Next-Gen Innovation: Accelerating Modernization Across Federal IT and Defense

Original broadcast 5/18/25

Presented by Rancher Government Solutions

This episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose explores how federal agencies and defense organizations are driving the next generation of modernization through innovation, agility, and partnership. The program begins with a look at the updated direction of the Technology Modernization Fund and how it can still be a powerful tool for transformation, despite new repayment requirements. It continues with insights on orchestrating cloud, edge, and AI technologies to reduce friction and increase operational impact. The episode concludes with a look inside the Naval Research Laboratory, where scientists and engineers are advancing technologies from corrosion prevention to robotics and quantum computing—all in support of the Navy’s evolving mission.

TMF’s New Direction: Velocity, Value, and Viability

The Technology Modernization Fund is entering a new phase with a renewed focus on full repayment, raising important questions about its future utility. Former Department of Labor CIO Gundeep Ahluwalia and former Office of Personnel Management CIO Melvin Brown reflect on their experiences using TMF funds to drive real transformation within their agencies. While Ahluwalia views repayment as a non-issue when modernization efforts yield efficiencies, Brown cautions that smaller agencies may struggle to justify applying for funds without predictable future budgets.

Both leaders emphasize the importance of framing modernization around business value and scalability. Projects that can deliver tangible outcomes for large populations and demonstrate clear ROI should be prioritized. They argue that the real driver of velocity is not funding alone, but the ability to remove bureaucratic friction and adopt commercial technologies with speed. Strategic frameworks like the Scaled Agile Framework, working capital funds, and smarter planning around expiring funds were highlighted as essential tools to accelerate modernization.

Takeaways:

• Focus TMF applications on high-value, high-impact projects that deliver clear citizen benefits.

• Agencies need flexible, predictable funding streams to support modernization and repayment plans.

• Bureaucracy should be redesigned around proven commercial tools—not the other way around.

Orchestrating the Tools: Reducing Friction in Federal IT Modernization

With the proliferation of cloud platforms, AI solutions, and edge capabilities, federal IT teams are awash in tools—but often overwhelmed by complexity. Ryan Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of Rancher Government Solutions, shares how the federal landscape has evolved from technology scarcity to a new challenge: managing tool sprawl. Agencies now face the burden of orchestrating disparate systems while ensuring security, usability, and performance across hybrid environments.

Lewis emphasizes that successful modernization requires platforms that abstract away complexity and help agencies focus on mission execution rather than DevOps minutiae. He describes the growing demand for flexible edge solutions—not only in defense but increasingly across civilian agencies as well. He outlines key use cases, including deploying applications in disconnected environments, modernizing legacy systems with zero downtime, and enabling mobile kits for field operations. The path forward, he suggests, lies in simplifying deployment while ensuring resilience and scalability.

Takeaways:

• Agencies should prioritize platforms that simplify orchestration across cloud, on-prem, and edge.

• Edge capabilities are now critical in both defense and civilian agency missions.

• Removing DevOps friction allows agencies to focus resources on mission outcomes, not infrastructure.

Science at Sea: Naval Research Laboratory’s Technology Frontiers

At the Naval Research Laboratory, the mission is to give warfighters a decisive edge—through science that spans from ocean depths to outer space. Capt. Jesse Black, Commanding Officer of NRL, shares how the lab’s work covers a vast range of disciplines, from robotics and AI to corrosion control and quantum computing. With over 2,700 staff, including 900 PhDs, the lab combines cutting-edge research with direct Navy application.

Capt. Black explains how NRL identifies its priorities through a blend of top-down guidance from Navy leadership and bottom-up exploration by scientists scanning the horizon for emerging technologies. The lab’s current portfolio includes undersea warfare, mine detection, autonomous systems, and human-machine teaming. Recent demonstrations of robotic assistance, including intelligent robotic dogs, illustrate the lab’s push for harmonious integration of humans and machines. Equally important are quieter breakthroughs like non-skid coatings for aircraft carriers and rust prevention technologies—small innovations with massive impact on readiness and cost.

Takeaways:

• NRL is investing in human-machine teaming, advanced autonomy, and practical sustainment solutions.

• The lab partners with commercial innovators on technologies like quantum computing to adapt them for Navy use.

• Research is guided by long-term vision and immediate operational needs, from AI to ship corrosion.