The Daily Scoop Podcast

Episode Summary: SBA Turns to Palantir After Minnesota Fraud Allegations Spark National Probe

Date: January 12, 2026
Host: Billy Mitchell

Episode Overview

This episode details the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) decision to enlist Palantir for a nationwide fraud probe sparked by high-profile allegations in Minnesota. The show also covers the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) launch of a revamped federal workforce data portal, emphasizing transparency and user access. Both stories highlight the intersection of federal technology modernization and accountability efforts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. SBA’s Nationwide Fraud Investigation with Palantir

• Recent Developments in Minnesota:
  The SBA suspended 6,900 Minnesota borrowers as part of a review into thousands of pandemic-era loans, including Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), which collectively totaled approximately $400 million.

  • “Loeffler said the borrowers were approved for 7,900 Paycheck Protection Program and economic injury disaster loans totaling about $400 million.” (Billy Mitchell, 01:09)

• Contract with Palantir:
  SBA signed a $300,000 contract with Palantir for a “Fraud Prevention Pilot and Boot Camp,” due to conclude in early April. This collaboration is focused on leveraging Palantir’s advanced analytics platform, Foundry, to better detect and manage fraud risk at scale.

  • “According to federal spending records, the SBA signed a $300,000 contract with the data analytics and software giant last week.” (Billy Mitchell, 00:35)

• Scope and Tools:
  Palantir’s Foundry platform is designed to unify disparate data sources, offering tools like case management and automated risk sorting for investigations.

  • “The platform consolidates disparate information assets to produce a unified data landscape. It also includes a Foundry case manager that tracks investigation steps and automatically sorts alerts by risk level.” (Billy Mitchell, 02:04)

• National Expansion:
  The SBA confirmed this pilot is part of a broader effort to expand fraud investigations nationwide, following a zero-tolerance policy.

  • Memorable Quote:
    “We’re now expanding our investigations nationwide as part of a broader zero tolerance policy on fraud.” (Maggie Clemons, SBA spokesperson, quoted at 01:36)

• Catalyst for Action:
  The probe ramped up after a video by Nick Shirley, a right-wing influencer, alleged widespread fraud at Minnesota child care programs. The viral attention led to the Trump administration freezing child care funds for the state and demanding further audits.

  • “The fraud allegations in Minnesota resurfaced late last month after right wing influencer Nick Shirley posted a video on YouTube... That video quickly went viral, prompting the Trump administration to freeze child care funds to the state and call for an audit into some daycares.” (Billy Mitchell, 02:37)

2. OPM's Federal Workforce Data Website Overhaul

• New Website Launch:
  The Office of Personnel Management debuted an upgraded federal workforce data site, designed for greater transparency and ease of use. The interface now features interactive charts and more granular filtering options.

  • “The Office of Personnel Management launched a new workforce data website last week. Recently replacing an antiquated interface and aiming to bring more transparency to federal employment figures...” (Billy Mitchell, 02:58)

• Improvements Over the Previous System:
  Data updates are now monthly rather than quarterly, and new datasets include payroll and recruitment information.

  • “In addition to a more modern interface, the new website adds data sets for payroll and recruitment and promises updates on a faster monthly interval.” (Billy Mitchell, 03:38)

• Positive Reception and Impact:
  Federal data users and advocates welcomed the changes, which they noted had been discussed and requested long before the current administration.

  • Memorable Quote:
    “OPM Director Scott Cooper called the website a major step forward for accountability and data driven decision making across government.” (Billy Mitchell, 03:21)

• FedScope Shutdown:
  The legacy FedScope interface will be decommissioned as of January 28, 2026.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On SBA’s New Direction:

  “We’re now expanding our investigations nationwide as part of a broader zero tolerance policy on fraud.”
  — Maggie Clemons, SBA spokesperson (quoted by Billy Mitchell, 01:36)

• On Transparency in Government Data:

  “OPM Director Scott Cooper called the website a major step forward for accountability and data driven decision making across government.”
  — Billy Mitchell quoting Scott Cooper, 03:21

• Describing the Foundry Platform:

  “The platform consolidates disparate information assets to produce a unified data landscape. It also includes a Foundry case manager that tracks investigation steps and automatically sorts alerts by risk level.”
  — Billy Mitchell, 02:04

Timestamps for Key Segments

• SBA Turns to Palantir for National Fraud Probe: 00:35–02:37
• Minnesota Allegations as Catalyst: 02:37–02:58
• OPM’s Workforce Data Website Overhaul: 02:58–03:57

Tone

The episode maintains a factual, news-driven tone, focusing on transparency, modernization, and the government’s increasing reliance on technology solutions to solve high-stakes challenges in accountability and oversight. Speaker quotations preserve the professional and direct language typical of public sector technology discussions.

Conclusion

This episode delivers concise but detailed coverage of two significant federal government moves: the SBA’s proactive strategy to combat widespread loan fraud with private sector big data help, and OPM’s commitment to open and modernized workforce data. The discussion emphasizes how federal agencies are leveraging technology and transparency to ensure both accountability and public trust.