GovCIO Media & Research Podcasts

GovCIO Media & Research
  • 5.0 (19)
  • Technology
  • Updated Weekly

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. New episodes release each Tuesday.

  1. Misunderstood ATOs Are Costing Agencies Time and Money

    1d ago

    Misunderstood ATOs Are Costing Agencies Time and Money

    Misunderstandings about the Authority to Operate (ATO) process are slowing federal technology modernization efforts and driving up costs, according to David Raley, chief digital business officer for Operation StormBreaker in the Marine Corps. Speaking at GovCIO Media & Research's Federal IT Efficiency Summit, Raley argued that many delays stem from a fundamental misconception about what receives an authorization. Rather than granting ATOs to individual software applications, agencies authorize integrated systems operating within specific environments, taking into account mission context, infrastructure, users and data. Raley said this misunderstanding often leads to unnecessary delays for both government teams and industry partners. To accelerate software delivery, Raley highlighted the Marine Corps' Operation StormBreaker initiative, which leverages modern DevSecOps practices and continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. By building applications on preauthorized platforms, teams can inherit the majority of required security controls, reducing compliance burdens and enabling faster, more efficient delivery of mission capabilities.

    8 min
  2. AI Powers Smithsonian's Digital Transformation for America250 | AI GovCast

    3d ago

    AI Powers Smithsonian's Digital Transformation for America250 | AI GovCast

    The Smithsonian began its digital transformation journey in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the Office of Digital Transformation has advanced the use of AI across the Smithsonian's research initiatives and online collections. As the institution prepares for America250 — the 250th anniversary of the United States commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 — the Smithsonian is using AI to help share and better understand the nation's history. At the SCSP AI+Expo 2026 in Washington, D.C, Smithsonian Chief Digital and Innovation Officer Becky Kobberod told GovCIO Media & Research about the AI-enabled work connecting historical information to provide deeper insights into the American Revolution. Kobberod also highlighted the Smithsonian's efforts to improve customer experience. Through partnerships with industry, the institution is launching the MySmithsonian platform to create a more personalized visitor experience and help audiences engage with the Smithsonian beyond Washington, D.C.

    11 min
  3. Inside DOE's Effort to Use AI for Nuclear Waste Cleanup | AI GovCast

    Jun 16

    Inside DOE's Effort to Use AI for Nuclear Waste Cleanup | AI GovCast

    Artificial intelligence is helping transform how the Energy Department approaches one of its most complex challenges: cleaning up nuclear waste. At the 2026 SCSP AI+Expo, Savannah River National Laboratory Associate Laboratory Director for Environmental and Legacy Management Eric Pierce joined GovCIO Media & Research to discuss how the lab is applying AI to improve environmental monitoring, reduce costs and accelerate cleanup efforts across the Savannah River Site. Pierce highlighted SRNL's Advanced Long-Term Environmental Monitoring Systems (ALTEMIS), which uses AI to predict contaminated groundwater plume movement. The technology has reduced monitoring requirements from quarterly sampling across 2,000 wells to a single annual verification sample, significantly lowering costs while maintaining confidence in environmental safety. He also discussed the lab's AI Accelerated Strategies and Solutions in Environmental Technology (AI-ASSET) initiative, which builds on ALTEMIS by collecting real-time, AI-ready environmental data. Currently, roughly 30% to 40% of the site's data is prepared for AI applications. Pierce also explained how SRNL is working with industry and government partners to modernize the remaining data and expand the use of AI-driven environmental cleanup technologies. The effort is part of a broader DOE initiative exploring how AI can advance scientific discovery, operational efficiency and innovation across the national laboratory system.

    12 min
  4. Wellness Tips for Cyber Leaders at Home | Technically Zen

    Jun 10

    Wellness Tips for Cyber Leaders at Home | Technically Zen

    Avni Desai is a dedicated professional at CGI, where she brings a thoughtful blend of leadership, strategic insight and a people‑centered approach to her work. Desai shared her journey from clinical practice to technology and discussed how she tackles challenges after work, such as the emotional impact of "mom guilt" and the importance of setting positive examples for children. As a mother to two young children, she discussed balancing her professional commitments with a nurturing, intentional approach to family life. She also critiqued the lack of wellness and emotional regulation programs in school and advocated for teaching financial literacy and healthy habits early.

    46 min
  5. How AstroAI is Redefining Discovery in Space Science | AI GovCast

    Jun 9

    How AstroAI is Redefining Discovery in Space Science | AI GovCast

    Astronomical data presents unique challenges for artificial intelligence, often requiring specialized AI models tailored to the needs of astrophysicists and large-scale scientific research. Scientists at the Center for Astrophysics — a collaboration between the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and Harvard College Observatory — developed the AstroAI Institute to help researchers analyze massive datasets and accelerate scientific discovery through AI-driven analysis. At the 2026 SCSP AI+Expo, the institute's Founder and Director Cecilia Garraffo told GovCIO Media & Research the center is using AI to search for unexpected patterns in large data sets and cluster data based on similarity without prior coding, enabling scientists to detect new phenomena and uncover previously unseen relationships. Garraffo also discussed the growing need for AI education and workforce development across the scientific community. She explained how AstroAI is helping train researchers at all levels — from students to senior scientists — to use AI effectively in astrophysics research and discovery.

    12 min
  6. Inside Federal Acquisition and Procurement | GovCast

    Jun 4

    Inside Federal Acquisition and Procurement | GovCast

    The General Services Administration is positioning itself as the federal government's central hub for technology acquisition (GSA to Extend OneGov Software Deals in Next Phases ), helping agencies operate as one government through shared services and enterprisewide procurement strategies. At GovCIO Media & Research's 2026 Federal IT Efficiency Summit, Jonathan Plante, senior strategist for cloud hardware and software at GSA, discussed the key trends shaping federal cloud acquisition over the next six to 12 months. He outlined efforts to consolidate procurement vehicles under GSA, increase transparency into software and subscription spending, and leverage the federal government's collective buying power to drive greater efficiency and value. Plante also highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity, asset management and interoperability as agencies modernize their IT environments. Looking ahead, he encouraged agency leaders to align cloud investments with mission outcomes, advance zero trust security strategies and prepare for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and post-quantum cryptography.

    9 min
  7. AI Prototype Aims to Close Feedback Gaps Driving Marine Corps Attrition | AI GovCast

    May 28

    AI Prototype Aims to Close Feedback Gaps Driving Marine Corps Attrition | AI GovCast

    Climate surveys used by the War Department like the Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) are annual check-ins to assess unit morale, cohesion and leadership trust. Traditionally, these surveys take a long time to gather and analyze by leadership. A pair of Marine Corps innovators told AI GovCast that they've created a new AI–enabled survey tool prototype that is designed to give commanders near‑real‑time insight the day‑to‑day stressors affecting Marines. The prototype, called PULSE Check, aims to close long‑standing feedback gaps that leaders say contribute to retention problems — particularly in the reserve component. Col. Prescott Wilson, chief of staff for the 4th Marine Logistics Group, said the idea emerged after a commanders' conference where Marines explained why they were leaving drilling status for the Individual Ready Reserve. "By the time we're talking to these Marines on stage, they've already made a decision … that's talent we can't get back," Wilson said. Lt. Col. Samuel Sung, an innovation officer with the Logistics Innovation Office and a Marine reservist who co‑developed the prototype, said the team deliberately focused first on whether the idea was even useful before tackling the complex security and compliance requirements of deploying AI inside the department. He added that AI-driven analysis enables more frequent surveys and faster feedback cycles, allowing commanders to test changes and measure results monthly instead of annually. That accelerated process, Sung said, can improve decision-making while also reinforcing to Marines that their feedback is being heard.

    18 min
  8. Inside the Navy's Push for Trustworthy AI at the Tactical Edge | AI GovCast

    May 26

    Inside the Navy's Push for Trustworthy AI at the Tactical Edge | AI GovCast

    The United States Navy is taking steps to integrate artificial intelligence into Maritime Operations Centers — balancing the need for operational agility with the rigor required for warfighting, according to Rear Adm. Susan BryerJoyner, director of the Warfighting Integration Directorate in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Speaking with AI GovCast, BryerJoyner said Navy leadership is focused on maximizing taxpayer return on investment through data-informed analysis to determine which AI capabilities are ready for operational use and which require further evaluation. Mitigating AI hallucinations remains a top priority, BryerJoyner added, emphasizing that commanders will always remain part of the decision-making process. She said operational staff must understand how AI-generated recommendations are developed to ensure outputs align with mission requirements, planning assumptions and ethical standards. BryerJoyner also discussed how the Chief of Naval Operations is working with the Naval Postgraduate School to expand AI education through the school's new master's degree program in AI.

    11 min
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19 Ratings

About

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. New episodes release each Tuesday.

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