Original Broadcast 3/23/25
Presented by Booz Allen
The latest episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, sponsored by Booz Allen, dives into the most pressing advancements in federal IT modernization, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Paul Puckett, Chief Technology Officer at Clarity Innovations and former Director of the Enterprise Cloud Management Office for the U.S. Army, and Keith Jones, President & CEO of Edgewater Group and former Chief Information Officer at the State Department, explore the Pentagon’s latest software acquisition mandate and its impact on cloud adoption. Richard Crowe, Civil Sector President at Booz Allen, discusses the future of multi-cloud and AI in federal IT, highlighting how agencies are accelerating modernization. Brian Hermann, Director and Program Executive Officer, PEO Cyber at the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), reveals a major breakthrough in Zero Trust identity management.
The Pentagon’s Software Revolution: Cloud & Agile Delivery
The Department of Defense is undergoing a major transformation in how it acquires and delivers software, shifting to an Agile, cloud-based approach. Paul Puckett, Chief Technology Officer at Clarity Innovations and former Director of the Enterprise Cloud Management Office for the U.S. Army, explains that cloud computing is now the foundation for rapid software deployment, eliminating the long procurement cycles that have historically slowed development. Keith Jones, President & CEO of Edgewater Group and former Chief Information Officer at the State Department, adds that civilian agencies have been refining Agile methodologies for years, and the DoD must now embrace an iterative approach that integrates mission needs from the outset. Both experts agree that for this shift to succeed, contracting officers, mission teams, and cybersecurity personnel must collaborate closely throughout the development process.
Key Takeaways:
- Cloud is essential – Cloud-based infrastructure enables rapid and flexible software deployment, replacing slow hardware-based procurement.
- Mission-driven DevSecOps – Success depends on involving mission owners, cybersecurity teams, and acquisition professionals from the start.
- Agile adoption is growing – Civilian agencies have matured their Agile methodologies, and the DoD must follow suit to accelerate innovation.
Cloud Consolidation & AI: The Future of Federal IT
The next phase of cloud adoption is taking shape, and agencies are leveraging AI to drive IT modernization. Richard Crowe, Civil Sector President at Booz Allen, explains that federal agencies are now embracing multi-cloud strategies to improve resilience, security, and scalability. With more than a decade of cloud adoption experience, agencies are learning from both government and 
commercial best practices to optimize their cloud environments. Crowe highlights how AI is being used to modernize legacy systems by automating code refactoring and IT operations. He also notes that government agencies are increasingly turning to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions to accelerate modernization efforts.
Key Takeaways:
- Multi-cloud strategies drive resilience – Using multiple cloud providers ensures reliability, flexibility, and security across government agencies.
- AI accelerates IT modernization – Agencies are leveraging AI to automate legacy system upgrades, optimize IT operations, and enhance data analysis.
- Data standardization is crucial – Clean, structured, and interoperable data is key to maximizing AI’s impact and improving system integration.
Zero Trust & ICAM: DISA’s Breakthrough in Cybersecurity
As federal agencies continue their Zero Trust journey, a major breakthrough in Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) is reshaping the way the Defense Department handles cybersecurity. Brian Hermann, Director and Program Executive Officer, PEO Cyber at DISA, explains that ICAM is the foundation of Zero Trust, ensuring that users are properly authenticated before accessing systems. DISA’s latest ICAM Federation model simplifies user authentication across the Department of Defense, allowing personnel to log in once and securely access multiple systems. Hermann highlights the success of the Army’s early adoption of the model and outlines plans to expand it to other services. He also stresses the importance of integrating industry partners and allied nations into the ICAM framework to create a more secure defense ecosystem.
Key Takeaways:
- ICAM is the backbone of Zero Trust – Secure identity verification is critical to safeguarding government systems.
- Federation simplifies user experience – The new ICAM model streamlines authentication, eliminating redundant logins and improving access control.
- Expanding to mission partners – Future plans include integrating industry and allied partners to enhance global defense security.
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