Gov Tech Today explores how technology is changing government and public services. It focuses on the intersection between the private sector and government, often framed as bridging the gap between .com and .gov. The show likely covers digital transformation, procurement, innovation, and the people working to modernize public institutions.
Episodes

E81: Code for America’s Amanda Renteria on Modernizing Benefits—and Using AI Without Harming People
On Gov Tech Today, host Jennifer Saha talks with Amanda Renteria, CEO of Code for America, about bridging technology and government to help residents access safety-net benefits like food assistance, school lunch programs, healthcare, SNAP, and Medicaid. Renteria argues modernization should start with real user experience—watching people apply at kitchen tables—and emphasizes “no wrong door” access

E80: Services Down, Goods Up, and What It Signals Next
On this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha step back from day-to-day procurement details to examine what California’s public data reveals about technology spending trends. Jen shares analysis comparing FY 2024–25 to 2025–26 across major contract vehicles, finding a sharp decline in IT services: about $3.8B down to $2.59B, nearly a 30% drop, with notable decreases in

E79: California’s New State CIO on SITES, AI Guardrails, and the Future of CDT
On Gov Tech Today, host Jennifer Saha speaks with Chris Given, California’s new state CIO and director of the California Department of Technology, about his first 10 weeks in the role and priorities for the state’s tech organization. Given shares his background across 10 federal agencies via the U.S. Digital Service and work with several states, then discusses how CDT must adapt as departments mod

E77: Rebuilding Trust in Government Identity and Fraud Controls
In this episode, Jennifer Saha interviews Jordan Burris, who leads Socure’s public sector business using AI to verify identity and predict fraud risk, drawing on his prior work in digital trust and as chief of staff to the U.S. CIO. Burris argues fraudsters—helped by digitized services and modern AI tools—are outpacing government, making old identity-proofing standards and “bouncer-at-the-club” ch

E76: Why Government IT Procurement Costs More—and How to Fix It
On this episode of Gov Tech Today, host Jennifer Seha talks with longtime public-sector consultants Heide Cassidy and Eugene Martinez about why government IT procurement—especially in California—so often feels slow, expensive, and overly burdensome. They argue that the system is built for checks and balances, but growing complexity, centralized control, and shifting definitions of “success” drive

E75: Appointments, State IT Leadership, and the Risks of Being ‘At the Pleasure’
On this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss how California government transitions affect thousands of gubernatorial appointees and the broader technology landscape, especially with an uncertain governor’s race and early “lame duck” dynamics. They use the departure of longtime state technology leader Liana Bailey Crimmins and the arrival of a new state CIO as a

E74: Sales Mistakes That Undermine Government Trust
On this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss common private-sector sales behaviors that can offend or erode credibility with government clients. They argue titles matter (e.g., “Vice President of Capture” feels cringey), caution against pushing “land and expand” too early, and warn that ghosting after a contract—often driven by commission and renewal structures

E73: What State Employees Want From Gov Tech
On this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss Engage California, a virtual suggestion box run by California’s Office of Data and Innovation and previously outlined by Director Jeffrey Marino. Drawing on more than 1,400 employee comments, they highlight top themes: digitizing paper-heavy workflows (including replacing PDFs and wet signatures), automating repetiti

E72: RSA Conference Takeaways – Governing AI Agents and Securing Public Infrastructure
Gov Tech Today hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha recap this year’s RSA cybersecurity conference in San Francisco, noting the event’s commercial scale and a smaller, dedicated public-sector track. Key takeaways include how “agentic AI” is moving from buzzword to reality, with public agencies urged to treat AI agents like users—requiring identity and access controls, least-privilege permissions

E71: Supply Shocks, Fixed Contracts, and the AI Regulation Patchwork
On this episode of Govtech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha examine how global disruption and an AI-driven hardware boom are colliding with government procurement realities. They discuss how rapid supplier price spikes and delivery uncertainty strain California’s fixed price schedules—often locked for six months—creating delayed quotes, uncompetitive bids, and the risk that vendors st

E70: AI Tops NASCIO’s 2026 State CIO Priorities — Ending Cybersecurity’s 12-Year Reign
What happens when cybersecurity is no longer the No. 1 priority for state CIOs? On this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha break down the National Association of State CIOs (NASCIO) annual Top 10 list for 2026—and the major shakeup that put AI, including generative and agentic AI and machine learning, at the top for the first time in more than a decade. 00:00 Welcome

E69: Transforming Maintenance and Operations — From Maintenance to Modernization
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha dive into a new trend in government contracting: transforming maintenance and operations (M&O) into modernization opportunities. They examine how traditional M&O contracts are increasingly including system improvement requirements, effectively shifting from simple maintenance to significant technological upgrades. This appro

E68: Navigating the Governor's Budget and Technology Initiatives
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the recently released governor's budget, focusing on its implications for technology initiatives. They discuss the significant role of AI, legacy system updates, and the governor's approach to AI regulation. The duo also explores state procurement changes, including the growing use of RFI2 and the introduction of climat

E67: Navigating Government Transitions and AI Regulations in California
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha dive into the complexities of government transitions, focusing on Governor Newsom's last year in office and the implications for gubernatorial appointees and vendors. The conversation explores the nuances between career civil servants and those appointed from private sectors. They also discuss the ongoing AI regulation at th

E66: New Terms and Conditions for IT Contracts — A Simplified Approach
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the recent updates to terms and conditions for IT contracts released by the California Department of Technology (CDT) and the Department of General Services (DGS). The new regulations aim to simplify the contracting process by consolidating three sets of cloud provisions into one and introducing a cap on vendor liabi

E65: Bridging the Procurement Gap — How New Regulations Empower Small Businesses
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss a significant rulemaking process initiated by the Department of General Services (DGS) to change small business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) procurement processes. They examine the new statutory mandate requiring 25% of state spending to go to small businesses and 3% to DVBEs. Jennifer highlights t

E64: Innovating Government Services with Data and Technology
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, host engages with Jeffrey Marino, Director of the California Office of Data and Innovation (ODI), to discuss his journey from data journalism to government service. They delve into government use of data during the COVID-19 crisis, the challenges of data analytics in state systems, and the mission of ODI to enhance service delivery through technology and human-ce

E63: Bridging the Tech and Legislative Gap — A Dive into AI Regulation
On this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the evolving landscape of AI regulation. Analyzing California's legislative actions, they discuss major bills such as SB 53 (Wiener) and AB 316 (Krell) that impact AI transparency and liability. They provide insights into the federal and state regulatory approaches and predict future legislative trends, offering a

E62: A Deep Dive into California's Innovative Strategies with Amy Tong
On this episode of Gov Tech Today, host Jennifer Saha sits down with Amy Tong, Senior Counselor to the Governor of California, to discuss groundbreaking efforts in government efficiency and transformation. Tong shares insights about her role and the state's 'E3' initiative, which stands for Efficient, Effective, and Engaged government. With a focus on challenges ranging from budget constraints to

E61: Navigating the Shift from Public to Private Sector in GovTech
On this episode of Gov Tech Today, host Jennifer Saha welcomes Mike Hussey, former state CIO of Utah, who shares his transition from 30 years in state government to a pivotal role in the private sector with Oracle. Mike discusses the intricacies of balancing public service exigencies with private sector dynamism, especially in the context of emerging AI technologies. Listen in as they delve into t

E60: Bridging Public and Private Sectors with AI and Human-Centered Design
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, host Jennifer Saha speaks with James Regan, a recent transitioner from the public to the private sector. Regan shares insights from his extensive career in various roles in California state government, focusing on data management, pandemic response, and talent development in the age of AI. Now at Clutch Consulting, he discusses the importance of human-centered de

E59: Integrating AI for Ethical Transparency – A Conversation with Adam Silver
On this episode of Gov Tech Today, we welcome Adam Silver, chair of the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). Adam explains the role of the FPPC as the state's political and ethics watchdog, overseeing campaign finance, lobbying rules, and conflicts of interest. We explore how the FPPC is pioneering the use of emerging technologies, from early adoption of Salesforce to current ini

E58: Executive Orders and AI Efficiencies in Government
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss a new executive order issued by the governor aimed at enhancing government operations' efficiency and effectiveness. They explore the role of AI in streamlining processes such as hiring and procurement, and the formation of a committee of business leaders, known as the California Breakthrough Project, to advise on th

E57: Bridging Public-Private Partnerships in Cybersecurity
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, we delve into the critical intersection of government and private sector efforts in cybersecurity. Jennifer Saha speaks with Bailey Bickley, Chief of Defense Industrial Base at NSA Cybersecurity Collaboration Center, and Snehal Antani, CEO of Horizon3.ai, about how they're transforming the landscape of pen testing and threat intelligence sharing. Learn about NSA'

E56: AI Regulation in Government — The Federal and State Dynamics
On this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha explore the fast-moving advancements in AI technology and the concurrent legislative and regulatory efforts attempting to keep pace. They discuss a mysterious federal provision to preclude state regulation of AI that was swiftly eliminated by an overwhelming 99 to 1 vote. The episode also delves into California's proactive s

E55: Mastering the Art of Initial GovTech Meetings
On this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha dive deep into the nuances of initial meetings between vendors and state agencies. They discuss the importance of thorough preparation, the significance of understanding and addressing specific pain points, and techniques for building trust through personal connections. Key insights from experienced professionals, including

E54: Revolutionizing Government Cybersecurity — CDT’s SOC as a Service
On this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha dive into the California Department of Technology’s (CDT) new Security Operations Center (SOC) as a service offering. They discuss how this centralized security operation aims to support state departments and local agencies with 24/7 monitoring and threat detection. The conversation explores the competitive landscape for SOC

E53: Navigating California's Budget — Impacts on Technology and State Workers
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the complexities of the California state budget, addressing its implications for technology and state workers. They discuss the potential paradox of a budget deficit alongside increasing technology investment, emphasizing the critical need for tech advancements in a fiscal downturn. Key topics include the ongoing

E52: Innovative Solutions for Wildfire Management with CAL FIRE's Ben Rogers
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, we dive deep into the innovative approaches CAL FIRE is taking to manage wildfires. Jennifer Saha sits down with Ben Rogers, Chief Technology Officer at CAL FIRE, as he shares his unique journey from the UK private sector to his pivotal role in California's firefighting efforts. They discuss the department’s strategic focus on technology, data management, and pub

E51: Innovating Government Tech – Insights from Nevada’s Chief Information Office
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 moder

E50: Bridging the Digital Divide – A Conversation with California's CIO
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 cyber

E49: Bridging Efficiency Gaps Between Government and Tech
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 cha

E48: Navigating California's New Tech Procurement Lifecycle — From PAL to PDL
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 improvemen

EP47: The Resilient Legacy: Mainframes in Modern Tech with Becky Albin
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 t

EP46: Unveiling Gov Tech Priorities: Doug Robinson, Executive Director of NASCIO
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 r

E45: California's Pioneering Implementation of AI in Government
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

E44: Securing the Internet: Insights from Cloudflare's CTO on Government Cybersecurity
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 adv

E43: California's $300 Billion Budget: Key Insights and Technological Impacts
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 p

E42: Navigating California’s Envision 2026 IT Roadmap
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 ali

E41: Tech and Transition: Biden to Trump and the Federal Landscape
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. Th

E40: Simplifying Tech Procurement: New Terms and Conditions for California
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

EP 39: Cybersecurity and AI Innovations in Government with Commvault's Michael Carroll
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 evolv

E38: How Do Terms and Conditions Impact Government Contracting?
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

E37: How Does the Government Procurement and Partner Ecosystem Really Work?
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

E36: Can We Improve the Procurement Reference Process?
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-d

E35: Understanding the Budget Change Proposal: Navigating State Procurement Complexities
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 req

E34: Navigating RFP and RFO Requirements in Procurement in Gov Tech Today
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 excee

E33: Transparent Budgeting in Government Procurement in Gov Tech Today
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 ad

E32: Navigating the Future of Governance: AI, Innovation, and Global Perspectives with Igor Lys
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 g

How is the California DMV Bridging the Technology Gap in Government Services? Ft. Director Steve Gordon | Gov Tech Today
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the intersection of commerce and government with California DMV Director Steve Gordon. Gordon shares his journey from the private sector to leading DMV's significant technological transformation. Topics include decision-making, overcoming challenges, enhancing customer service, and future-proofing DMV operations. The

E30: Bridging the Gap: Women in Data and Government Tech with Sadie St. Lawrence
In this special episode of GovTech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha welcome Sadie St. Lawrence, a leading expert in data and AI, to discuss her journey into the data field, the importance of women in data, and her global nonprofit organization Women in Data. Sadie shares her unconventional path from piano performance to data science, the mission of Women in Data to increase diversity

E29: Bridging the AI Gap: Insights from Michael Sekamanya on AI and Data Security in Gov Tech Today
In this special episode of Gov Tech Today, host Russell Lowery speaks with Michael Sekamanya, CEO of Ametnas, about the company's innovative approach to orchestrating business applications with a focus on privacy and security. They discuss the implications of AI technology, including ChatGPT, for both the private and public sectors. Michael Sekamanya explains how Ametnas helps businesses deploy, m

E28: Navigating California's Budget Challenges in Gov Tech Today
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the recent legislative budget revisions for the State of California, which projects a $45 billion budget shortfall for the 2024-2025 budget year. Despite initial fears of larger deficits, early governmental actions have mitigated some of this gap. The episode further explores the implications of these budgetary decis

E27: The Impact of Banning Non-Compete Clauses on Businesses and Employees in Gov Tech Today
This episode of GovTech Today with hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha examines the recent FTC ruling that prohibits most non-compete clauses, which previously restricted employees from joining a competitor post-employment. Traditionally unenforceable in California, this change has a significant national impact. The hosts discuss the implications for businesses, which have relied on these claus

E26: Closing the Digital Divide: California's Broadband For All Initiative in Gov Tech Today
In this edition of GovTech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the importance of broadband access for all Californians, emphasizing the state's efforts to bridge the digital divide. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity of reliable internet access as students had to rely on broadband to attend school remotely, highlighting inequities in access. The state of California h

E25: Exploring the Pros and Cons of Enterprise Approach in Government Technology
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the enterprise approach to procurement in government departments and agencies, highlighting its impact on technology decisions and operations. They dive into the concept of enterprise infrastructure, using personal technology choices as an analogy, and explore how a unified system can offer interoperability, volume d

E24: Bridging the Gap with AI in Government Services in Gov Tech Today
This episode of Gov Tech Today features hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha in conversation with Justin Brown, former Secretary of Human Services for Oklahoma, about the use and impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government services, particularly in health and human services. Brown discusses his experiences and insights gained from serving during the pandemic, his role in spearheading co

E23: Navigating the Evolution of Coding in Government with AI with GitLab
In this episode of Govtech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha explore the transformative landscape of coding and development, especially within the state government sector, with insights from an experienced GitLab developer. The conversation covers the developer's journey from QA to coding for product and sales consulting, emphasizing the rapid evolution of coding languages and methodol

E22: Navigating Gen AI Legislation and California Regulation in Gov Tech Today
In this episode of GovTech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jen Saha discuss the ongoing efforts in California to legislate and regulate Generative AI (Gen AI). They delve into key legislative proposals from Senator Wiener and Assemblywoman Bauer Kahn, focusing on their intent to provide clear guidelines and protections concerning the use of AI. Amidst discussions on the complexities and challenges

E21: Navigating the Hurdles of GovTech Procurement Reforms in Gov Tech Today
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha explore the ongoing reforms in government technology procurement, focusing on the complexities and frustrations within the terms and conditions of procurement contracts. They discuss a specific comment period and a significant hearing where industry professionals and government representatives attempt to address these issues

E20: The Evolution of Data Management in Government in Gov Tech Today
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the world of data management within the government sector, sparked by the growing interest in AI technologies like ChatGPT. They invite Athol Smith, a seasoned data expert with over 30 years of experience, to share his insights on the evolution of data storage, the challenges and opportunities of storing data in t

E19: Navigating the Complex Landscape of Privacy Regulations in Gov Tech Today
In this edition of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha explore the challenges businesses face in navigating the complex web of privacy regulations across different jurisdictions including federal, international, and state levels, particularly highlighting the variances between states like California and others. They discuss the implications of divergent regulations for businesse

E18: Streamlining Procurement in Government: A Shift from Reform to Modernization in Gov Tech Today
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, the hosts, Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha, discuss procurement reform in state government, specifically in California. They express concerns for the need to improve the traditional method of procurement, explaining that it may be more fitting to refer to it as 'procurement modernization' or 'procurement streamlining'. The conversation involves examining past an

E17:The Challenges of Selling to Government: A Deep Dive In Gov Tech Today
This episode of 'Govtech Today' delves into the complexities and intricacies of selling to the government and B2G operations, hosted by Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha. The hosts differentiate between business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer, and business-to-government (B2G) sales, stating that selling to the government (B2G) is uniquely challenging due to its risk averseness and its lack

E16: The Intersection of Government and AI Innovation in Gov Tech Today
In this episode of GovTech Today, hosts Russell Lowry and Jen Saha discuss the latest advancements in government technology, particularly the integration of AI in various departments. The hosts delve into AI pilot projects authorized by the governor, with a focus on the state of California. These projects include using AI to solve state problems, such as improving transportation and tax and fee ad

E15: The California Privacy Act: Safeguarding Personal Data and Balancing Innovation In Gov Tech Today
In this episode of GovTech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the complex topic of privacy and regulatory frameworks in California. They discuss European regulations influencing California legislation, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and discuss local laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA). T

E14: Navigating Budget Surpluses and Deficits: Advice for Vendors and Stakeholders in Gov Tech Today
In this episode of GovTech Today, Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss concerns around the projected $68 billion deficit in the California state budget. Despite the panic caused by news of the deficit, they emphasize the hundreds of billions of dollars still being spent. They explain that difficulties in predicting revenue, which is heavily dependent on personal income tax and notably from wea

E13: The Transition of State Workforce Post-COVID in Gov Tech Today
In the episode, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer SaHa discuss the shift in work from home policies for state workers in California, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditionally, remote work was rare for state employees, but the pandemic necessitated a quick shift to nearly 90% of the workforce working from home. As offices slowly begin reopening, state agencies plan to requi

E12: Unlocking Small Business Opportunities with SB DVBE Contract Option in Gov Tech Today
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Jennifer Saha and Russell Lowery discuss the SB DBVE option, a State-contracted vehicle designed to streamline the execution of small contracts under $250,000 with small businesses and disabled veteran businesses. It is deemed a 'secret weapon' for entities seeking to do business with the state, due to its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and its ability to

E11: Opportunities for Small Businesses in the State Despite Deficit in Gov Tech Today
In this episode of GovTech Today, Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the potential of small businesses to thrive in California despite the state's $68 billion deficit. They highlighted that California, being the fifth largest economy in the world, represents a massive market for small businesses and disadvantaged businesses like Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBEs). Jen spoke about

E10: Navigating the IT Labor Shortage in Gov Tech Today
In this edition of GovTech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discussed the shortage in the tech labor force, a problem that significantly affects the government sector. They touched on reform initiatives related to IT classifications in state government and provided details about how these classifications were consolidated from 36 to nine broad categories in 2018. They also emphasized

E9: Recent Legislative Developments Impacting Gov Tech Today
In this episode of GovTech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss several legislative implications for the tech industry, notably touching on AI laws, cybersecurity, privacy rights, and the rise of zero trust architectures. They highlight the complexity of how these new legislations might realistically be implemented and enforced, also hinting at potential hurdles businesses might f

E8: Navigating Government Spending Freeze Amid Budget Deficit Concerns in Gov Tech Today
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the surprise government spending freeze issued by the government. They explore the ramifications, analyzing the unexpected freeze's impacts on budgets and current projects. Meanwhile, the hosts elaborate on how the freeze might be a response to projected budget deficits running into billions. They delve into the exem

E7: Understanding Cybersecurity in Gov Tech Today
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennnifer Saha discuss the vital topic of cybersecurity in the Gov Tech industry, specifically where the state of California stands. They refer to the National Association of State CIOs' survey which has shown cybersecurity as the top priority for the past 10 years. They explore the ever-evolving nature of cybersecurity, the increasing ra

E6: Understanding AI in Gov Tech Today
In this edition of GovTech Today, Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha dive into a discussion about AI, its various uses, and the way it is received by different states in the US, focusing on generative AI. They explore the role of AI in state government response and the issues surrounding AI bias and technology failure. They also share their ideas on future developments in AI regulations and the pote

E5: Exploring Opportunities in Local Governments in Gov Tech Today
Hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the vast potential in local government spending, particularly in regards to technology. Jennifer showcases her research into local governments' technology budgets, emphasizing their often overlooked opportunities. The hosts also highlight some unexpected innovation in small cities or counties, and discuss the growth potential in the State & Local Gove

E4: The Role of Conferences & Summits in Gov Tech Today
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss the roles and impacts of conferences, events, and summits in the field of government technology. The hosts shed light on how these events can be beneficial for technology professionals in the government, highlighting the networking opportunities, learning experiences, and potential for showcasing technological capabi

E3: Remote Work in Gov Tech Today
In today's episode, Jennifer Saha and Russell Lowery discuss the state of telework in California's government. They delve into the emerging hybrid model, which signifies a notable departure from the traditional in-person work dynamics. This transformation is triggered by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating a swift shift from predominantly in-office work to a remote work environment, redef

E2: Data in Gov Tech Today
Welcome to "Gov Tech Today" with hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha, bridging the gap between tech and government. In this episode, they delve into data governance frameworks, the unsung heroes of policy decisions.Data governance sets the rules for data ownership, sharing, and classification that underpin policymaking. It's essential, but often overlooked. California's journey through data gov

E1: Why Gov Tech Today
In this episode, host Russell Lowery engages in a compelling discussion with procurement expert Jennifer Saha on the intricacies of government contracting, focusing on opportunities for tech companies. Government procurement can be a maze of challenges and complexities, and Jennifer offers valuable insights on how tech businesses can navigate this landscape successfully.The conversation highlights
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