GovIT Podcast Series: Leveraging SLED Fiscal Year-End Sales Opportunities

This year’s annual EDUCAUSE Conference took place in San Antonio, Texas, where higher education leaders shared key insights into top edtech trends, priorities and challenges shaping the higher education landscape. The 2025 Educause Top 10 priorities list addresses how higher education technology and data leaders can work together to restore trust within the education sector by building competent and caring institutions through collaboration, consistent results and shifting from monolithic systems and processes to more flexible and unified solutions.

Hello from DoDIIS in Omaha, Nebraska! TDSYNNEX Public Sector is once again attending, so if you didn’t make it out to the city that invented the Reuben sandwich, we’ve got you covered. The conference kicked off with a heavy focus on several prevailing themes, notably: cybersecurity, deterrence, interoperability, and data centricity. If you read that list and thought AI was missing – fear not – it was included in discussions, but primarily as a vehicle for aiding in the intelligence community’s (IC) top priorities.

Hello from DoDIIS in Omaha, Nebraska! TDSYNNEX Public Sector is once again attending, so if you didn’t make it out to the city that invented the Reuben sandwich, we’ve got you covered. The conference kicked off with a heavy focus on several prevailing themes, notably: cybersecurity, deterrence, interoperability, and data centricity. If you read that list and thought AI was missing – fear not – it was included in discussions, but primarily as a vehicle for aiding in the intelligence community’s (IC) top priorities.

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. 

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. 

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. 

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the declaration of “Cybersecurity Awareness Month,” originally created by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance in 2004. Since then, we’ve seen vast amounts of change and innovation in the sector. We’ve also seen continually updated legislation, new technology and opportunities for IT companies to penetrate the market as federal agencies continue to watch threats evolve. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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:

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Federal officials have released a first of its kind Strategy focused on the security of the government’s space-based platforms and infrastructure, and the impact commercial solutions may have on supporting the continued need in this space; pun intended. According to the document, the 2024 Department of Defense (DoD) Commercial Space Integration Strategy is a first for the Department of Defense, and “provides a vision for prioritizing and aligning efforts to integrate commercial solutions into our national security space architecture.”What’s this for?

Federal officials have released a first of its kind Strategy focused on the security of the government’s space-based platforms and infrastructure, and the impact commercial solutions may have on supporting the continued need in this space; pun intended. According to the document, the 2024 Department of Defense (DoD) Commercial Space Integration Strategy is a first for the Department of Defense, and “provides a vision for prioritizing and aligning efforts to integrate commercial solutions into our national security space architecture.”What’s this for?

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

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

For the United States Navy, data has become a cornerstone of its operations, guiding the course of missions, and ensuring the safety of personnel. Every facet of maritime endeavors, from intelligence gathering, to navigation and logistics, relies on a steady stream of accurate and timely data. Harnessing and making the best use of that data, though, comes with its own challenges. These can include limited bandwidth, stringent security protocols, and the sheer volume of information generated across a host of platforms.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Originally passed in 2014, the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) was designed to improve the management of all-things-IT across federal agencies. It essentially realigned how the government purchases and updates its technology, with an aim at grading agencies based on their ability to adhere to and improve on the following categories:

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.