In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, federal technology transformation takes center stage across three major conversations.
First, Pavan Pidugu, Chief Information Officer at the Department of Transportation (DOT), shares his ambitious vision for “OneDOT IT.” His goal is to unify the department’s fragmented technology landscape into a single enterprise operation by consolidating redundant systems, streamlining processes, and empowering IT professionals across DOT’s components. Pidugu emphasizes that this initiative isn’t just about saving money—it’s about improving digital services for citizens and creating new growth opportunities for the department’s workforce. Drawing from his experience at Walmart and within DOT’s Motor Carrier Safety Administration, he brings a fast-paced, product-focused approach to federal IT modernization.
Next, Jeff Bristow, Government and Public Sector Technology Leader at EY, discusses how agencies can reduce costs through smarter IT asset management without compromising mission delivery. He explains that modernization and savings can go hand in hand when agencies focus on mission outcomes first. Bristow highlights that thoughtful modernization can deliver rapid returns, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance user experience—particularly when adopting commercial best practices from industries like retail and finance.
Finally, David Cattler, former Director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), outlines how artificial intelligence is reshaping the federal security clearance process. While AI helps identify insider threats earlier, Cattler stresses that human judgment must remain central to trust decisions. Together, these discussions reveal a government IT landscape rapidly evolving toward greater efficiency, innovation, and accountability.
In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, Pavan Pidugu, Chief Information Officer at the Department of Transportation (DOT), outlines his ambitious vision for “OneDOT IT.” Pidugu explains that the initiative focuses on streamlining processes, empowering people, and simplifying technology across all DOT components. Rather than chasing cost savings as the main goal, he says savings naturally follow when the department operates more efficiently and serves citizens better.
Pidugu’s plan brings IT staff from DOT’s subcomponents together into one cohesive organization, allowing employees to
Drawing from his experience in both the private sector at Walmart and in DOT’s Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Pidugu applies a product-driven mindset to federal IT. He views technology as a living set of digital products designed to serve real needs and evolve over time. His ultimate goal: build a connected, efficient, and modern IT enterprise that empowers DOT employees and delivers smarter services to the public.
Key Takeaways:
In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, Jeff Bristow, Government and Public Sector Technology Leader at EY, explains how federal agencies can cut costs while improving mission delivery through smarter IT asset management. He emphasizes that modernization and savings aren’t opposites—when done thoughtfully, they go hand in hand.
Bristow says agencies often think cost reduction means compromise, but in reality, modernization can save money and improve outcomes at the same time. By focusing first on the mission—what agencies are trying to achieve for their constituents—leaders can identify technologies that not only cost less to maintain but also make work more efficient and user-friendly.
He notes that modernization doesn’t have to take years. With deliberate planning, agencies can see a return on investment in months, not decades. While many organizations have already handled the “low-hanging fruit,” Bristow encourages them to take on legacy systems with courage and curiosity—asking why each system exists and whether a better, more flexible solution can replace it.
Drawing lessons from industries like retail and financial services, he says government can embrace commercial best practices to build a more agile, efficient, and sustainable IT future.
Key Takeaways:
In this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, David Cattler, former Director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), discusses how artificial intelligence is reshaping how the federal government detects and prevents insider threats. Cattler explains that DCSA is using AI and structured professional judgment tools to identify potential risks earlier and manage the vast amount of data involved in security vetting.
He makes it clear that while technology plays a critical role, AI will never replace human judgment when it comes to trust decisions. Determining whether a person or company can hold a clearance affects livelihoods, so accuracy, fairness, and responsibility are
Cattler reflects on his leadership philosophy as he prepares to retire, saying his focus has been on empowering DCSA’s 15,000-person workforce to innovate, take smart risks, and find better ways to protect national security. He also emphasizes collaboration with industry, stressing that both sides share a common goal—safeguarding the nation’s security through integrity, trust, and partnership.
Key Takeaways: