GovCast

Edmon Begoli, Director of the Center for AI Security Research (CAISER) at the Energy Department's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, highlights how his team is ensuring safe and responsible AI deployment across government during the AI+ Expo in Washington, D.C., earlier this month. The research team is developing cutting-edge tools and methodologies to assess AI vulnerabilities, test models under extreme conditions and create energy efficient solutions for complex technological challenges. Begoli's team is focusing on two key innovations: comprehensive AI security assessments and TinyML, a revolutionary approach to developing small, energy-efficient machine learning models. By creating AI systems that can operate effectively in limited environments — such as surveillance drones or long-term sensor networks — the team is addressing both security concerns and environmental sustainability challenges facing the technology sector. The research goes beyond technical development, emphasizing education and public outreach to build AI literacy across diverse demographics. From high school students to senior citizens, the team is committed to demystifying AI technologies and demonstrating the potential to solve critical national security and infrastructure protection challenges. The team's work represents a proactive approach to technological innovation, ensuring that AI can be trusted, secure and strategically advantageous for the nation.

The new administration has released several new directives to guide agencies' approach to AI since the beginning of the year. The tech is reshaping the U.S. Coast Guard's core services and pushing its workforce to rethink the service's approach to operations. The Coast Guard has been on a journey to upskill its workforce to better utilize the technology in daily operations. Brian Campo, the service's deputy CIO, discusses the latest AI developments and how the Coast Guard is driving innovation, pointing to the example of the service's Ask Hamilton chatbot, which helps Coast Guard's workforce answer frequently asked questions and find key instructions in their workflows. As an agency with ties to DHS and DOD, the Coast Guard is uniquely positioned to leverage resources and connections between both agencies to drive innovation in monitoring the nation's coastlines and naval boundaries.

Department of Labor's Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling outlines a comprehensive strategy to address the growing demand for AI skills in the American economy, during a live discussion at the AI+ Expo in Washington, D.C. earlier this month. Sonderling explains the federal government's multi-pronged approach to AI literacy, focusing on early education initiatives that would integrate tech training from elementary through high school levels. He emphasizes the critical need to reimagine traditional career pathways, outlining how apprenticeship programs allow students to enter tech industries directly out of high school, bypassing conventional four-year degree routes. Sonderling also discusses how public-private partnerships help create sustainable solutions for skill training and job placement. By addressing the current talent shortage and preparing a new generation of workers, DOL aims to position the nation as a global leader in AI innovation and technological advancement.

Shannon Ayers from Lawrence Livermore National Lab unveiled a groundbreaking generative AI tool to boost operational efficiency at the National Ignition Facility. The tool leverages 22 years of institutional data, analyzing over 98,000 problem logs, to provide instant troubleshooting guidance for operators. By creating a decision-tree system, the lab addresses critical challenges of aging infrastructure and knowledge transfer between retiring and emerging scientific workforces. The AI-powered platform represents a strategic approach to accelerating scientific research, enabling operators to quickly resolve complex technical issues and maintain continuous data production. The tool aims to empower the next generation of scientists by providing rapid access to decades of accumulated institutional knowledge. This approach not only improves immediate operational capabilities but also supports the broader national security and fusion energy research objectives of the laboratory. By transforming how technical knowledge is captured, shared and applied, Lawrence Livermore National Lab is positioning itself at the forefront of technological innovation, demonstrating how AI can revolutionize scientific research and national technological capabilities.

The Idaho National Laboratory is working on a suite of artificial intelligence capabilities to enhance nuclear energy research. During an interview at AWS Summit in Washington, D.C., the lab's Scientific Computing Division Director Chris Ritter discussed how the organization is using generative AI to address complex scientific challenges across domains like reactor design and operations. The lab successfully created a digital twin of an aging reactor, streaming real-time data to the cloud and using multiple machine-learning models to predict operational parameters. Ritter emphasized the broader implications of AI integration in these areas, like how “AI jams” engage scientists and lab directors to explore it. The approach represents a comprehensive strategy to not only advance scientific research, but also prepare the workforce for an AI-driven future.

Technology and software development can take years to field capabilities that may no longer meet mission needs once they reach the finish line. Some department compliance practices can add 12-18 months for authorization. At the AWS Summit in Washington, D.C., Marine Corps Community Services Digital Program Manager David Raley said that his office is accelerating the development and approval processes for mission capability. Raley highlighted solutions like AWS GovCloud and a certified DevSecOps platform that help reduce authorization times from a year to 15 minutes. Raley also talked about the ways DOD is advancing zero trust implementation and security in cloud-native environments.

High-performance computing (HPC) systems provide fundamental computing infrastructure for government and industry. Security is critical for these systems that play a pivotal role in economic competitiveness and scientific discovery. At the AWS Summit in Washington, D.C., National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Computer Scientist Yang Guo said that efficient encryption and zone-based reference architectures can enhance HPC security without impacting performance. Guo, who leads the NIST HPC Security Working Group, said that collaboration and knowledge sharing can help buttress HPC security, even in cloud environments. Guo also discussed HPC focus areas like confidential computing, zero trust, supply chain security and integrating AI for early detection of anomalies.

The VA is set to resume its electronic health record modernization program in 2026, nearly three years since it was paused in 2023. During the pause, the agency focused on developing a new strategy for deployment to improve success and boost patient safety. VA now plans to jumpstart the program with a focus on functionality and interoperability of the system, Dr. Neil Evans, VA's acting program executive director of VA's Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office explains. Evans discusses how this shift in thinking is building the foundation of a stronger, more functional EHR program. He said the EHR rollout will be conducted in “waves,” where geographically connected medical centers will deploy at the same time so that patients who maneuver between them will have their record accessible no matter where they seek care.

Artificial intelligence powers many cybersecurity applications, and government agencies are increasingly using AI to augment systems in national security and intelligence capacities. The complexities of AI implementation require careful architectural considerations and robust governance frameworks to ensure safe execution. William MacMillan, former CISO at CISA and current chief product officer at Andesite AI, noted how AI holds tremendous potential to enhance efficiency and accuracy, particularly through "human in the loop" systems that manage vast amounts of data. MacMillan also talks about the critical role of leadership in establishing international AI standards and the necessity of user training and human-AI collaboration for effective implementation.

Government agencies collect vast amounts of data, but accessing and using that data effectively has long been a challenge. Ahu Yildirmaz and the team at the Coleridge Initiative are working to change that. By providing secure data-sharing platforms, advanced analytics training and tools for cross-agency collaboration, the organization is helping policymakers make more informed decisions. The Coleridge Initiative is addressing common obstacles like data silos, privacy concerns and limited technical resources. Yildirmaz also discusses the broader implications of modernizing government data, how better access and analysis can shape policy, improve public service and create a more transparent and efficient government.

Defense Information Systems Agency networks are leveraging AI and sensors to boost real-time monitoring and synthetic traffic, as well as improve user experience and incident resolution. At AFCEA TechNet 2025 in Baltimore, DISA J6 Global Services Directorate Vice Director Brig. Gen. Michael Cornell discussed the impact of emerging technology on data tagging, diagnostics and interoperability of DOD systems. Ahead of his June retirement, Cornell also reflected on his proudest moments in of his decades-long career in uniform, particularly working alongside dedicated service members in operational environments.

Sean O'Lone, former senior assistant to the Department of Navy CIO and current CTO of SAIC's Navy Business Group, joined us at Nutanix .NEXT to discuss federal modernization efforts and the future of defense IT. O'Lone served in various positions across the Navy and Joint Staff before joining industry. He shared insights into key pilot programs that modernized endpoint IT capabilities for Navy personnel, including supporting the Navy's Flank Speed. He explored the persistent challenges of federal IT modernization, from navigating budget constraints to balancing security and innovation. O'Lone explained opportunities to reduce duplication in the software enterprise to drive cost and mission efficiency, and how industry can best support the Pentagon's digital transformation.

Col. Ret. Michael Medgyessy, former CIO at Air Force Intelligence, joined us at Nutanix .NEXT to reflect on his career and share forward-thinking strategies for modernizing defense infrastructure. Medgyessy offered a behind-the-scenes look at how Air Force Intelligence deployed Nutanix solutions to support distributed services, increase resilience and streamline operations. He highlighted the power of hyperconverged infrastructure and software-defined storage to enable seamless failover and continuity across missions. He also explored how modern IT environments are helping services break away from legacy, monolithic systems and provided advice to federal CIOs as they continue on their modernization journeys. He emphasized the importance of an “invisible” infrastructure for end users and reducing administrative overhead across classification levels through scalable platforms.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Navy have partnered to secure the seas NOAA's establishment in 1807. During Sea-Air-Space 2025, Rear Adm. Chad Cary, director of NOAA's Commissioned Officer Corps and the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, spoke to GovCIO Media & Research about NOAA's work integrating AI integration and autonomous systems into its operations, which he says have increased efficiency by 20 to 40% in data collection for research. Cary also says that NOAA is modernizing platforms and collaborating with academia and industry to leverage emerging technologies for better mission outcomes and marine domain awareness.

AI is reshaping the federal landscape, offering agencies a way to boost operational and cost efficiency and augment the workforce. However, speedy adoption remains a challenge. Lee Caswell, senior vice president of Product and Solutions Marketing at Nutanix, joined us at Nutanix .NEXT to explore how the latest policy directives are influencing innovation across government, the biggest barriers to tech adoption and what it takes to overcome them. He also discussed strategies for migrating to modern infrastructure, the importance of strong public-private partnerships and some of the most exciting federal tech use cases on the horizon.

When COVID-19 hit, Mike Taylor, hospital ship joint task director at the Military Sealift Command and the U.S. Navy, didn't just respond; he and his team innovated. At Nutanix .NEXT, Taylor joined us to discuss how he is leveraging telepresence technology and extending wireless networks to transform the way medical care is delivered, proving that technology isn't just a tool, it's a lifeline. From hyper-converged infrastructure to zero trust, Taylor is leading the charge in modernizing maritime medical operations. His approach isn't just about upgrading systems; it's about creating resilient, secure platforms that can serve humanity in the most challenging conditions. With an eye on emerging technologies like AI and a commitment to cautious implementation, he's showing how tech can be a powerful ally in humanitarian missions.

Young Bang, former principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, joined us at Nutanix .NEXT in Washington, D.C., to discuss the challenges and opportunities for Army innovation as new directives from the new administration shape the future of defense IT. From navigating outdated acquisition processes to transforming logistics with machine learning and integrating commercial AI into defense systems, Bang offered insights into how the Defense Department can modernize to keep pace with emerging technologies. He also highlighted standout programs driving innovation across the Pentagon and discusses the critical role of public-private partnerships in optimizing performance and driving operational efficiency in the digital age.

According to officials, the Defense Department's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program is a national secutity imperative to protect intellectual property and maintain an American competitive advantage in defense technology. At AFCEA TechNet 2025 in Baltimore, Katie Arrington, performing the duties of the DOD CIO, says CMMC needs to adapt dynamically to evolving cyber threats. With evolving tech like AI and quantum, acquisition rules need to adjust to evolving technologies while maintaining security standards. Arrington says that the Defense Department needs to continue to streamline cyber requirements through required standards, guidance and executive orders. She also discusses the need for a cultural shift towards continuous cybersecurity, the new Software Fast Track Initiative and baking cybersecurity into all DOD functions.

The Naval Research Laboratory's PROTEUS program is a cutting-edge maritime domain awareness system designed to provide near-real-time global maritime situational awareness for agencies and partners. The program integrates multi-source data ingestion and fusion services to identify, query and filter maritime vessels based on user-defined criteria. During Sea-Air-Space 2025, Alan Hope, head of the NRL's mission development branch, spoke to GovCIO Media & Research about how Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration and other agencies are using PROTEUS to fulfill their mission. Hope says that PROTEUS is crucial assist to human analysts at agencies, using AI to sift through vast datasets to highlight potential threats and anomalies, which allows experts to focus on validation and decision-making rather than raw data interpretation. Hope also talks about the PROTEUS user experience, highlighting the cloud-based, easily accessible workbench that provides real-time updates and historical data for in-depth analysis, fostering collaboration among users across different agencies and locations.

A recently published study by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) discovers a link between physical activity and cancer risk after gathering data from wrist sensors, which could help lead to major advances in cancer research. Alaina Shreves, predoctoral fellow at NCI's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics Metabolic Epidemiology Branch, said the findings come from accelerometer-measured physical activity, which associated low-intensity exercise with up to a 26 percent decreased risk of certain cancers. Shreves highlighted the importance of wrist sensor data in cancer prevention. She also shared her excitement about a new project involving wearable technologies to determine how walking patterns impact cancer development.

Emerging tech policies focus on balancing technological advancement with governance, creating frameworks that encourage rapid innovation while maintaining critical safeguards for national security and public interest. President Donald Trump's recent AI guidance prioritizes American leadership in technological development, particularly in response to global competition from countries like China. Lisa Costa, former Space Force chief information and transformation officer, highlights the critical need for public-private partnerships in tech development. She discusses the pivotal role industry plays in helping government agencies adopt and implement AI technologies more effectively. AI is increasingly being integrated across sectors — from health care to cybersecurity — with an emphasis on creating trusted, secure and adaptable technological solutions. Agencies and industry are working together to reduce regulation and establish broad guidelines that foster innovation, protect sensitive information and position the United States as a global leader in AI.

The Coast Guard is pursuing artificial intelligence via data analytics to enhance its diverse missions, Deputy CIO and Chief Data and AI Officer Brian Campo told GovCIO Media & Research during Sea-Air-Space in National Harbor, Maryland. Campo said that the Coast Guard is learning lessons from other military branches and DHS components to adopt a "fast follower" approach to AI. Campo emphasized the synergy between his dual roles, allowing for a streamlined approach to implementing data-driven AI solutions. Despite budgetary constraints, the Coast Guard is using AI and automation to improve efficiencies. He also said that the service is focusing on using AI to simplify and make marine regulations more accessible to mariners and other in the maritime domain.

The National Cancer Institute is exploring a new new tech-based treatment to help patients overcome a severe breathing disorder caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. Leaders from the agency's Center for Cancer Research — Dr. Clint Allen, a senior investigator, and Dr. Scott Norberg, an associate research physician — join us to discuss the findings from their recent study on the Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis, which can cause damage to the vocal cords and block airways, making it hard to breathe. Allen and Norberg shared details about the therapy, which uses a gorilla adenovirus based-technology to target the infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's annual milestone updates in its public health data strategy include expanding TEFCA, enabling easier data access and analytics capabilities, and a new shared workspace with its partners. Dr. Jennifer Layden, director at CDC's Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance and Technology, detailed the latest in the agency's comprehensive data strategy and how advanced technologies are revolutionizing disease detection and community health protection. From wastewater surveillance to AI-powered data processing, the strategy's mission is to create a more responsive, interconnected public health system. Layden explored the critical challenges of data integration, highlighting how the CDC is developing an enterprise platform that enables faster, more accurate tracking of health threats. Layden also discussed the importance of interoperability between health care systems, the potential of AI in processing complex medical information and the practical ways these technological advances can help communities respond more effectively to emerging health challenges.

Editor's Note: Jacob Glassman's comments do not reflect the position of the Department of the Navy and are his own personal views. The Navy's Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) philosophy is designed to enable the service to quickly integrate and prototype emerging technology. As the services adopt MOSA and its service-specific variants, Glassman says the strategy will foster the interchange of systems, support emerging technologies adoption and spur modernization. MOSA 1.0 is the first iteration of the Navy's strategy. The Navy plans to solicit feedback from industry, academia and across the Defense Department as it updates its strategy on an annual basis, fully realizing its vision with its 3.0 plan, according to Glassman.

The latest iteration of the National Institutes of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) helps organizations strengthen their security posture and align their cybersecurity efforts with enterprise-wide risk management. NIST's Steven Quinn, the project lead for the Cybersecurity Framework, provides a comprehensive overview of the key updates and transformative features in the 2.0 version. At the center of the new framework is the introduction of the "govern" function, which empowers executives and risk management professionals to seamlessly integrate cybersecurity risk into their existing enterprise-level decision-making processes. By bridging the gap between technical security controls and business objectives, the framework enables organizations to make more informed, strategic investments in their cybersecurity programs. Additionally, the framework has been enhanced to address emerging technologies, such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence, ensuring an organization is prepared to navigate the evolving threat landscape.

Technology and modernized data systems are opening up new frontiers for health care clinicians, agencies and patients. Large volumes of data offer new perspectives and drive better health care outcomes. Federal leaders from Defense Healthcare Management Systems (DHMS), Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization (FEHRM) office and Maximus share best practices around integrating health data collection, security and analysis to create comprehensive records of patients. They provide insight on: -How federal agencies are working toward a unified health care records system through the implementation of emerging technology -Industry's role in providing solutions to federal agencies through public-private partnerships -Best practices for health data sharing and cybersecurity protocols

Former Energy Department CIO Ann Dunkin managed a $5 billion IT budget and a $1 billion high-performance computing budget during her tenure. With a new administration taking shape, she offered insights into some of President Donald Trump's new priorities and how they might impact the agency. She discussed the new AI executive order, the growing influence of global AI competition and the federal government's evolving strategies for cybersecurity and quantum advancements. She also highlighted ongoing challenges in recruiting top tech talent and streamlining acquisition processes. Hear Dunkin's take on the administration's priorities, the risks and rewards of AI deregulation, and what's next for federal IT modernization.

The newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is working to modernize government and combat waste, fraud and abuse. The Congressional DOGE Caucus co-chaired by Rep. Pete Sessions aims to bridge efforts between Congress and DOGE and examine the need for a comprehensive technology strategy to tackle inefficiencies within government. Rep. Sessions discussed how his caucus is working with DOGE staffers to tackle the waste in government operations at agencies like IRS and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Sessions broke down how his caucus is using data, the budget process and working groups to make government more efficient for taxpayers. Sessions also examined the fast-paced changes happening within the executive branch and how his caucus is keeping up.

Federal agencies and industry partners are increasingly exploring AI use to improve health care. As adoption rates increase, so do policies and regulations around the emerging tech. In the first half of 2024 alone, state legislators introduced 745 AI-related bills and Congress held numerous hearings on the topic. HIMSS EHR Association's Tina Joros and Leigh Burchell, who also chair the AI Task Force and the Information Blocking Compliance Task Force respectively, discuss the evolving role of AI in electronic health records. They dive into the impact of federal legislation on AI development, the challenges of balancing innovation with compliance and how global regulatory approaches are shaping the future of AI in health care.

AI is transforming government health services by streamlining administrative processes, reducing wait times and improving patient outcomes through predictive analytics and automation. From enhancing disease detection with machine learning to optimizing resource allocation, AI enables agencies to deliver more efficient, data-driven and personalized health solutions. Live from the HIMSS 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, Noel Hara, vice president and CTO for NTT Data's Public Sector, explores how emerging technologies are shaping the future of efficiency, security and innovation. From AI-driven automation to cloud adoption in government, Hara shares how agencies and organizations can optimize their IT strategies. He also unpacks the role of technology in improving health care outcomes and efficiency.

For over 30 years, Health Level Seven International (HL7) has set the standard for electronic health information worldwide. Federal agencies also leverage HL7 standards to exchange and share electronic health information to ultimately improve patient outcomes and health system performance. HL7 provides a set of standards for exchanging clinical and administrative health data between applications. At HIMSS, Diego Kaminker, deputy chief standards implementation officer at HL7 International, discusses HL7's goals in the health care sector, the impact of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule on standards development, and the evolution of Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) for data sharing.

By leveraging emerging technologies and standardized data frameworks, federal health leaders can enhance real-time decision-making and deliver more efficient, patient-centered care. Chris Nichols, program manager for the Enterprise Intelligence and Data Solutions (EIDS) program for the Program Executive Office at Defense Healthcare Management Systems (DHMS), joined us during HIMSS to discuss his vision of data-driven health care in the military. He shares insights into recent milestones in health data interoperability, the next steps in seamless and secure information sharing, and how public-private partnerships can drive innovation while ensuring regulatory compliance. Nichols also dives into how emerging technologies can enhance patient care and improve health outcomes across the defense health care system.

The Department of Veterans Affairs aims to develop and apply innovative AI solutions, boost interoperability and transform the agency by facilitating a learning environment that supports the delivery of benefits and services to veterans. At HIMSS in Las Vegas, Dr. Shane McNamee, senior advisor to the chief medical information officer for health solution architecture at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and Dr. Johnathan Nebeker, executive director of Clinical Informatics at VA, discuss how they're improving data integrity and interoperability to unlock AI's full potential, as well as how AI-driven personalization is enhancing patient care. McNamee and Nebeker also highlight how the PACT Act has increased the need to leverage innovation to support the influx of claims and benefits delivery. They explain the department's efforts with workflow automation, recent AI use cases and the game-changing technologies on the horizon.

Interoperability efforts are ensuring patients and providers can access and use health data seamlessly. The Sequoia Project has been at the forefront of Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ASTP/ONC)'s Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) that removes barriers to sharing health information electronically. At HIMSS in Las Vegas, The Sequoia Project CEO Mariann Yeager highlights why interoperability matters, how plain language and digital transformation can help patients understand their rights, and what it takes to break down the barriers preventing true data exchange.

After a strategic pause, the Department of Veterans Affairs is preparing to resume its federal electronic health record rollout in mid-2026 with a renewed focus on continuous improvement and system modernization. The Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization (FEHRM) office's goal is to unite capabilities across the VA, Defense Department, Coast Guard and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — along with other federal partners — to deploy the same federal EHR. Ahead of HIMSS, FEHRM Director Bill Tinston discussed the vital role FEHRM has played in gathering feedback, sharing lessons learned and driving program enhancements. He highlighted recent successes in the federal EHR initiative, how the program aligns with the new administration's push for greater transparency and accountability, and what milestones are on the horizon as the rollout resumes. He also dove into the broader health IT landscape, highlighting the innovations and emerging technologies that could be game-changers for federal health care.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is exploring how it can leverage artificial intelligence to enhance cancer screening techniques, ultimately improving patient outcomes across the nation. Dr. Katrina Goddard, director of the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences at NCI, explains how her division is leveraging AI, and other innovative solutions like the low-dose CT scan, to better detect lung cancer and enable better access to data.

Former Defense Department CIO John Sherman anticipates many shifts from President Donald Trump and his administration's incoming leadership on tech development and defense priorities. Sherman, who now serves as Dean of Texas A&M's Bush School of Government and Public Service, has spent 30 years in national security and intelligence positions in the CIA, DOD and other agencies. As DOD CIO, he oversaw technology and cyber modernization for a 4 million-person enterprise with a $60 billion IT and cyber budget. He was also politically appointed as Intelligence Community CIO under Trump's first administration. Since taking office, Trump has released new guidance, shifting government's approach to technology modernization and personnel management. Sherman explained how he sees the new administration's priorities developing and provided insight on the Office of Personnel Management's recently released guidance regarding redesignating SES CIO positions. Plus, he shared his perspective on the new AI executive order and the Defense Department's push to develop an “Iron Dome.”

The new year began with a new White House executive order on strengthening and promoting innovation in cybersecurity, building on previous efforts, like the National Cybersecurity Strategy, to enhance the security of the nation's digital infrastructure. Looking into 2025, Deputy Assistant Director of FBI's Cyber Division Cynthia Kaiser said her division plans to leverage emerging technology like artificial intelligence to thwart cyber adversaries and better detect threats around critical infrastructure, while aligning with federal policies and directives. Kaiser's division is also advancing patch management and other AI-enabled technology to boost resiliency. Kaiser highlighted some of the top exploited vulnerabilities FBI has seen over the recent years, the agency's special partnership with CISA as well as the importance of the “Secure by Design” model to counter cyber attacks.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for the nation's largest internal help desk in government. Robert Cunningham, executive director for Enterprise Command Operations at VA, explains his oversight of the agency's internal help desk, which processes more than two million requests per year with the help of automation and AI. The tech also enables VA to better manage outages and bugs within the agency's systems. Cunningham also shares how he collaborates with VA employees, government agencies and industry to offer IT services unrivaled in scale to better serve veterans and those that serve them.

Maintaining legacy communications systems is expensive and can leave military services like the Navy and Marine Corps behind. During AFCEA West in San Diego, Verizon Navy and Marine Corps Public Sector Director David Reaves explained how he's seeing the Navy's challenges in modernizing voice and data communications, focusing on the Defense Department's mandate to transition from outdated systems to IP-based infrastructure. Reaves said that the high cost and difficulty of maintaining legacy systems means that the Navy should modernize to an enterprise-wide deployment strategy to ensure consistency and cost-effectiveness across bases. Reaves also discussed the importance of converging voice and data networks for operational efficiency and explained how the Navy can leverage existing contracts to streamline the acquisition of modern technologies like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

The Naval Postgraduate School's recent partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit formalizes NPS' focus on fostering innovation in the school's student body. NPS President Ann Rondeau said Thursday that the the school not only supports innovation, but lays the foundation for creative thinking, collaboration and finding real-world solutions to support the Defense Department. During AFCEA West in San Diego, California, California, Rondeau described NPS as a hub for "warrior scholars" – experienced military, international, civilian government and industry professionals – who work together to address real challenges facing DOD. She added that the school's curriculum is also continuously updated based on feedback, ensuring relevance and responsiveness to evolving needs like AI, quantum and other emerging technology.

The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command supports technical authority and acquisition command for information warfare, which presents modernization challenges as the speed of technology evolution increases. At AFCEA West in San Diego, NAVWAR CIO Ben Motten said his office is empowering the workforce by providing the necessary tools and capabilities, allowing warfighters to focus on the mission rather than the technology itself. Legacy infrastructure and software present hurdles, he said, but they also provide an opportunity to modernize by "leapfrogging" to newer technologies like low-code/no-code platforms and future spectrum connectivity technologies.

In 2024, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) signed a memo of understanding to codify their joint effort to develop future leaders to manage innovative solutions. During AFCEA West in San Diego, Kaitie Penry, director of emerging technology and innovation at the Naval Postgraduate School, discussed how that agreement is going. She highlighted the impact it has had on developing leadership skills in students, particularly in acquisition and innovation, and preparing them for senior-level positions in the Defense Department. Penry also discussed how she is fostering an innovative mindset to meet DOD and student needs.

During AFCEA West in San Diego, California, Mark Gorak, Defense Department's principal director for resources and analysis and director of the Cyber Academic Engagement Office, discussed his priorities for cyber talent and retention amid new federal leadership. Gorak lauded his office's efforts to lower the average days it takes to hire cyber talent and discussed his efforts to retain cyber talent. The Cyber Workforce Strategy, which has been deployed since 2023, has been implemented hand in hand with ongoing and emerging innovations within and outside of the department. Gorak has overseen hiring thousands of employees. He noted that departures from the agency allow other agencies and industry to hire talented individuals from the DOD, creating an ecosystem of like-minded experts throughout government.

The Marine Corps is modernizing its systems to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology while centering warfighters. During AFCEA West in San Diego, California, Marine Corps Systems Command Cyber Technology Officer Gaurang Dävé said that innovation requires speed in delivering capabilities to the warfighter. Dävé highlighted that Marines act as sensors in the battlespace, needing the best information in real-time for informed decision-making. Dävé also discussed the Marine Corps' approach of containerized, modular applications and the service's collaborative work with the Army's software factory in Austin, Texas, that allows Marines to code applications and receive hands-on training in innovative technology.

Security and agility are critical to balancing the Department of the Navy's zero-trust journey amid evolving cloud modernization priorities. At AFCEA West in San Diego, California, DON's CIO Jane Rathbun discussed the service's recent zero-trust achievements with its Flank Speed initiative to enable secure cloud deployment. Rathbun shared some of the lessons learned for other organizations throughout the journey. She also highlighted how collaboration between cyber operators, acquisition communities, resource sponsors and requirement owners enabled the service's success and discussed how the role of operator feedback, especially from cyber operators, is shaping IT architecture and future modernization.

Countering adversaries in the cyber domain requires the Navy to harness information at the speed of technological innovation. During AFCEA West in San Diego, California, Vice Adm. Craig Clapperton, commander of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and Navy Space Command, discussed how he is approaching the evolving landscape of cyber threats and developing strategies to counter them in his dual-hat role. From recent cyber incidents like SolarWinds and Volt Typhoon, to the role of emerging technologies like AI, Clapperton dives into the complexities of modern cyber warfare and explains how he's eyeing collaboration with industry partners and allies, recruiting top cyber talent and staying ahead of adversaries in a rapidly changing digital environment.

Technology has made cyber threats more complex and difficult to discern for defense intelligence operations and combatant commands providing insights to decision-makers across the globe. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (Northcom) work with industry, allies and other combatant commands to secure all domains for the U.S. and Canada. Director of Intelligence and Information Brig. Gen. Maurizio Calabrese discussed the evolving role of defense intelligence, the importance of cyber warfare and the need for global threat awareness. He also addressed the growing importance of the Arctic region, citing increased international interest and the need for advanced tech capabilities.

Office of Personnel Management Chief Data Officer and Acting Chief AI Officer Taka Ariga provided an inside look at the agency's innovative use of artificial intelligence. OPM is navigating the potential for AI in use cases such as general productivity tools and bespoke solutions tailored for federal workforce needs. Ariga highlighted the importance of data integrity and trust, the careful alignment of people, processes and technology, and the pivotal role AI plays in modernizing government operations. The interview also highlighted OPM's efforts to grow the federal cybersecurity workforce and showcased how AI is shaping recruitment and training strategies. Additionally, Ariga shared how storytelling is helping simplify complex concepts like data governance to build trust and understanding across the agency.

Data security and customer experience are top priorities for Jennifer Wendel, the newly confirmed permanent CIO at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Wendel emphasized the agency's commitment to implementing special cybersecurity measures and strengthening incident response processes to safeguard patient data from malicious actors. Wendel highlighted some of her other key priorities from HHS' 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. This includes improvements to grants.gov by introducing new tools designed to make accessing health services faster and more efficient. Wendel is also driving initiatives to upskill the HHS workforce, equipping employees with essential expertise in cybersecurity, data management and cloud technologies to meet evolving challenges.