The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

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NIST's National Vulnerability Database has largely been a helpful resource, but needs some help to continue that Jul 08, 2026

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A list of potential cyber vulnerabilities, rightfully called the National Vulnerability Database, is one of the many ways the National Institute of Standards and Technology aims to help industry and government cyber officials keep track of possible weaknesses in IT systems. However, a recent review of the NVD by the Commerce Department's Inspector General, found that a backlog has developed over the years, and NIST officials are in need of more resources to cut it down. For an explanation of what it will take, I had the chance to speak with Chuck Mitchell from the IG's office.

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Some federal careers are built to end early, and that changes everything about how you plan the rest of your life Jul 08, 2026

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For law enforcement officers and others, retirement can come in the late 40s or 50s with decades still ahead to fund and plan. That shift changes how they think about saving, second careers and long-term risks. Joining me to discuss the mind and investment shift required is federal retirement expert, Tammy Flanagan.

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USDA expects ‘significant number’ of staff facing relocation to leave their jobs Jul 07, 2026

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Federal unions and nonprofit groups are asking a federal court to temporarily bar USDA from carrying out a reorganization that that will move thousands of employees across the country. USDA leaders have repeatedly said the upcoming relocations will not lead to much attrition among its ranks. But internal documents contradict this claim. In newly uncovered documents, USDA wrote it’s counting on a “significant number” employees who quit rather than relocate. Federal News Network’s Jory Heckman has more.

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OPM seeks to decentralize, revise governmentwide federal employee survey Jul 07, 2026

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The Office of Personnel Management plans to take a more hands-off approach to the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey. A new proposal would make agencies, rather than OPM, responsible for surveying their own employees. OPM is also seeking to cut some currently required questions and add back in some different ones. Here with more, Federal News Network’s Drew Friedman.

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The practice of project management isn’t static and neither is the exam Jul 07, 2026

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The latest version of the PMP exam reflects a shift toward how project work actually gets done today. It puts more weight on real‑world judgment and less on textbook recall. Joining me to walk us through what's different and why it matters is Dr. Kelly Heuer, VP of Learning at the Project Management Institute.

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When an agency shuts down, the story usually focuses on policy and program impacts; this one looks at the people Jul 07, 2026

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A new study is taking a close look at what happened to the workforce after the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development, tracking the effects on jobs, finances and health. It offers one of the first large-scale pictures of how that loss of mission played out for employees and their families. Here to share her research findings and recommendations is former USAID foreign service officer, Jamie Oberlander.

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For military families with special‑needs children, the Exceptional Family Member Program is essential, but not simple Jul 07, 2026

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For families who rely on it, the Exceptional Family Member Program can shape everything from assignments to access to care. Jessica Hulter knows that firsthand from years spent navigating the system while caring for her daughter, and her experience sheds light on what it takes for military families to find their way through it.

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The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton - - Tuesday, July 7, 2026 Jul 07, 2026

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Today on The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

For military families with special‑needs children, the Exceptional Family Member Program is essential, but not simple
When an agency shuts down, the story usually focuses on policy and program impacts. This one looks at the people left behind
The practice of project management isn’t static and neither is the exam

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DoD issues guidance as ban on Chinese companies takes effect Jul 06, 2026

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Defense contractors face a new restriction. A new law now prohibits the Pentagon from contracting with companies that retain consultants lobbying for certain Chinese firms blacklisted by the department. For more, Federal News Network’s Anastasia Obis spoke with Covington’s Election and Political Law lawyer Zachary Parks.

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Three proposed changes to the process to remove federal employees Jul 06, 2026

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The Office of Personnel Management wants to make easier to remove federal employees for performance or misconduct reasons. In a new 81-page proposed rule that came out last week, OPM and the Merit Systems Protection Board are jointly seeking to change the administrative procedures used to fire employees and the review of such actions before the board. For more on the proposed changes, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now to discuss.

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