Gov Tech Today

Russell Lowery, Jennifer Saha
  • 5.0 (18)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Bridging the gap between .com and .gov.

  1. 1D AGO

    E69: Transforming Maintenance and Operations — From Maintenance to Modernization

    In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha dive into a new trend in government contracting: transforming maintenance and operations (M&O) into modernization opportunities. They examine how traditional M&O contracts are increasingly including system improvement requirements, effectively shifting from simple maintenance to significant technological upgrades. This approach allows government agencies to modernize within existing budgets, avoiding the complexities and scrutiny of new IT projects. The discussion also explores the balance between maintaining existing systems and leveraging M&O contracts for continuous modernization.   00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today 00:24 Exploring Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Opportunities 01:06 Shifting from Maintenance to Modernization 01:50 Evaluating Contracting Processes and Budget Impacts 04:41 Maximizing Value from M&O Contracts 07:42 Vendor and Government Collaboration 12:57 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

    15 min

  2. JAN 27

    E68: Navigating the Governor's Budget and Technology Initiatives

    In this episode of Gov Tech Today, Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the recently released governor's budget, focusing on its implications for technology initiatives. They discuss the significant role of AI, legacy system updates, and the governor's approach to AI regulation. The duo also explores state procurement changes, including the growing use of RFI2 and the introduction of climate-aligned contracts. With insights on the Middle Mile Broadband initiative and the complexity of state budgets, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of California's tech and budget landscape. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:13 Governor's Budget Overview 01:45 AI's Role in the Budget 03:09 AI Regulation and Legislation 05:59 Cybersecurity and Staffing Issues 07:41 Middle Mile Broadband Initiative 11:14 State Procurement Changes 17:28 Climate-Aligned Contracts and Final Thoughts

    21 min

  3. JAN 13

    E67: Navigating Government Transitions and AI Regulations in California

    In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha dive into the complexities of government transitions, focusing on Governor Newsom's last year in office and the implications for gubernatorial appointees and vendors. The conversation explores the nuances between career civil servants and those appointed from private sectors. They also discuss the ongoing AI regulation at the federal level and how California is positioning itself amidst federal executive orders. The episode wraps up with insights on managing new tech initiatives during budget deficits, emphasizing strategic positioning for tech vendors in lean times.   00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today 00:14 Understanding the Lame Duck Administration 01:13 Job Security for State Appointees 01:56 Governor Newsom's Presidential Aspirations 03:02 Navigating Political Transitions 07:53 The Role of Civil Servants 10:32 AI Regulation and Federal Involvement 12:33 California's Tech Initiatives 13:57 Federal vs. State Regulations 18:59 Governor's Last Budget and Deficit Management 20:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    21 min

  4. 12/16/2025

    E66: New Terms and Conditions for IT Contracts — A Simplified Approach

    In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the recent updates to terms and conditions for IT contracts released by the California Department of Technology (CDT) and the Department of General Services (DGS). The new regulations aim to simplify the contracting process by consolidating three sets of cloud provisions into one and introducing a cap on vendor liability for cybersecurity breaches. The episode delves into the significance of these changes for both vendors and state agencies, highlighting the collaborative efforts between CDT and DGS to address long-standing concerns from the vendor community.   00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today 00:36 New Terms and Conditions Released by CDT 04:04 Simplification of IT Contracts 06:45 Collaboration Between CDT and DGS 11:05 Impact on Vendors and Subcontractors 13:20 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice

    17 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    E65: Bridging the Procurement Gap — How New Regulations Empower Small Businesses

    In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss a significant rulemaking process initiated by the Department of General Services (DGS) to change small business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) procurement processes. They examine the new statutory mandate requiring 25% of state spending to go to small businesses and 3% to DVBEs. Jennifer highlights the impact on technology procurements and the potential for leveling the playing field for small businesses. The conversation also delves into the increased contract limit from $250,000 to $3.5 million for small business procurements and the need for education and awareness within both government and vendor communities. The episode closes with a look at the opportunities and challenges this new regulation presents. 00:00 Introduction to Govtech Today 00:29 Regulatory Changes in Small Business and DVB Procurement 02:08 Impact on Technology Procurement 04:11 Small Business and DVB Off-Ramp Procurement 06:49 Increasing the Procurement Limit 09:33 Educating the Business Community 15:24 Conclusion and Future Outlook

    16 min

  6. 11/18/2025

    E64: Innovating Government Services with Data and Technology

    In this episode of Gov Tech Today, host engages with Jeffrey Marino, Director of the California Office of Data and Innovation (ODI), to discuss his journey from data journalism to government service. They delve into government use of data during the COVID-19 crisis, the challenges of data analytics in state systems, and the mission of ODI to enhance service delivery through technology and human-centered design. They also explore the Engaged California program and Innovation Fellows initiative aimed at gathering state employee feedback and fostering transformational change from within.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:24 Jeffrey Marino's Background and Journey 01:29 COVID-19 Data Challenges and Solutions 03:08 Engaging the Public and Policy Impact 04:57 Building Data Analytics Pipelines 06:18 The Role and Mission of ODI 07:41 Innovation in Government: Challenges and Strategies 19:13 Engaged California and Innovation Fellows Program 24:09 Addressing Employee Feedback and Trust 31:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    32 min

  7. 11/04/2025

    E63: Bridging the Tech and Legislative Gap — A Dive into AI Regulation

    On this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the evolving landscape of AI regulation. Analyzing California's legislative actions, they discuss major bills such as SB 53 (Wiener) and AB 316 (Krell) that impact AI transparency and liability. They provide insights into the federal and state regulatory approaches and predict future legislative trends, offering a nuanced perspective on the balance between innovation and regulation. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:14 Overview of Legislative Process 01:12 California's AI Legislation Landscape 03:21 Specific AI Legislation: SB 53 Wiener 06:34 Other Notable AI Bills 10:11 Future of AI Legislation 14:43 Impact on Technology Procurement 17:01 Conclusion and Future Episodes

    17 min

  8. 10/22/2025

    E62: A Deep Dive into California's Innovative Strategies with Amy Tong

    On this episode of Gov Tech Today, host Jennifer Saha sits down with Amy Tong, Senior Counselor to the Governor of California, to discuss groundbreaking efforts in government efficiency and transformation. Tong shares insights about her role and the state's 'E3' initiative, which stands for Efficient, Effective, and Engaged government. With a focus on challenges ranging from budget constraints to the integration of cutting-edge technology, this conversation unveils how California aims to create a lasting legacy of innovation and efficiency in public service. Key themes include the role of middle management in driving change, the necessity of grounding technological solutions in everyday operational needs, and the importance of industry partnerships.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:24 Amy Tong's Role and Responsibilities 01:01 Government Efficiency and Challenges 07:01 Middle Management and Innovation 09:56 Tech Solutions and Proof of Concept 15:10 Philanthropy and State Budget 16:40 California's Budget Challenges and Opportunities 17:36 Creativity in Times of Financial Strain 18:53 The Role of Industry Partners 21:32 Personal Reflections and Future Plans 25:20 Favorite and Least Favorite Jobs in Government 29:36 Efficiency and Modernization in Government 30:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    31 min
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About

Bridging the gap between .com and .gov.

Information

  • Creator
    Russell Lowery, Jennifer Saha
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Gov Tech Today