The Daily Scoop Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Title: DHS shutdown puts strain on security, information-sharing ahead of World Cup
Date: February 25, 2026
Host: Billy Mitchell

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the significant impact of the ongoing partial shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in multiple U.S. cities. The discussion also covers the State Department’s recent $10 billion in IT contract awards under its Evolve program, advancing federal IT modernization.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. DHS Shutdown & World Cup Security Challenges

• The ongoing partial DHS shutdown is straining the ability of host cities to prepare for the influx of visitors and heightened security demands of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (01:00).
• On Sunday, Secretary Kristi Noem limited Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) operations strictly to “bare minimum life saving operations.” (01:10)
• The shutdown has resulted in delays in disbursing the $625 million FIFA World Cup Grant Program, intended for security, cybersecurity, readiness exercises, and information-sharing enhancements for host cities (01:26).
• During a House Homeland Security hearing:
  • Joseph Mabin, Deputy Chief of Kansas City, Missouri Police, testified that funding is critical for resource augmentation:

    “We just don’t have enough officers within my own department to cover all the threats.” (02:10)

  • Kansas City is notably challenged, hosting four team base camps, an 18-day fan festival, six matches (including a quarter-final), and accommodating more than 650,000 visitors. This spans 10 counties and 2 states, requiring unprecedented coordination (02:20).
  • Mabin highlighted the scale, calling it the “largest coordinated deployment of mutual aid partners in the city’s history.” (02:39)

2. State Department’s $10 Billion IT Modernization Awards

• The State Department announced nearly 50 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract awards under its Evolve IT modernization program (03:00).
• 28 contractors were selected across five categories:
  • IT management, cloud/data centers, application development, network/telecom, and end-user support (03:10).
  • Notable awardees: Leidos and SAIC, each receiving four contracts.
  • Cloud/data center services and application development received the most awards (14 and 13, respectively).
• Department spokesperson applauded teamwork in the procurement:

  “Kudos to all the government employees and contractor support staff who contributed to the EVOLVE procurement. This has been and continues to be a true team effort.” (03:35)

• The Evolve program started in 2022 to better meet IT contracting needs as alternatives were deemed insufficient (03:50).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Joseph Mabin, Kansas City Police (02:10):
  “We just don’t have enough officers within my own department to cover all the threats.”

• Kansas City on logistical complexity (02:20):
  Details on hosting events over “10 counties and two states,” emphasizing the difficulty in communication and coordination.

• State Department spokesperson (03:35):
  “Kudos to all the government employees and contractor support staff who contributed to the EVOLVE procurement. This has been and continues to be a true team effort.”

Important Timestamps

• 00:53 – 03:00: DHS shutdown and impact on World Cup security, FEMA limitations, delayed grant funding.
• 02:10: Testimony from Joseph Mabin on law enforcement staffing needs.
• 02:20 – 02:39: Description of Kansas City’s event scale and regional coordination challenges.
• 03:00 – 03:50: Overview of State Department’s Evolve IT contract awards, category breakdown, and statement from spokesperson.

Summary

This episode brings to light the serious implications of the DHS shutdown for host city security operations as the U.S. approaches the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It underscores the urgent need for federal support and funding to ensure preparedness amid extraordinary logistical demands. The episode also highlights the federal government’s commitment to IT modernization, as evidenced by the State Department’s substantial contract awards under the Evolve program, reinforcing the importance of collaboration across agencies and contractors.

For further details and a full list of awarded contractors, listeners are encouraged to visit FedScoop.com.