department's Bureau of Fiscal Service, outlined a new initiative highlighting the nation's oldest continuously updated federal financial data ahead of the U.S. 250th anniversary. He explained how Treasury is expanding access to trusted spending, revenue and debt data while embracing AI as another way for the public to discover authoritative information. Cole also shared how industry can build new tools that make government data more accessible and useful.
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The GovCIO Media & Research podcast network comprises GovCast, CyberCast and HealthCast featuring conversations with key leaders on timely issues impacting the federal IT landscape. Topics include cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, IT modernization, data analytics, workforce development and more.
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