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2025 has been one heck of a year, and I apparently ruffled quite a few feathers along the way by pointing out the obvious.   Early in January I started picking up on what would be a theme coming from certain segments of our GovCon community who started spinning a narrative about a program that I have been proud to support.  Even before 2025 I had to listen to a group of people who were supposed to be experts in government contracting continually characterize NASA and their SE

What is the purpose? What is the goal? What is the outcome sought?   These are the three questions my colleagues at NASA are likely tired of hearing me ask.  They are the same 3 questions asked for over 6 years now when taking on the biggest task or smallest action.  It is a disciplined framework through which I think, act, and operate.  It is a good shorthand that focuses strategies, focuses actions, focuses meetings, focuses communications, and focuses time.  I drink my own

Seal of the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget As the nation emerged from the Great Depression and World War II President Roosevelt’s New Deal continued to place the federal government in the predominate position of providing the economic support, security support, and social support implemented to carry the country through troubling times.  In the 60’s debates emerged as to whether this was a sustainable role for the federal government, or whe

When I hear the President’s Administration talk about refocusing public administration to focus on “efficiency and effectiveness” I hear an administration that speaks my language.  Efficiency and effectiveness are core principles of public administration that informed me of my practices as a civil servant and continue to guide me today in supporting federal programs. I also recognize influences from past administrations, and it is clear which models the current administration