The Peel

“Everybody in government is talking about AI. Very few are actually talking about what happens when these systems start making decisions, taking actions, and operating inside real mission environments.”
In this episode, David Blackburn sits down with Alex Santantonio of Nava and Allison DiPietro of Aquia for a timely discussion on where federal AI adoption is actually heading as agencies move beyond experimentation and into operational deployment.
The conversation brings together two organizations that have built strong reputations helping government modernize responsibly. Nava, a public benefit corporation known for its role in rebuilding HealthCare.gov and advancing human-centered civic technology, and Aquia, a cybersecurity and modernization leader supporting agencies including VA and CMS, are also aligned through Aquia Nava II LLC, a joint venture focused on delivering secure, human-centered digital solutions for the public sector.
Together, they unpack the realities agencies are now facing around agentic AI, governance, security, accountability, modernization, and implementation at scale. From AI systems operating inside sensitive mission environments to the growing pressure agencies face to adopt AI responsibly, this discussion moves well beyond theory and hype into the operational challenges leaders are wrestling with right now.
If you want insight into how some of today’s most forward-leaning federal technology organizations are thinking about the next phase of AI adoption, and what agencies should be preparing for next, this is a conversation worth listening to.
To connect with Alex, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Nava by visiting their webpage here.
To connect with Allison, follow her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Aquia by visiting their webpage here.

“Growth is getting harder across GovCon. The companies pulling ahead are not just chasing opportunities, they are building smarter, more scalable businesses from the inside out.”
In this episode, David Blackburn sits down with Miriam Briskin, Manager of GovCon Small Business at Unanet, to discuss what she is hearing directly from small government contractors navigating today’s increasingly competitive federal market.
As a company supporting more than 3,200 project-driven organizations, Unanet continues to work closely with GovCons focused on improving visibility, strengthening operations, modernizing internal systems, and positioning for long-term growth.
David and Miriam explore the common barriers slowing small GovCons down, the patterns emerging among companies that are successfully scaling, get a preview of their new Growth Studio and hear why leaders are taking a much harder look at the intersection of people, process, data, and technology as they prepare for what comes next.
To connect with Miriam, follow her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Unanet by visiting their webpage here.

On this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Ted Rose, Founder & CEO of Rose Financial Solutions, to discuss why financial readiness is becoming one of the most important conversations in GovCon today. As agencies shift priorities and the market continues evolving, Ted shares why now is the time for contractors to reassess their financial infrastructure, business development strategy, and scalability plans heading into the second half of 2026.
The conversation previews the upcoming Rose FaaS Conference 2026, “Built to Last, Built to Scale,” and explores how companies can prepare for growth, navigate uncertainty, and position themselves for what’s next. Shelley and Ted also discuss the growing role of AI in financial operations, what it truly means to be audit and M&A ready, and why scalable financial systems are no longer optional for government contractors looking to compete and grow.
For more information and to register for the FaaS Conference on June 9, 2026, click here.
To connect with Ted, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Rose Financial Solutions at their website here.

In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Aaron Pava, co-founder and Chief Experience Officer at CivicActions, for a candid conversation about the future of government technology and why the way agencies think about “modernization” may be fundamentally broken.
Drawing from decades of experience in open source technology, federal digital services, and procurement reform, Aaron explores how agencies often fall into costly cycles of rebuilding systems instead of investing in long-term stewardship. The discussion dives into the real impact of vendor lock-in, why technical debt continues to grow inside government, and how open source models create lasting public value instead of temporary fixes.
Shelley and Aaron also unpack the growing shift toward outcomes-based acquisition, the evolving role of DITAP training, and what procurement reform could mean for the future of federal technology. From healthcare systems and accessibility to digital commons and public code, the conversation highlights how agencies can move away from dependency-driven models and toward building internal capability, transparency, and sustainable infrastructure that truly serves the public long after a contract ends.
To connect with Aaron, visit him on LinkedIn here.To learn more about CivicActions, visit their website here.

The federal health market is moving fast right now. AI adoption is accelerating. Cybersecurity pressures are intensifying. Agencies are being pushed to modernize faster while delivering measurable mission outcomes in an increasingly constrained environment.
And next week, many of the leaders shaping those conversations will gather at the AFCEA Health IT Summit, taking place May 26 and 27.
Over the past several years, the has evolved into what many across government and industry now view as the premier event for the federal health IT community. The right people show up. The conversations matter. The access is meaningful. Quite frankly, if you operate anywhere in the federal health ecosystem, this is one of those events where being in the room matters.
In this conversation, Andrea Snader shares why.
Known by many for her leadership role as Sector President at Edgewater Federal Solutions, Andrea has helped lead an organization that has spent more than two decades supporting federal agencies across the full IT lifecycle, from program management and modernization to cybersecurity, systems operations, and mission delivery. She has also become one of the driving forces behind the continued growth and success of the AFCEA Health IT Summit itself.
We talk about what makes this event stand apart, why senior leaders across government and industry continue to prioritize it year after year, what attendees should expect next week, and why this year’s summit arrives at such a pivotal moment for the federal health community.
If you are planning to attend next week, or still deciding whether you should, this conversation will give you a clear sense of why the AFCEA Health IT Summit has become one of the most important gatherings in the federal health market today.
To connect with Andrea, follow her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Edgewater Federal Solutions by visiting their webpage here.

In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire catches up with ENcompass Consulting Group's Eric Nusbaum, CEO, and Dan Abernathy, CGO and Head of BD Consulting Practice, to discuss the top business development best practices shaping GovCon in 2026.
From defining what truly differentiates your company to building smarter pipelines and improving capture strategies, the conversation dives into the evolving realities of federal business development. Eric and Dan share why too many companies treat pipelines as “set it and forget it,” how RFIs are increasingly being used as down-select tools, and why positioning with agencies earlier than ever is becoming critical for success.
The discussion also tackles the impact of tighter budgets, DOGE-era staffing cuts, and the rise of fractional BD support models that give companies flexibility without sacrificing growth. And of course, no BD conversation would be complete without AI. The team breaks down where AI can genuinely improve efficiency—and why it still can’t replace human-led relationships, strategy, and capture expertise.
To connect with Eric, visit him on LinkedIn here.To connect with Dan, visit him on LinkedIn here. To learn more about ENcompass Consulting Group, visit their website here.

What happens when AI, augmented reality, and emergency response training come together? On this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Angela Leavell of APV and Alton Robinson of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center to explore the future of firefighter and emergency response training.
Fresh off being recognized at the FXP event for their U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) | Fire & Emergency Services Certification Program, Angela and Alton share how their AR Incident Commander and AI Mentor project is transforming traditional learning into immersive, interactive experiences. Instead of “death by PowerPoint,” trainees step into realistic scenarios where AI acts as a responsive digital coach—guiding decisions, reinforcing concepts, and building confidence in high-stakes environments.
Alton reflects on his 35+ years as a firefighter and Air Force Chief, while Angela explains how emerging technologies are reshaping e-learning for today’s workforce. Together, they discuss how immersive training improves engagement, increases readiness, and reduces risk while preparing the next generation of emergency responders.
If you’re curious about the future of training, AI in government, or how technology is redefining mission readiness, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
To connect with Angela, follow her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about AVP at their website here.
To connect with Alton, follow him on LinkedIn here.

What does it really take to be financially ready in today’s unpredictable market?
In this episode of The Peel Podcast, Shelley McGuire sits down with Ted Rose (Founder & CEO of Rose Financial Solutions) and Wally Angel (Strategic CFO & CPA) to break down the real challenges facing government contractors and what leaders need to do now to stay ahead.
From navigating massive industry shifts and contract uncertainty to preparing for AI-driven finance and evolving compliance requirements, this conversation goes beyond theory into practical strategy. Ted and Wally share insights from decades of experience, including how companies can move from “survival mode” to growth, build true financial visibility, and position themselves for long-term success—or even a future exit.
They also preview the upcoming FaaS Conference, where leaders will dive deeper into financial readiness, data security, systems integration, and M&A strategy.
If you’re a CEO, CFO, or decision-maker in GovCon, this episode is your roadmap to making smarter, faster decisions in a changing landscape.
For more information and to register for the FaaS Conference on June 9, 2026, click here. 
To connect with Ted, follow him on LinkedIn here.To connect with Wally, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Rose Financial Solutions at their website here.

What makes VETS26 one of the most impactful events in the veteran small business community? In this episode, Lauren Masters gives an inside look at how this year’s conference is evolving beyond traditional formats to deliver real business development outcomes. With more than 25 federal agencies, prime contractors, and industry leaders participating, attendees won’t just hear about opportunities; they’ll engage directly with the people who influence them.
Lauren shares how VETS 26 is shifting to a more dynamic, customizable experience, with new focus areas like commercial diversification, targeted matchmaking sessions, and content designed for every level of an organization. From entrepreneurs just entering the federal space to established firms looking to scale, this conference is built to meet businesses where they are and help them grow.
If you’re looking to build smarter relationships, understand where the market is headed, and walk away with actionable next steps, this episode gives you a preview of why VETS26 is worth the investment.
To learn more about the VETS26 and register, click here.
To connect with Lauren, follow her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about NVSBC by visiting their website here.

In this episode of The Peel Podcast, Shelley McGuire sits down with Jimmie Butler, founder of StrategiX and author of the upcoming book Deliver What Matters. Jimmy brings both creativity and candor to a conversation that challenges how government delivers digital services.
At the heart of the discussion is a powerful story of a single mother navigating a broken system that works on paper but fails in practice. Jimmy uses this story to unpack a bigger issue: government doesn’t just have a technology problem, it has a delivery and operating model problem.
He shares why Agile, UX, and modernization efforts alone aren’t enough, and introduces a product-led approach focused on outcomes, accountability, and rebuilding trust, both internally and with the public. 
To connect with Jimmie, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about StrategiX at their website here.