Tag Archives: Governance Risk and Compliance

Tightening Federal OT Cyber Incident Reporting For Critical Infrastructure

Posted on by
Reply

Process-Oriented OT Cybersecurity with SIGA

Federal agencies and regulated operators of critical infrastructure are entering a new phase in operational technology (OT) cybersecurity. While many sectors have long followed voluntary guidance such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-82 Revision 3, recent years have seen a steady tightening of Federal cyber incident reporting requirements for critical infrastructure. This trend continues in 2025 with additional sector-specific rules taking effect and the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA) moving toward its final rule.

From Guidance to Requirements

Federal oversight of OT cybersecurity has moved beyond broad guidelines into a phase where specific reporting obligations are being set by sector. The shift reflects a growing emphasis on timely and consistent incident data that can be used for coordinated national response.

In 2025, several key developments are shaping the landscape:

Federal OT Cyber Incident Reporting, blog, embedded image, 2025
  • Pipelines: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Directive Pipeline-2021-02F, effective May 3, 2025, continues to require mitigation measures, testing and contingency planning for pipeline operators. These measures have been in place since the Colonial Pipeline incident and are now firmly embedded in regulatory practice.
  • Water and Wastewater: The EPA Water Sector Cybersecurity Program has updated its technical assistance and incident-response guidance. While participation is voluntary, the program mirrors many of the practices found in regulated sectors, indicating where expectations are headed.
  • CIRCIA: The Act is expected to be finalized in late 2025. Once in effect, it will require reporting significant incidents within 72 hours and ransomware payments within 24 hours, creating a cross-sector Federal baseline for incident reporting.

For Public Sector operators in energy, transportation, water and other essential services, these actions confirm that Federal expectations are moving toward consistent, evidence-based incident reporting across critical infrastructure.

The Reporting Challenge in OT Environments

Meeting Federal reporting requirements depends not only on having the right policies in place but also on the ability to detect and verify incidents quickly. In OT environments, many cyber events start as small changes in process behavior that do not appear in traditional network monitoring. When these early signs go unnoticed, agencies may be unable to confirm the incident, assess its impact or provide the detailed operational evidence that regulators require.

In the Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture (commonly referred to as the Purdue Model), Level Zero refers to the lowest layer of an industrial control system. This is where raw input and output (I/O) signals from field devices report the actual status of equipment such as pumps, valves, circuit breakers and turbines. These electrical signals are the first and most reliable indicators of what is happening in a physical process, and they exist independently of the network data that higher levels use.

Without visibility into Level Zero, operators face several obstacles:

  • Difficulty confirming whether a cyber event has actually affected operations
  • Limited ability to quantify operational and safety impacts with precision
  • Gaps in the time-stamped evidence needed to meet short Federal reporting windows

The challenge is heightened in environments that mix aging legacy systems with modernized control platforms. These environments often lack unified monitoring, making it harder to capture the unaltered operational data regulators now expect.

Why Process-Oriented OT Cybersecurity Matters

In the Purdue Model, Level Zero is the process interface where the control system reads and drives raw I/O signals. Those unprocessed signals provide the closest, most reliable view of real operating conditions, so early signs of a cyber-physical impact frequently show up there first.

Process-oriented OT cybersecurity focuses on monitoring these raw signals in real time. By capturing them out of band from the operational network, agencies gain a trusted source of truth that cannot be spoofed or altered by a network-based attack. This data enables:

  • Clear timelines of operational changes before, during and after an incident
  • Early detection of anomalies that may indicate tampering or failure
  • Reliable forensic evidence for post-incident reporting and compliance audits

This approach bridges the gap between traditional IT security tools and the operational realities of critical infrastructure, ensuring that reporting requirements can be met with both speed and accuracy.

SIGA’s Role in Compliance Readiness

SIGA delivers process-oriented OT cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. SigaGuard connects directly to control-system I/O modules and continuously monitors raw electrical signals at Level 0, entirely out of band from the operational network. This preserves system performance and provides a tamper-proof view of operational data.

SigaGuardX: Early Threat Detection
SigaGuardX supports evidence-based determination of when a cyber event is underway. It classifies whether activity reflects normal operations or an OT cyber breach by applying multiple artificial intelligence (AI) models and cross-referencing the MITRE database of known attacks. It also performs real-time comparisons between Level 0 signal behavior and data from Levels 1 through 4 to surface possible false-data injection attacks, including Stuxnet-like patterns.

Siga-PAS: Process Attack Simulation
Software-based simulated anomalies replicate real-world attack scenarios. Siga-PAS enables agencies to prepare for and respond to OT-specific threats without disrupting ongoing operations, while validating detection logic, incident playbooks and reporting workflows.

Compliance Outcomes

  • High-fidelity operational evidence that aligns with CIRCIA and sector-specific reporting requirements
  • Regulator-ready forensic records of sequence, scope and impact
  • Faster reporting through actionable alerts with operational context
  • Rapid verification of whether a cyber event affected critical processes

By integrating SIGA’s Level 0 monitoring into existing security operations, agencies can meet tightening Federal reporting requirements and improve their ability to detect, contain and recover from OT cyber incidents. This strengthens both regulatory compliance and the continuity of essential public services.

Visit Carahsoft’s SIGA solutions page to learn more about how SIGA’s cyber-physical security solutions can strengthen your agency’s infrastructure.

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 SIGA, 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.

Enabling Rapid Compliance with Sysfleet’s RPA Tools

Posted on by
Reply

As technology evolves, Government agencies seek to modernize effectively, securely and efficiently. By utilizing Sysfleet’s RPA tools, agencies can reach compliance, automate workflows, embed data loss prevention and promote solution-based, application life-cycle models.

The Power of RPA

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools refer to automation software that performs repetitive, rule-based tasks. In Government agencies, increasing efficiency is a primary concern, as it enables agencies to deliver solutions in a timely fashion.

There are three main benefits to RPA tools. RPA tools:

  1. Shorten the life cycle of requests
  2. Eradicate human error by automating menial tasks
  3. Improve security by detecting anomalies

Traditionally, Government struggles with high-risk projects; projects require an investment of time to gain approvals, and market monopolies result in high premiums. RPA enables Government to shorten the life cycle of projects, which reduces costs and expedites delivery time.

With the added capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), RPA tools can replace old-school application program interfaces (APIs) development, which can be draining and slow. Through hyper-automation, RPA enables users to carry out operations swiftly.

Meeting Government Needs with RPA

Before onboarding new technology like RPA tools, the Government expects certain inherited features, such as web content, accessibility controls, guidelines and FedRAMP certification. Sysfleet Consulting LLC, a technology solutions company that simplifies business processes, automates workflows and improves efficiency through system integration, is equipped to address the unique needs of Government agencies and enterprises.

Sysfleet helps Government agencies and enterprises gain compliance and audit readiness with its RPA solutions. Sysfleet’s RPA solutions have a unique focus on compliance automation. By transforming manual workflows into controlled, automated processes, Sysfleet embeds audit readiness and data security directly into agency workflow. Additionally, Sysfleet’s RPA tools can modernize with existing legacy systems without disrupting ongoing operations, cutting down on modernization costs. Sysfleet has delivered measurable results, enabling agencies to cut down on processing time by 30-70%, saving hundreds of labor hours quarterly.

Products to Enable Rapid Compliance

As an official Microsoft partner, Sysfleet utilizes applications such as Power Automate, UiPath and Blue Prism Automation to help customers automate repetitive tasks. Through the Power Platform’s  Center of Excellence (CoE), a Microsoft product that enables data loss prevention, Sysfleet automatically captures data, enabling users to follow and trace data trails. Additionally, Power Platform maps to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and  Federal Regulation section 508, and can operate within existing Government cloud boundaries and other external systems.

Benefits of the RPA-Enabled Automation

Sysfleet improves operational performance through automation. Traditionally, State Government approvals take years, draining time and resources. With Sysfleet’s RPA tools, agencies can shorten internal approval time by 55%, gaining a return of investment within just six months. The tools automate safely and are easy to scale to existing applications. Additionally, Sysfleet’s RPA tool can expedite long manual processes that traditionally contain human errors due to their complexity.

Carahsoft and Sysfleet

Through strategic partnerships, Sysfleet ensures secure, scalable, future-ready solutions. Sysfleet has proven leadership in Government automation projects, delivering measurable results in mission-critical workflows. By partnering with Carahsoft, Sysfleet is further empowered to support the Public Sector. Carahsoft enables Sysfleet to reach Government customers nation-wide, to help agencies expedite the procurement process, scale and reach marketing and offer solution bundling.

Learn how agencies can accelerate modernization and embed security into every workflow.

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 Sysfleet, 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.

From Noise to Impact: How Agencies Can Build Real AI Use Cases

Posted on by
Reply

Insights from Federal data, legal and technology leaders on turning AI potential into mission-driven action

Everyone’s talking about AI. But in Government, where budgets are tight, oversight is strict and the stakes are high, talk isn’t enough. Agencies need AI use cases that solve real problems, not just generate headlines.

At a recent panel discussion in D.C. hosted by ZL Tech and Carahsoft, experts from data, legal and tech roles shared their insights on how Federal agencies can move from experimentation to impact. Their message was clear: success with AI starts with governance, strategy and the right people at the table.

1. Want Real AI? Start at the Top

The biggest challenge agencies face? Starting small and remaining siloed.

“Start at the highest, most strategic level of the organization,” said Matthew Versaggi, a White House Presidential Innovation Fellow for AI. “Don’t begin in your own department, by then it’s too narrow. Instead, ask: what’s the most impactful agency-wide use case we can build toward?”

The panelists emphasized that departmental pain points might improve workflows, but agency-wide pain points tied to the mission are where AI can truly move the needle.

“Without a structured process, you’re just chasing your tail,” added Kon Leong, CEO of ZL Tech. “Start small, but make sure your experiment is scalable and aligned to long-term strategy.”

2. Governance Isn’t a Roadblock. It’s the Roadmap.

AI can’t succeed without trust in the data. And trust depends on governance.

“Governance is accountability,” said Leong. “It’s what separates scalable, sustainable innovation from science experiments.”

Jason Baron, a professor and former senior Government attorney, described governance as a mesh, not a silo: “True governance links your CISO, CIO, records officers, FOIA leads, legal teams—all under shared policy and ownership. We used to work in silos. That has to end.”

And as Matthew pointed out, AI governance isn’t a blocker, it’s an enabler: “AI governance becomes the mechanism for sustaining innovation. If we’re going to compete globally, we have to embrace it.”

3. Talk to Your CDO—Yes, You Have One

One of the most actionable takeaways: if you’re not already talking to your Chief Data Officer, you’re behind.

“Every agency has a CDO,” said Jason. “Go find them. Hopefully you like them. Have a conversation.”

CDOs are uniquely positioned to bridge mission needs with data access and policy. As one attendee noted during the session, “Awareness is the first step. Records and governance leaders are finally getting a seat at the table.”

It’s no longer enough for legal, records and privacy teams to operate in isolation. Building AI responsibly requires alignment—and that starts with the CDO.

4. Unstructured Data Is the Game-Changer

Structured data, like spreadsheets and databases, has been the traditional foundation for reporting and analytics. But that’s not where the majority of Government data lives.

“Unstructured data is radioactive,” said Leong. “That’s where every crisis lives. And now, it’s center stage in AI.”

Unstructured data includes everything from emails and PDFs to file shares, chat logs and documents. It makes up more than 80% of enterprise data, yet many agencies lack visibility or control over it.

Jason gave a real-world Federal perspective: “As a records guy, I’d take out my watch and wait to see how long it took vendors to say ‘FOIA’ or ‘FedRAMP.’ If they don’t understand the challenges around Federal unstructured data, they’re not serious.”

5. Use the Impact vs. Effort Matrix to Prioritize Wisely

With hundreds of possible AI use cases, how can agencies filter out distractions and find the ones worth pursuing?

Panelists recommended the Impact vs. Effort Matrix—a simple yet powerful tool to map use cases by how much effort they require and how much impact they’ll deliver.

What Is the Impact vs. Effort Matrix?

This tool helps agencies focus on what’s worth doing, especially when time, talent and resources are limited. Each AI idea gets placed into one of four categories:

  • Quick Wins (High Impact, Low Effort): Prioritize these immediately.
  • Major Projects (High Impact, High Effort): Worth the investment—plan carefully.
  • Fill-Ins (Low Impact, Low Effort): Do when time permits.
  • Thankless Tasks (Low Impact, High Effort): Avoid or minimize these.

“We see hundreds of AI ideas across agencies,” one panelist said. “But when you apply the matrix, only a handful have real traction. The juice has to be worth the squeeze.”

The matrix helps filter noise and ensure teams are spending time on the projects most likely to scale, succeed and support the mission.

6. Build with Scale in Mind, Even If You Start Small

AI is experimental. Not every idea will pan out. But successful projects need a path to grow from day one.

“Do a small test with an enterprise mindset,” said Matthew. “Security, governance and scale should be built in from the start.”

Leong agreed: “Get your data ducks in a row, and everything else will follow. You don’t want to make long-term bets on projects that were never designed to scale.”

7. Custom or Off-the-Shelf? Choose Based on Complexity

Should agencies build custom platforms or adapt off-the-shelf tools? It depends.

“Don’t overpay for generic tools,” said Matthew. “But for deep, high-end capabilities, you may need in-house builds—just know the tradeoffs.”

The more specialized the use case, the more likely a tailored solution is required. But whether buying or building, the panel emphasized the importance of involving records officers, legal teams and SMEs early—not just the CIO chasing the next shiny object.

Final Thought: The Data Is There. The Champions Are Too.

The core message of the session? Agencies already have the data—and they have the people who care about getting it right.

What’s missing is coordination, prioritization and a strong governance foundation.

Start with strategy. Talk to your CDO. Use the matrix. Build with intent.

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 ZL Tech, 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.

How AI-Powered Compliance Solutions Are Transforming Regulatory Management for Government Agencies

Posted on by
Reply

Government agencies manage between 12,000 and 40,000 regulatory obligations, with approximately 200 to 250 new regulatory alerts issued globally every day across the financial services sector alone. This escalating complexity is driving agencies to rethink their approach to compliance management, moving away from manual, reactive processes toward intelligent, proactive solutions.

The Overwhelming Scale of Modern Regulatory Compliance

Traditional compliance methods cannot keep up with today’s regulatory demands. In the U.S., the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) account for over 5,000 of those obligations. In the future, 74% of organizations anticipate even more regulatory activity, highlighting the rise and complexity of compliance requirements.

The challenge extends beyond just volume to the speed at which regulations evolve and their divergence across jurisdictions. Traditional methods—spreadsheets, siloed systems and manual tracking—leave agencies vulnerable to gaps and inconsistencies that can result in significant penalties and reputational damage.

For Government agencies, the stakes are even higher. They must demonstrate complete adherence to regulatory standards while maintaining public trust through transparency and accountability. This creates additional pressure on compliance teams to meet regulatory requirements in a way that can withstand public scrutiny and audits.

The Hidden Costs of Manual Compliance Operations

Manual compliance processes are costly and inefficient. A 10-person compliance team loses approximately $500,000 annually to manual tasks like monitoring, tagging, mapping and documentation—excluding the costs of fines and remediation. That time could instead be spent on strategic analysis and risk prevention.

A high employee turnover rate of 23% further inflates costs, as onboarding new analysts takes months. By the time they are fully trained, they are often ready to move on from routine tasks, creating a cycle of constant training, development and replacement.

Manual processes also introduce risks such as compliance gaps, failed audits and regulatory penalties. Organizations using manual processes experience 3.2 times more violations than those with automation. These inefficiencies contribute to the expectation that compliance costs will rise 6-9% annually through 2030, making automation a financial necessity.

AI as a Force Multiplier for Compliance Teams

Archer, AI-Powered Compliance Solutions Are Transforming Regulatory Management, blog, embedded image, 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) serves as a force multiplier that can put the expertise of a 15- or 20-year analyst into the hands of an amateur. By delivering institutional knowledge and step-by-step guidance through complex processes, AI significantly reduces onboarding time for new team members.

Its impact is both immediate and measurable. AI-powered horizon scanning reduces the time analysts spend reviewing regulatory updates from hours to minutes, filtering out up to 95% of irrelevant alerts so teams can focus on the 5% that truly matter. Natural language further enhances efficiency by breaking down complex regulatory text into digestible summaries, helping teams quickly understand and act on new requirements.

Most notably, AI automates obligation extraction from dense regulatory text—a process that manually takes 5.3 hours per obligation and has a 14.6% error rate. AI identifies obligation statements, provides rationale and tags content for routing to the appropriate business units. In doing so, AI not only streamlines workflows but also ensures greater quality and accuracy over time through expert-in-the-loop validation.

End-to-End Lifecycle Management for Regulatory Changes

Modern compliance requires a holistic approach, from identifying regulatory updates to operational implementation and audit readiness. The true value comes from operationalizing these insights into frameworks, policies, controls and measurable testing programs. Yet only 38% of organizations successfully map regulatory changes through to updated controls and audit trails.

Lifecycle management starts with comprehensive horizon scanning and extends through policy governance, control alignment and continuous monitoring. When updates—such as tighter insider trading language—triggers changes, AI flags policy conflicts, creates change requests and ties them directly to relevant citations. This creates a clear audit trail, ensuring that modifications are documented, defensible and properly embedded back into the compliance framework.

AI also strengthens control management by flagging gaps between obligations and controls, identifying conflicts with evolving regulations and static policies—such as a privacy policy’s opt-in age that conflicts with new jurisdictional requirements—and recommending changes before violations occur. This creates a responsive system where regulatory changes automatically drive updates across policies, controls and audits.

Proactive Risk Management Through Intelligent Automation

Shifting from reactive to proactive compliance enables smarter risk management. Intelligent automation identifies potential issues before they become violations and informs decisions about expanding products and services or entering new markets. Instead of months-long manual assessments, agencies can use AI to instantly identify control gaps and readiness. This can speed up service expansion or help agencies determine not to proceed.

Automated insights also enhance leadership decision-making. By combining real-time monitoring with impact analysis, agencies can prepare for regulatory changes instead of responding after implementation deadlines. These capabilities yield real results: organizations leveraging AI-driven compliance systems report a 79% reduction in audit cycle times—from 42 days to nine—and 90% fewer evidence requests from business units.

The future of Government compliance lies in embracing intelligent automation that enhances human expertise rather than replacing it. By implementing AI-powered solutions that can manage the velocity and complexity of modern regulatory requirements, agencies can transform their compliance programs from reactive cost centers into proactive strategic assets.

To learn more about how AI-powered compliance solutions can transform your agency’s regulatory management approach, watch the full webinar “Archer Evolv Compliance” and view the solution brief for a deeper dive into the platform’s capabilities.

* All statistics referenced in this blog are sourced directly from the webinar on which this content is based.

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 Archer, 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.

How AI-Powered Contract Writing is Transforming Federal Acquisition Operations

Posted on by
Reply

Federal agencies are facing growing pressure to deliver acquisition solutions faster, more efficiently and with deeper commercial market engagement; however, traditional manual contract processes are proving insufficient for meeting mission-critical timelines. The union of artificial intelligence (AI) and enterprise resource planning systems now offers a transformative solution that automates contract creation, ensures compliance and maintains the real-time visibility essential for modern Federal operations.

AI-Driven Contract Automation and Efficiency

Integrating AI into contract writing shifts Federal contracting professionals’ focus from administrative burden to strategic work. Modern AI-powered platforms automatically select and populate appropriate Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses based on acquisition parameters such as contract type, commodity classification and procurement method. This automation eliminates time-consuming manual clause selection and reduces the risk of human error in compliance requirements.

Beyond simple clause insertion, the technology supports form generation and contract assembly. When contracting officers define basic parameters—whether procuring supplies or services, acquisition type and contract structure—the AI system cascades these selections to generate comprehensive solicitation packages. What once required weeks of manual preparation becomes a streamlined process completed in hours. The system maintains full version control and audit trails to document every modification and decision point for future reference and compliance reviews.

This automation enables teams to prioritize higher-value strategic tasks such as developing innovative procurement strategies, refining requirements and engaging with industry to identify cutting-edge solutions that advance mission objectives.

Seamless ERP Integration and Data Flow

Modern contract management lies in seamless integration across the procurement ecosystem. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) integration eliminates data silos, creating a unified environment where contract information flows automatically between sourcing, execution and financial systems. Vendor master data, pricing information and contract line-item details populate without requiring duplicate data entry across platforms, establishing a single version of truth for contract data.

When sourcing events transition into contract execution, all relevant information transfers seamlessly, maintaining continuity throughout the lifecycle. Execution activities automatically update contract status and performance metrics, providing real-time visibility into utilization, budget consumption and milestones.

This integrated environment proves valuable for complex Federal acquisitions involving multiple stakeholders and extended timelines. Project command centers automatically populate with relevant documents, team members and milestone tracking based on acquisition type and requirements. Comprehensive audit trails and proactive management of contract modifications, amendments and closeout procedures support effective oversight and decision-making across large contract portfolios.

Federal Compliance and Risk Mitigation

Icertis, AI Powered Contract Writing, blog, embedded image, 2025

Compliance with Federal acquisition regulations has grown increasingly complex as oversight requirements intensify and regulatory frameworks evolve. AI-powered contract systems address these challenges through automated compliance checking that ensures appropriate clauses, terms and conditions are consistently applied across all contract types. Clause libraries remain current by syncing with acquisition.gov, incorporating regulatory updates and agency-specific supplements automatically.

The system recognizes compliance requirements based on contract characteristics and dollar thresholds. For example, small business set-asides trigger inclusion of socioeconomic clauses and certification requirements, while construction contracts incorporate relevant safety and environmental provisions. This automation reduces the risk of protests and disputes while ensuring consistent compliance across an agency’s entire contract portfolio.

Risk mitigation capabilities include proactive monitoring and automated alerts for critical milestones. The system identifies potential supply chain vulnerabilities, flag contracts approaching funding limits and recommends amendments or modifications before performance is impacted. This approach helps agencies address issues early to maintain operational continuity and comply with Federal oversight.

Mission Readiness and Supply Chain Resilience

Modern Federal operations demand the ability to respond rapidly to evolving mission requirements and supply chain disruptions. AI-powered contract intelligence equips acquisition professionals with dashboards offering both macro and micro perspectives on contract portfolios. This visibility enables rapid identification of alternative sources when primary suppliers face disruptions or surge contracting requirements emerge.

During crisis response, contracting officers can quickly assess contracts offering similar solutions or services, explore modification options and evaluate supply chain pivots. The system also highlights relevant clauses affected by changing requirements and what alternative sourcing strategies are available within existing vehicles. Instead of relying on institutional knowledge or manual searches, acquisition professionals can access real-time analytics on contract performance, vendor capabilities and available vehicles. This capability is essential when scaling operations or pivoting to address emerging threats while maintaining compliance.

End-to-End Contract Lifecycle Management

Comprehensive contract lifecycle management spans every phase, from requisition through closeout, maintaining continuity and institutional knowledge. Modern platforms support the full Federal contract framework, including all sections of the Uniform Contract Format (UCF) and management of complex parent-child relationships between base contracts and amendments. This ensures modifications maintain proper documentation and approval workflows while preserving historical context essential for audit and oversight.

Amendment processing is a particular strength: Standard Form (SF)-30 modifications can be generated automatically while retaining all original contract information and maintaining version control. Contracting officers can modify delivery schedules, quantities or performance requirements as needed—essential for managing long-term contracts that evolve over time.

AI capabilities also extend to contract analysis and summarization, enabling rapid comprehension of complex documents. Contracting officers can query contracts in natural language to locate specific clauses, assess risk or understand approval workflows. This proves valuable during reviews, protest responses or when new team members need to quickly understand contract structures and requirements.

Federal acquisition operations continue evolving as agencies balance increasing mission demands with the need for transparency, efficiency and compliance. AI-powered contract writing offers a transformative opportunity to modernize acquisition processes while maintaining the rigor and oversight Federal operations require. The convergence of AI, enterprise integration and comprehensive lifecycle management equips acquisition professionals with the tools to meet today’s challenges and prepare for future success.

Discover how AI-powered contract writing can transform your agency’s acquisition operations by watching the full webinar, “Advancing Mission Readiness with AI-Powered Contract Writing.”

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 Icertis, 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.

Bridging Identity Governance and Dynamic Access: The Anatomy of a Contextual and Dynamic Access Policy

Posted on by
Reply

As organizations adapt to increasingly complex IT ecosystems, traditional static access policies fail to meet modern security demands. This blog instance continues to explore how identity attributes, and governance controls impact contextual and dynamic access policies—as highlighted previous articles; Governing Identity Attributes in a Contextual and Dynamic Access Control Environment and SailPoint Identity Security The foundation of DoD ICAM and Zero Trust, it examines the role of identity governance controls, such as role-based access (dynamic or policy-based), lifecycle management, and separation of duties, as the foundation for real-time decision-making and compliance. Together, these approaches not only mitigate evolving threats but also align with critical standards like NIST SP 800-207, NIST CSF, and DHS CISA recommendations, enabling secure, adaptive, and scalable access ecosystems. Discover how this integration empowers organizations to achieve zero-trust principles, enhance operational resilience, and maintain regulatory compliance in an era of dynamic threats.

Authors Note: While I referenced the DoD instruction and guidance, the examples in the document can be applied to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and NIST SP 800-53 controls as well. My next article with speak specifically to the applicability of the DHS CDM MUR and future proposed DEFEND capabilities.


Defining Contextual and Dynamic Access Policies

Contextual and dynamic access policies adapt access decisions based on real-time inputs, including user identity, device security posture, behavioral patterns, and environmental risks. By focusing on current context rather than static attributes, these policies mitigate risks such as over-provisioning or unauthorized access.

Key Features:

  • Contextual Awareness: Evaluates real-time signals such as login frequency, device encryption status, geolocation, and threat intelligence.
  • Dynamic Decision-Making: Enforces least-privilege access dynamically and incorporates risk-based authentication (e.g., triggering MFA only under high-risk scenarios).
  • Identity Governance Integration: Leverages governance structures to align access with roles, responsibilities, and compliance standards.

The Role of Identity Governance Controls

Identity governance forms the backbone of effective contextual and dynamic access policies by providing the structure needed for secure access management. Core components include:

SailPoint Bridging Identity Governance Blog Embedded Image
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Dynamic/Policy-based: Defines roles and associated entitlements to reduce excessive or inappropriate access.
  • Access Reviews: Ensures periodic validation of user access rights, aligning with business needs and compliance mandates.
  • Separation of Duties (SoD): Prevents conflicts of interest by limiting excessive control over critical processes.
  • Lifecycle Management: Automates the provisioning and de-provisioning of access rights as roles change.
  • Policy Framework: Establishes clear baselines for determining who can access what resources under specific conditions.

Balancing Runtime Evaluation and Governance Controls

While governance controls establish structured, policy-driven access frameworks, runtime evaluations add the flexibility to adapt to real-time risks. Together, they create a layered security approach:

  • Baseline Governance: Sets foundational access rights using role-based policies and lifecycle management.
  • Dynamic Contextualization: Enhances governance by factoring in real-time conditions to ensure access decisions reflect current risk levels.
  • Feedback Loops: Insights from runtime evaluations inform and refine governance policies over time.

Benefits of Integration

By combining governance controls with contextual access policies, organizations achieve:

  • Enhanced security through continuous evaluation and dynamic risk mitigation.
  • Improved compliance with regulatory frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, and NIST standards.
  • Operational efficiency by automating access reviews and reducing administrative overhead.

The integration of contextual and dynamic access policies with identity governance controls addresses the dual needs of flexibility and security in modern cybersecurity strategies. By combining structured governance with real-time adaptability, organizations can mitigate risks, ensure compliance, and achieve a proactive security posture that aligns with evolving business needs and regulatory demands. This layered approach represents the future of access management in a rapidly changing digital environment.


To learn more about how SailPoint can support your organization’s efforts within identity governance, cybersecurity and Zero Trust, view our resource, “The Anatomy of a Contextual and Dynamic Access Policy.”


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 SailPoint, 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.

How to Accelerate the Journey to Government Compliance with CCM

Posted on by
Reply

Government agencies are inundated with a vast amount of daily Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) tasks and processes. Achieving regulatory compliance, an arduous process, can take up precious time that could be reallocated to other business-critical missions.

Continuous controls monitoring (CCM) is one solution. CCM leverages AI and extreme automation to help cut down on manual processes, allowing agencies to overcome regulatory hurdles, supercharge their staff, and make better risk-based decisions with fast, cost-effective automations.

Improving the Compliance Process

Creating a quality compliance report comes with heavy, manual processing time. CCM can help significantly by taking away some of the cumbersome brunt work, cutting 60-80% of the manual tasks required by GRC programs.

RegScale Government Compliance CCM Blog Embedded Image 2024

It can also help overcome hurdles to reaching valuable security authorizations.  Completing an Authorization to Operate (ATO) package can take roughly six months to finish — but that process can be reduced to two weeks with the right CCM platform.  CCM also gives agencies a leg up with gaining Continuous Authorization to Operate (cATO) by leveraging OSCAL, a machine-readable format that standardizes security control documentation and enables automated validation.

The Time-Saving Capabilities of Machine Learning and AI

In the past year, advances in machine learning (including large language models and generative AI) have created exciting new possibilities for GRC teams. AI and machine learning (ML) can offer everything from better data analysis to proactive risk management to a major reduction in manual processes. Here are a few of the most compelling use cases for AI-enabled GRC:

  • Help employees proactively monitor traffic
  • Review code for errors unlikely to be caught by the human eye
  • Explain complex controls and procedures in everyday language, bridging knowledge gaps
  • Generate accurate, up-to-date documentation in one click

Overall, AI allows agencies to move faster, with more accuracy, and with better visibility. To free up staff to complete mission-critical objectives, agencies should create their own AI/ML usage strategies and implement them within a Compliance as Code framework.

How RegScale’s CCM Leverages Compliance-Trained AI

RegScale’s AI-enabled platform, RegML, combines CCM and leading large language (LLM) tools to streamline compliance management with intelligent automation and precision. This approach improves compliance by significantly reducing manual labor and costs. It also provides user-friendly summaries and guidance and improves accuracy and precision in documentation, freeing up staff to focus on core business objectives. 

RegML has four main AI features:

  • AI Extractor, which automatically derives compliance documentation from existing policies and procedures.
  • AI Explainer, which is designed to demystify control statements by providing users with simple explanations of intricate controls.
  • AI Author, which helps draft control implementation statements in the context of relevant regulations and requirements. This process allows writers to focus on editing a draft, leading to fewer errors and better accuracy.
  • AI Auditor, which identifies gaps in controls and provides suggestions for improvement. This frees up teams to work on more critical tasks like fixing gaps and implementing controls.

CCM and the Future

Today, more and more work is being done in the cloud. As data becomes ephemeral and serverless, cybersecurity has become more important than ever — as have the mandatory frameworks governing it. Meanwhile, regulations such as NIST’s Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF), the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) mandates, and the European Union’s AI Act have or are predicted to undergo changes.

These shifting frameworks only make CCM more integral, as its AI features allow users to ensure that they are thoroughly compliant at every step of the process. By freeing time for additional tasks, and by maintaining adherence to changing regulations, CCM enables organizations to improve their GRC programs and streamline their operations.

To learn more about how RegScale’s CCM platform provides a layer of security around AI usage, watch its webinar How AI is Revolutionizing Government Compliance.

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 RegScale, 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.

Why OSINT is Crucial to Having a Comprehensive Security Strategy

Posted on by
Reply

The landscape of intelligence gathering has evolved dramatically since the 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, accessing and utilizing information effectively was a major challenge, especially for Government agencies tasked with monitoring threats. Intelligence gathering was often a manual process, with significant gaps in communication and real-time analysis. Today technology has bridged those gaps, and organizations are more equipped than ever to gather and act upon threat intelligence.

At the heart of this evolution is open source intelligence (OSINT). OSINT refers to the collection and analysis of information that is publicly available from a variety of sources, such as websites, social media platforms, blogs, news outlets and more. This data is processed to derive actionable insights for decision making, security operations and threat detection. By leveraging OSINT, organizations can gather, analyze and deliver real-time data to enhance security and operational effectiveness.

Leveraging OSINT

When it comes to cyber operations, effectively leveraging OSINT can provide a significant advantage. Without strong intelligence, it becomes difficult to move from strategic planning to tactical and operational execution. Threats often begin long before a hacker breaches a network, with adversaries gathering intelligence on their targets over time. A holistic approach is critical—whether focusing on offensive or defensive cyber strategies—because gaps in understanding can lead to vulnerabilities and unintended consequences.

Recorded Future OSINT Blog Embedded Image 2024

A useful framework for understanding OSINT’s role is the information-to-risk pyramid. At its base, monitoring and telemetry are essential for providing context to potential threats. Many organizations rely on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), a standardized framework for evaluating and ranking the severity of software vulnerabilities, to help prioritize and address the most critical risks first. However, this system alone may not provide a complete picture. Integrating additional intelligence can reveal that vulnerabilities are actively exploited, making them far more dangerous.

Once threats are identified, organizations can bring in key stakeholders to formulate strategic responses. Risk owners, often from the business side, play a critical role alongside IT in decision-making. Government agencies, with their vast networks and resources, face these challenges on an even larger scale. In today’s environment seconds matter, and OSINT plays a pivotal role in crafting strategic plans to mitigate risks in real time.

The Human Factor

While technology plays a crucial role in OSINT, the human factor remains just as important. Analysts are at the heart of making OSINT actionable, reviewing alerts and correlating information. Integrating intelligence through application programming interface (API) calls can enhance this process, allowing organizations to combine telemetry data with open source information (OSIF).

Networks in large organizations are complex, generating thousands of security information and event management (SIEM) alerts daily, leading to alert fatigue. In such environments, timely responses are crucial. Adversaries can breach networks quickly, often within hours, so the ability to act decisively is vital to preventing significant losses. By focusing on critical alerts rather than false alarms, analysts can address the real threats.

Aligning OSINT tools with governance, risk management and compliance (GRC) can help organizations reduce vulnerabilities and enhance their overall security resilience. By understanding risks, organizations can effectively apply technology to secure their assets and ensure uninterrupted operations.

The Cost of Inaction

Turning gathered intelligence into actionable insights is vital, particularly for safeguarding critical infrastructure. As highlighted by FBI Director Christopher Wray, advanced persistent threats (APTs) are increasingly targeting essential sectors like energy, water and transportation. Today’s cybercriminals are no longer just interested in attacking networks to boast about their successes; they are targeting specific organizations.

Beyond direct attacks, adversaries may also infiltrate networks to understand how organizations and systems operate. Networking devices—especially in small office and home (SoHo) environments—are often the weakest links, frequently overlooked despite their vulnerability. While organizations regularly patch servers and monitor critical systems, these networking devices, particularly near sensitive areas like military bases or airports, can be soft targets. Once compromised, attackers can use local IP addresses to stay within the network, gathering information to plan more sophisticated attacks.

Furthermore, the threats extend beyond financial loss. Data privacy and the long-term impact of breaches must also be considered. Publicly traded companies face regulatory scrutiny from agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC). With new regulations such as Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA) on the horizon in 2025, organizations will be required to report incidents promptly. Failing to protect sensitive data can result in costly fines and reputational damage, long after the breach has been resolved.

The Future of Cybersecurity is Proactive

Cybersecurity is a continuous operation that requires vigilance and adaptability. In an era where adversaries are patient and highly organized, an organization’s ability to identify and respond to threats effectively enables them to be not only reactive but proactive, addressing risks before they become crises. OSINT is no longer optional; it is a strategic necessity for organizations aiming to protect their assets, reputation and future.

To learn more about harnessing OSINT to enhance situational awareness, intelligence gathering and strategic decision making watch Recorded Future’s webinar “The Importance of OSINT in Defense Operations.”

Transforming State and Local Government in Ohio Through Technology

Posted on by
Reply

Innovation and collaboration are imperative to drive growth and transformation in State and Local Governments, as well as the need to invest in education and training to prepare the workforce for the jobs of the future. At the Carahsoft Digital Transformation Roadshow in Columbus, Ohio, Government IT and industry leaders engaged in dynamic discussions around the role of technology in shaping the modernization of the state of Ohio and beyond.

Technology Innovation in State and Local Government

Ohio State and Local agencies have begun to integrate innovative technologies to drive better decision-making while lowering the cost of ownership for IT systems; however, this requires significant investment in infrastructure, training and talent acquisition. Agencies must also ensure cybersecurity and risk management, as the use of new technology can create new vulnerabilities. There is a critical need for education, collaboration and innovation as State and Local agencies reimagine the future workforce which is an ever evolving complex and diverse ecosystem.

When faced with implementing technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT) and other transformational technologies, comprehensive planning is the best way forward for State and Local agencies. By doing the planning upfront, agencies can ensure that they have the right tools to manage vulnerabilities, mitigate risks and drive innovation.

Carahsoft State and Local Ohio Roadshow Blog Embedded Image 2023Utilizing a single platform that connects automation of other tools into that platform helps agencies get real-time data reporting and addresses risk within the organization. By using multiple endpoint management and security tools in a single platform, agencies can streamline their operations, reduce costs and improve their overall security posture.

A local agency in Westerville, Ohio has started using data for applied analytics and customizing citizen experiences using a feedback model. This approach involves analyzing and interpreting data to improve services and provide a more streamlined citizen experience for services like trash collection, public safety and traffic management. By using data to drive decision-making and improve services, agencies can become more efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of citizens.

Building a Resilient Government

Modernizing systems, which is the top priority for building a resilient Government, will improve citizen services, generate cost savings, increase security and provide a more holistic, human-centered Government experience. Many State and Local agencies have outdated systems and need to modernize their infrastructure and business processes to make commerce more accessible and efficient. This involves evaluating areas for improvement, such as replacing fax machines with modernized digital tools and platforms and consolidating multiple systems into a few with all the key functionality they need.

The Ohio Department of Aging (DoA) implemented a tenant of rapid response in which automated systems provide emergency staffing within 24 hours for long-term care facilities and nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to this day. The DoA has also worked on predictive modeling utilizing the Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) organizational strategy to identify potential issues and respond proactively. Additionally, it has focused on meeting citizens’ needs through an omnichannel approach, using interoperable data analytics and predictive modeling to provide a more personalized and efficient experience.

Combating Cyber Threats in Government

Public Sector organizations face a range of cybersecurity risks, including data exploitation, insider threats, third party vulnerabilities, ransomware, identity theft and fraudulent access to State Government services. To mitigate these risks, agencies can take steps such as implementing strong access controls, regularly updating software and systems, conducting employee training on cybersecurity best practices and partnering with other organizations to share threat intelligence and collaborate on incident response.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers several services to assist Government agencies with cybersecurity, including assessments and external dependency mapping. These services are provided at no cost to agencies, as they are already paid for by federal taxpayers. The services include:

  • Cybersecurity assessments: conduct cybersecurity assessments, which can help identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement.
  • Ransomware readiness assessments: prepare for and respond to ransomware attacks, which are a growing threat to State and Local Governments.
  • External dependency mapping: identify and assess third-party vendors and other external dependencies, which can be a source of cybersecurity risk.
  • Threat intelligence sharing: provide agencies with information on emerging threats and best practices for defending against cyber-attacks.
  • Incident response planning: develop and test incident response plans, which can help ensure a coordinated and effective response in the event of a cyber-attack.

As cybersecurity threats become more sophisticated, it is increasingly critical for individual employees to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect their agency. Following best practices for password management, avoiding suspicious emails and links and reporting any potential security incidents to IT or security personnel is imperative. Agencies should provide regular training and offer resources such as phishing simulations to help employees become more vigilant.

Agencies must continue to leverage technology, utilize resources like CISA, stay up to date on the latest best practices and remain committed to meeting citizens’ needs. By embracing technology innovation, State and Local agencies can create a brighter future for all.

 

Explore more resources and learn more about Carahsoft’s State and Local Roadshow Series: Digital Transformation by visiting our Roadshow portfolio.

*The information contained in this blog has been written based off the thought-leadership discussions presented by speakers at Carahsoft’s Digital Transformation Roadshow.*