Driving Better Outcomes: From $100 Billion Savings to Zero Trust

Original broadcast 6/1/25

Presented by Maximus

This episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose dives into three transformative efforts reshaping the federal government. Jessica Lucas-Judy of the GAO outlines how agencies can save up to $100 billion by addressing inefficiencies and duplications. Gabrielle Rivera from Maximus explains the shift from output- to outcome-based strategies in government contracting and performance measurement. Finally, Randy Resnick of the Department of Defense shares a major milestone in Zero Trust implementation, with multiple turnkey solutions now available across the DoD.

$100 Billion in Savings: GAO’s Roadmap to Efficiency

Jessica Lucas-Judy, Director of Strategic Issues at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), discusses findings from the agency’s 15th annual report on fragmentation, overlap, and duplication in federal programs. Lucas-Judy emphasizes that while these characteristics aren't inherently problematic, they often lead to inefficiency, unclear responsibilities, and lost savings. The GAO has issued over 2,000 recommendations since 2011, with more than three-quarters implemented or partially implemented. Highlights from the report include calls for better inter-agency communication, consistent training definitions, strategic planning, and formal coordination processes. She also touches on cost-saving opportunities—such as Medicare payment equalization—that could yield more than $150 billion in savings. Lucas-Judy emphasizes that most recommendations are within agencies' control, although Congressional action is necessary for a few high-impact areas.

Key Takeaways

• GAO estimates $100 billion in potential savings from better agency coordination and reduced duplication.

• More than 75% of GAO’s 2,000+ recommendations have been implemented since 2011.

• Medicare payment equalization is one major opportunity to achieve over $150 billion in savings.

From Outputs to Outcomes: Contracting for Mission Success

Gabrielle Rivera, Vice President at Maximus, explores the government’s shift from output-based to outcome-based performance metrics. She explains how this evolution influences everything from contracting structures to agency market research. Agencies are now more focused on results tied to mission objectives, rather than simply counting services delivered. Rivera highlights reverse engineering outcomes into contracts, the importance of leading indicators over lagging ones, and incentivizing timely and impactful contractor performance. She also addresses the challenge of applying outcome-based thinking to complex modernization efforts like cloud migrations and hybrid IT deployments. Contract flexibility and proper incentives, she says, are crucial for adapting to evolving priorities and technology changes—especially in long-term contracts.

Key Takeaways

• Agencies are adopting outcome-based approaches to procurement and mission delivery.

• Market research increasingly includes real-world demonstrations and proof-of-value.

• Long-term contracts need better flexibility to adapt to technology and budget changes.

Zero Trust, Proven: DoD’s Security Breakthroughs

Randy Resnick, Director of the Zero Trust Program Management Office at the Department of Defense, announces that three independently validated Zero Trust solutions are now available to DoD agencies. He shares the journey from skepticism to success, beginning with DISA’s ThunderDome system, which integrates over 30 vendor tools to meet all 152 criteria for advanced Zero Trust. He also highlights two additional solutions—Navy Flank Speed and Dell’s Ford Zero—each validated for different levels of Zero Trust maturity. Resnick explains how agencies must still do the hard work of implementing policies, microsegmentation, and access rules, but these integrated, turnkey offerings significantly reduce risk and effort. With up to 10 more solutions under evaluation in FY25, the DoD’s Zero Trust initiative is accelerating fast.

Key Takeaways

• DISA’s ThunderDome, Navy Flank Speed, and Dell’s Ford Zero are validated Zero Trust options for the DoD.

• Agencies must still configure and implement policies, segmentation, and access control rules.

• The DoD expects up to 5–6 fully validated Zero Trust solutions by the end of FY25