This is the Federal Drive show blog. Here you can listen to the interviews, find more information about the guests on the show each day and links to additional resources.

Today's guests:

Al Almanza — Administrator for the Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA

The Agriculture Department wants to modernize how food inspection is conducted. It especially wants to update how it checks raw chickens. But the proposed new rule has opposition. Last week we heard from an inspections union president who objects to the plan. Now we bring you the view of the USDA. Almanza reviews how things work now and what the new rule would do.

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Max Stier — President and CEO, Partnership for Public Service

You have no doubt heard of the Emmys and the Grammies, but what about the Sammies? That's the Service to America Medal, and it's awarded once a year to federal employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. Last year's Sammie went to the NASA team that helped free the Chilean miners. Finalists for this year's award were announced this morning.

See the full list of Sammies Award finalists.

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Ed Zurndorfer — registered employee benefit consultant

The Roth option for the Thrift Savings Plan rolls out today for most agencies. The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has been preparing for the new program for two years now.

5 things feds should know about Roth TSP

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Devon Hewitt — lawyer at Protorae Law

The Booz Allen office in San Antonio narrowly escaped debarment last month after it unethically acquired and circulated non-public information. Hewitt recently wrote on her blog about how the incident is a cautionary tale to all contractors wanting to avoid suspension and debarment.

Air Force lifts suspension on Booz Allen's San Antonio office

More on Federal Drive

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