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:

Will Schmitt — Open Innovation Advisor, USAID's Office of Science and Technology

Waste created by humans, animals and industry is one of the largest hidden challenges facing developing countries. The U.S. Agency for International Development is teaming up with the apparel company Nike to encourage, support and implement innovative and sustainable solutions that reduce and better handle trash and sewage. Nine organizations from around the world were selected to receive U.S. support and participate in a forum this week in California. LAUNCH connects innovators with leaders and provides resources and guidance to accelerate the implementation of the technologies, businesses, and programs that address this growing problem.

USAID open innovation advisor Will Schmitt helped judge the "Launch: Beyond Waste" contest. He says whether the waste comes from farms, people, or industries the problems hit the world's poorest the hardest.

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Jenn MacDonald — Director, Sustainability Performance Office, Department of Energy

MacDonald spoke with Federal News Radio about energy-saving changes underway at the Department of Energy. The roof on the Forrestal Building in Washington, DC., has been replaced with a "cool roof," which reflects heat and cuts down on air conditioning bills. The new roof is expected to save taxpayers $600,000 a year. The Department of Energy plans to install more than 100 cool roofs on its buildings.

View the DoE 2011 Sustainability Scorecard here.

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Laura Williams — Foreign Service and Information Management Specialist, State Department

Williams was named a 2012 Causey Award winner, recognizing her outstanding work in human capital management.

As a a mid-level officer, Williams quickly organized and executed a global IT survey, requiring State Department staff worldwide to review the work activities, staff structure and skills required to meet the department's future needs. More than half of all overseas posts participated.

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Also on the show:

Global cybersecurity market on fire, report says

No charges for military in Secret Service prostitution scandal

NIST: Eye scans are in, fingerprints are out

New Fort Hood report shows FBI missteps

Perakslis moves FDA toward IT innovation, efficiencies