Avsnitt

  • On this episode of Gov Tech Today, we sit down with Tim Galluzi, the Chief Information Officer for the State of Nevada, for an in-depth discussion about the landscape of government technology in Nevada. Galluzi shares his 20-year journey from the United States Marine Corps to becoming Nevada's CIO, outlining the state's hybrid IT structure, the critical role of cybersecurity, and the ongoing modernization efforts within various state departments. The conversation also covers the adoption of AI in enhancing cybersecurity and improving government efficiency. Galluzi emphasizes the importance of collaboration, continuous improvement, and the dedication of public servants in making governmental processes more efficient and effective.

    00:00 Welcome to Govtech Today

    00:20 Meet Tim Galluzi: Nevada's CIO

    01:26 Nevada's IT Structure

    03:38 Cybersecurity Initiatives

    08:40 AI in Government

    18:54 Modernizing IT Infrastructure

    24:23 The Rise of 'As a Service' Models in Government

    24:51 Return on Vote: Measuring Success in Government Projects

    25:41 Challenges and Strategies in Government Technology Implementation

    26:26 The Importance of Citizen Experience

    27:02 The Tangibility Challenge in Government Tech

    28:40 Personal Insights: The Worst Part of the Job

    30:24 Speed and Bureaucracy in Government Projects

    33:04 Innovative Approaches to Procurement

    37:03 Modular Transformation at Nevada DMV

    39:40 Future Legacy and Podcasting Plans

  • In this episode of Gov Tech Today, we welcome Liana Bailey-Crimmins, California's Chief Information Officer and Director of the California Department of Technology. Jennifer and Liana discuss the intersections of government and technology, focusing on lessons learned from a 30-year career, the challenges of bridging the digital divide, and how California is leading the way in AI adoption and cybersecurity. Key insights include the importance of partnerships in vendor relationships, the role of generative AI in modernizing public services, and the significance of putting people first in technological advancements.

    00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

    00:45 Liana Bailey-Crimmins' Career Journey

    01:03 Lessons Learned in Government IT

    02:07 Broadband and Security Initiatives

    03:15 Vendor Relationships and Partnerships

    10:19 Innovation and Change Management

    12:05 California's Federated IT Model

    14:27 Local Government Outreach

    15:11 Navigating California's Complex Policies

    15:48 Service Provider Collaboration

    16:54 State-Level Support and Community Impact

    18:32 Challenges and Opportunities in Public Service

    19:20 Innovative Procurement Strategies

    23:17 AI and Cybersecurity Initiatives

    24:38 Generative AI in Government Operations

    32:39 Future Vision and Legacy

  • Saknas det avsnitt?

    Klicka här för att uppdatera flödet manuellt.

  • In this episode of Govtech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the pressing issue of efficiency in government services. They explore how inefficiencies in federal contract management impact state and local governments, particularly in California. Topics include license overselling, cloud storage waste, and the consolidation of HR systems. The discussion also touches on the challenges and implications of the return-to-office mandate for state employees and its broader effects on vendors and the workforce. Expert insights and real-world examples, such as Amazon's cost-saving strategies, highlight the opportunities for improvement in government tech utilization.

    00:00 Introduction to Govtech Today

    00:17 Government Efficiency Challenges

    00:55 Impact of Federal Policies on State and Local Levels

    02:58 Overselling and Overbuying in Government Contracts

    06:40 Cloud Utilization and Efficiency

    11:01 Consolidation of Government Systems

    18:25 Return to Office Mandate

    28:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • In this episode of Govtech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the significant shift from California's Project Approval Lifecycle (PAL) to the Project Delivery Lifecycle (PDL).

    Jen provides initial insights and critiques, emphasizing the hurdles and inefficiencies of the PAL process, which often led to prolonged project timelines. Russell and Jen explore the potential improvements and persistent challenges of the new PDL process, highlighting its iterative approach, consideration for modern technologies like generative AI, and alignment with state goals. They also touch upon the varying expertise across different departments and the importance of stakeholder feedback in refining the procurement process.

    00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today

    01:05 The Problems with the PAL Process

    04:05 Introducing the Project Delivery Lifecycle (PDL)

    05:27 Evaluating the PDL Process

    15:55 Generative AI in Government Projects

    18:23 Aligning Projects with State Goals

    20:58 Conclusion and Future Outlook

  • In this episode of Gov Tech Today, host Jennifer Saha welcomes Becky Albin, Senior Director of Systems Engineering at Software AG. They dive into the enduring relevance and evolving role of mainframes in today’s technology landscape. Becky shares her extensive experience and insights on the challenges and benefits of mainframe modernization, the importance of maintaining a skilled workforce, and the vital role these systems play in both commercial and government sectors. This episode is packed with valuable information on how mainframes can coexist with modern cloud solutions and the critical importance of user experience in tech transformations.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

    00:54 Becky's Background and Career Journey

    02:05 Women in Tech: Challenges and Opportunities

    03:16 The State of Mainframes Today

    04:18 Mainframes vs. Cloud: Cost and Performance

    08:52 Modernization and Hybrid Solutions

    14:13 Future of Mainframes and Workforce Challenges

    17:39 Training the Next Generation of Mainframe Experts

    26:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • In this episode of Gov Tech Today, host Jennifer Saha interviews Doug Robinson, Executive Director of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO). Doug discusses his background and the role of NASCIO in representing state CIOs and IT leaders across the public sector. The conversation covers a broad range of topics including NASCIO's top 10 priorities for state CIOs, the rising importance of cybersecurity, the rapid ascent of generative AI, and the evolving role of CIOs in state government. They delve into challenges like AI policy and data management, the impact of legislative actions, and the importance of good governance in technology implementation. Doug shares insights on how states can navigate these complex issues while striving for innovation and efficiency in government technology.

    00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today

    00:26 Meet Doug Robinson: Executive Director of NASCIO

    02:31 NASCIO's Top 10 Priorities for 2025

    04:21 The Rise of AI in Government Technology

    11:14 The Evolving Role of State CIOs

    25:33 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Legislation

    33:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/1HUDU

    Spotify: https://shorturl.at/nOA4K

  • In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha explore the groundbreaking steps taken by the State of California in adopting AI technology for government operations. They discuss the state's unique approach to procurement through Request for Innovative Ideas and its collaborative projects with major firms like Accenture and Deloitte. Key projects include traffic mobility insights, tax center call productivity, language tools for health services, housing plan reviews, economic predictions, and legislative analysis. The episode also highlights the importance of data hygiene and readiness, with a look at how various state agencies are preparing their data for AI integration. Finally, the hosts reflect on the role of AI in making government processes more efficient without displacing workers, as well as the broader implications of AI adoption in public services.

    00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today

    00:46 California's AI Implementation Journey

    01:42 Innovative Procurement Process

    02:38 Generative AI in Action: Caltrans Case Study

    03:52 Expanding AI Projects Across State Departments

    07:24 Labor's Role and Concerns with AI

    09:39 Data Hygiene and AI Readiness

    16:50 Future of AI in State Services

    LinkedIn: https://shorturl.at/Ahait

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e_hPDZFbEY

  • In this episode of Gov Tech Today, host Jennifer Saha speaks with Dan Kent, Field CTO at Cloudflare, about his extensive career in public sector IT and cybersecurity. Dan shares insights on the importance of securing the internet, the role of DNS, legislative efforts to enforce security measures, and the impact of AI in the cybersecurity landscape. He also emphasizes the urgency of adopting AI advancements in government to stay ahead of cyber threats. Tune in for a deep dive into modern cybersecurity strategies and the future of government technology.

    00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today

    00:36 Dan Kent's Career Journey

    02:17 The Importance of Securing the Internet

    05:42 AI in Cybersecurity

    08:22 Government Adoption of AI

    12:44 Top Technology Priorities for State CIOs

    17:58 Combating AI-Driven Cyber Threats

    21:51 Advice for State Government Employees

    24:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7300958302484471808

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZdIfSsoSB4

  • In this episode of Gov Tech Today, Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into California's extensive budget process and its significant technological components. They discuss how the budget affects various public and private sectors, address concerns over deficits, and highlight the importance of technology in state projects from road construction to cybersecurity. With detailed insights on the procurement process and key spending areas, such as AI and modernization projects in health and human services, they provide an understanding of the fiscal strategies and priorities shaping California's future.

    00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today

    00:09 Understanding California's Budget Process

    00:56 Technology's Role in the State Budget

    02:15 Governor's Budget Announcement

    05:47 Revamping Technology Procurement

    12:25 Key Technology Projects and Spending

    18:33 Impact of Federal Dynamics on State Budget

    20:39 Conclusion and Future Outlook

  • In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha dive into the California Department of Technology's Envision 2026 roadmap. They discuss its focus on innovative, resilient, and equitable IT infrastructure, and what it means for vendors and state employees. Key topics include cybersecurity, strengthening the technology workforce, the impact of AI, and practical tips for aligning with the state's strategic goals. Tune in to explore the five key pillars of Envision 2026 and how they shape the future of California's public sector technology.

    00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today

    00:17 California's New Technology Vision

    00:32 Impact on the Vendor Community

    01:55 State Employees and the Envision 2026 Plan

    04:33 Cybersecurity: A Top Priority

    06:52 Strengthening the Technology Workforce

    11:17 Adopting AI in Government

    13:36 Challenges in Technology Procurement

    18:13 Conclusion and Action Steps

  • In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the rapid transition from the Biden administration to the Trump administration and the implications for federal and state government operations. They explore the challenges of governmental efficiency and the importance of technology in achieving these goals, particularly with insights from Elon Musk's involvement. The conversation highlights the complexities of budget processes, legislative partnerships, and technology procurement. Jen shares experiences from California, emphasizing the need to humanize tech projects to secure funding amid budget uncertainties.

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMm3GV2UeLA
    Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/dmb5m
    Spotify: https://shorturl.at/OFpJl
    LinkedIn: https://shorturl.at/1R3VC

  • In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the recent changes to the Terms and Conditions for IT contracts released by the Department of General Services (DGS) and the California Department of Technology (CDT). They delve into the implications for vendors and state agencies, highlighting improvements in contract language, simplification of provisions, and the newly imposed limitation on liability for cybersecurity. Emphasizing collaboration between DGS and CDT, the episode outlines the importance of clear regulations and cooperative efforts to streamline the contract process, making it more accessible and understandable for all involved.

    00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today
    00:36 New Terms and Conditions Released
    04:04 Simplifying IT Contracts
    07:51 Collaboration Between Departments
    10:07 Impact on Procurement Process
    13:20 Final Thoughts and Summary

  • In this episode of GovTech Today, host Jennifer Saha interviews Michael Carroll, who oversees the public sector business at Commvault. They discuss the shift in priorities at Commvault over the past few years, particularly focusing on AI, data management, and cybersecurity within government tech. Carroll highlights the increasing sophistication of AI-driven cyberattacks and the importance of evolving data protection strategies to deal with these threats. He explains that instead of solely focusing on keeping threats out, it is crucial to have robust plans for when breaches occur, emphasizing the role of automation and AI in maintaining business operations during an attack. The conversation covers the challenges of government procurement, the necessity for inter-departmental cooperation, and the importance of planning and preparedness in cybersecurity efforts.

  • In this episode of GovTech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the complex world of terms and conditions (TNCs) in government contracting. They explain what TNCs are, their purpose in mitigating risk for the government, and how they affect different types of contracts. The discussion highlights how these TNCs often pose challenges for large companies, leading to opportunities for smaller resellers willing to accept risks. They also talk about the negotiation process, the role of resellers, and offer advice for companies looking to do business with the state. The episode underscores the importance of understanding and navigating TNCs to successfully engage in government contracts.

    00:00 Introduction to GovTech Today

    00:22 Understanding Terms and Conditions

    00:58 Risk in Government Contracting

    02:20 The Role of Resellers

    03:38 General vs. Specific Terms and Conditions

    05:25 Contract Vehicles and Risk Allocation

    08:00 Negotiating Terms and Conditions

    09:36 Guidance for New Entrants

    12:27 The Partner Ecosystem

    14:53 Conclusion and Recommendations

  • In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha explore the intricate and often misunderstood partner ecosystem involved in government procurement. They dive into the roles of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), resellers, value-added resellers, and managed service providers (MSPs). By dissecting the processes and relationships between the state, vendors, and various partners, they aim to demystify how procurement works and who the key players are. They also discuss the challenges and advantages of these partnerships, including pricing dynamics and risk mitigation.

    00:00 Introduction to GovTech Today

    00:20 Understanding the Procurement Ecosystem

    01:54 Role of Resellers in Procurement

    04:18 Challenges in the Procurement Process

    08:13 Value Added Resellers and Distributors

    14:41 Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

    20:59 Risk Mitigation in State Contracts

    24:54 Conclusion and Future Topics

  • In this episode of GovTech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the complexities and frustrations of the reference process within government procurement. They explore different perspectives on the necessity and challenges of obtaining company and project references. The discussion highlights the issues with verifying past work, especially due to the mobility of personnel and non-disclosure agreements in industries like cybersecurity. Russell and Jennifer propose potential solutions, such as using attestation letters or maintaining a database of references to avoid repetitive verification. The conversation also covers the administrative burden and expenses associated with the current referencing system, emphasizing a need for reform. They suggest adopting a more flexible approach, similar to federal practices and propose piloting new methods to test their effectiveness in reducing project failures while saving time and costs.

    00:00 Introduction to GovTech Today

    00:16 Understanding the Reference Process

    00:58 Challenges with Company References

    07:39 Issues with Individual and Project References

    12:17 Proposed Solutions and Alternatives

    17:13 Conclusion and Call to Action

  • In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the intricacies of the Budget Change Proposal (BCP) process, a key driver of state technology spending. They explain the extensive timeline and multiple approval layers involved in drafting a BCP at the department level. They also highlight the challenges with inflexible budget allocations, outdated technology requirements, and internal competition among departments. The discussion explores potential improvements like incorporating flexibility in procurement and leveraging generative AI to streamline the BCP process. Emphasis is placed on the significance of understanding and collaborating on the BCP process for better state technology outcomes.


    00:00 Introduction to GovTech Today

    00:14 Understanding the Budget Change Proposal (BCP)

    01:14 The BCP Approval Process

    02:07 Challenges in the BCP Process

    04:00 The Role of Departments and Agencies

    07:55 Impact of Delays and Outdated Proposals

    09:02 Improving the BCP Process with AI

    13:20 Flexibility and Adaptability in Procurement

    18:35 Potential Solutions and Pilot Projects

    19:58 Conclusion and Action Items

  • In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the intricacies of the procurement process, specifically focusing on the requirements set during the RFP (Request for Proposal) and RFO (Request for Offer) stages. They discuss the spectrum of requirement specificity, from broad, innovation-focused RFIs (Request for Innovative Ideas) to highly detailed lists exceeding a thousand requirements. The conversation covers the impact of these approaches on vendor participation, potential perceptions of bias, and the need for flexibility and transparency in government procurement to foster the best solutions. The episode concludes by considering strategies for aligning procurement timelines with technology advancements to ensure relevant and modern requirements.


    00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today

    00:26 Understanding Requirements in RFP/RFO Processes

    01:30 Challenges with Overly Specific Requirements

    05:31 Finding a Balanced Approach

    06:37 The Importance of Transparency

    09:36 Adapting to Technological Changes

    12:11 Conclusion and Future Insights

  • In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the intricacies of government procurement processes, focusing on the importance of budget transparency. They discuss the challenges vendors face without clear budget information in RFPs, using analogies to highlight the disparities in bids for government projects. Jennifer shares her passion for procurement and advocates for a cultural shift towards including budget guidance in RFPs to ensure a fairer and more competitive bidding environment. The conversation also touches on the policy changes required to foster this transparency.


    00:00 Introduction to Gov Tech Today

    00:42 The Importance of Budget Transparency in Procurement

    01:52 Challenges and Impacts of Budget Secrecy

    06:22 Proposed Solutions for Budget Disclosure

    09:36 Policy Changes and Advocacy for Transparency

    10:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • In this episode of Gov Tech Today, host Jennifer Saha welcomes Igor Lys from the Government Tomorrow Forum to discuss his international journey from cultural diplomacy to government advisory. Igor shares insights on how diverse backgrounds and experiences can foster new ideas for government improvement. They delve into the complexities of risk aversion in government, international differences in governance, and the significant impact of AI on public services. Igor emphasizes the importance of creating platforms for interdisciplinary collaboration to generate innovative solutions for the future of governance. The conversation also touches upon workforce challenges in the public sector and the critical role of effective data management. Igor inspires listeners with his vision for the Government Tomorrow Forum's objectives and future initiatives.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

    00:29 Igor Lys: Background and Career Journey

    02:59 Government's Fear of Failure and Risk Aversion

    05:22 International Government Improvement Initiatives

    10:17 Generative AI in Government

    15:27 Challenges and Opportunities with AI

    39:05 Government Tomorrow Forum: Vision and Future

    43:56 Conclusion and Invitation to California