IT modernization remains a critical component for federal agencies looking to improve operational efficiencies, digitize customer experiences and bolster service delivery and government operations. Beyond the technology changes, these efforts are normally complex and fraught with policy, legal, budgetary and workforce challenges, and can take years to fully accomplish. How can agencies successfully navigate the complex maze of technology, proc...

The age of artificial intelligence is here, and leveraging AI as a powerful decision making tool continues to be a strategic priority for the federal government. As agencies collect, analyze and disseminate more data, advancements in computing power, machine learning and automation provide unique opportunities to expand and improve mission delivery. AI has major implications across numerous disciplines, from building efficiencies and informing...

Identity is at the center of cybersecurity. With zero trust now the mandated de facto approach to strengthening cyber defenses, federal, state and local agencies need to build an identity-centric security approach encompassing both human and machine identities. This requires an enterprise wise rethinking of authentication, authorization, access to data, auditing and accountability in order to protect the IT backbone powering government. Identi...

Health technology has rapidly evolved to meet the changing needs of government agencies, health care providers, and patients during the pandemic. Many of these innovations are here to stay. However, there is still work to be done to realize the full potential of health IT. But cybersecurity, resilience and interoperability remain challenging. How can government agencies harness technology to not only realize what’s possible today, but in...

True digital transformation is on the cusp of a watershed moment as more agencies embrace digital services and policymakers back their initiatives with guidance and money, such as the executive order on customer experience and Technology Modernization Fund respectively. Following the quick pivot to digital services during the pandemic, the momentum around digital transformation has continued with strategic efforts to more closely align governm...

The work world has turned upside down and back again in the last two years, as the federal and commercial workforce adapted to the shifting pandemic environment. Remote work, cybersecurity, modernizing IT environments from cloud to Zero Trust, and changing job requirements, have all had significant effects on the federal workplace. Agencies face a list of priorities from fostering agile workplace environments, enhancing customer experiences,...

Identity takes center stage as zero trust implementations grow. Identity has been key to individual access to information for some time in government, but it has often been based on physical access cards. As the federal government now begins a move to accommodate more mobile devices in non-traditional environments, agencies are working to consolidate and update their identity systems to protect a broad range of access by individuals and device...

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, edge computing, iterative software development, wireless networking, and data management all offer federal agencies an edge in their digital transformations, as well as their abilities to forge better services and address missions. Along with those technologies, however, come many challenges that require constant recalibration of plans and capabilities. The last two years forced agencies to adapt to e...

When DOD rolled out its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program in 2020, it was designed to secure the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in systems used by contractors in Defense Industrial Base that support business and warfighting efforts. Initially, an independent accreditation body was to certify a group of third-party assessment organizations. The plan ran into a number of obstacles as industry organizations questioned...

For almost three decades, governments at all levels have been working to improve the way they deliver services and benefits and engage with their customers---both internal and external. Efforts from past administrations focused on modernizing infrastructures and improving digital delivery, as well as gathering feedback from the public on how well the services were delivered. The Biden Administration has made customer experience one of its thre...