Original Broadcast Date: 04/26/2026
Presented by GDIT
Kamal Narang, Senior Vice President for Federal Health at GDIT, describes a rapidly evolving landscape where artificial intelligence is becoming a central driver of innovation across federal healthcare. In his conversation on Fed Gov Today, he emphasizes that while AI technology is advancing success in government depends on how effectively agencies align that technology with mission outcomes.
Narang explains that AI has moved into the mainstream, largely due to the rapid evolution of large language models and emerging capabilities such as agentic AI. This shift is changing expectations across government, as agencies increasingly look to leverage AI to improve operations, enhance services, and solve complex challenges. However, the technology itself is only one piece of the equation.
As a systems integrator, GDIT plays a key role in helping agencies navigate this complexity. Narang describes how his team works closely with federal customers to understand their pain points, their data, and their desired outcomes. This collaborative approach allows GDIT to bring together the right mix of commercial and emerging technologies to address specific mission needs. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, the focus is on tailoring capabilities to deliver measurable value.
One of the biggest challenges agencies face, according to Narang, is not access to AI but knowing how to apply it effectively. Agencies often come with broad goals or uncertainty about where to start. In response, GDIT invests heavily in research and development and operates innovation centers designed to accelerate experimentation. These environments bring together subject matter experts, technologists, and agency stakeholders to rapidly build and test proof-of-concept solutions.
These innovation centers serve as a space for “art of the possible” conversations. By working hands-on with prototypes, agencies can better understand how AI can address their challenges and ensure they are building the right solutions from the beginning. This approach also supports speed, which Narang identifies as a critical factor. Rapid prototyping helps agencies move quickly from concept to implementation while reducing the risk of investing in the wrong technology.
Narang provides examples of how this collaboration plays out in practice. GDIT works with CMS to host one of the largest healthcare clouds and leverages initiatives like the GSA OneGov program to deliver additional cost savings. The company also supports efforts to modernize identity management solutions, improving user experience across healthcare systems. These efforts demonstrate how combining technical expertise with strategic partnerships can produce tangible benefits for agencies.
Another key theme in Narang’s discussion is the importance of policy and security. Before implementing any solution, agencies must ensure that the appropriate policy frameworks and security controls are in place. GDIT’s role includes understanding these requirements and integrating them into the technology solutions it delivers. This ensures that innovation does not come at the expense of compliance or data protection.
Perhaps the most important takeaway from Narang’s perspective is the shift in how agencies approach AI. Rather than adopting technology for its own sake, agencies are increasingly focusing on the outcomes they want to achieve. This could include improving care for veterans, streamlining disability claims, or identifying fraud before payments are made. By defining the mission outcome first, agencies can better determine how AI should be applied.
Narang notes that agencies are becoming more sophisticated in this approach. They have a clearer understanding of their needs and are more open to collaboration with industry partners. This is making “art of the possible” discussions more productive and enabling faster progress from idea to execution.
Looking ahead, Narang acknowledges that the pace of technological change makes it difficult to predict exactly how these conversations will evolve. However, he points to ongoing advancements, such as the development of AI-driven fraud detection agents that assist investigators by reducing administrative burdens. These kinds of innovations illustrate how AI can augment human work rather than replace it, enabling agencies to operate more efficiently and effectively.
Overall, Narang presents a clear and pragmatic view of AI in federal healthcare. The technology is powerful, but its success depends on thoughtful implementation, strong partnerships, and a relentless focus on mission outcomes. By combining these elements, agencies are better positioned to harness AI in ways that deliver real value and improve services for the people they serve.