Original Broadcast Date: 6/12/2026
Sponsored by: Verkada Federal
Federal agencies are advancing artificial intelligence, modernizing security operations, and strengthening collaboration to meet evolving mission demands. This episode of Fed Gov Today, sponsored by Verkada Federal, features conversations with leaders from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Verkada, and the U.S. Secret Service about how technology and partnerships are supporting government missions.
Michelle Aten, CAIO, NGA, discusses how the agency is integrating AI across its mission while investing in workforce development. She explains NGA's buy-first, build-second strategy, the importance of pairing AI experts with mission teams, and how continuous feedback helps refine capabilities. Aten also shares why AI training and confidence-building are becoming foundational skills for employees across the agency.
Dan Goslee, Head of Federal, Verkada Federal, explores how AI-powered virtual perimeters are changing physical security for government organizations. He explains how cloud-native technology, edge AI, and digital security zones help agencies monitor large and dynamic environments while improving collaboration between military organizations and law enforcement partners.
Josh Fuerst, ATSAIC, U.S. Secret Service, details the agency's role in a Department of Justice strike force combating cryptocurrency-enabled fraud linked to criminal organizations in Southeast Asia. He explains how investigators trace blockchain transactions, coordinate across government and industry, and use emerging AI capabilities to analyze investigative data. Together, the conversations highlight how agencies are combining technology, expertise, and partnerships to strengthen mission delivery while adapting to rapidly changing operational challenges.
Michelle Aten, Chief AI Officer at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, discusses how AI is transforming every aspect of NGA's mission, from delivering data and services to strengthening workforce capabilities. She explains that the agency follows a buy-first, build-second strategy while remaining focused on mission needs and empowering employees to become innovators. Aten describes how AI specialists work directly alongside operators to understand requirements, gather continuous feedback, and iteratively improve capabilities rather than simply delivering technology. She also highlights the importance of balancing commercial technology with targeted government-built solutions that provide flexibility and mission-specific functionality.
Workforce development remains a major priority, with classroom instruction, AI mentors, and ongoing learning opportunities designed to help employees build confidence using AI. Throughout the discussion, Aten emphasizes that AI should reduce repetitive work, preserve human expertise, and give employees more time for analysis, critical thinking, and mission-focused decision-making.
Three Key Takeaways
Dan Goslee, Head of Federal at Verkada Federal, discusses how agencies are redefining perimeter security by using AI to create virtual perimeters around critical infrastructure and expansive environments. He explains that AI-enabled devices deployed at the edge can detect activity in designated digital zones and quickly notify security personnel without requiring extensive physical infrastructure or large security teams. Goslee highlights examples supporting military installations and large public events, where cloud-native technology enables military organizations, law enforcement, and other partners to share information in real time. He also explains how portable security capabilities can rapidly establish situational awareness in remote environments.
Throughout the discussion, Goslee emphasizes that cloud-based architecture simplifies deployment, improves collaboration, and helps agencies modernize aging security systems. He says many organizations are evaluating modernization not only to improve security but also to reduce maintenance costs associated with legacy infrastructure.
Three Key Takeaways
Josh Fuerst, Assistant to the Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Secret Service, discusses the agency's role in a Justice Department strike force targeting cryptocurrency-enabled fraud schemes operating primarily in Southeast Asia. He explains how investigators trace cryptocurrency transactions across public blockchains, identify where funds leave the blockchain, and work to recover stolen money for victims. Fuerst describes the challenges of investigating transnational criminal organizations, including identifying money laundering networks and coordinating efforts across multiple countries. He also highlights the collaborative structure of the strike force, which brings together federal agencies and private-sector partners to address different aspects of the fraud ecosystem. As investigative data continues to grow, Fuerst says AI is beginning to help analysts process information more efficiently while improved blockchain tracing tools have accelerated investigations. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes that collaboration remains essential to disrupting sophisticated financial crime and supporting victims.
Three Key Takeaways