The AI Podcast

Episode: AI Hiring Could Transform Internal Government Operations

Host: Jayden Schaefer
Date: December 16, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jayden Schaefer examines a significant new initiative by the US federal government: the planned recruitment of approximately 1,000 technologists for a temporary “task force” focused on AI systems, software modernization, and infrastructure projects. The discussion explores what this means for government operations, the potential impacts of integrating AI and technical talent internally, and the implications for public service and innovation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Summary of the Government Initiative

• Announcement: The federal government plans to hire about 1,000 skilled technologists for a two-year task force.
• Focus Areas: Recruitment targets fields like AI, software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and project management.
  • “This is how the US Government actually builds things in the modern era.” (02:09)
• Nature of Work: Task force members will build and modernize government IT systems, with an emphasis on shipping functioning software over writing policy or engaging in theoretical research.

2. The Problem with Legacy Systems

• Current State: Many federal systems rely on outdated code and infrastructure, leading to slow project delivery, high costs, and poor user experience.
  • “A lot of federal systems run on legacy code that’s over 10 years old. So some agencies are still relying on programming languages and infrastructure that most modern engineers have never touched, which is really terrifying.” (03:48)
• Consequences:
  • Projects stall
  • Costs skyrocket
  • Public and employees both frustrated by “horrible” UIs and slow workflows

3. Historical Reliance on Contractors

• Outsourcing Pitfalls: Federal agencies often rely on outside contractors, leading to inefficiency and inflated costs.
  • “When the government pays for something, they pay 10 times what they should. The timelines are very slow.” (05:09)
• Impact: A lack of internal expertise makes it hard to oversee projects or drive long-term success.

4. A New Model: Embedding Talent Internally

• Direct Integration: Instead of outsourcing, the task force’s experts will work inside agencies, collaborating with career civil servants.
• Goals:
  • Deliver quality projects
  • Transfer knowledge and skills to existing government staff
  • Upskill workers accustomed to outdated systems
• “Sometimes it just takes a person with a fresh set of eyes to come in and look at the system to say, okay, this is how we need to improve it and change it.” (06:40)

5. Temporary “Tour of Duty” Approach

• Structure: Positions last about two years—a “fixed term fellowship”—making them more appealing than standard government work.
• Appeal for Tech Talent:
  • Tech professionals may want to serve but not commit indefinitely, especially given lower government pay scales
  • Competitive salaries (on par with mid- to senior-level private sector positions) lower the barrier to entry
  • “A two-year commitment with really competitive compensation, it’s going to lower the barrier significantly.” (07:43)

6. Types of Projects & Impact Areas

• AI & Data Systems: Developing tools to automate routine tasks, detect fraud, and support better decision-making.
  • “Building AI tools to improve efficiency, automating routine processes, detecting fraud. They'll be analyzing data sets…to support better decision making across agencies.” (09:02)
• Financial & IT Modernization: Updating crucial government infrastructure.
• Value Proposition: AI is particularly suited for processing large, repetitive workflows prevalent in government.

7. Execution Challenges & Questions

• Uncertainties:
  • Recruiting appropriate talent
  • Navigating red tape and bureaucracy
  • Avoiding scope creep
• “There’s a lot to watch out for on this deal, how it’s executed, how they’re going to be doing the recruiting, if there’s going to be scope creep...are they actually going to be able to get anything done with the bureaucracy and red tape?” (10:10)
• Potential Upside: If successful, this approach could make government technology more efficient and responsive, while helping bridge the public-private divide in AI expertise.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Government Tech Laggard Status:
  “I think for a very long time, one of the biggest challenges in government was that technology implementation was never their strong suit.” (04:10)

• On the Cost of Outsourcing:
  “We've all heard the horrendous stories of, you know, Oracle charging like New York City $600 million to, to create like a records keeping database...and it’s just, you know, it’s eye watering and feels pretty gross.” (05:24)

• On Impactful Public Service:
  “A lot of talented, you know, developers or technologists, they’re open to public service, but they don’t really want to commit to like a long term thing, especially if it means lower pay or slower career progression.” (07:28)

• On AI’s Potential in Government:
  “AI is particularly good for, you know, it’s, it’s, it’s going to be well suited for government use cases where there’s like a lot of structured data and repetitive workflows.” (09:14)

Key Timestamps

• [01:28] — Introduction to the episode and topic: government’s new tech-focused task force
• [03:48] — Discussion on legacy government systems
• [05:09] — Pitfalls of using external contractors
• [06:40] — Value of bringing experts inside agencies
• [07:43] — The temporary, competitive fellowship structure
• [09:02] — Overview of projects focused on AI/data/financial systems
• [10:10] — Challenges and open questions about implementation

Final Thoughts

This episode lays out how a major government hiring push for AI and tech talent could modernize the public sector, potentially boosting efficiency, fostering innovation, and upskilling the existing workforce. Jayden Schaefer’s analysis highlights the pragmatic upsides, while acknowledging major challenges—especially in navigating entrenched bureaucracy. The conversation is optimistic yet grounded, pointing to AI as a key lever for improved government operations if executed thoughtfully.