OneGov Is Changing the Game: Faster Modernization, Stronger Cybersecurity, Smarter Spending

Original broadcast: 9/28/25

Robert Costello, Chief Information Officer at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), joins Francis to discuss GSA’s OneGov initiative. Costello explains that OneGov enables CIOs across government to work directly with cloud, software, and OEM providers to modernize IT systems, improve cybersecurity, and deliver solutions more efficiently. He emphasizes that this direct engagement improves visibility into supply chains, fosters trust, and helps agencies spend taxpayer dollars more effectively. Costello also highlights the importance of Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs), comparing them to ingredient lists for medicine, and notes that CISA recently co-released new SBOM guidance with 18 federal agencies and international partners.

Dave Wennergren, CEO of ACT-IAC, explores how the federal government can use acquisition reform and innovation to deliver better mission outcomes. He underscores the need for “commercial first” approaches, performance-based contracting, and measurable results that tie innovation directly to agency priorities.

Finally, Andrew Evans, Director of the Army’s new Directorate for Strategy and Transformation, discusses how the Army is institutionalizing innovation. He explains that the Directorate’s mission is to continuously deliver tools and capabilities that help answer four critical intelligence questions: who, where, when, and how future fights may occur. Evans shares how the Army is pairing engineers with soldiers in the field and accelerating acquisition processes to deliver capabilities at speed and scale.

OneGov Unleashed: How Direct Deals Are Supercharging Federal Cyber & IT Modernization

GSA’s OneGov initiative is shaking up the way agencies buy and use technology — and it’s making CIOs excited. CISA CIO, Robert Costello, shares how OneGov lets federal leaders work directly with cloud, software, and OEM providers to move modernization projects forward faster. Cutting out extra layers between government and suppliers means clearer communication, better visibility into the supply chain, and quicker adoption of new tools. Costello explains that this isn’t just about technology — it’s about delivering solutions that work for operators and spending taxpayer dollars wisely.

He also dives into Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs), describing them as the “ingredient lists” for software. SBOMs give agencies a clear picture of how their software is built, which helps them identify vulnerabilities and respond to threats more effectively. CISA recently teamed up with 18 federal agencies and international partners to release new guidance on SBOMs, providing a roadmap for stronger software supply chain security. Costello emphasizes that direct engagement with suppliers and open conversations are critical to preventing risks, boosting cybersecurity, and driving modernization — so that agencies can stay ahead of evolving threats and deliver better results for the public.

Three Key Takeaways:

• Direct access speeds results: OneGov lets agencies work directly with providers, cutting red tape and accelerating modernization.
• SBOMs strengthen cyber resilience: Understanding software “ingredients” helps agencies find vulnerabilities and respond faster to threats.
• Better stewardship of taxpayer dollars: Streamlined procurement means smarter spending and higher-quality solutions for operators.

Stop Doing Status Quo: Why Federal Acquisition Must Demand Innovation Now

ACT-IAC CEO, Dave Wennergren, joins Francis Rose to explain why federal agencies must link innovation directly to measurable results. Wennergren warns that “status quo” procurements slow progress and miss opportunities to modernize. Instead, he calls for “commercial first” strategies, performance-based contracting, and alternative proposals that encourage vendors to bring forward new solutions.

He stresses that innovation shouldn’t just focus on surface-level improvements like websites — it should tackle the “big muscle movements” that enable mission success, like major IT systems and acquisition processes. Wennergren encourages agency leaders to “ride the waves of change” by using current priorities — AI, acquisition reform, and efficiency — as springboards for transformation.

He also points to ACT-IAC’s ELC conference as a chance for government and industry leaders to share success stories and collaborate on what’s next. Wennergren’s message is clear: with the right partnerships and procurement strategies, agencies can accelerate modernization, spend smarter, and deliver better results for the people they serve.

Three Key Takeaways:

• Status quo is not an option: Federal procurements must push for innovation, not just repeat old processes.
• Innovation must drive mission outcomes: Real change comes when technology upgrades directly support agency goals.
• Partnership powers progress: Collaboration between government and industry helps share best practices and deliver results faster.

Inside the Army’s Innovation Engine: Building Tools to Outpace Tomorrow’s Adversaries

Andrew Evans, Director of the new Directorate for Strategy and Transformation, explains how the Army is turning lessons from its ISR Task Force into a permanent, forward-looking effort. The Directorate focuses on answering four essential intelligence questions: who the Army might fight, where and when conflicts could happen, and what those fights could look like.

Evans says innovation is all about giving commanders “decision advantage” — the ability to act faster and more effectively than adversaries. To do that, the Army is pairing engineers and acquisition experts with soldiers in the field to design solutions that work in real-world conditions. Acquisition reform plays a big role, helping the Army deliver capabilities at speed and scale without getting stuck in red tape.

Evans emphasizes that transformation is not a one-time project but a continuous process. By bringing in diverse perspectives and focusing on readiness, lethality, and soldier-designed solutions, the Directorate is helping the Army stay ahead of rapidly evolving threats and ensure warfighters have exactly what they need to succeed.

Three Key Takeaways:

• Continuous transformation is key: The Army is making innovation a permanent mission, not a one-time task.
• Soldier-centered design matters: Pairing engineers with soldiers ensures solutions work in real-world conditions.
• Speed and scale save lives: Streamlined acquisition gets critical tools to warfighters faster, keeping them ready for evolving threats.