In this episode of ATARC's Tech Transforms podcast, host Carolyn Ford sits down with Martin Stanley, Senior Advisor at NIST, to explore how AI is reshaping federal cybersecurity. They dive into NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework, the growing need for secure and resilient AI systems, and what it takes to build a “risk-aware” culture in government. Stanley shares insights on guarding against threats like model theft and prompt injection, how agencies are adapting zero trust principles for AI, and why explainability is essential in machine learning models. Whether you're new to AI governance or advancing your cybersecurity strategy, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating the evolving AI risk landscape.
In this episode of Tech Transforms, Daryl Haegley, Technical Director for Control Systems Cyber Resilience at the Department of the Air Force, shares insights from his nearly four decades of federal service, discussing the evolving landscape of cybersecurity for operational technology and control systems. He talks about the importance of creating a culture of security across government and industry, the challenges of modernizing legacy systems, and the urgent need to address cybersecurity gaps before adversaries exploit them. From developing a first-ever scorecard for facility cybersecurity to his mission of aligning cyber practices with national defense priorities, Haegley underscores the critical role of leadership, collaboration, and continuous innovation in securing the nation’s most vulnerable systems.
For an even deeper dive, here are additional resources for your convenience:
Connect with Daryl via email: daryl.haegley@us.af.mil
Join us for an insightful episode of "Doing Tech Better in Government," where we sit down with Dave Raley, Digital Program Manager at MCCS. Dave shares his expertise on transforming Life Services for Marines and their families, inspired by Jennifer Pahlka's 'Recoding America'. We delve into his research with Marines, navigating from traditional to digital solutions, and the challenges of merging innovative ideas with established practices. Discover how 'Recoding America' principles are driving impactful outcomes in government tech and acquisition practices. Tune in to explore the future of public service technology and innovation!
In this episode of “Doing Tech Better in Government,” host Brian Fox sits down with Brandon Smart, a retired U.S. Marine Corps leader and current executive at IBR LLC, to explore the essence of leadership in both military and civilian life. Brandon reflects on two decades of service in the Marine Corps, sharing insights that shaped his upcoming book focused on leadership development through four core principles: the power of peer influence, sound decision-making, holistic fitness (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual), and the foundational role of reading. With stories from his career and reflections on personal growth, Brandon offers a compelling perspective on what it truly means to lead with purpose, resilience, and empathy.
In this episode of ATARC’s “Doing Tech Better in Government” podcast, host Brian Fox is joined by Frank McNally and Derek Misaki to reflect on the early chapters of Recoding America by Jennifer Pahlka. They explore the book’s central theme: that the challenges facing government digital modernization are less about technology and more about outdated processes, entrenched bureaucracy, and misaligned policy implementation. Through personal insights and stories, they emphasize the importance of psychological safety, policy reform, and product ownership to drive sustainable change. They advocate for smaller, agile initiatives, insourcing talent, and closing the gap between lawmakers and implementers to improve government service delivery.
Get connected with the club here: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13274071/
In this episode of Tech Transforms, host Carolyn Ford speaks with Tim Amerson, Founder and CEO of CSMO Consulting and former CISO at the Social Security Administration, about the urgent and complex challenge of securing the technology supply chain in government. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in the Army and federal cybersecurity, Amerson explains how supply chain risks extend far beyond IT, touching every aspect of procurement, insider threats, and vendor accountability. He emphasizes the need for real-time visibility, executive-level ownership, and a shift from compliance checklists to risk-based approaches. The conversation highlights how human behavior, geopolitical tensions, and insufficient resource planning compound the problem—and why securing the supply chain must become a full-time, multi-disciplinary priority.
Join us on this unique episode of Doing Tech Better in Government as we explore the intersection of leadership, legacy systems, and tech modernization. We’re joined by a panel of experts who get candid to discuss the critical role leadership plays in modernizing outdated systems and share insights on the challenges of updating legacy infrastructure and how effective leadership drives change. They also explore real-world success stories and the strategies that made them possible. From managing risk to fostering collaboration, this episode uncovers the keys to successful modernization efforts. Don’t miss this conversation on how leadership and innovation are shaping the future of government tech!
In this episode, host Brian Fox speaks with Brian DeLong, CTO at BMC3, and Gordon Deng, Cloud Customer Engineer at the Gravity Platform at Space Camp, about their insights from the recent Front Range Innovation Forum. They discuss key themes such as the importance of building a collaborative and safe innovation community, embracing productive failure, and improving communication between industry, government, and academia. Topics include acquisition challenges, modular open systems architecture, the concept of "exit-ramps," and the need for shared lessons learned. The conversation emphasizes creating forums and tools that foster transparency, trust, and speed in government tech efforts while also supporting leaders in being open about discussing failures.
In this debut episode, Frank Indiviglio, CTO at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) explains the power of AI data science and high performance computing to transform vast raw data into actionable insights—from hurricane forecasting to coral reef monitoring. He discusses how AI improves data processing efficiency, the importance of blending science and tech to scale forecasting, and how open data efforts are balanced with cybersecurity to build public trust. With cross-sector collaboration driving innovation, NOAA is leading the charge in turning raw data into real-world impact. Tune in to the full episode to hear how tech is transforming how we understand our planet.
In this episode, Alexis Bonnell, Chief Information Officer at AFRL, shares insights on how to drive tech adoption in government to stay ahead in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. She discusses the concept of the “oodaloop” and its importance in taking immediate action to bring digital solutions into practice. While technology advances, the challenge remains in getting people to adopt new processes. Alexis also dives into her passion for human-machine teaming and augmented reality, exploring how these technologies are shaping the future of government operations. Tune in to hear how we can do tech better in government!
Join us on this episode of "Doing Tech Better in Government" as we sit down with Dmitry Poisik, TraCSS Program Manager at NOAA's Office of Space Commerce. Dmitry shares insights into NOAA's vital mission in space commerce, highlighting his career journey from the Navy to the Pentagon. He delves into NOAA's role in advancing commercial space initiatives, emphasizing the collaborative efforts across agencies. Dmitry discusses the critical reliance on real-time data and how these insights drive decision-making in tackling future challenges. Tune in to discover how NOAA and its partners are shaping the future of space commerce and technology integration in government.
In this final episode of Season 1, hosts Brian Fox and Gordon Deng are joined by two powerhouse leaders from the United States Space Force: Paul W. Contoveros, Division Chief and Chief of the Combat Force Enhancement Division, and Lt. Col. JJ Homan, Deputy Chief of the same division.
Together, they dive into the evolving landscape of space operations—from redefining what "innovation" means for the Space Force to exploring the critical distinction between innovation and force enhancement. With decades of experience between them, Paul and JJ unpack the challenges of building combat credibility in orbit and discuss how to future-proof capability in an era of rapid transformation.
Join us in this special episode of "Doing Tech Better in Government" as we sit down with Jeremy Bracamontes (JB), a seasoned veteran in both military experience and business development. JB shares his unique journey from the military into the realm of digital modernization, emphasizing the critical role of resilience along the way. In a departure from our usual tech-focused discussions, JB introduces his new book, "Resilient: A Story of Group Home Survival," shedding light on personal experiences that underscore the importance of resilience in navigating challenges—both personal and technological. Tune in as JB bridges personal growth with digital transformation, offering insights that resonate far beyond the realm of government tech.
In this episode of "Doing Tech Better in Government," Jennifer Hay, director of the Defense Digital Service (DDS) at the Pentagon, discusses DDS's mission to build better technology and digital solutions. She explains how technology should empower, not hinder, the mission, emphasizing DDS's user-centric approach. Hay highlights DDS's focus on discovery and deep user understanding to create impactful solutions. She also touches on the significant impact of initiatives like DOGE within the Department of Defense. The episode showcases how DDS is transforming technology in government to better serve users and enhance efficiency.
In this episode of Orbital Convergence, co-hosts Brian Fox and Gordon Deng shift the conversation from innovation to leadership—specifically, leadership through influence. Drawing from Joseph Grenny’s Influencer: The New Science to Leading Change, they explore the principles that make leadership impactful across any era. Brian and Gordon discuss what it truly means to lead, how influence drives transformation, and why the ability to inspire change is critical in government and defense. Whether you're in a leadership role or striving to make an impact from within, this episode offers valuable insights into the science of influence and the strategies that shape successful leadership.
In this episode of Orbital Convergence, co-hosts Brian Fox and Gordon Deng dive into the world of innovation and prototyping in government and defense. Drawing insights from Col. George M. Dougherty's article, Promoting Disruptive Military Innovation: Best Practices for DoD Experimentation and Prototyping Programs, they explore case studies and strategies driving change in the Department of Defense. Topics include the evolution of U.S. military strategy, the role of the Strategic Capabilities Office, and the shift from quantity to precision. Brian and Gordon also share best practices for turning ideas into prototypes, emphasizing customer-centric design, rapid experimentation, and the challenges of fostering innovation across government.
Join us as we talk with Dave Raley, Digital Program Manager for U.S. Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), about the organization’s critical role in supporting the warfighter. From providing food, retail, and recreation services to spearheading modernization and cloud transformation initiatives, Dave is at the forefront of helping MCCS transition to more advanced processes while enhancing customer experience capabilities. Discover how these efforts support the morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) and Exchange services, ultimately strengthening mission readiness and quality of life for Marines.
Orbital Convergence is where big ideas meet bold conversations. Co-hosts Brian Fox and Gordon Deng dig into the fascinating stories behind invention and innovation, breaking down the frameworks that got us here and asking the tough questions: Are we analyzing innovation correctly? What lessons from the past can shape a smarter future? Hosted with curiosity and a dash of wit, this podcast unpacks success stories, explores product management strategies, and highlights why having the right talent isn’t just important—it’s critical. If you’re ready to rethink what it means to innovate, you’re in the right place. Let’s invent the future, one lesson at a time.
In the latest Doing Tech Better in Government podcast, Brian Fox from OmniFederal interviews Major Jacob Singleton of the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command about the DARK program for space domain awareness. Major Singleton highlights the importance of international partnerships in advancing U.S. security and prosperity in space amid great power competition. He emphasizes leveraging global technology innovations collaboratively with allies to stay ahead. The episode explores how aligning priorities with partners avoids duplication, optimizes resources, and fosters shared security in the evolving space domain.
This "Doing Tech Better in Government" podcast, hosted by Brian Fox from Omni Federal and supported by ATARC, explores the innovative strides being made in government technology. This episode features Dr. Bill DeMarco, Director of Innovation at the Air University Innovation Accelerator (AUIX), part of the U.S. Air Force’s Air University. Bill shares insights on fostering innovation in military education, bridging ideas from students and commanders, and developing prototypes to modernize digital and operational capabilities within the Air Force.