Original broadcast 8/19/25
Presented by Carahsoft
Federal agencies are in a period of rapid modernization, with leaders seeking to streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and speed the adoption of new technology. Alex Whitworth, Director of Sales at Carahsoft, says the key to making this happen is rethinking how the Authority to Operate (ATO) process works — and finding ways to bring automation into every step of the journey.
“There’s a very interesting time for modernization in government right now,” Whitworth explains. “The government is really focused on removing bureaucracy and speeding the ability to buy and bring new technology in to help us solve problems collectively.”
Much of this momentum comes from programs like FedRAMP 20x and the Department of Defense’s Software Fast Track initiative. These efforts are designed to simplify the approval process for secure cloud services and software, cutting months — or even years — off the traditional timelines. By automating portions of the review process and improving the way continuous monitoring is handled, agencies can approve solutions more quickly without compromising security.
Whitworth says FedRAMP 20x, in particular, is a major opportunity for software providers. The updated process creates a pathway for companies to achieve a FedRAMP ATO faster than before. For agencies, it means faster access to innovative tools. For industry, it means reduced time to market and more efficient routes to working in the federal space.
“There’s a certain amount of complexity because there are so many different pieces and parts and people involved,” he says. “But the level of common sense being introduced will help reduce that complexity.”
Looking ahead, Whitworth believes that the biggest change will come from leveraging commercial automation capabilities to handle continuous monitoring. Instead of re-documenting every effort for reaccreditation, systems could constantly verify compliance and security status in real time. This would allow agencies to always be “ATO ready” and able to adopt innovations faster.
For Whitworth, the combination of streamlined frameworks, automation, and knowledgeable partners represents a turning point for how government and industry collaborate on technology adoption. It’s a moment, he says, where the barriers are coming down — and the opportunities to modernize are greater than ever.
Key Takeaways:
FedRAMP 20x and DoD Software Fast Track are designed to speed the secure adoption of technology in government.
Experienced advisors can help organizations navigate complex accreditation processes.
Automation of continuous monitoring will be essential to maintaining compliance while accelerating modernization.
To watch the full program, go to InnovationInGov.com