Ep. 222 Tangible Steps for Government Transformation
Feds At The Edge by FedInsider
Release Date: 10/23/2025
Ep. 247 The Role of AI In Government
Feds At The Edge by FedInsider
The concept of preparation was the theme of today’s discussion on the role of AI in government. Natalie Buda Smith from the Library of Congress begins the roundtable with an admonition not to take your existing workflow and then “lift and shift” it right into an AI system. One needs to leverage human institutional knowledge to make sure the correct AI tool is selected and that storage requirements are appropriately addressed. Federal leaders are being bombarded with new AI tools. Igor Jabolokov from Pryon makes an entertaining observation: products are as perishable as tomatoes. He...
info_outline
Ep. 246 Building Trusted Data for AI
Feds At The Edge by FedInsider
Data is the lifeblood of AI, and when it’s incomplete, biased, or inaccurate, your results will be abysmal. This week on Feds At the Edge, we sit down with Geoff Schaefer of Leidos and Susan Laine from Quest to discuss how to overcome the common pitfalls and data challenges of federal AI adoption. Our guests explore the shift toward data platforms that include curated, reusable data products that improve visibility, assign trust scores, and clarify data sources and permissions. Tune in on your favorite...
info_outline
Ep. 245 Strengthening Zero Trust Under Pressure
Feds At The Edge by FedInsider
Professional sports reward those who perform under pressure. In federal technology, the stakes are even higher. This week on Feds At the Edge, we sit down with experts navigating the realities of securing federal systems in an environment where threats are constant and decisions carry real consequences. Gary Barlet, Public Sector CTO for Illumio, poses a critical question: “Do you have a plan for what happens when a malicious actor breaches your system?” He explains how segmentation can stop attackers from being able to “land and...
info_outline
Ep. 244 The State of AI in the Federal Space
Feds At The Edge by FedInsider
In order to determine its value, Federal Technology leaders know it’s all about the workflow when it comes to the possibility of incorporating AI. Once they do, having a deeper understanding of the distinction between traditional and generative AI, as well as the importance of data cleanliness and security will be key for an effective adoption. This week at Feds At the Edge, we outline the steps agencies should know and take to take as they prepare to expand into the newest digital landscape. From defining terms, to ensuring clean and secure data, to identifying and removing...
info_outline
Ep. 243 Operationalizing Private AI for Federal Missions
Feds At The Edge by FedInsider
We have all seen the power of AI; the question is, can it be implemented in a secure federal environment? This week on Feds At the Edge, we sit down with three experts who are proving that powerful AI can be deployed securely in federal environments, without compromising compliance or mission outcomes. Leaders from the Library of Congress, Idaho National Lab, and Keysight share how responsible implementation, curated data, and private AI models are unlocking transformative results. You’ll hear how agencies are navigating...
info_outline
Ep. 242 Trends in Digital Modernization
Feds At The Edge by FedInsider
What if better visibility into your IT assets could unlock cost savings, strengthen security, and free teams to focus on the mission? This week on Feds At the Edge, we explore how federal agencies are turning digital modernization into a strategic advantage by strengthening software and asset visibility. With a clearer understanding of existing licenses, agencies can eliminate duplication, retire unused tools, and collaborate across organizations to secure better pricing and maximize value. The conversation also highlights how AI is...
info_outline
Ep. 241 Embedding Trust into AI for the Public Sector
Feds At The Edge by FedInsider
Trust is difficult enough in an environment with strict controls and security; AI adds dimensions that make establishing trust even more challenging in the public sector. Over the last decade, if we have learned anything, it’s that check box solutions never work. This week on Feds At the Edge, we break down what it takes to build trustworthy AI in high-stakes government environments. From model transparency and “model cards” to the risks hidden in data and the importance of context, they explore how leaders can evaluate trust across...
info_outline
Ep. 240 Navy Transformation: Modernization is About the Mission
Feds At The Edge by FedInsider
How do you upgrade a global fleet when failure isn't an option? This week on Feds At the Edge, we dive into the Navy's "Operation Cattle Drive," an ambitious initiative to modernize technology across hundreds of ships in the world’s most challenging environments. We sit down with experts from the U.S. Navy and Red Hat to break down the three pillars of high-stakes digital transformation: Development: Using digital twins to test systems in advance—eliminating risk where failure isn’t an...
info_outline
Ep. 239 Facing the Two-Edged Sword of AI: Securing Government Infrastructure in the Face of AI Automation
Feds At The Edge by FedInsider
AI presents such a dazzling set of opportunities that federal leaders can be tempted to dive in without careful planning. This week on Feds At the Edge, we move past the hype to explore the tactical realities of deploying AI within the unique constraints of the federal environment. Ashley Billman, Cybersecurity Analyst, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, explains why agencies must align AI architecture with mission and security needs, whether on-prem, hybrid, or cloud environments, and highlights a critical question: what’s actually in the training data, and...
info_outline
Ep. 238 State and Local Government: Streamlining Operations to Improve Efficiency, Cost Effectiveness
Feds At The Edge by FedInsider
AI has the power to transform government operations, but only if it’s used wisely. This week on Feds At the Edge, we dive into the high-stakes world of applied AI within public agencies, where the potential for massive efficiency gains sits right next to the risk of moving too fast without a map. From Todd Sharkey of Lorain County, OH’s look at the document "drowning" in many government organizations to Brandon Ragle at Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology’s vital warnings on data privacy and...
info_outlineAI promises efficiency and better public service delivery, but how realistic is that promise today?
This week on Feds At the Edge, our panel of experts take a grounded look at what it really takes to implement AI responsibly and effectively across government.
Chris Bunton, CIO, Texas Dept of Agriculture, cautions that past technology shifts - like the move to cloud - often took years to deliver a return on investment, reminding agencies to weigh AI’s costs and sustainability.
Natalie Buda Smith, Director of Digital Strategy, Library of Congress, shares how the nation’s largest data repository—over 193 petabytes—underscores the need to capture the right data and ensure systems can talk to each other. And Jonathan Alboum, Federal CTO, ServiceNow, stresses that real change starts at the top, with leaders who empower users and drive change through vision and accountability.
Tune in on your favorite podcast today as we explore why strong governance, clear policy, and constant reevaluation are essential to realizing AI’s promise in the federal space.