ATARC Federal IT Newscast

Latest Episodes:

Space and Defense Innovation Launchpad Podcast - Episode 2 Feb 04, 2026

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This episode features Alex Morgan, a materials scientist and fire safety expert, discussing how material flammability and fire hardening are engineered across civilian and military aircraft and spacecraft, from aging aluminum airframes to modern composite structures and unmanned systems. The conversation dives into challenges like lithium-ion battery fires, high-oxygen spacecraft environments, reentry heat shields, and evolving regulations, highlighting how fire science adapts to new aerospace technologies to protect people, payloads, and missions.

Space and Defense Innovation Launchpad Podcast - Episode 1 Jan 07, 2026

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In the inaugural episode of the Space Innovation and Defense Launchpad Podcast, Mark Giaconia of Vantor (formerly Maxar) shares his path from Army Special Forces into geospatial technology and software engineering, describing how GEOINT, coding, and data infrastructure have evolved over the past two decades. The conversation dives into tactical-edge geospatial intelligence, AI/ML for analytics, data fusion, UX and policy frictions in government and commercial environments, and how to turn massive volumes of sensor data into concise, actionable insights for users.

Interview with Allen Hill, Retired Chief Information Officer at the Federal Communications Commission Nov 19, 2025

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In this episode, host Tom Suder, Founder of the Advanced Technology Academic Research Center, sits down with Allen Hill, retired Chief Information Officer at the Federal Communications Commission, for a reflective conversation on four decades of service in federal IT.

They explore the FCC’s cloud transformation, the shift to secure FedRAMP environments, and the importance of building technical teams that can both architect and execute modernization at scale.

Beyond technology, Hill offers perspective on leadership, mentorship, and sustaining a mission driven career in public service. Whether you work in federal IT, lead modernization initiatives, or follow the evolution of government technology, this episode provides valuable insight from one of the community’s most respected CIOs.

Tech Transforms: Episode 4 Aug 26, 2025

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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.

Tech Transforms: Episode 3 Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

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:

Annual Threat Assessment Report: 2024 DNI ATA and 2025 DNI ATA
Cyber Resilience Office for Control Systems (CROCS): Watch
“OT: Lock It Down” Music Video: Listen here

Articles Referenced:

Wired for Risk – SC World

Cyber Skills Gap – Federal News Network

Cyber OT Training
CROCS website is accessible via govt CA! Send request via email at: af.crocs@us.af.mil or by web at: https://usaf.dps.mil/teams/DAFCRoCSGroup (CAC-enabled)

Connect with Daryl via email: daryl.haegley@us.af.mil

Doing Tech Better in Government with Dave Raley, Digital Program Manager, Marine Corps Community Services Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

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!

Doing Tech Better in Government with Brandon Smart Jul 10, 2025

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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.

Doing Tech Better in Government by Driving Digital Modernization in Government Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of ATARC’s “Doing Tech Better in Government” podcast, host Brian Fox is joined by Frank McNally and Derek Masaki 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/

Tech Transforms: Episode 2 Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

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.

Doing Tech Better in Government with Bonnie Evangelista, Brian Whittaker, Jon Margolick, and Dan Jones May 22, 2025

Show notes

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!

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