Why Government CIOs Need to Rethink Their Tech Procurement Strategy
As government agencies and organizations look to modernize their technology stacks to keep up with changes in the workforce, aging solutions, and closing contracts, they’ll all set out with a similar process: submit an RFP, review submissions, and choose a vendor. Seems simple enough.
But what government CIOs often don’t realize is that requiring proven, specific use cases may be limiting what their new (and likely expensive) technology investment can do for their organization. Here’s what I mean.
Commercial off-the-shelf solutions are not one-size-fits-all for a government procurement strategy.
A core solution provider can likely back up its claims with specific use cases from other customers that may seem to have similar needs to your agency. But, the reality is, just because a solution met one organization’s needs, doesn’t mean it will apply to all organizations facing similar challenges. This strategy opens organizations up to the risk of investing in a solution that will require further customization at a high price point. Purchasing a static solution means it’s already out of date by the time it’s implemented and before the agency sees any benefits. A more modern approach is required for long-term success.
Adaptability is key for public sector technologies.
Seeking a solution that offers adaptability over success stories from other organizations will set government departments and agencies up for a better future in the long term. Recent years have indicated that the only guarantee government organizations can count on is change. Prebuilt solutions aren’t inherently flawed, but the government faces a great deal of ongoing change. And their success hinges on embracing technology that not only enables them to adapt quickly, but encourages it.
Low-code offers speed and flexibility COTS solutions can’t compare to.
Alternative to a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution, government agencies and organizations should consider a low-code solution. Because hard-coding isn’t required, low-code offers a better-equipped solution for anyone in the organization to make updates as needed to easily adjust to changing regulations and requirements. Learn about all of the advantages low-code offers when compared to a COTS solution in our whitepaper, Rethinking the RFP: How Next-Generation Government Technology Minimizes Risk.
Note: This blog was originally published on Appian.
Related Blog Posts
Cybersecurity, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government, Technology
The 2024 National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) Annual Conference took place in New Orleans, Louisiana earlier this month, where state leaders shared key insights into FY25 top technology priorities, challenges and lessons learned. Some of the key focus areas included AI, with emphasis on generative AI (Gen AI) tech, data management, governance, privacy and accessibility, cybersecurity and risk management and digital services and modern government.
Yvonne Maffia
Federal Fiscal Year End, Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
At this point, anyone keenly watching the budget process every year can tell you the likelihood of a continuing resolution (CR) being passed as opposed to a new budget by Oct 1st is all but guaranteed. CRs act as a temporary stopgap designed to avoid a government shutdown. However, it also locks funding to the previous fiscal year’s level and prevents new projects from getting started. Projects then remain under operations and maintenance until a new budget, with new requirements, is passed.
Susanna Patten
Cybersecurity, Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
The US military information network comprises over 15,000 classified and unclassified networks facilitating information exchange for service members worldwide. Known as the Department of Defense Network (DoDIN), it includes devices such as computers, mobile phones, weapons, servers, and data systems consistently serving military personnel at all levels. Data sharing across these devices has been under frequent threats of cyberattacks by adversaries and necessitates keen vigilance by the Defense Information System Agency (DISA) to manage risks and vulnerabilities.
Toan Le
AI, Education, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
With the increasing prominence of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), numerous state governments are creating taskforces on AI to help determine their state’s AI strategy.
Gabriel Zighelboim
Cybersecurity, Federal Government, Market Intelligence
Defending against cyberattacks is an ongoing battle for the Air Force, Army, and Navy, and requires strategic maneuvering and intelligent solutions. An integral part of these solutions has been the collaboration and technical support from the defense industrial base (DIB). Recently, the principal cyber advisors from each branch announced their challenges and priorities geared toward addressing cyber needs.
Toan Le
FAA, Federal Government, Market Intelligence
Given the numerous commercial airline safety incidents in the news within the past few months, it should be no surprise that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and government legislators have taken an interest in improving the safety of US airspace. The FAA is looking into and implementing new solutions to improve airspace safety, and government legislators are funding airspace safety initiatives.
Gabriel Zighelboim
Buildings, Business Applications, CAD General, Digital Design, Federal Government, Infrastructure, State & Local Government
Passed in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, or Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is a massive investment in America’s infrastructure that’s creating a wave of opportunities for AEC firms. With billions of dollars allocated for infrastructure projects, many firms have secured funding and are preparing for significant growth.
Darian Burks
Buildings, Business Applications, CAD General, Digital Design, Federal Government, Infrastructure, State & Local Government
Passed in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, or Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is a massive investment in America’s infrastructure that’s creating a wave of opportunities for AEC firms. With billions of dollars allocated for infrastructure projects, many firms have secured funding and are preparing for significant growth.
Darian Burks
Federal Fiscal Year End, Federal Government, Market Intelligence
You read that title correctly; here we are near the end of another federal fiscal year. If you’re thinking it feels like Congress just passed the fiscal year 2024 (FY24) budget, you’re correct. Half of FY24 was spent in a state of continuing resolutions, with the passage of a final budget a whopping six months into the year, in March 2024. Federal agencies have had effectively half the time they would be allotted in an ideal fiscal year timeframe to spend less, the same, or in some cases more money.
Susanna Patten
Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
In a contest this year of “Most Popular IT Market Trends” it’s highly likely artificial intelligence (AI) would win first place. Federal agencies have released troves of related guidance in the past year, including an executive order, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memos, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) protocols, and the Department of Defense’ (DoD) AI Strategy. So much of the discussion around AI up until very recently though has been just that: discussion.
Susanna Patten
Cybersecurity, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
The 2024 fiscal year-end is coming to a close for 46 states, which means that it’s time to put on those running shoes and take advantage of any last minute, end-of-year opportunities. State, local and education (SLED) organizations are already game planning where to funnel resources and dollars in next year’s budget, highlighting the top priorities and challenges that will shape future downstream requirements.Key points to keep in mind:
Yvonne Maffia
Cybersecurity, Federal Government, Infrastructure, Market Intelligence
Recently the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) released a roadmap entitled Vision for the IC Information Environment to outline a vision to protect the nation from adversaries and maintain a “strategic advantage" over those intending to harm its information infrastructure. The roadmap contains recommendations from a collaboration of more than one hundred technical leaders from the intelligence community (IC).
Toan Le
Market Intelligence, State & Local Government, Technology
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently released its Final Rule on Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In doing so, they created numerous new requirements state and local governments need to adhere to in designing their digital offerings including adding video narration options, making websites compatible with assistive technologies and making web page labels descriptive.
Gabriel Zighelboim
Market Intelligence, State & Local Government, Technology, Transportation
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are all the rage as of late, and one sector where they can provide innumerable benefits deserves special attention – transportation.
Yvonne Maffia
Big Data & Analytics, Healthcare, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
Maternal and child health (MCH) has become a top concern nationwide, particularly in disadvantaged, underserved and rural communities. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the United States is experiencing a maternal health crisis nationwide, as it has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income nations; increasing rates of complications from pregnancy or childbirth; and persistent disparities in such outcomes.
Yvonne Maffia
Cybersecurity, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
The 2024 National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) Midyear Conference took place in National Harbor, Maryland last week where state leaders shared insights into their top technology priorities, challenges, and lessons learned. Some of the key focus areas included artificial intelligence (AI) with emphasis on generative AI, data management, accessibility, and governance, cybersecurity and risk management, and modernization and the digital customer experience.Artificial Intelligence
Yvonne Maffia
Application Lifecycle, Education, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
According to data contained in a recent study from Pediatrics, the official scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the number of school shootings in the United States has increased dramatically every year since the 2017-2018 school year. At the same time, school mass shootings have become increasingly deadly. Given this trend and the risk posed by security threats to students and faculty, school districts are desperate to find solutions to improve school security.
Gabriel Zighelboim
Big Data & Analytics, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
Since 2023, we have seen an explosion in the number of state data privacy laws, demonstrating a clear focus amongst state governments in data privacy. In fact, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, “at least 40 states and Puerto Rico introduced or considered at least 350 consumer privacy bills in 2023.” These data privacy laws create protections for a range of several types of data, from general consumer data protections to specific protections for health data and minor data.
Gabriel Zighelboim
Federal Fiscal Year End, Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
If you have been confused lately seeing multiple March dates with some mention of the federal budget tied to them, you are not crazy. There are in fact multiple budgets floating out there in the ether: some finalized versions for certain agencies, others still awaiting that vote and presidential approval for fiscal year 2024 (FY24), as well as a wholly new request for funding from the President for FY25 priorities. We will catch you up as succinctly as possible, and if FY24 sounds too confusing, read on to hear what’s catching attention across IT for FY25.
Susanna Patten
Cybersecurity, Federal Government, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
The 2024 United States presidential election is rapidly approaching, and state and local governments are focusing their efforts on bolstering election security and ensuring the proper safeguards are in place.
Yvonne Maffia
Cybersecurity, Federal Government, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
The 2024 United States presidential election is rapidly approaching, and state and local governments are focusing their efforts on bolstering election security and ensuring the proper safeguards are in place.
Yvonne Maffia
Market Intelligence, State & Local Government, Technology
The start of a new year often brings uncertainties; but in 2024 one thing is for certain—artificial intelligence (AI) is top of mind nationwide and is expected to have a transformational impact on our society both now and in the future.
Yvonne Maffia
Big Data & Analytics, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
The year 2024 is just around the corner, and with a new year typically comes new priorities. However, some things, like digital government, are here to stay. Improving the Citizen Experience will continue to be a top priority both now and, in the future, as the modern world emphasizes the importance of personalized services that provide agility, accountability, transparency, equity, efficiency, adaptability.
Prioritizing Citizen Experience
Yvonne Maffia
Federal Government, Market Intelligence, News, Technology
We’re still in the first quarter of the fiscal year and headed toward the holiday season. Historically, that predicates a slower pace across the federal sector, but not this year. This year, artificial intelligence (AI) is having a moment, and nearly everyone across the public sector, including the White House and The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), has something to say about it.
Susanna Patten
Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
The era of heightened environmental awareness calls for decisive action, and the federal government has stepped up to lead this transformative journey. Three federal agencies have carved out significant roles in funding and facilitating environmental remediation technologies: the Department of Energy (DOE), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Defense (DoD).
Dawit Blackwell
Federal Government, Healthcare, Market Intelligence, Technology
Modernizing the defense healthcare system has never been more front and center for Defense Health Agency (DHA), the Department of Defense's (DOD) primary arm that manages all things healthcare for military service members and their beneficiaries. With acts of war and terrorism arising from overseas and the possibility of having our troops involved in future conflicts, patient healthcare and service preparedness are top priorities for the agency. So, the DHA is looking to work across federal agencies and industry to strengthen its healthcare systems.
Toan Le
Market Intelligence, State & Local Government, Technology
Numerous reports by various organizations, including the Government Accountability Office, have consistently found insufficiencies in state unemployment insurance programs. These insufficiencies were laid bare during the COVID-19 pandemic when increased need for such services, combined with an increase in fraudulent activity targeting unemployment insurance programs, overtaxed states’ unemployment insurance systems.
Gabriel Zighelboim
Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Education, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government, Technology
The annual EDUCAUSE conference highlighted higher education technology trends, goals, challenges, and how to identify a way ahead for higher education institutions to be successful in today’s modern world.
Yvonne Maffia
Cybersecurity, Education, Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
Over the last few months, there have been several recent cybersecurity initiatives at the federal level, aimed at bridging gaps in K-12 cybersecurity policy and strategy.
Yvonne Maffia
Federal Government, Market Intelligence
Ah yes, we meet again. The last week of the fiscal year: the air is cooler, pumpkin spice is in everything and the government might shut down. That is, if a deal isn’t reached by midnight on September 30th. This feels even more common, mostly because it is. And I don’t know about you, but the word “shutdown” might sound scary, apropos leading up to Halloween I suppose, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ll talk about what exactly a shutdown is, and more importantly, what it is not.
Susanna Patten
Federal Government, Technology
TD SYNNEX Public Sector Receives a $342 Million U.S. Department of the Navy Enterprise Agreement
for Oracle Software and Services
Doing business with federal agencies has unique opportunities and challenges, particularly when it comes to procuring IT solutions.
On one hand, the U.S. federal government is the world’s largest buyer of IT products and services, so there’s a tremendous need. But acquiring those solutions can be arduous, and managing the intricacies of licensing and pricing can be an ongoing burden.
Darian Mian
Big Data & Analytics, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government
Data analytics played a pivotal role in state, local, and education (SLED) governments’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the emphasis on the importance of data has only continued to magnify over the last couple of years. Data analytics and related technology tools provide a host of benefits ranging from real-time data analysis, increased transparency and accountability, streamlined citizen facing services, better decision making and savings in both costs and time.
Yvonne Maffia
Application Lifecycle, DevSecOps, Federal Government, State & Local Government
Technology is supposed to make our lives easier. So you know something’s wrong when nearly a third of federal government acquisition professionals surveyed say their agency’s acquisition technology makes the job more difficult.
Ben Allen
Application Lifecycle, DevSecOps, Federal Government, State & Local Government
Technology is supposed to make our lives easier. So you know something’s wrong when nearly a third of federal government acquisition professionals surveyed say their agency’s acquisition technology makes the job more difficult.
Ben Allen
Big Data & Analytics, Data and Analytics, Federal Government, Geospatial, Market Intelligence
As the demand for trustworthy visual data collection and advanced technologies to support strategic decision-making continues to rise, geospatial intelligence plays a vital role in delivering essential military and environmental insights to the intelligence community. Recently at the GEOINT Conference in St. Louis, leaders from several intelligence agencies shed light on the future of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) and its relationship with emerging technologies.
Toan Le
Application Lifecycle, DevSecOps, Federal Government, State & Local Government, Technology
Government agencies strive to lower the cost of products and services to save taxpayers money. They also aim to shorten “procurement administrative lead time,” or PALT—the time from identification of need to delivery of value—to expedite their missions without delay.
Ben Allen
Application Lifecycle, DevSecOps, Federal Government, State & Local Government, Technology
Government agencies strive to lower the cost of products and services to save taxpayers money. They also aim to shorten “procurement administrative lead time,” or PALT—the time from identification of need to delivery of value—to expedite their missions without delay.
Ben Allen
Application Lifecycle, Business Applications, Federal Government, State & Local Government
Case work is the universal working style of government agencies. Everything from handling customer service inquiries to issuing permits to responding to weather events—in short, any workflow a public sector organization handles—is a “case” that requires a systematic approach from start to finish.
Shari Ingerman
Application Lifecycle, Business Applications, Federal Government, State & Local Government
Case work is the universal working style of government agencies. Everything from handling customer service inquiries to issuing permits to responding to weather events—in short, any workflow a public sector organization handles—is a “case” that requires a systematic approach from start to finish.
Shari Ingerman
Application Lifecycle, State & Local Government, Technology
The good news is that we’ve officially moved into the next phase of the pandemic, where the White House expects the threat of serious illness to be considerably diminished. But the bad news? Nearly 18 million Americans stand to lose the Medicaid benefits granted to them during the public health crisis as eligibility determinations return to pre-pandemic guidelines.
Vishal Hanjan
Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
Edge computing is transforming the public sector, providing increased efficiency, better decision-making, and improved services. The use of AI and machine learning is driving the adoption of edge computing in both federal and state/local government sectors. We will be examining what edge computing means for the public sector, explore recent developments and specific federal contracts, and discuss opportunities for information technology (IT) vendors and partners in this growing field.
Dawit Blackwell
Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
This is part of a podcast series where the TD SYNNEX Public Sector Market Insights team provides insights and analysis on IT opportunities across the public sector. This episode features Kevin Shaker, Senior Manager of Lead Gen & Market Intelligence where he discusses the opportunities around, and how to navigate, the federal government’s fiscal year-end. Listen to the full podcast here.
Kevin Shaker
Market Intelligence, State & Local Government, Technology
This is part of a podcast series where the Market Insights team provides insights and analysis on IT opportunities across the public sector. This episode features Yvonne Maffia, Senior Market Insights Analyst at TD SYNNEX Public Sector where she discusses how to leverage SLED Fiscal Year End Sales Opportunities. Listen to this podcast episode now.
Yvonne Maffia
Infrastructure, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government, Technology
Welcome to 2023 — an era of modernization where public sector information technology (IT) market growth is dominated by technologies that can create operational efficiencies and enhance the delivery of citizen-facing services. IT leaders are approaching municipality and jurisdictional operations from the lens of optimization, and there is only room for "smart" solutions.
Yvonne Maffia
Market Intelligence, State & Local Government, Technology
Cloud services continue to be a top priority for state chief information officers (CIOs), but the focus has accelerated due to the emergence of digital government and disruptions brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the last few years, we’ve seen cloud services quickly become a “must-have” for state, local and education (SLED) customers, emphasizing cost savings, scalability, agility, and flexibility.
Yvonne Maffia
Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
Recently, we covered the top highlights and technology pinpoints to hone in on for the DoD’s share of the FY24 federal budget request. We’ll take a look at the civilian side of things as well, spotlighting five agencies in particular that will likely have among the biggest IT projects and initiatives across the federal civilian landscape in the next fiscal year. Spoiler alert – there’s a lot of funding to go around.
Susanna Patten
Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
It’s March again, and that means the madness of the tournament, or rather the federal budget process, has begun. It’s the time of year when the federal government places its bets on priorities and initiatives that will require funding in the coming year(s). We’ll take a look at the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) specific call-outs, what to watch for, and where you might place your own technologies across the complex landscape of agencies.
Readiness, R&D, and Dominance
Susanna Patten
Cybersecurity, Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
The Department of Navy (DON) recently held its annual WEST Conference, this year with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity. The conference brought together key decision-makers from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, along with experts from various industries and government officials. The discussions were broad-ranging, covering topics related to naval warfare, technology, innovation, and cybersecurity.
Toan Le
Education, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government, Technology
In recent years, we have seen the rapid growth of esports (electronic sports), or competitive video gaming, with the global esports market already surpassing $1 billion and, according to a recent report from Stratview Research, expected to reach over $9 billion in 2028. Therefore, it should be no surprise that this trend has caught the interest of educational institutions, especially considering over 60% of esports fans are within the age range of the average secondary and post-secondary student, between 13 and 26 years old.
Gabriel Zighelboim
Federal Government, Market Intelligence, Technology
At a recent Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) DC luncheon, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Director Lt. Gen. Robert J. Skinner highlighted three key priorities for the fiscal year 2023: posture, position and partnerships. These priorities reflect the agency's ongoing efforts to meet the changing threats of today and secure the future of its information systems.
Toan Le