Cloud Security: Complex Threats, Clear Solutions

Posted on by Candace Thorson

Cloud technology, for many years, enticed agencies looking for savings and efficiencies. Organizations pursued “cloud-first” policies that migrated data and applications away from onsite infrastructure and into the control, at least in part, of cloud service providers. While the cloud offered promising advantages, some agencies encountered unexpected cost challenges along the way. And lately, malicious actors have gotten exceptionally good at exploiting cloud vulnerabilities.

There isn’t one way to secure your cloud platform, unfortunately. You need a holistic, Zero Trust approach that combines security controls with cyber policies and procedures. Strong encryption and access rules, automated updates, clear visibility and detailed incident response plans are all critical. Knowing who’s responsible for what should go without saying. And repatriating data — bringing it back on premises, for example — is often a commonsense answer.

“Agencies have to comply with stringent regulations … so that means they need a really robust [security] framework, all while managing the complexities of the cloud environment,” said Garrett Lee, Regional Vice President for Public Sector in Broadcom’s Enterprise Security Group. “Cloud, you know, solves some problems, but it also creates some others.” 

In this video interview, Lee explores both the opportunities that cloud computing offers and how to confront its security challenges. Topics include: 

What a holistic approach to cloud security entails
The cost and security drivers behind data repatriation, and why they matter
How to secure four critical domains: endpoints, data, the cloud and networks

Want to learn more cyber resilience strategies? Download Symantec, Carbon Black and Carahsoft’s guide to explore four critical cyber force multipliers that enhance agencies’ security posture amid growing threats and limited budgets.

Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, including Broadcom we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Experience and Engagement, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Explore the Carahsoft Blog to learn more about the latest trends in Government technology markets and solutions, as well as Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partner thought-leaders.

This post originally appeared on GovLoop.com, and is re-published with permission

Secrets to Public Sector Sales Success: Insights from Marion Square’s Harvey Morrison

Posted on by Harvey Morrison

The Federal Government needs more solutions, not more software. That is the message we at Marion Square get every day from our agency contacts. They do not want lists of product features or emails about why one technology is better than another. They want to know how that technology will meet their very specific needs, how it will fit into their unique IT architecture and, most importantly, how it will help them solve their challenges.

As such, successfully selling to agencies today looks a lot different from what it did a few years ago. It is not about getting 50 meetings with 50 different agencies; that scattershot approach is a waste of time. Instead, it is about ensuring that the right meetings are held and that each one matters.

That is where Marion Square comes in. We help technology vendors align their products with mission impact and operational fit. Our advisory approach blends deep market intelligence with tailored go-to-market strategies that position technology not as a product, but as an answer to an agency’s most pressing needs.

Based on our conversations with agency contacts, here are the key trends shaping Federal buying behavior, and how we recommend vendors respond.

The Three Pricing Archetypes Driving Public Sector Purchasing

The Government is still under immense pressure to bring costs down and increase efficiencies. Over the past few months, we have heard from many clients whose customers have called for price reductions. We advise them on three ways to respond:

Leading with aggressive time-boxed discounts designed to disrupt incumbents.
Holding pricing steady but adding capabilities to consolidate functionality and edge out niche competitors.
The “default discount” simply lowers the price without a strategic hook.

Vendors must choose their approach carefully. A bold discount can open doors but risks setting unsustainable expectations. Value bundling requires clear articulation of how those added features meet specific mission needs. And while price cuts may help win deals in the short term, they should be anchored in a broader licensing or adoption strategy to avoid devaluation.

Partnering With Services Companies Is a Winning Strategy

Agencies need help navigating integration, implementation, training and sustainment. That is why partnering with services companies is essential. These firms bring institutional knowledge, procurement relationships and hands-on delivery capacity that agencies trust. When a vendor brings a product plus a credible partner to help stand it up, it reduces perceived risk and increases purchase confidence.

At Marion Square, we help clients align with the right service partners early in their go-to-market process. Doing so allows them to frame their offerings not as standalone tools, but as parts of larger, operationally relevant solutions.

Indeed, we have seen a lot of success when vendors position themselves alongside integrators or mission-focused contractors who already have traction within an agency. The collaboration strengthens the overall value proposition and gives agencies greater confidence that the solution can be deployed effectively and deliver measurable outcomes.

Agencies Look to Vendors For Education, Not Just Products

Many Federal stakeholders are overwhelmed by emerging technologies and new mandates. They value a partner who can help them unpack directives like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 23-02, for instance, or understand how artificial intelligence (AI) tools can improve workflows, cybersecurity initiatives and so forth. Vendors who show up with insight, rather than just information, become trusted advisors and separate themselves from the pack.

We also see a significant knowledge gap around the innovation programs already available to agencies. Beyond well-known pathways like Small Business Innovation Research Programs (SBIRs), many Government stakeholders are unaware of other funding mechanisms and pilot opportunities that could support emerging technologies. So, we work with clients to help them think of new ways to present their technology and receive funding for their solutions.

For example, we worked with a client focused on AI data processing who was using a traditional hardware approach. We identified an opportunity to reposition their architecture to align with a lesser-known innovation program, helped craft a targeted proposal and they secured funding. It is proof that vendors can add value by not only educating agencies on their capabilities but also guiding them toward untapped opportunities to fund and implement them.

Join Us This Fall

In October, we will be co-hosting a strategy session with our partner Carahsoft to discuss these and other issues. We will discuss current market trends and provide attendees with insights into crafting winning sales strategies that drive traction. We will cover what it takes to get agency attention, how to build messaging that resonates and how to position each solution as the one that helps Government teams deliver on their mission.

We hope you will join us!

Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, including Marion Square we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Experience and Engagement, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Explore the Carahsoft Blog to learn more about the latest trends in Government technology markets and solutions, as well as Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partner thought-leaders.

Streamlining Productivity with Document Solutions: A Modern Approach to Digital Workflows

Posted on by Ashley Weston

The Digitalization of Day-to-Day Experiences in the Modern World

Looking around at our society today, at how we interact with the world—whether it be with our shopping, art, schooling, or the internet—there is no denying that our experiences have become increasingly digitized. Nearly every aspect of life, from a personal, individual lens to a global one, now incorporates a digital component, and as a collective, we have come to expect a certain level of facility from digital services, tools, or devices. Technological advancements are constant. While their impact may vary and generate differing public opinions, there is no doubt that technology will continue to advance exponentially, offering countless opportunities to enhance nearly every aspect of daily life.

Adopting Digital Tools and Services for Automating Administrative Tasks

One major technological advancement is the rise of digital tools and services for document workflows, which have become widely adopted across commercial, personal, and particularly government settings. Digital solutions, including those used extensively for documents, are considered essential now, as they provide many benefits across workflows that streamline administrative efforts in document creation and management. An ideal digital solution for document processes includes the capabilities to create, edit, redact, digitize, and organize documents of varying sizes, plus additional services, which may provide the ability for sending, signing, and sharing for real-time collaboration. When organizations leverage modern tools across initiatives, they save time and money while automating previously manual tasks to make them more convenient for employees to accomplish. Furthermore, the lasting benefits of modernization through the implementation of such solutions apply internally and externally, allowing organizations to deliver better experiences to the public.

Using the Digital Toolbox to Work on PDFs

In today’s fast-paced, digital-first workplace, the ability to effortlessly build, edit, and digitize documents is essential for operational efficiency. Modern PDF solutions, such as Adobe Acrobat, eliminate the need for paper-based processes by offering intuitive solutions that support document creation, conversion, editing, and e-signing. Whether converting scanned documents into editable text using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) or merging multiple files into a single, structured PDF, these tools empower professionals to maintain a smooth, fully digital workflow. This transformation not only saves time but also reduces errors and administrative overhead.

Speeding up and Securing Signature Processes by eSigning Documents

One of the most impactful advancements in digital document management is the integration of e-signature technology. In the year 2000, the passage of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-Sign Act) made electronic signatures legally equivalent to traditional paper signatures, provided specific consumer consent and record retention requirements were met. Now there are various solutions across vendors that meet these standards for official use, such as those from Adobe. Adobe Acrobat Sign’s e-signature features enable users to collect legally binding signatures in minutes—without printing, scanning, or mailing. This accelerates approval cycles, reduces turnaround times, and eliminates workflow bottlenecks, making it useful across departments for any organization. Acrobat Sign improves efficiency by streamlining signature requests and enabling sending and signing directly within various apps, online, or across devices. Teams can manage the signing process from a centralized platform that allows for seamless and professional user experiences.

Working Together While Working Remotely

Collaboration is another key component of an effective digital document strategy. With optional cloud services, such as those available through Adobe’s Document Cloud solutions, teams can provide real-time comments, annotations, and feedback without necessarily needing to download or email different versions of the document one by one. Team members can work seamlessly within the same document, where their input is compiled and shared for review. This dynamic interaction improves communication, minimizes version control issues, and enables faster decision-making. Whether working on contracts, proposals, or technical documentation, these tools allow for more agile and synchronized teamwork—regardless of team members’ physical locations.

Stronger Solutions for Safeguarding Digital Documents

Security remains a priority, especially when handling confidential or sensitive information. To protect sensitive content, PDF tools included across Adobe Document Cloud solutions offer features such as password protection, permissions settings, and redaction, as well as adherence to various compliances or authorizations. These capabilities help organizations comply with data privacy standards and prevent unauthorized access or data leaks. Applying security best practices, such as encrypting and redacting documents or leveraging custom authentication options and audit trails for e-signing agreements ensures that your digital workflows not only stay efficient but also remain safe and compliant, whether in transit or at rest.

Modern Solutions Make for Better Results

As digital solutions become more widely adopted across public and private sectors, their benefits for document workflows—like creating, editing, signing and securing—can streamline operations, reduce costs and save employee time and effort. Using premier digital tools generates the best results as automation and AI-based features drive efficiency for administrative tasks, projects, or day-to-day objectives. During our recent four-part webinar series, Carahsoft’s team of Adobe experts shared applicable ways to replace outdated, paper workflows with secure, effective, comprehensive digital document processes. To learn more, please refer to the on-demand recordings.

Check out this on-demand webinar series for more information on how Adobe can support your organization’s digital transformation initiatives.

Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, including Adobe we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Experience and Engagement, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Explore the Carahsoft Blog to learn more about the latest trends in Government technology markets and solutions, as well as Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partner thought-leaders.

The Role of AI Infrastructure in Government

Posted on by Mike Adams

To maintain its place as a leader in AI advancements, and to comply with the latest White House guidance, Government agencies must harness AI capabilities, such as secure cloud computing platforms, high-performance data processing systems and scalable machine learning frameworks, for critical functions such as cybersecurity, predictive analytics and economic competitiveness. As with any new technology, AI requires updated infrastructure to power these advanced capabilities.

The Capabilities of AI Infrastructure

AI infrastructure refers to the hardware and software needed to create and deploy AI-powered applications and solutions. It enables both AI, the technology that simulates the way people think, and machine learning (ML), a focus area of AI that utilizes data and algorithms to imitate the way humans learn, increasing the accuracy of its results the more data you input. AI infrastructure enables users to create and deploy AI and ML apps, such as chatbots, facial and speech recognition and computer vision.

Building the infrastructure for AI requires data storage and processing, compute resources, ML frameworks and MLOps platforms to acquire the processing capabilities needed for AI, and also to train ML models.

AI Infrastructure Deep Dive

Below are the six pillars that define a strong AI foundation, each continuously evolving to keep pace with the next generation of AI capabilities.

Specialized Compute
In 2025, AI solutions rely on more than GPUs, they use a mix of processors designed for different types of AI tasks. This makes it faster and more cost-effective to train, update and run today’s complex models. As AI systems are becoming more advanced, many models are becoming larger and require HPC solutions. On the other hand, smaller models can run on cloud-based architecture for lower compute needs.

Data Preparation

The success of an AI solution can tie back to how well the data is prepared before it’s used. Modern AI infrastructure now includes built-in tools to clean, label and organize data at scale, sometimes using AI itself to automate the work. This ensures models are trained on accurate, relevant information, while also tagging and tracking data to meet security, compliance and transparency requirements.

Data Storage
Because today’s AI solutions are becoming more and more advanced, additional data is required to train the models. AI now depends on lightning-fast data storage that can easily grow alongside datasets. New tools also make it possible to keep sensitive data in specific locations or environments, meeting strict privacy and Government requirements without slowing down AI workflows.

Networking
As AI models get bigger, the speed of moving information between systems is critical. New high-speed networks reduce delays so AI can process and deliver results in near real-time, even across large environments.

Software & Orchestration
Managing AI today requires controlling the entire process from development to deployment. Modern platforms help teams easily update models, track their history and ensure they run efficiently whether in the cloud, on-premises, or in secure Government networks.

Security & Governance
AI infrastructure in 2025 is built with security at its core. It goes through rigorous testing to ensure it meets Government compliance standards and protects sensitive information. It is important to choose solutions from providers that continuously monitor their models, ensuring they’re safe, reliable and ready to be audited at any time.

All these AI Infrastructure features will be utilized by Government agencies to enable AI solutions that improve workflows and maintain global competitiveness.

AI Infrastructure: A National Priority

Executive Order 14141 names AI infrastructure, including data centers and compute clusters that are powered by clean energy, as a national priority to upholding U.S. leadership, national security and competition.

The order encourages Government agencies to secure supply chains, integrate clean energy and collaborate with the private sector. It also directs Federal agencies to make Federal lands and sites available for clean power generation and gigawatt-scale AI data centers

In alignment with the Executive Order, the Department of Energy (DOE) has released a Request for Information (RFI) to use its territories to build AI infrastructure datacenters, citing that they would enable AI training and inference, scientific research and other essential services.

Most recently, the AI Action Plan outlines recommended policy actions regarding building AI infrastructure such as data centers, semiconductor manufacturing facilities and energy infrastructure. The goal of the AI Action Plan is to streamline AI adoption and, in turn, speed up and scale the development of AI infrastructure on the federal level. National Security, AI incident response, cybersecurity and secure-by-design systems are highlighted as vital pillars of the AI Action Plan’s infrastructure guidance. By sharing specific steps to achieve safe and secure AI infrastructure, such as identifying available federal land, training our workforce, building data centers and keeping security at the backbone, the AI Action Plan outlines clear next steps that agencies need to take in order to push AI adoption forward.

In an increasingly technology-driven landscape, AI infrastructure allows Government agencies to modernize their operations and deliver more efficient, responsive services. Strategic investment in AI infrastructure enables agencies to enhance decision-making processes, reduce operational costs, protect national security interest and fulfill their core mandate of serving citizens. Once this foundation is in place, agencies can begin to build and deploy solutions that directly support their missions. The next blog in our series will explore how this infrastructure enables Generative AI and its potential for transforming Government workflows.

Carahsoft’s ecosystem of hardware and software vendors are equipped to connect agencies with the latest technology for AI, including the infrastructure needed to run it. To learn more about AI infrastructure solutions that are tailored for the Public Sector, visit Carahsoft’s Page on AI Solutions.

How “America by Design” Will Transform Federal Services

Posted on by Tiffany Goddard

Consistent, accessible design allows customers to easily access and navigate Federal services.

The recent executive order (EO), “Improving Our Nation Through Better Design,” aims to modernize and improve the visual presentation of digital and physical Federal Government services.

Facilitated by a new Chief Design Officer and National Design Studio (NDS), this initiative aims to reduce duplicative costs, utilize standardized designs to enhance trust in high-impact service providers (HISPs) and improve the quality of experiences across the nation.

A New Executive Order for Digital Excellence Across the Federal Government

The EO establishes the initiative “America by Design,” which aims to modernize and improve the visual presentation and usability of Federal Government services. The initiative seeks to address the costly maintenance of legacy systems while dramatically enhancing the user experience (UX). This action plan will be facilitated through the new position of Chief Design Officer in the White House’s NDS. The Chief Design Officer will coordinate with thought leaders, researchers and design experts to implement standardized, aesthetically pleasing design solutions across both Federal websites and physical services. It is recommended that agency heads consult with the Chief Design Officer to implement the America by Design standards in their respective agency. Results must be delivered by July 4, 2026. While the NDS is a temporary creation that will terminate in three years, the design standards implemented will have an enduring impact.

Why Design Matters in CX

The recent initiative ensures Government-wide compliance with Federal policies, such as the 21^st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA), which laid out requirements for digital services, and the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) code, a visual style guide for Government websites. Together, these standards aim to reduce duplication, minimize customer support needs and improve the overall interoperability of systems. Standardized, accessible design improves customer experience (CX) and reduces costs.

Customer-focused design promotes standardization across Federal websites, maintaining consistency and compliance with the USWDS code. Standardized web designs increase efficiency and trust, as users recognize and find confidence in navigating across Federal spaces. These design standards also aim to replace legacy systems, which are costly, bog down users and erode efficiency in Government services. Overall, improved design correlates to operational efficiency, cost savings and service effectiveness.

The EO marks a pivotal modernization moment for CX. By creating standards for a seamless, customer-first experience, Improving Our Nation Through Better Design champions service excellence through design that is consistent, aesthetically pleasing and accessible.

Carahsoft and its partners are equipped to connect agencies with the latest compliant technology for CX and design. To learn more about the solutions that can help your agency achieve the requirements detailed in this recent EO, check out Carahsoft’s Website Modernization and Mobile Enhancement Solutions. To revisit the 21^st Century IDEA and the US Web Design System initiatives, read our past blogs, Government Experience: Modernizing Websites and Enhancing Federal Customer Experience with Digital Transformation. Take our quiz to identify the CX technology solution area that can enhance your Government customer experience delivery.

Transforming Federal AI Adoption: How Google’s OneGov Agreement Delivers Enterprise-Grade Intelligence

Posted on by Harjeet Khalsa

The General Services Administration’s (GSA) OneGov strategy represents a fundamental shift in Federal procurement, moving from fragmented, agency-by-agency purchasing to a unified enterprise approach that leverages the Government’s collective buying power. Google’s new Gemini for Government agreement provides Federal agencies with access to cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities at an unprecedented $0.47 per agency price point. This strategic partnership builds upon Google’s previous Workspace agreement with GSA, establishing a procurement framework that treats the Federal government as a single unified customer.

Breaking Down Silos with Purpose-Built AI Infrastructure

Gemini for Government addresses one of the most persistent challenges in Federal operations: the need for sophisticated automation tools that can operate securely across diverse Government environments. The platform serves as a developer-focused suite specifically designed for Federal agencies, enabling the building, deployment and management of advanced automated AI agents that perform complex, multi-step workflows across an organization’s internal data. Unlike commercial solutions that require extensive customization for Government use, Gemini for Government comes purpose-built with integrated security features and compliance standards that meet Federal requirements from day one.

The platform’s comprehensive approach eliminates the traditional barriers that have prevented agencies from adopting enterprise-grade AI solutions. By providing both prepackaged AI agents and the capability to create custom solutions, agencies can immediately begin automating business processes while maintaining the flexibility to develop specialized applications as their needs evolve.

Democratizing AI Development Across Federal Agencies

One of the most significant advantages of the Gemini for Government offer lies in its accessibility to agencies with varying levels of technical resources. The solution incorporates no-code capabilities through products like Agentspace, enabling Government users to leverage sophisticated AI tools without requiring extensive programming expertise. This democratization of AI development ensures that smaller agencies or those with limited technical staff can participate in digital transformation initiatives.

The platform includes Google’s best-of-breed commercial AI tools, including Agentspace and NotebookLM, all engineered specifically for Federal use. These tools provide agencies with immediate access to advanced AI capabilities while maintaining the security and compliance standards required for Government operations.

Security and Compliance Built into the Foundation

Federal agencies operate under stringent security requirements that often create barriers to adopting innovative technologies. Gemini for Government addresses these concerns through built-in security features, including identity and access management, threat detection, data privacy protections and advanced compliance standards such as SOC2 Type 2. Google Cloud’s extensive portfolio of FedRAMP High-authorized products provides the underlying infrastructure, ensuring that agencies can confidently deploy AI solutions without compromising their security posture.

This comprehensive security framework eliminates the lengthy and expensive process of retrofitting commercial solutions to meet Federal requirements. Instead of spending months or years on compliance validation, agencies can immediately begin leveraging AI capabilities while maintaining full compliance with Federal security standards.

Streamlined Procurement Through Strategic Partnerships

The GSA OneGov Gemini for Government promotional agreement demonstrates how strategic partnerships can dramatically simplify federal procurement processes. Available through Carahsoft’s GSA MAS contract, the deal provides standardized pricing and terms that eliminate the need for individual agency negotiations. The $0.47 per agency pricing includes a standard provisioning of 1,000 users, with the ability to add additional users at no cost during the promotional period.

Google has also provided flexibility to match promotional discounts on other Government contract vehicles based on specific agency procurement requirements. This approach ensures that agencies can access the technology through their preferred contracting mechanisms while still benefiting from the OneGov pricing structure. The promotional agreement runs through September 30th, 2026, providing agencies with ample time to evaluate and implement the solution.

The Path Forward for Federal AI Transformation

The Gemini for Government OneGov agreement represents more than just a procurement vehicle—it is a blueprint for how Federal agencies can access and implement cutting-edge technologies while maintaining security, compliance and cost-effectiveness. As agencies continue to face increasing demands for efficiency and innovation, solutions like Gemini for Government provide the foundation for meeting these challenges while maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance.

Ready to leverage this agreement to access best-of-breed AI tools that can transform your agency’s operations? Contact our Google team at Carahsoft today or call us at (888) 662-2724 to learn more and take advantage of this limited-time promotional offer.

Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, including Google we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Experience and Engagement, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Explore the Carahsoft Blog to learn more about the latest trends in Government technology markets and solutions, as well as Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partner thought-leaders.

Strengthening the OneGov Mission with a New GSA Offer for Broadcom Security Solutions

Posted on by Richard Verwers

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is redefining Federal procurement through its OneGov Strategy, an initiative aimed at streamlining how Government agencies purchase and implement technology. This unified approach is designed to reduce costs, enhance cybersecurity, improve operational efficiency, and move away from the historically siloed procurement process.

To help realize this vision, Broadcom is offering its robust security solutions to civilian and unclassified Department of Defense (DOD) agencies through a limited-time promotion—ensuring agencies can access trusted, commercial-grade tools with greater ease and affordability.

Breaking Down Security Silos with Unified Protection

The GSA’s OneGov strategy emphasizes the need for agencies to operate as a unified enterprise rather than isolated entities. Broadcom’s security portfolio directly supports this vision by providing integrated solutions that work cohesively across agency boundaries. The combination of Symantec Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Carbon Black Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Carbon Black App Control creates a comprehensive security framework that addresses multiple threat vectors from a single console.

This unified approach eliminates the complexity of managing disparate security tools while providing the visibility and control necessary for cross-agency collaboration. By streamlining policy management, reporting and incident response through integrated platforms, agencies can reduce administrative overhead and focus resources on mission-critical activities.

Advancing Zero Trust Architecture Through Proven Technologies

Executive Order on Improving the Nations Cybersecurity requires DoD agencies to establish plans to drive adoption of Zero Trust architecture, while also mandating enhanced software supply chain security and deployment of multifactor authentication and encryption. Zero Trust implementation requires foundational security capabilities that provide continuous verification and monitoring across all network control points. Broadcom’s security solutions deliver these essential components through proven technologies that have been battle-tested in the most demanding environments.

Symantec DLP provides the highest level of data protection with real-time visibility and control over sensitive information. The platform automatically prevents data leaks through intelligent messaging blocking and modification capabilities, ensuring that critical Government assets remain secure whether in transit, at rest or in use. This automated approach reduces the burden on security teams while maintaining strict compliance with Federal data protection requirements.

Carbon Black EDR continuously records endpoint activity, enabling proactive threat hunting and reactive incident response capabilities. This comprehensive visibility allows security teams to detect and respond to advanced threats even in air-gapped environments, providing persistent monitoring essential for Zero Trust architecture.

Implementing Positive Security Models for Enhanced Protection

Traditional security approaches rely on maintaining lists of known threats, which can quickly become outdated as attack vectors evolve. Carbon Black App Control takes a fundamentally different approach by implementing a positive security model that only allows trusted and approved software to execute on Government systems.

This proactive security stance effectively prevents malicious attacks from establishing a foothold, thereby reducing the attack surface and providing agencies with greater confidence in their endpoint security posture.

Flexible Deployment Options for Diverse Government Environments

Government agencies operate across a spectrum of technical environments, from cloud-native deployments to air-gapped networks with limited connectivity. Broadcom’s security solutions are designed to function effectively across this entire range, providing consistent protection regardless of deployment constraints.

Whether agencies require on-premises installation for sensitive workloads, cloud deployment for scalability or air-gapped operation for classified environments, these solutions maintain their full functionality and security effectiveness. This flexibility ensures that agencies with varying technical resources and requirements can implement comprehensive security measures without compromising their operational needs.

Maximizing Value Through Strategic Procurement

The current promotional offering saves 75% off GSA ceiling prices for net new license purchases, representing significant cost savings for DoD agencies looking to enhance their security capabilities. This promotion runs from August 1 through September 30, 2025, and is available through Carahsoft’s GSA Schedule with no minimum quantity requirements.

The pricing structure is designed to be Government Purchase Card friendly, reducing procurement friction and enabling teams to quickly acquire the security tools they need. For existing customers, the promotion applies to net new licenses, allowing agencies to expand their security coverage while taking advantage of substantial savings.

Carahsoft and our partners are here to support your agency in leveraging this simplified procurement pathway. Our team is available to deliver tailored quotes, arrange customized demonstrations and help you maximize the value of Broadcom’s solutions in advancing your modernization objectives.

Ready to transform how your agency secures data and advances Zero Trust goals? Contact our Broadcom team at BroadcomFED@carahsoft.com or call us at 571-662-3260 to learn more and take advantage of this limited-time offer.

AI Excellence for Economic and Diplomatic Leadership

Posted on by Mike Adams

In today’s technological landscape, breakthroughs in innovation, specifically AI, are essential to maintaining balance of power – sparking new industries and revolutionizing the workspace. Excellence in AI represents more than a policy goal; it is the basis for maintaining American leadership across economic, military and diplomatic spheres.

The White House recently released America’s AI Action Plan – the US’s new guide to ensure American excellence in AI. The Action Plan outlines a national strategy – prioritizing private-sector innovation, infrastructure expansion, and global AI leadership with over 90 Federal policies.

The plan rests on three foundational pillars:

Pillar I calls to accelerate AI innovation. The federal government is cutting unnecessary red tape and empowering agencies to prioritize mission-first, secure AI solutions for defense, law enforcement, border protection, and citizen services.

Pillar II is to prioritize building the infrastructure (data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, and energy) needed to power these AI solutions on a national level.

Pillar III focuses on ensuring that America is the global leader in international AI diplomacy and security – mitigating cybersecurity and national security risks caused by externally produced AI systems.

The AI Action Plan is the latest in a series of targeted memos, executive orders, resolutions, and policies aiming to support AI adoption across America. Understanding the AI Action Plan requires a review of the current State of AI in American politics.

Minimizing Roadblocks for Innovation

In alignment with the recent Action Plan, there has been a Government-wide push to overcome Federal hurdles and regulatory constraints to AI adoption. The recently passed H.R. 1 is a major milestone – removing outdated legislative barriers while allocating funding for AI in defense and AI infrastructure at the Department of Energy (DOE). The bill encourages centralized, Federal legislation, rather than having AI laws be passed state-by-state, enabling consistent, nation-wide progress

In April, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directed agencies to prepare for widespread AI deployment by appointing AI officers and publishing practical AI adoption strategies. In Memo-25-21, “Accelerating Federal Use of AI through Innovation, Governance, and Public Trust,” OMB set forth a number of AI-related recommendations for agencies, such as removing barriers to innovation, accelerating AI adoption, and ensuring AI delivers real benefits to the American people. The companion memo, M-25-22, encourages agencies to source American made AI solutions, simplifying procurement and increasing interoperability. When viewed as a whole, these Federal guidelines emphasize deregulation, support open-source models, and highlight leadership from the Private sector as the key to rapid AI advancement and adoption across industries.

Building AI Infrastructure at Scale

In addition to removing legislative roadblocks to AI adoption, recent Federal guidance lays the physical foundation for AI expansion. The National Science Foundation (NSF) requested information to support Federal development in AI infrastructure, receiving over 10,000 responses. Within the NSF, the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) are working to utilize Federal lands to construct data centers and power infrastructure. The combination of new data centers, a modernized electric grid, and specialized workforce training for AI will make AI more accessible to the government as well as the American citizens. In addition to the nation’s continued advancement in AI Infrastructure, the General Service Administration (GSA) aims to launch an “AI procurement toolbox,” which would help agencies develop and test new technology, including Generative AI (GenAI) to improve Government operations.

The private sector remains dedicated to AI advancement. Recent initiatives underscore the market’s effort to scale AI. One such effort is OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle and MGX’s $500 billion initiative Stargate, which aims to expand U.S. AI capacity. Another is the $90 billion in pledges for data centers and power infrastructure at the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit.

AI leadership is simultaneously an economic imperative and national security necessity. As global competitors advance their own AI capabilities, America’s usage will determine its ability to maintain technological dominance in the broader, geopolitical competition.

Carahsoft and its partners are able to connect agencies with the latest compliant technology for AI. To learn more about AI solutions in accordance with Federal standards, visit Carahsoft’s Page on AI Solutions.

Streamlining Federal Identity Management: How Okta Workflows Accelerate Cost Savings for Government

Posted on by Steve Jacyna

The U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) OneGov strategy signals a major shift toward unified, efficient Government operations, breaking down technology silos and enabling agencies to work as a coordinated entity. At the core of this change is the need for modern identity management solutions that can automate complex processes while upholding top security standards. Automation can save agencies time, budget and drive outcomes for tool consolidation efforts. Okta Workflows provides Federal agencies with a no-code automation platform that simplifies identity operations and promotes collaboration across agencies.

Breaking Down Identity Silos Through No-Code Automation

Traditional identity management in Government often involves fragmented, manual processes that create operational bottlenecks and security vulnerabilities. Okta Workflows directly addresses these challenges by providing a unified automation engine that connects disparate systems without requiring custom coding. The platform’s pre-built connectors, reusable templates and Application Programming Interface (API) integrations enable agencies to orchestrate identity lifecycle events across multiple applications and cloud environments seamlessly.

This approach eliminates the need for point solutions and manual workarounds that have historically contributed to siloed operations. By centralizing identity automation, agencies can ensure consistent policy execution across business units while maintaining complete audit trails for compliance reporting.

Enhancing Cross-Agency Collaboration and Security

Okta Workflows excels in supporting the OneGov vision of cross-agency collaboration through its robust security framework and automation capabilities. With FedRAMP High authorization and Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 validated cryptography, the platform meets the Government’s most stringent security requirements while enabling streamlined operations.

The solution automates essential identity processes, including:

Joiner/mover/leaver workflows using Human Resources (HR) data and custom triggers

Complex account creation with automated app assignments based on user attributes such as organizational unit and clearance level

Real-time provisioning and deprovisioning across Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications, including Azure AD, Office 365 and Salesforce

These automated workflows greatly reduce the workload on IT staff by decreasing password-reset tickets and access requests, while ensuring consistent policy enforcement across all systems.

Accelerating Productivity While Maintaining Security Standards

Government agencies face mounting pressure to deliver services more efficiently while maintaining strict security protocols. Okta Workflows addresses this challenge by dramatically reducing the time and effort required for routine identity management tasks. The platform’s automation capabilities free IT personnel from repetitive administrative work, allowing them to focus on mission-critical initiatives.

The solution’s alignment with Zero Trust principles further enhances security posture by enforcing least privilege access, enabling continuous authentication and providing automated deprovisioning capabilities. This ensures that access rights are consistently managed throughout the user lifecycle, reducing security risks associated with delayed access revocations when personnel change roles or leave the organization.

Simplified Procurement and Deployment

Recognizing that Federal agencies often operate with limited technical resources, Okta Workflows is designed for rapid deployment and easy adoption. The no-code interface enables teams to build and implement identity automation processes without specialized programming skills. Pre-built templates and connectors accelerate time to value while minimizing the technical burden on agency staff.

The solution is readily accessible through the General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule, providing Federal buyers with a compliant procurement path featuring pre-negotiated pricing and terms. This streamlined approach eliminates lengthy contract negotiations and enables agencies to acquire the tools needed to support their modernization objectives quickly. Carahsoft and Okta have collaborated to ensure the solution is available across major contracting vehicles with pricing structured to deliver optimal value, including:

Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP)

Information Technology Enterprise Solutions (ITES)

2nd Generation Information Technology (2GIT)

Supporting the Modern Federal Workforce

As Government agencies continue their digital transformation journey, the need for sophisticated yet accessible automation tools has become increasingly critical. Okta Workflows provides the foundation for agencies to modernize their identity operations while supporting the broader OneGov vision of unified, efficient Government services.

The platform’s combination of enterprise-grade security, intuitive automation capabilities and seamless integration with existing Government systems positions it as an ideal solution for agencies seeking to enhance productivity while maintaining strict compliance requirements.

Ready to transform your agency’s identity management and join the OneGov movement? Contact our Okta team at Carahsoft today or call us at (833) 674-3990 to learn more and take advantage of this limited-time offer.

Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, including Okta we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Experience and Engagement, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Explore the Carahsoft Blog to learn more about the latest trends in Government technology markets and solutions, as well as Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partner thought-leaders.

Maximizing Federal IT Investments Through Udemy’s Strategic Workforce Development

Posted on by Tim Boltz

The Federal Government continues to invest billions in cutting-edge technology and digital transformation initiatives, yet many agencies struggle to realize the full return on these investments. The challenge is not always the technology itself, but ensuring the Federal workforce has the technical and soft skills needed to keep pace with rapidly evolving systems and processes. Udemy Business addresses this critical gap by offering comprehensive, on-demand training that upskills and reskills Federal employees, ensuring agencies maximize their IT investment returns while building a more capable, adaptable workforce.

Secure, Cross-Agency Learning Architecture

Federal agencies require training solutions that meet stringent security standards while enabling collaboration across organizational boundaries. Udemy Business delivers on both fronts through its secure cloud-hosted platform that complies with industry standards for data protection. The platform’s role-based controls allow administrators to manage permissions appropriately while maintaining security protocols.

Udemy Business delivers relevant training content with customized learning paths that are tailored to specific roles, compliance requirements and interagency goals. This capability ensures that workforce development efforts align with both individual agency missions and broader Government-wide objectives.

Udemy Business is aligned with the General Services Administration’s (GSA) OneGov strategy. Udemy Business unifies agencies and breaks down technology silos that have historically fragmented Government operations. Udemy’s extensive on-demand content library directly supports this vision by providing Federal employees with access to both technical and soft skills training across agency boundaries. Agencies can leverage Udemy’s training platform to ensure consistent skill development that ensures customers receive the largest return on IT investments. Udemy Business enables agencies to better coordinate their technology initiatives, as employees across different departments develop shared competencies in emerging technologies, project management and collaborative workflows that are essential for cross-agency success.

Building AI and Zero Trust Capabilities

As Federal agencies increasingly adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and Zero Trust security frameworks, workforce preparedness becomes critical for successful implementation. Udemy provides comprehensive AI courses that teach machine simulation of human intelligence processes, knowledge that is essential for developers, researchers and anyone working with cutting-edge Government technology initiatives.

The platform also offers extensive Zero Trust security courses that help Federal teams understand and implement Zero Trust principles effectively. This training capability is particularly valuable as agencies work to maintain pace with the evolving cybersecurity climate and protect sensitive Government data and systems.

Streamlined Deployment and Accessibility

Government environments often present unique deployment challenges, particularly for agencies with limited technical resources. Udemy Business addresses these concerns through its cloud-based architecture that supports remote access from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility proves especially valuable for distributed Federal workforces and agencies operating across multiple locations.

The platform’s straightforward deployment model eliminates many of the technical barriers that can slow adoption in Government environments, allowing agencies to begin training initiatives quickly without extensive infrastructure investments or complex integration projects.

Enhanced Value Through Strategic Partnership

Carahsoft and Udemy have collaborated to make workforce development more accessible and affordable for Federal agencies. Udemy Business Licenses are available through GSA contracts via Carahsoft, providing customers with established procurement pathways and additional savings opportunities. The partnership extends to other contract vehicles as well, giving agencies flexibility in their procurement approaches.

Currently, eligible Government customers can access additional savings of up to 50% off manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) through this strategic partnership. This promotion remains effective through the end of Federal fiscal year 25, providing agencies with a limited-time opportunity to invest in workforce development at significantly reduced costs.

The convergence of technological advancement, workforce development needs and strategic cost savings presents Federal agencies with a compelling opportunity to strengthen their human capital investments.

Ready to transform your agency’s workforce development strategy? Contact the Udemy team at Carahsoft or visit the Udemy Business website to discover how comprehensive, on-demand training can maximize your IT investments while building the skilled Federal workforce of tomorrow.

Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, including Udemy Business, we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Experience and Engagement, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Explore the Carahsoft Blog to learn more about the latest trends in Government technology markets and solutions, as well as Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partner thought-leaders.