How Government Agencies Can Modernize Transportation with Uber for Business

Posted on by Nick Brown

State and Local Government agencies are under pressure to do more with less while still delivering reliable services. Transportation is fragmented in many agencies, with four or five separate vendor contracts across departments in larger agencies. There is an over-reliance on legacy vendors that are significantly more expensive, including specialty vendors that are important for certain populations and services but may not be necessary for every rider. In many cases, these systems require rides to be booked days in advance, sometimes through offline means such as phone calls. This lack of centralization also limits reporting and visibility into how transportation dollars are being spent.

Uber for Business helps Government agencies move away from a fragmented model by offering a single enterprise platform that can support a variety of transportation needs across departments. With more than 9.4 million participating drivers and couriers, Uber has the largest rideshare network in the world. Centralized administration and reporting provides agencies with a complete view of their transportation programs while reducing the burden on staff who currently manage rides manually.

Supporting Employee Travel and Community Programs

Agencies are using Uber for Business in several capacities. One major use case is employee travel. Many agencies still rely on rental cars or motor pools for staff traveling for work. Uber for Business provides an alternative that can also augment existing fleet operations, helping reduce reliance on basic sedans while allowing fleet teams to focus on specialized vehicles. Agencies can set controls around who can ride, when they can ride and what trip options are available. This is especially appealing as many employees are already familiar with using Uber in their personal lives, making it a seamless and intuitive option to extend into official Government travel.

Agencies are also using Uber for Business to support community-facing programs, including:

Court systems use rideshares to transport victims and witnesses, ensuring they arrive on time reliably and have access to a mode of transportation they are familiar with.
Social service departments and similar programs are using rideshare to close mobility gaps for the populations they serve, including workforce reentry, recidivism and youth and family programs that need reliable transportation to access essential services or job opportunities.
Public safety and transportation agencies are leveraging rideshare to support anti-driving under the influence (DUI) and safe ride campaigns, helping reduce impaired driving by providing residents with accessible transportation alternatives during high-risk times.

Delivering Value Quickly

One of the clearest advantages of Uber for Business is how quickly agencies can begin seeing value. For program managers responsible for overseeing social service and community programs, the benefits can be immediate when constituents are able to get where they need to go more reliably. Smoother transportation can make programs easier to manage and more effective overall.

Programs can be set up as fast as a couple of days. This speed can be especially important when agencies have immediate transportation needs or are looking for a fast, low-lift way to modernize existing processes.

Reducing Costs and Administrative Burden

Uber, Modernize Transportation Blog, Embedded Image, 2026

Cost savings are another major driver for adoption. Through Uber’s partnership with Carahsoft, the solution is available through a National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) agreement that includes built-in incentives for agencies. Uber also applies a tax exemption tag when setting up programs so eligible rides are exempt from applicable taxes.

Beyond discounts and tax advantages, agencies can realize significant operational efficiencies. Program managers no longer need to call in rides or worry about whether clients are reaching their destinations. Instead, they can see trips in real time, communicate with drivers during the booking process and distribute ride credits easily. These streamlined workflows reduce administrative effort and help programs run more efficiently.

Improving Visibility, Compliance and Oversight

For agencies in large counties, Uber for Business can be set up with a parent account that all department accounts fall under. This gives agencies centralized administration rights and better reporting across the organization. It also supports auditing and grant compliance by allowing administrators to view granular details for each trip.

Centralization also helps agencies capture unmanaged transportation spending that may otherwise happen informally across departments. Instead of relying on ad hoc rideshare use with little oversight, agencies can bring transportation activity into one system and enforce internal policies more consistently.

Enhancing the Transportation Experience

Ease of use is a major reason agencies are adopting Uber for Business. For riders, the biggest advantage is on-demand access. Rather than scheduling transportation days in advance, riders can get a trip when they need it. This flexibility can make a meaningful difference for participants in social service and workforce reentry programs, where reliable access to transportation can affect whether someone is able to reach work, court or other essential services.

Uber has also invested in accessibility features, building tools for riders who may not have a cell phone or the Uber app, as well as for those who speak another language or have low vision or hearing-related disabilities. For Government agencies focused on serving all constituents, not just most, these capabilities can help expand access and improve inclusivity.

A Centralized Transportation Strategy

According to Uber, the most successful deployments happen when an executive or procurement leader helps identify which departments across an agency could benefit from a more modern, efficient mobility solution. That agency-wide visibility makes it easier to structure the right program from the start, including setting up the parent account, selecting the right products for different departments and developing an implementation and training plan for staff. This kind of centralized planning can help agencies move beyond isolated pilots and create a transportation strategy that serves multiple departments and use cases through one platform.

For agencies just getting started, most programs can be up and running in less than a month. While some agencies may choose to run their own solicitation process, others can take advantage of existing contracts through NASPO and Carahsoft to start immediately. In emergency situations, deployment can be done within a day. Uber can move as fast as an agency requires.

As agencies look for ways to improve service delivery, manage budgets more carefully and give employees and constituents more reliable transportation options, Uber for Business provides a scalable and flexible model for modernization. From employee travel and fleet augmentation to court systems and social services, a centralized rideshare platform can help agencies simplify operations, improve oversight and better meet transportation needs across the communities they serve.

To learn more about how Uber provides modern travel and rideshare options to Government agencies, view their Uber for Business portfolio.

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 Uber for 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

The Top 5 Insights for Government from HIMSS 2026

Posted on by Tim Boltz

Healthcare and technology leaders convened at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) 2026 conference with a shared sense of urgency as the Federal health ecosystem is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in decades. Across panel sessions, discussions highlighted both the structural challenges and strategic investments shaping Government health agencies, from modernizing public health data infrastructure to addressing long-standing interoperability barriers that have fragmented care delivery.

Five critical insights emerged that define a path toward a more connected, data-driven and patient-centered Federal healthcare system.

Federal AI Policy Is Being Rebuilt Around Coordination, Not Fragmentation

Leaders from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) emphasized that agency-by-agency artificial intelligence (AI) experimentation is ending. With dozens of programs across its divisions, HHS has restructured its AI strategy around three coordinated pillars: regulation, reimbursement and research/development.

Historically fragmented efforts created conflicting signals and limited cross-agency innovation. Now, the Secretary’s office serves as an alignment layer, ensuring regulatory decisions at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), reimbursement policies at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and research investments at the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) are coordinated. The goal is not to expand Government roles, but to remove barriers and accelerate adoption of existing technologies.

The FDA is rethinking how AI-enabled medical technologies are regulated. After authorizing more than 1,000 AI and machine learning products, primarily in radiology but expanding into other domains, the agency recognizes the limits of a pre-market framework designed for static hardware, not continuously evolving software. Leaders described a shift toward lighter pre-market review paired with stronger post-market surveillance, focusing on real-world performance, model drift and patient outcomes. This approach requires new regulatory frameworks and enhanced data-sharing between developers, providers and regulators.

ARPA-H complements this work by funding high-risk, high-reward innovations not supported through traditional mechanisms. Notably, no generative AI (GenAI) technology capable of providing clinical care has received FDA authorization, a gap the agency aims to close. One flagship initiative supports AI systems capable of performing comprehensive physician functions, developed alongside the FDA to establish new regulatory pathways. Additionally, ARPA-H is investing in “supervising agents,” systems that monitor and control deployed AI, addressing the scalability limits of human oversight.

The VIP Sets a New National Standard for Health Data Exchange

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) positioned itself as a national convener for interoperability through the Veteran Interoperability Pledge (VIP), which unites leading health systems to improve care coordination for veterans regardless of where they receive care.

Grounded in the Elizabeth Dole Act, the initiative mandates rapid adoption of national interoperability standards across care coordination, benefits, identity matching, quality measurement and public health. VA leaders outlined a layered interoperability model—from foundational standards such as X12, Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) and Bulk FHIR, to data quality frameworks like Patient Information Quality Improvement (PIQI) and ultimately to advanced analytics and decision support. The key message: interoperability is foundational, but value is created through what is built on top of it.

Operationally, the VIP is already enabling real-world capabilities. The Veteran Confirmation Application Programming Interface (API) allows Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to verify veteran status in real time, supporting eligibility recommendations under the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act and the Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care and Treatment (COMPACT) Act. Two workgroups are developing recommendations for identity verification and care coordination workflows, targeting submission by the end of March. A structured cadence of monthly plenaries and bi-weekly workgroups ensures continuous alignment between policy, standards and implementation.

Seamless Collaboration Requires Breaking Down Technical and Cultural Barriers

Federal, State and Local leaders underscored that populations served by multiple programs cannot be effectively supported by siloed agencies. Both technical and cultural barriers must be addressed simultaneously.

At the Federal level, CMS, VA and the Indian Health Service (IHA) are advancing shared infrastructure and lowering redundancy. CMS is transitioning from Government-developed systems to commercial platforms, accelerating innovation and enabling AI tools that now reach approximately 80% of its workforce, saving an estimated 5.5 hours per employee weekly. The agency is also adopting a multicloud strategy for resilience and fostering talent pipelines through partnerships with institutions like the University of Maryland.

IHS is undergoing a similar transition to commercial platforms, improving AI integration and expanding access to advanced tools in rural and tribal communities. Enterprise services help ensure equitable access where local technical resources are limited. The VA is modernizing security processes to reduce delays in technology adoption and leveraging physical locations to support identity verification, improving access for veterans struggling with digital enrollment.

Bridging the digital divide also requires workforce and literacy solutions. Baltimore City panelists highlighted the need to translate Federal data into local action, particularly around social determinants of health, including housing and economic mobility. Community health workers were cited as essential connectors and should be integrated into digital strategies from the outset.

Public Health Data Infrastructure Must Shift from Detection to Prediction

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) acknowledged that current public health infrastructure is designed for detection, not prediction. While improvements have been made since COVID-19, a broader transformation is still underway.

The One CDC Data Platform (1CDP) serves as a central hub, enabling flexible data exchange, reusable capabilities and advanced analytics. Its purpose is to shift focus from manual data processing to proactive analysis and decision making. Leaders envision disease forecasting becoming as routine as weather forecasting, with real-time modeling to guide early intervention.

State-level examples illustrate this shift. Illinois is consolidating siloed systems into a unified cloud platform, while addressing cultural resistance to data sharing. Louisiana is focusing on targeted, use-case-driven improvements tied to Medicaid and public health outcomes. Mississippi is prioritizing foundational infrastructure and workforce readiness before scaling analytics. Across all three states, the consensus is clear that interoperability only delivers value when tied to actionable outcomes.

The VA’s NextGen CCN Redesigns Care Delivery at National Scale

Community care is one of the fastest-growing components of the VA healthcare system. Of the 17 million veterans served, roughly 6.3 million use VA healthcare annually, with 2-3 million accessing community providers. Programs introduced through the Choice Act and Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act expanded access but created operational and financial complexity.

The Next Generation Community Care Network (NextGen CCN) addresses these challenges through a comprehensive redesign of how the VA manages external care. Expected to launch in early 2027, the program introduces a more competitive ecosystem involving insurers, providers and technology partners.

Key capabilities include improved care coordination, real-time data exchange, standardized quality benchmarks and outcomes-based reimbursement. Interoperability is foundational to these goals, enabling performance measurement and accountability. The program also prioritizes transparency and trust across stakeholders, ensuring a shared understanding of care delivery. Together, these efforts are designed to position the VA to deliver high-quality, fiscally responsible care while continuing to expand access for a veteran population whose demographics and care needs are rapidly evolving.

Charting the Course for Federal Health IT Modernization

HIMSS 2026 reinforced that progress in Federal healthcare requires aligned investment across AI governance, interoperability, cross-agency collaboration, data infrastructure and care delivery redesign. Government health agencies are not simply adding new technologies onto existing systems; they are rethinking how they organize, share data and operate as an integrated ecosystem. Sustained success will depend on aligned standards, cultural transformation and technologies that translate strategy into measurable outcomes.

As Carahsoft, The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider™, continues supporting Federal health IT modernization, these insights inform how industry can partner with Government to deliver a more connected, data-driven and patient-centered healthcare system.

Explore Carahsoft’s Healthcare Technology portfolio of leading solutions that support Federal healthcare modernization priorities including AI, interoperability, cloud infrastructure and advanced analytics.

Contact the Health IT Team at Healthcare@Carahsoft.com or (571) 591-6080 to learn more.

Why Supply Chain Risk Management is Now a Public Sector Resilience Priority

Posted on by Jeff Ladner

From ransomware disrupting city services to vendor failures impacting school operations, supply chain failures seem to be dominating the headlines lately. Naturally, whether your organization is in the Private or Public Sector, you’ll want to avoid attracting attention for the wrong reasons.

The best way to do that is to prioritize implementing best practices to safeguard critical vendors and services from cybersecurity risks and operational disruptions. In this guide, we’ll cover the NIST framework, how it applies to Public Sector organizations and how you can use NIST best practices to reduce risk and maintain public trust. Even private sector teams increasingly rely on NIST supply chain risk management practices when working with Government partners, especially across information technology environments.

Why Is Supply Chain Risk Management Important?

Managing supplier risk should be a fundamental part of any data-based businesses’ operations, but it’s all the more important for Public Sector organizations, whether that means Federal, State or Local services.

Why? Without clear practices for identifying, assessing and mitigating vendor and operational risk, you could expose your organization to a whole host of potential issues, including:

Financial losses: Even nonprofit organizations depend on reliable financial backing from Governments and other entities. Those revenue streams can be endangered when an overlooked security risk becomes an operational blockage.
Reputational damage: Eroded consumer trust can be as costly as any disruption in service or productivity. When your organization attracts the wrong kind of attention, like for suffering a data breach or failing to fulfill obligations, earning that trust back can be a difficult feat.
Regulatory violations: In worst-case scenarios, failing to catch a supply chain risk before it becomes a major problem can lead to your organization falling afoul of relevant regulations and facing stiff consequences like fines or legal fees.

Learn more: Quick Guide: What is Operational Risk Management?

When Does an Organization Need a Supply Chain Risk Management Framework?

The purpose of using a risk management framework is to standardize the process of identifying, assessing and mitigating potential threats and vulnerabilities to your organization’s supply chain. If your organization’s ability to provide services, attract new users and secure funding would be severely impacted by a potential data breach or supply chain disruption, then you’d most likely benefit from using a framework to ensure consistent supplier security.

State, Local and education (SLED) entities are all the more likely to need a framework for regulating risk assessments and mitigation steps. Since the services provided by such entities are typically essential to a community, it’s that much more important that you take all the necessary actions to secure your supply chain and prevent service interruptions whenever possible.

What Is the NIST Risk Management Framework?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Risk Management Framework (RMF) is the go-to solution public service organizations have been using to mitigate vendor, technology and cybersecurity risks for the last decade. The result of a Federal task force established in 2014 under the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA), this framework for risk management processes can be used to set standards across Federal agencies and the organizations that work with them.

Today, the NIST framework is a main point of reference for any organization looking to implement a secure and reliable process for managing cybersecurity risks and other potential supply chain issues. The framework is a living document regularly updated to meet the latest challenges in the data privacy space.

Learn more: What is NIST RMF? Risk Management Framework

What Are the NIST Best Practices for Supply Chain Management?

The 2022 revision NIST SP 800-161 offers comprehensive guidelines for handling supply chain risks related to information and communications technology. These recommendations are divided into three main categories: foundational practices, sustaining practices and enhancing practices.

Think of these categories as sequential stages. You’ll need to implement foundational practices before you move on to sustaining practices, and sustaining must come before enhancing.

1. Foundational Practices: Establishing a Process for Supply Chain Risk Management

Some of the best practices recommended in NIST SP 800-161 for creating a foundation for a supply chain risk management process include:

Dedicate a multidisciplinary team to your vendor and technology risk oversight
Create and fill dedicated roles for risk oversight procedures
Gain support from senior leadership to ensure adequate resources
Implement a governance hierarchy and a governance structure
Codify processes for identifying and assessing the criticality of your suppliers, products and services and conducting formal risk assessments, preferably using FIPS 199 impact levels
Establish internal checks and balances for compliance
Integrate risk oversight practices into your policies regarding supplier selection
Raise internal awareness and understanding of the importance of supply chain risk management
Create processes and practices for quality control and consistent development practices

Learn more: Guide: Risk Management Strategies To Future-Proof Your Organization

2. Sustaining Practices: Improving the Efficacy of Your Supply Chain Risk Management

Some of the best practices recommended in NIST SP 800-161 for building on your foundational risk management processes include:

Implement third-party risk assessments
Create a program for monitoring suppliers
Define and quantify levels of acceptable risk
Determine key supplier risk metrics and create procedures for tracking and reporting them
Formalize your information sharing procedures
Establish a training program for vendor risk practices
Integrate supply chain risk management practices into your supplier contracts
Solicit supplier participation in contingency planning and incident response
Collaborate with suppliers to address risk factors
Expand supply chain risk management training to all applicable roles across your organization

Learn more: How to Mitigate Third-Party Risks in Your Supply Chain

3. Enhancing Practices: Predicting Supply Chain Issues Before They Impact Your Business

Some of the best practices recommended in NIST SP 800-161 for building a structured supply chain risk management program include:

Codify processes for quantitative risk analysis, optimize risk response resources and measure your return on investment
Use insights gained over time to identify key risk factors and create predictive strategies to address risks before they arise
Introduce automation into your cybersecurity oversight procedures whenever possible
Join a community of practice where you can improve your cybersecurity risk management practices

Learn more: 5 Reasons Your Company Should Automate Third-Party Risk Management – Onspring

Additional NIST Resources

Organizations implementing a supply chain risk management program often reference several complementary NIST publications, including:

NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-39
NIST SP 800-30r.1
Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) Publication 199
NIST SP 800-53

How to Future-Proof Your Vendor Risk Program

It’s impossible to overstate the importance of recognizing and addressing risk factors in your supply chain when your organization is responsible for providing or securing local and state services. The best guide to follow when establishing or enhancing your supplier risk program is the NIST Risk Management Framework. A structured platform can help Public Sector teams manage these challenges more effectively while taking advantage of AI advancements without exposing their organizations to unnecessary risk.

See how Onspring’s platform supports these efforts and get a demo today.

How AI is Reshaping Courts and Legal Operations

Posted on by Michael Shrader

The conversation around artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal system has fundamentally shifted from courts and legal organizations debating whether it belongs in legal environments to how to integrate AI responsibly into daily operations. For courts facing expanding caseloads, staffing shortages and budget constraints, AI-powered legal technologies have become operational tools for improving efficiency, access to justice and administrative effectiveness across the legal lifecycle. While AI can significantly enhance legal workflows, responsibility for judgement, accuracy and decision-making must remain with human professionals.

From Policy Discussion to Practical Adoption

The American Bar Association’s (ABA) Year 2 Report on the Impact of AI on the Practice of Law makes clear that AI adoption in the legal profession has entered a new phase. Early concerns centered on ethics, confidentiality and professional responsibility. Today, the focus has shifted toward responsible deployment, governance and workflow integration where efficiency gains are immediate and measurable. These applications allow courts to redirect limited staff resources toward higher-value legal and judicial work rather than routine manual processes.

Common AI-enabled courtroom use cases already in practice include:

Organizing and searching large volumes of filings, briefs and evidence

Creating unofficial or preliminary real-time transcriptions

Summarizing motions, exhibits and prior case materials

Supporting scheduling, workload analysis and calendar management

This is especially important for Federal, State and Local courts that must maintain service levels despite limited resources. AI-enabled legal technologies provide a validated path to modernizing court operations while preserving judicial independence, transparency and accountability.

Real-World Applications Delivering Value

AI adoption is already producing tangible operational benefits across court systems.

Administrative and workflow automation applications include drafting routine administrative orders and standard court notices, managing scheduling and calendar coordination, conducting workload studies and organizing court documents and filings for improved retrieval. These implementations reduce administrative burden while improving consistency in standard legal processes.

Document review and case support capabilities allow legal teams to summarize briefs, motions, pleadings, depositions and exhibits at scale. AI systems create timelines of relevant events across large case records and assist with legal research when trained on reputable legal authorities. Some implementations identify misstated law or omitted legal authority in filings, though human verification remains mandatory for all outputs.

Transcription, translation and accessibility services are also being rapidly adopted. Courts are generating unofficial or preliminary real-time transcriptions to accelerate case documentation. Systems provide preliminary translations of foreign-language documents and support accessibility services for self-represented litigations navigating complex court procedures. These applications expand access to justice by reducing cost barriers and improving navigation of legal systems for citizens.

Scaling Court Operations Under Budget Constraints

Rising caseloads combined with constrained budgets make AI adoption particularly relevant for Government legal operations. Technology adoption has emerged as the primary driver of scalability for courts that cannot expand head count. By automating manual processes such as transcription, document review, evidence management and research, AI allows existing staff to handle higher volumes while maintaining or improving service quality.

This approach aligns with broader access-to-justice goals highlighted in the ABA report. AI-enabled tools are already helping courts improve case management, streamline dispute resolution processes and support self-represented litigants through better access to information and court services. These gains are particularly impactful for jurisdictions seeking to modernize legacy systems while preserving fairness, transparency and judicial independence.

Human Oversight and Accountability

While AI delivers meaningful efficiency gains, the ABA report stresses that AI-generated outputs may appear authoritative while containing factual or legal inaccuracies. The risk of hallucinations has not been fully resolved in any current generative AI (GenAI) tools. As a result, AI should not replace judges or court staff, nor should it be treated as an authoritative source of truth. Instead, AI should serve as an assistive technology that augments human expertise, improving documentation quality, accelerating research and making information more accessible.

Judicial guidelines outlined in the report reinforce several critical principles:

Judges and attorneys remain fully responsible for accuracy and legal reasoning

AI-generated content must always be reviewed for correctness and relevance

Overreliance on AI can introduce risks such as automation bias or misinformation

Courts adopting AI must establish clear governance frameworks that address privacy, security, transparency and oversight. Human verification of AI outputs is essential to ensuring that AI enhances documentation quality and accelerates legal research without compromising accuracy, professional responsibility and public trust.

Responsible Adoption Through Trusted Procurement

The ABA emphasizes that responsible AI adoption is not optional; it is a leadership responsibility. Human oversight, ethical use policies and ongoing evaluation remain essential to ensuring AI strengthens, rather than undermines, trust in the justice system.

Carahsoft, The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider®, works with leading legal tech software providers to help Federal, State and Local courts modernize legacy systems, reduce administrative burden and implement AI responsibly at scale. By making these technologies accessible through trusted procurement vehicles, Carahsoft enables courts and Government legal organizations to adopt AI while aligning with established legal, ethical and operational requirements.

AI is not a substitute for legal expertise, but it is quickly becoming an indispensable tool for courts seeking efficiency, consistency and scalability. By procuring AI solutions through Carahsoft, Government courts can ensure their modernization demands will be met while maintaining legal and ethical standards. As AI continues to reshape legal operations, organizations that pair technology deployment with clear governance, training and accountability frameworks will be better positioned to deliver improved services to the public.

Ready to explore AI-enabled legal technology solutions? Explore Carahsoft’s Legal & Courtroom Technology Solutions portfolio or take a Self-Guided Tour.

Contact Carahsoft’s team at LegalTech@carahsoft.com to discuss AI solutions tailored for your organization’s needs.

Unified Financial Intelligence: Why Government Finance Teams Have a Data Foundation Problem, Not a Data Problem

Posted on by Rolf Heimes

How Incorta, Google and Carahsoft help State, Local, education and Federal civilian agencies move from slow close cycles to real-time, AI-ready financial insight

I spend a lot of my time talking with Government finance leaders—CFOs, comptrollers, budget directors—and the conversation almost always starts with AI and ends with data. Almost every agency I talk to eventually runs into the same wall: their data isn’t ready. As we move toward agentic AI—AI that takes actions and makes decisions on its own, not just answers questions—the demands on that foundation multiply fast. Until it’s right, AI remains a slide in a strategy deck. That’s the problem Incorta was built to solve.

Nowhere is this more obvious than in Public Sector financial management, where the stakes are high, the infrastructure is often decades old and the expectation for transparency has never been greater. If we want to talk seriously about Unified Financial Intelligence in Government, we have to talk seriously about the data brain underneath it—the trusted, real-time, contextual foundation that AI agents depend on to make accurate, explainable decisions. Without it, you don’t have an AI problem. You have a data problem dressed up as one.

The Real Bottleneck: Government Finance Needs a Data Brain

Public Sector finance teams are under more pressure than ever: leaner budgets, post-pandemic fiscal gaps, enrollment volatility and a mandate to do more with less. New White House and OMB directives are accelerating the AI timeline—agencies are being asked to demonstrate AI-ready infrastructure now, not in a future budget cycle.

For CFOs, comptrollers and finance teams, that pressure is concrete. Close cycles still take days or weeks. Analysts spend more time gathering data than using it. When leadership questions a number, the answer is “let me pull it manually”—because the system shows aggregates, not the transactions behind them.

The root cause isn’t a lack of tools or talent. Financial data is scattered across GL, procurement, grants, payroll and project systems—each with its own codes and timing—and traditional ETL strips out the very context that makes it useful. That’s the data brain problem.

What the Data Brain Has to Deliver

For finance, AI isn’t about prettier dashboards. It’s about answering hard questions: why did this variance occur? Where are the early signals of fraud, waste or abuse? What does next quarter look like if this assumption changes? To answer those credibly, AI needs a data brain.

That data brain has to deliver three things: granularity (100% transactional detail), timeliness (near real-time, not last week’s batch) and context (preserved relationships—purchase orders to vendors, funds to appropriations, payroll to projects).

Traditional ETL gives you the opposite of a data brain: summarized, stale data stripped of business logic. When you layer AI on top of it, the model fills in the gaps—and for Government finance, that’s not a technical problem. If an AI-assisted answer can’t be traced back to the exact transaction, your auditors and oversight bodies won’t accept it.

That’s how you get hallucinations instead of financial intelligence.

The “AI problem” and the “data problem” in Government finance are actually the same problem. Build the data brain, and Unified Financial Intelligence follows.

What Changes When You Have a Data Brain

Take a Federal civilian agency we worked with: 24-hour data refresh cycles, manual reconciliation, spreadsheets and email chains just to close the books. Analysts spent most of their time getting data into a usable format—not using it.

After implementing Incorta with Google Cloud, that agency went from 24-hour to 15-minute data refreshes for key financial subject areas.

From periodic close to continuous audit. Anomalies surface in near real-time—before they snowball, not after month-end.
From “check the dashboard” to “follow the data.” The CFO questions a number; the analyst drills to the exact transaction, in the same environment.
From data gathering to value creation. Analysts shift from reconciliation to scenario modeling and real decisions.

That’s Unified Financial Intelligence with a data brain underneath it: full, timely, contextual access to the truth—and the time to actually use it.

How Incorta Builds the Data Brain

The traditional path to modernizing financial data in Government is measured in years and eight-figure budgets—and most of us have seen how that story ends. At Incorta, we took a different approach: build the data brain for Government finance on Google Cloud without requiring agencies to tear out what’s already there. Three pillars make that possible:

Direct access to ERP data in its native form – Incorta connects directly to Oracle EBS, Oracle Fusion, SAP and Workday, ingesting data in its native schema—no heavy transformation, no lost business context.
Prebuilt blueprints for Public Sector financial systems – A library of prebuilt blueprints captures how ERP tables relate, how funds and projects are structured and how to translate that into analytics-ready models—removing months of data engineering work.
Landing it all in Google BigQuery for AI-ready analytics – The result is a production-ready financial data brain in Google BigQuery—granular, near real-time and fully contextualized—standing up in weeks, not months or years, with Gemini for Government and agentic AI tools ready to operate on top.

On top of this, Incorta layers AI-powered insights with built-in hallucination mitigation, role-based access controls, audit trails and mirrored source system permissions—so agencies can scale AI without sacrificing governance.

Carahsoft plays a crucial role in this story by making it easy for agencies to get started—through existing contract vehicles and the Google Cloud Marketplace—without embarking on another risky, bespoke IT project.

Where State, Local, Education and Federal Civilian Finance Teams Are Starting

State budget offices need real-time visibility into appropriations and fund balances—so leadership responds to revenue shifts, not monthly reports. Local Governments want to move from reactive spreadsheets to proactive scenario planning and cleaner audits. Education finance teams need unified views of budgets, grants and financial aid to navigate enrollment volatility. Federal civilian CFO offices are pursuing continuous close and early AI-driven detection of fraud, waste and abuse. In every case: build the data brain first, and the downstream AI use cases become operational, not experimental.

Getting Started Doesn’t Have to Be a Multi-Year Commitment

One of the most consistent concerns I hear is: “We’ve been burned by big data projects before. We can’t sign up for another multi-year transformation.” That hesitation is completely rational—and it’s exactly why we’ve structured our approach with Google and Carahsoft to deliver value in weeks, not years.

A practical entry point is a Unified Financial Intelligence Modernization Assessment—a focused engagement to assess your ERP landscape, map how your data lands in BigQuery (secure, governed, auditable) and define a 60- to 90-day outcome that shows what the data brain delivers in your environment.

Incorta is available through Carahsoft on the Google Cloud Marketplace—most agencies can use existing contracts and cloud commitments to get started, no new RFX required.

The Bottom Line

State, Local, education and Federal civilian finance teams don’t need another dashboard. They need the data brain that makes Unified Financial Intelligence possible—access to all of their financial data, in near real-time, with full business context, so they can shift from gathering data to actually using it.

That’s what Incorta, Google and Carahsoft are building together for Government. In an environment where agencies are being asked to do more with less, standing up that data brain in weeks rather than years isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the difference between a finance function that’s keeping up and one that’s falling behind.

→ Request a live Agentic AI demo — see Incorta + Google in action on your mission data.

→ Try free for 30 days on Google Cloud Marketplace — software free; infrastructure costs may apply.

→ Get started with the Unified Financial Intelligence Modernization Assessment — map your data brain and define a 60- to 90-day outcome.

Ready to explore what real-time financial intelligence looks like for your agency? Learn more about Incorta’s Government solutions on Carahsoft’s Incorta microsite. Watch our joint Incorta + Google session on AI-ready financial data for Public Sector.

Contact the Carahsoft Team ☎ (703) 871-8548 | ✉ incorta@carahsoft.com

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 Incorta, 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.

Weathering the Storm: Migrating to the Cloud in Government

Posted on by Ruslain Shlain

Government agencies are under increasing pressure to modernize IT systems and deliver secure, efficient digital services. Migrating to the cloud is a critical step in this transformation, but the journey can feel like navigating a storm. In our latest CarahCast podcast episode, “Weather the Storm of Migrating to the Cloud,” experts share strategies to help agencies adopt cloud solutions with confidence.

Why Cloud Migration Matters

Cloud adoption enables scalability, resilience and innovation. Agencies can reduce reliance on outdated legacy systems, strengthen disaster recovery and improve citizen services.

Key Benefits:

Efficiency: Lower costs and improved scalability.
Resilience: Faster adaptation to crises and cybersecurity threats
Innovation: Access to artificial intelligence (AI), analytics and automation.
Citizen experience: Reliable digital services that build trust.

Key Challenges:

Despite its benefits, migration presents hurdles:

Security and compliance requirements
Legacy infrastructure integration
Budget limitations
Cultural resistance to change
Vendor management and lock‑in risks

Expert Insights from CarahCast

Podcast experts highlight that migration is not one‑size‑fits‑all. Key takeaways include:

Start small with pilot projects to prove value.
Embed security and compliance at every stage.
Engage stakeholders across IT, leadership and end‑users.

As one guest noted, “Cloud migration is about resilience, not just moving workloads.”

Best Practices to Weather the Storm

To navigate the complexities of cloud migration, agencies should:

Define a clear roadmap with goals and milestones.
Use hybrid approaches to balance on‑premises and cloud systems.
Invest in staff training and change management.
Partner with trusted vendors and experts.
Measure success with KPIs like uptime and cost savings.

Real‑World Examples

Agencies nationwide are already seeing results:

State Governments modernized licensing systems to reduce wait times.
Federal departments leveraged cloud analytics for disaster response.
Local Governments adopted cloud collaboration tools to streamline operations.

Listen to the Podcast

For deeper insights, tune in to CarahCast: Weather the Storm of Migrating to the Cloud. Hear directly from experts guiding agencies through successful migrations.

Migrating to the cloud may seem daunting, but with the right strategy, agencies can emerge stronger, more resilient and better equipped to serve citizens. The CarahCast podcast is your trusted resource for navigating this journey. Subscribe today to stay informed on the latest technology trends shaping Government.

From Chaos to Confidence: Building Modern Data Strategy for Government Agencies

Posted on by Kris Lahiri

Government agencies hold vast amounts of data but struggle to extract value from it. Historically, agencies prioritized completeness over usefulness, resulting in years of manual efforts to organize data without surfacing valuable insights. Information remained trapped in siloed systems and inaccessible formats. As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms Government operations, its success depends not on new technology but on organized, accessible and secure data. Moving from reactive data management to a proactive strategy requires rethinking how data is classified, shared and protected.

The Evolution from Data Chaos to Strategic Data Organization

Agencies have long battled data disorganization, often with approaches that created more problems. Mandating perfect data organization before system development proved counterproductive. Projects stalled as teams pursued an impossible standard of completeness through governance structures that prioritized control over utility.

Rather than starting with comprehensive inventories, agencies should ask: What do I need to know that I cannot answer today? This question identifies the data that actually matters, assigns ownership and establishes automated processes to keep information current. Focusing on real business questions, not theoretical perfection, revealing the most-used data and delivering immediate value.

This shift reframes data as a strategic asset rather than a compliance burden. Modern data organization requires data domains that map to major key functions, establishing governance that enables access and early wins. The goal is speed and relevance over exhaustive documentation.

The Complexity and Criticality of Unstructured Data

Unstructured data, including Office documents, PDFs, imagery, drone footage, building blueprints, redlined contracts and multimedia recordings, poses a great challenge as it continues to grow dramatically. Construction agencies hold scanned blueprints from the 1950s alongside modern Computer-Aided Design (CAD) files. Legal teams generate years of contract negotiations with intelligence hidden in redlines and clause changes. Contact centers produce customer feedback that defies easy categorization yet contains critical insights. Emerging technologies like drones for monitoring or automated transcription continually introduce new data formats.

Extracting value requires technologies that classify, tag and analyze at scale. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) must identify Social Security numbers in images; classification engines need to distinguish between Controlled Unstructured Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC); multimodal tools must process audio, video and geospatial content. The challenge is organizing today’s data while preparing for tomorrow’s formats and making legacy information accessible and actionable.

Security, Access Control and Zero Trust in Modern Data Environments

As data moves into cloud, mobile and collaborative platforms, agencies face heightened security concerns. Traditional perimeter-based models, designed to secure from the outside in, no longer fit work patterns where employees access sensitive information from multiple devices and locations.

Egnyte, Building Modern Data Strategy for Government blog, embedded image, 2026

Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) reframes security by treating trust as a vulnerability. Every access request requires continuous verification. Field-level encryption at rest and in transit becomes essential. Authentication must balance robust security with usability to avoid workarounds. Agencies must evaluate whether solutions meet FedRAMP requirements, CMMC standards and other frameworks while implementing least-privilege access and continuous monitoring.

Effective security requires a layered design across three dimensions:

Storage – encryption and data handling
Systems – secure communications between platforms
Access – authentication and authorization

Agencies that succeed build security into workflows rather than adding it afterward, enabling legitimate access while preventing exposure.

Trust, Governance and the Fear of Sharing

Agencies hesitate to share data because they distrust its accuracy, currency or interpretation. Data owners understand nuances and limitations, but this context rarely transfers to others, leading to misinterpretation and errors. These issues stem from inconsistent definitions across systems, incomplete or outdated records and uncertainty about whether data reflects current operations.

Fear and misuse leads to data hoarding, which protects teams but limits organizational intelligence. Breaking this cycle requires comprehensive governance that enables rather than restricts. Effective approaches include:

Automating processes to ensure information is current
Assigning clear data ownership and accountability for quality
Creating data guilds for sharing best practices across organizational silos

Training, both technical and contextual, is essential. Early wins establish reliability, building trust and confidence.

AI Readiness and the Data Foundation Imperative

AI offers significant promise but depends entirely on data quality. AI cannot grant access to sensitive data, cleanse disorganized datasets or prevent hallucinations when trained on incomplete or contradictory information. AI amplifies existing data conditions: strong organization enables powerful AI applications; chaotic data yields unreliable outputs.

AI readiness intensifies longstanding challenges. Classification becomes non-negotiable when AI can process millions of documents but needs rules for handling personally identifiable information (PII), CUI and regulated data. Permissions must prevent accidental exposure or improper data combinations. Data cleansing, which includes identifying duplicates, correcting inconsistencies and validating accuracy, becomes a prerequisite for responsible AI deployment.

Because AI technologies evolve quickly, agencies must remain tool agnostic and focus on outcomes. Architecture can support multiple AI platforms and multimodal processing of text, audio, video and geospatial data. Agencies must assess current data maturity and invest in classification, cleansing and cultural alignment to ensure AI success.

Building Your Agency’s Data Strategy

Government agencies stand at a crossroads where old approaches to data management no longer suffice, yet the path forward remains challenging to navigate. Key steps include:

Start with the questions that matter, not perfect organization
Treat unstructured data as a high-value intelligence source
Implement security that enables legitimate access
Build trust through governance and early wins
Recognize that AI readiness begins with solid data fundamentals

Success does not require a sudden overhaul; it requires strategic focus, incremental progress and organizational commitment to treating data as the strategic asset it represents.

To dive deeper into practical strategies for organizing, securing and leveraging your agency’s data, watch the full webinar “Make Your Data Work for Your – Solutions for Securing and Sharing Data Correctly” hosted by Egnyte and Carahsoft.

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 Egnyte, 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.

Top 10 State and Local Government Events in 2026

Posted on by Tim Boltz

State and Local Governments face unprecedented challenges as they work to modernize critical systems, strengthen cybersecurity defenses and deliver enhanced services to their communities, all while managing budget constraints and evolving compliance requirements. As agencies navigate this complex landscape, industry events provide essential opportunities to learn from peers, discover innovative solutions and build strategic partnerships that drive mission success. Carahsoft Technology Corp., The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider®, has partnered with State and Local agencies for decades, delivering the technology solutions and expertise needed to meet these evolving demands. Throughout 2026, we are proud to support a select group of premier industry events that bring together Public Sector leaders, technology innovators and policy experts to advance the future of State and Local Government technology.

GovRAMP Symposium

March 9, 2026 | Washington D.C. | In-Person Event

The GovRAMP Symposium convenes senior Federal, State and Local leaders to explore how secure innovation, policy and procurement intersect to advance trusted modernization across Government agencies. Hosted in partnership with Billington CyberSecurity, the half-day program serves as the opening session of the Billington State and Local Cybersecurity Summit, setting the stage for collaboration and framework harmonization as a national security strategy. Attendees will gain insights from sessions exploring how harmonizing the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), FedRAMP/GovRAMP, Department of War (DoW) and other regulatory frameworks can create a secure, interoperable innovation base for artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. A closing keynote will examine emerging governance models and the future of AI security in the United States.

Carahsoft is committed to supporting State and Local Government agencies as they navigate the complexities of framework compliance and secure modernization. As the Exclusive Government IT Solutions Partner for this event, we are dedicated to empowering Public Sector agencies with access to leading-edge technologies and trusted industry expertise that simplify the path to compliance. Through our extensive partner ecosystem, Carahsoft facilitates meaningful connections between Government leaders and the innovative solution providers who can help them achieve their security and modernization objectives while reducing operational burden.

Billington State and Local CyberSecurity Summit

March 9-11, 2026 | Washington, D.C. | In-Person Event

Billington CyberSecurity is the recognized leader in Federal cybersecurity education events. Following the success of its inaugural State and Local CyberSecurity Summit in 2024, the 3rd Annual Summit will bring together top Federal, State, Local and Tribal Government officials along with industry experts to share best practices, learn from one another and bolster future defenses. The event features critical sessions on protecting digital supply chains and baking trust into increasingly complex technology ecosystems. Attendees can expect expert panels examining recent threats, emerging regulations and best practices for ensuring transparency, trust and resilience across the technology landscape.

Carahsoft and NightDragon are proud to co-sponsor the State and Local Billington CyberSecurity Summit, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to strengthening the cybersecurity posture of State and Local agencies across the nation. By co-sponsoring the All-Attendee Reception in the Exhibit Hall on Tuesday, March 10^th, we are creating valuable opportunities for Government cybersecurity leaders to build relationships, share challenges and discover collaborative solutions. Our participation reflects our dedication to supporting the State and Local Government community as they work to protect critical infrastructure and citizen data against evolving threats.

NASPO Exchange 2026

March 9, 2026 | Orlando, FL | In-Person Event

The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) Exchange conference fosters relationships among the supplier community and Government entities. This premier public procurement event features guaranteed one-on-one meetings, exclusive networking opportunities and direct access to Government procurement decision makers from all 50 states and territories. Attendees will explore critical topics including the ethics of AI in supplier selection processes, regional procurement trends and practical approaches to integrating ethical considerations in AI-driven procurement while maintaining compliance and public trust. Experience unparalleled connections between suppliers and procurement professionals that support effective, efficient, transparent and fair public procurement outcomes.

Carahsoft is honored to exhibit at the NASPO Exchange Conference, where our dedicated NASPO Contracts Team will be available to help State procurement professionals navigate cooperative purchasing pathways and streamline their technology acquisition processes. We invite you to connect with us onsite or schedule a meeting in advance at NASPO@carahsoft.com to discuss how Carahsoft’s contract vehicles and extensive partner ecosystem can accelerate your agency’s access to best-in-class solutions. We are also honored to be recognized with an award at this year’s event, underscoring our continued commitment to supporting State procurement excellence and making it easier for Government agencies to acquire the technology solutions they need to serve their communities.

NASCIO Midyear Conference

April 26-29, 2026 | Philadelphia, PA | In-Person Event

The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) Midyear Conference brings together State Chief Information Officers (SCIOs), technology leaders and industry partners to explore top priorities, emerging trends and leading practices shaping State Government IT. With an average attendance of nearly 1,000 participants—including representatives from all 50 states and dozens of SCIOs—the event offers unparalleled access to Public Sector technology leadership. Attendees participate in keynotes, breakout sessions, learning lounges and networking forums designed to promote peer learning, collaborative solutioning and strategic conversations. The conference provides structured opportunities such as meet-and-greets, general sessions and multiple networking receptions to help attendees build relationships and address shared challenges across the State IT landscape.

Carahsoft is proud to be the “Give Back Sponsor” for the NASCIO Midyear Conference, reinforcing our commitment to supporting State IT leaders as they tackle the most pressing technology challenges facing their agencies. This is part of NASCIO’s Give Back Program which supports local non-profits in the host city of Philadelphia. We are honored to host a Carahsoft Networking Reception on April 27^th from 8:30-11:00pm EST at Tir na nOg Fado Irish Pub, creating a relaxed environment where SCIOs and technology leaders can build meaningful relationships, share insights and explore collaborative approaches to common challenges. Our sponsorship and active participation demonstrate our dedication to fostering the peer connections and knowledge exchange that drive innovation across the State Government community.

Public Sector Network Government Innovation Shows

Multiple Dates Throughout 2026 | Various States Nationwide | In-Person Event

Public Sector Network’s (PSN) Government Innovation events are designed to bring together Government executives, technology leaders and industry partners to accelerate modernization across Federal, State and Local agencies. These shows focus on real-world applications of digital Government initiatives, covering areas such as data-driven decision-making, cybersecurity resilience, AI, digital service delivery, infrastructure modernization and cross-agency collaboration. Each event is tailored to the challenges and priorities of its region, with recurring high-impact session themes including AI and predictive analytics, citizen experience and digital services, cybersecurity resilience and cross-agency collaboration. Attendees can expect case studies, strategic insights and actionable frameworks for improving Government efficiency, strengthening public trust and adopting emerging technologies to improve citizen outcomes.

Innovation Show States:

Nashville, TN

Richmond, VA

Columbus, OH

Harrisburg, PA

Phoenix, AR

Tallahassee, FL

Albany, NY

Austin, TX

Denver, CO

Carahsoft is committed to supporting Government agencies nationwide through our sponsorship and event partnership with PSN’s Government Innovation Shows. By bringing our extensive portfolio of technology solutions and partner vendors to communities across the country, we are helping State and Local agencies discover the tools and strategies they need to modernize services, enhance cybersecurity and advance digital transformation initiatives. Our participation at these regional events reflects our dedication to meeting Government customers where they are. We are dedicated to understanding their unique challenges and connecting them with the innovative solutions and expert guidance that can help them better serve their constituents.

NACo Annual Conference

July 17-20, 2026 | New Orleans, LA | In-Person Event

The National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference is the premier gathering of elected and appointed officials from the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs. Attendees will explore emerging policy trends, innovative county-level programs and best practices designed to strengthen Local Government leadership. The event features data-driven sessions, hands-on workshops and opportunities to engage with national experts on issues ranging from infrastructure and public safety to health, technology and economic development. Participants will leave with actionable insights and proven strategies to enhance service delivery and improve outcomes for their communities.

Carahsoft is committed to supporting county leaders as they work to strengthen Local Government operations and deliver critical services to their constituents. Our planned sponsorship of the NACo Annual Conference demonstrates our dedication to the county Government community, where we have partnered with agencies for decades to provide access to transformative technology solutions. We understand the unique challenges facing county Governments and we are committed to connecting county leaders with the innovative tools, partners and expertise they need to modernize operations while maximizing the impact of every taxpayer dollar.

NASTD Annual Conference

August 23-26, 2026 | Denver, CO | In-Person Event

The National Association of State Technology Directors (NASTD) Annual Conference brings together State IT leaders, industry partners and technology innovators to explore emerging trends and best practices in Government technology. Attendees will gain insights into digital transformation, cybersecurity advancements and strategies for modernizing State IT infrastructures. The conference features data-driven sessions, peer case studies and collaborative discussions designed to help agencies improve service delivery and operational efficiency. Participants will leave with actionable knowledge, new professional connections and a clearer understanding of the evolving technology landscape across State Governments.

Carahsoft is honored to sponsor and exhibit at the NASTD Annual Conference, where we will showcase how our comprehensive portfolio of technology solutions and partner vendors support State IT modernization initiatives. Our team will be available throughout the event to discuss how Carahsoft can help State technology directors overcome infrastructure challenges, accelerate cloud adoption, strengthen cybersecurity defenses and implement emerging technologies like AI and automation. By participating in this critical gathering of State IT leadership, we are reinforcing our commitment to supporting the technology directors who serve as the backbone of State Government modernization efforts.

NASCIO Annual Conference

September 27-30, 2026 | San Diego, CA | In-Person Event

The NASCIO Annual Conference brings together State Government technology leaders, industry partners and subject-matter experts to explore the most pressing issues in Public Sector IT. Attendees will gain insights into national technology trends, share best practices and learn from data-driven sessions on cybersecurity, digital services, emerging technologies and State IT modernization efforts. The conference also provides opportunities to examine quantitative research released by NASCIO, including benchmarking data on SCIO priorities and technology investments. With a strong focus on collaboration and knowledge exchange, this event equips participants with practical strategies and proven frameworks to drive innovation across State Government, including sessions centered on top SCIO priorities such as cybersecurity, digital Government, enterprise architecture and developing technologies like AI and autonomous systems.

Carahsoft is committed to supporting the State CIO community year-round, and our sponsorship of the NASCIO Annual Conference reflects the depth of that commitment. We are proud to once again host our annual networking reception, creating relaxed, informal settings where State IT leaders can connect beyond the main conference agenda to share challenges, discuss strategies and build the relationships that lead to collaborative solutions. Our team looks forward to engaging with State CIOs, their teams and our industry partners throughout the event, facilitating the meaningful conversations and knowledge exchange that helps State Governments navigate complex technology decisions and advance their mission-critical modernization initiatives.

GovRAMP Cyber Summit

November 15-17, 2026 | San Antonio, TX | In-Person Event

The 2026 GovRAMP Cyber Summit brings together leaders from Government and industry to address the rising complexity of cybersecurity in the Public Sector. With agencies facing tight budgets, staffing shortages and increasing compliance requirements, the Summit emphasizes practical, risk-based strategies that enhance security while minimizing operational burden. Sessions focus on aligning frameworks such as GovRAMP, FedRAMP and Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) to reduce redundancy, promote reciprocity and achieve scalable, cost-effective security outcomes. Attendees can look forward to a keynote on emerging cyber risk trends and the evolving role of these frameworks in shaping Government-wide security strategy, as well as an interactive workshop focused on streamlining compliance through reciprocity and shared security evidence.

As the presenting sponsor of the 2026 GovRAMP Cyber Summit, Carahsoft is leading the effort to bring Government and industry experts together for high-impact cybersecurity collaboration that directly benefits State and Local agencies. We recognize that many State and Local Governments struggle with the complexity and cost of achieving and maintaining compliance across multiple frameworks, and we are committed to connecting agencies with the solutions, expertise and strategies that can simplify their compliance journey. Through our extensive cybersecurity partner ecosystem, we help agencies access GovRAMP-authorized solutions and navigate the path to secure, cost-effective cloud adoption. Carahsoft is committed to supporting the advancement of secure, efficient Government operations that better serve citizens while protecting their data.

Billington Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Summit

November 17-18, 2026 | San Antonio, TX | In-Person Event

The Billington Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Summit brings together an unprecedented coalition of Federal, State and Local Government cybersecurity leaders alongside operators from the nation’s four essential lifeline sectors: energy, communications, transportation and water. Building on sixteen years of hosting the most trusted Federal cybersecurity gathering, Billington is expanding its legacy to address the rapidly evolving threats facing America’s critical infrastructure. Attendees will gain insights from senior decision makers, sector experts and industry innovators on securing interconnected systems and strengthening national resilience through Firesides, General Sessions, Breakout Sessions and four sector-specific pre-conference Microsummits. Notable sessions include a rare cyber simulation examining roles and accountability between Government and industry during catastrophic events, as well as a fireside conversation with Intelligence Community leadership providing authoritative threat visibility directly to critical infrastructure operators.

Carahsoft is proud to support the inaugural Billington Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Summit, demonstrating our commitment to helping State and Local agencies strengthen the cybersecurity posture of America’s critical infrastructure sectors. As State and Local Government agencies increasingly recognize their role as operators and regulators of critical infrastructure, we are dedicated to connecting these agencies with the innovative technologies, expert guidance and collaborative partnerships they need to enhance resilience against evolving threats. Our team will be onsite throughout the Summit to engage with Government and infrastructure operators, showcase cutting-edge security solutions from our partner ecosystem and facilitate the meaningful dialogues that lead to stronger, more secure critical infrastructure operations serving communities nationwide.

As State and Local Governments continue to navigate complex modernization challenges, these 2026 events represent critical opportunities to gain insights, build relationships and discover the solutions needed to advance mission success. From cybersecurity frameworks and procurement innovation to digital service delivery and infrastructure resilience, each gathering addresses the most pressing priorities facing Public Sector IT leaders today. Carahsoft is honored to support these events and the Government technology community they serve.

To learn more about Carahsoft’s State and Local Government solutions, visit our State and Local Government solutions portfolio.

To directly connect with our team regarding any of these upcoming events, contact us at SLGMarketing@Carahsoft.com.

Top 10 5G Events for Government in 2026

Posted on by Mark DeMerse

As next-generation wireless technology continues to transform Public Sector operations, 5G stands at the forefront of mission-critical innovation. From strengthening national security and enhancing public safety to enabling smart city initiatives and improving citizen services, 5G capabilities are revolutionizing how Government agencies achieve success. Carahsoft Technology Corp., The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider®, maintains strategic partnerships with leading 5G solutions providers to help Federal, State and Local agencies harness this transformative technology. With deep expertise across the connectivity landscape and proven experience supporting Government digital transformation, Carahsoft is committed to advancing 5G solutions that enable agencies to achieve unprecedented levels of speed, reliability and operational efficiency. Join us at these pivotal 2026 events to discover how 5G is reshaping Government operations and driving progress across the Public Sector.

2026 Defense R&D Summit | Potomac Officers Club

January 29, 2026 | McLean, VA | In-Person Event

Hosted by the Potomac Officers Club, the 2026 Defense Research & Development (R&D) Summit brings together top defense leaders, researchers and innovators to discuss emerging technologies shaping the future of warfare and national security. The event features expert-led sessions focused on advancing United States military capabilities through cutting-edge research and strategic insights. Speakers include military personnel, subject matter experts (SMEs) and corporate executives in the technology sector.

Sessions to Look Out For:

Bridging Domains: 5G to FutureG in Defense

Innovating for Advantage: Advancing Secure Interoperable IT for Space Defense

Carahsoft is a key exhibiting sponsor at the 2026 Defense R&D Summit, reflecting its strong role in supporting technology innovation across the Public Sector. Through partnerships with leading technology providers, Carahsoft helps Government agencies access secure and scalable 5G solutions that strengthen digital infrastructure, improve communications and advance defense modernization efforts. This sponsorship underscores Carahsoft’s commitment to enabling defense organizations to leverage next-generation wireless capabilities that support mission-critical operations and enhance warfighter readiness.

MWC26

March 2-5, 2026 | Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain | In-Person Event

Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2026 serves as an essential forum for the Government 5G space, bringing together global regulators, telecom leaders and technology vendors to shape the next phase of national connectivity strategy. With 5G-Advanced, secure infrastructure and private-network deployments accelerating, MWC provides Governments a front-row view of emerging technologies impacting public safety, critical infrastructure, smart cities and digital-service modernization. This venue offers one of the only opportunities for policymakers to directly collaborate with industry on spectrum, security, standards and regulatory frameworks that will define how 5G is deployed and governed over the next decade.

Sessions to Look Out For:

IoT Summit 2026

5G Goes Pro: Standalone, Advanced and Always On

Carahsoft is proud to highlight its partner Palo Alto Networks at MWC 2026, where Palo Alto Networks will showcase its platform-based, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven approach to securing 5G, cloud and next-generation mobile infrastructures. Through this partnership, Carahsoft enables Public Sector and enterprise customers to access Palo Alto Networks’ Zero Trust and advanced threat prevention solutions that support secure, resilient digital transformation in an increasingly connected world. This collaboration ensures Government agencies can implement 5G technologies with the robust security frameworks necessary to protect sensitive data and maintain operational integrity across evolving threat landscapes.

Smart Cities Connect: Spring Conference and Expo

March 10-12, 2026 | Raleigh, NC | In-Person Event

The Smart Cities Connect Spring Conference & Expo 2026 brings together city leaders, urban planners, technologists, policymakers and industry experts to explore and accelerate smart city solutions. The event features keynotes, panels, workshops and an expo showcasing innovations in connectivity, Internet of Things (IoT), mobility, sustainability and Public Sector infrastructure. Attendees gain insights into digital transformation, urban operations, governance and community engagement while networking with vendors, solution providers and municipal peers.

Sessions to Look Out For:

Smart Lighting Brings Free Public Wi-Fi Powered By 5G

Smarter Cities Using Wireless WAN Connectivity—Real-Life Use Cases!

Carahsoft is proud to highlight its vendor partners Dell and NVIDIA participating in the Smart Cities Connect: Spring Conference and Expo, where they will showcase innovative technologies that help cities become more efficient, resilient and citizen-centric. Through these partnerships, Carahsoft enables Government and municipal organizations to access emerging solutions from Dell and NVIDIA that support data-driven infrastructure, advanced analytics and intelligent urban services for smarter, more connected communities. These solutions demonstrate how 5G-enabled technologies can transform urban operations, from traffic management and public safety to environmental monitoring and citizen engagement.

OFC 2026

March 15-19, 2026 | San Francisco, CA | In-Person Event

Step into the future of optical communications and networking at the Optical Fiber Communication (OFC) Conference 2026. This premier event showcases the latest breakthroughs, innovations and next-generation commercial solutions through hundreds of exhibitors, expert speakers and thought leaders from industry and academia. Throughout the week, attendees can participate in symposia, immersive tutorials, interactive workshops and dynamic panels, offering insights into emerging technologies, market trends and the evolving state of the industry.

Sessions to Look Out For:

5G Network Evolution and Next-Generation Optical Infrastructure

Enabling 5G Services with Intelligent Optical Networks

Carahsoft is proud to highlight its vendor partners Intel, Nokia and Ciena participating in OFC 2026, where they will showcase advanced optical networking and communications technologies that are shaping the future of high-capacity, resilient infrastructure. Through these partnerships, Carahsoft helps Government and enterprise customers access breakthrough solutions that drive innovation, improve network performance and support the growing demands of data-intensive applications. These optical networking solutions provide the critical backbone infrastructure that enables 5G networks to deliver on their promise of ultra-low latency, massive bandwidth and reliable connectivity for mission-critical Government operations.

IWCE 2026 Conference

March 16-19, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV | In-Person Event

The International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) 2026 serves as the definitive event for critical communications, connecting the complete ecosystem from 911 centers to enterprise security and accelerating life-saving technology deployments. This comprehensive conference brings together stakeholders across public safety, Government, emergency management, utilities, education, transportation, healthcare and other critical infrastructure sectors. Trainings, panels and power sessions provide practical insights into implementing mission-critical wireless solutions.

Carahsoft, 5G Top Events blog, embedded image, 2026

Sessions to Look Out For:

Next-Generation 5G Networks for Public Safety and Smart Cities

Secure and Scalable 5G Solutions for Government Agencies

Carahsoft is proud to highlight its leading vendor partners T-Mobile, Verizon, iBwave and Druid at IWCE 2026 Conference, where they will showcase cutting-edge communications and network solutions for mission-critical public safety and enterprise environments. Through these partnerships, Carahsoft helps Government and enterprise customers access advanced wireless connectivity from T-Mobile and Verizon, intelligent in-building design with iBwave and real-time communications platforms from Druid, reinforcing its commitment to enabling resilient, secure and interoperable communications for today’s most demanding operational challenges. These solutions ensure that first responders and emergency management teams have the reliable, high-performance connectivity they need to protect communities and save lives.

FutureG for Warfare & Defense Summit

March 25-26, 2026 | Alexandria, VA | In-Person Event

Defense Strategies Institute’s (DSI’s) 3rd annual FutureG for Warfare & Defense Summit convenes senior leaders from the Department of War (DoW), Federal Government, industry and academia in a dynamic town-hall style event to focus on operationalizing current 5G networks, securing supply chains and charting the research roadmap toward 6G (FutureG). This must-attend two-day event details the strategic objectives and goals around the full-scale integration of secure, resilient commercial and military network technologies in support of the Warfighter.

Sessions to Look Out For:

Preparing for the Next Generation of Wireless Network Technologies Across DoD

Integrating 5G Capabilities for the Future Soldier

Carahsoft is proud to highlight its vendor partners at the FutureG for Warfare & Defense Summit, showcasing next-generation communications and defense solutions that support modern mission needs. Last year, Carahsoft’s partners were highly active at the summit, demonstrating advanced capabilities in secure connectivity, resilient networking and intelligent systems. Carahsoft’s continued participation in this summit reflects our deep commitment to supporting the DoW’s vision for 6G technologies and ensuring warfighters have access to the most advanced, secure wireless capabilities available. We look forward to sharing the full list of participating partners for 2026 once it is released.

Connectivity Expo 2026

May 4-6, 2026 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | In-Person Event

Connectivity Expo 2026 is a leading event for the wireless and telecommunications industry, bringing together carriers, technology providers, innovators and Government agencies. The expo highlights the latest advancements in 5G, private networks, IoT and next-generation connectivity solutions, while offering networking opportunities, workshops and demonstrations to explore the future of global communications infrastructure.

Sessions to Look Out For:

Slicing the Pie: Monetizing Public and Private 5G with Network Slicing

Cell Site of the Future: Open RAN, AI-RAN, Edge Compute and How We Get There

Carahsoft is proud to highlight its vendor partner, Nokia, participating in Connectivity Expo 2026, where they will showcase advanced networking and connectivity solutions that help drive innovation across Public and Private Sector infrastructures. Through this partnership, Carahsoft enables Government and enterprise customers to access Nokia’s cutting-edge technologies that strengthen digital networks, improve performance and support the evolving demands of connected communities and organizations. Nokia’s expertise in Open Radio Access Network (RAN), network slicing and AI-enabled RAN positions Government agencies to deploy flexible, future-ready 5G infrastructures that can adapt to changing mission requirements and emerging use cases.

International Telecoms Week 2026

May 19-21, 2026 | National Harbor, MD | In-Person Event

International Telecoms Week 2026 is the leading global forum for digital infrastructure and connectivity leaders. The event brings together innovators, carriers and decision makers to explore cutting-edge technologies—including 5G, satellite and subsea networks—while providing unparalleled networking opportunities across the international communications market. Attendees can engage with sessions on the “NextGen Networks” stage and the “Connectivity Infrastructure / Digital Disruption” stage, gaining insights into the technologies shaping the future of global connectivity.

Carahsoft is proud to highlight its vendor partners Nokia, AT&T and Verizon participating in International Telecoms Week 2026, where they will showcase leading innovations in telecommunications and connectivity that are driving global network transformation. Through these partnerships, Carahsoft helps Government and enterprise customers access advanced solutions that strengthen digital infrastructure, enhance network performance and support the future of connected services. These strategic relationships enable Carahsoft to provide Public Sector agencies with comprehensive 5G solutions spanning network equipment, carrier services and end-to-end connectivity platforms that meet the unique security, reliability and performance requirements of Government operations.

2026 UTC Telecom & Technology Conference

June 1-4, 2026 | Minneapolis, MN | In-Person Event

The 2026 Utilities Technology Council (UTC) Telecom & Technology Conference brings together utility and information and communication technology professionals to explore next-generation communications, private 5G and Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, grid modernization and innovative technology solutions through workshops, sessions and an exhibit hall. Key sessions provide utilities and Government organizations with practical strategies for implementing secure, reliable wireless communications infrastructure.

Sessions to Look Out For:

Wireless Summit—Private 5G for Utilities

UtiliSite/Small Cell & 5G Infrastructure

Carahsoft is looking forward to highlighting its vendor partners at the 2026 UTC Telecom & Technology Conference, where leading technology providers will showcase innovations that support robust, secure and future-ready communications infrastructures. While the full list of participating sponsors has not yet been released, Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partners continues to deliver advanced solutions that help utilities and Government organizations enhance connectivity, resilience and operational performance. This event provides a critical platform for demonstrating how private 5G networks can transform utility operations, enabling smart grid applications, remote monitoring and improved workforce communications across distributed infrastructure.

Carahsoft | Public Sector 5G Summit 2026

August 25, 2026 | Reston, VA | In-Person Event

The Carahsoft Public Sector 5G Summit 2026 will bring together Government leaders, industry innovators and technology experts to explore how 5G is transforming Public Sector operations and mission delivery. This exclusive event will feature expert-led sessions, technology demonstrations and networking opportunities designed specifically for Federal, State and Local Government professionals seeking to understand and implement next-generation wireless capabilities. Additional details on keynote speakers, session topics and featured technology partners will be released in the coming months.

As the host of this premier Public Sector 5G event, Carahsoft will showcase its extensive ecosystem of leading 5G technology partners and solutions providers at our Conference & Collaboration Center. The summit will provide Government attendees with hands-on access to cutting-edge 5G technologies, practical implementation strategies and direct connections with industry experts who understand the unique requirements and challenges facing Public Sector organizations. This exclusive event reflects Carahsoft’s leadership in the 5G space and our commitment to facilitating meaningful dialogue between Government decision makers and the technology innovators who can help agencies achieve their connectivity and modernization goals.

As 5G technology continues to evolve and mature, these 2026 events provide Government professionals with essential opportunities to stay at the forefront of wireless innovation. From defense and public safety applications to smart city initiatives and critical infrastructure modernization, next-generation connectivity is reshaping how agencies serve their missions and constituents. Each event offers unique insights into emerging technologies, the implementation of best practices and real-world use cases that demonstrate the transformative potential of 5G in the Public Sector.

Whether you are exploring secure 5G deployments for defense applications, evaluating private networks for critical infrastructure or seeking to understand how 5G enables smarter, more connected communities, these gatherings offer invaluable opportunities to learn from industry leaders and connect with solution providers who understand Government requirements. Carahsoft remains committed to supporting Government agencies throughout their 5G journey, providing access to leading technology partners, expert guidance and proven solutions that deliver mission success.

To learn more or get involved in any of the above events, please contact us at 5G@carahsoft.com.

For more information on Carahsoft and our industry-leading 5G technology partners’ events, visit our 5G Solutions Portfolio and 5G Events page.

Top 10 Cybersecurity Events for Government in 2026

Posted on by Steve Jacyna

In 2026, assessment, adaptation and agility remain essential as Government agencies and the tech industry navigate an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape. From the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the evolution of cyber threats to enhanced data management strategies and the transformation toward unified platforms, cybersecurity continues to be mission critical. Carahsoft Technology Corp., The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider®, stands ready to support Federal, State and Local Government, as well as education and healthcare organizations, through collaboration with our extensive network of cybersecurity partners and solutions. These premier industry events offer invaluable opportunities to connect with experts, explore next-generation technologies and gain actionable insights into securing your organization’s digital infrastructure.

Rocky Mountain Cyberspace Symposium 2026 (RMCS26)

February 2-5, 2026 | Colorado Springs, CO | In-Person Event

RMCS26 serves as an essential forum where industry, academia and Government converge to discuss and propose solutions to the nation’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges. This year’s theme, “Dominance Through Disruption: Emerging Tech and the Cyber Enterprise,” explores how emerging technologies, empowered cyber forces and integrated strategies are redefining operations across domains in an ear defined by contested information, persistent engagement and rapid technological change. The exhibit hall will feature cutting-edge cyber technologies, providing attendees opportunities to learn about innovative solutions and share ideas with peers from across the globe. RMCS26 is a world-class event that supports the community through investments in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) scholarships, grants and educational activities.

Carahsoft is excited to announce that we will be hosting a networking reception for our partners and attendees participating at RMCS26. Please join us for our reception following the exhibit hall hours on Wednesday, February 4, at the Broadmoor’s Lake Terrace Dining Room from 6:00pm – 8:00pm for food, drinks, music and entertainment.

Public Sector Day 2026 at RSA Conference (RSAC™)

March 23, 2026 | San Francisco, CA | In-Person Event

2026 marks the 13th Annual Public Sector Day at RSAC™. This specialized security event will explore key areas crucial for Government cybersecurity through dedicated Federal and State, Local and Education panels. This targeted day within the broader Conference provides Government professionals with focused opportunities to address sector-specific challenges while accessing the full event’s extensive resources.

The program will cover:

AI’s role in advancing Federal missions

Building and retaining a skilled Government cyber workforce

Modernizing State cyber defenses with emerging technologies

Navigating Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)

Managing AI-driven threats across an evolving cyber landscape

Strategies for secure and scalable FedRAMP cloud architectures

Carahsoft is excited to host Public Sector Day at RSAC™ for the 13th year in a row, bringing Government and industry together for a day of engaging conversation. We will also be hosting a reception on Tuesday, March 24, at the Conservatory at One Sansome, located in the heart of San Francisco. Join us for an evening of networking, light refreshments and live music!

Carahsoft Cybersmart Summit

April 9, 2026 | Reston, VA | In-Person Event

Cybersecurity remains a dynamic landscape characterized by new threats, evolving defense strategies and emerging attack surfaces. The development of AI as a commercially viable technology introduces new considerations, including growing recognition that it substantially increases the need for risk management. Attendees will gain knowledge in key areas, including identifying where new AI tools can reinforce existing cyber defenses, examining data privacy protection within AI-enabled systems, evaluating software supply chains for Zero Trust implementation, delineating elements of universally applied Zero Trust Architectures (ZTAs) and reviewing agency operations to locate Operational Technology (OT) usage and conduct risk assessments.

Sessions to look out for:

“The Intersection of AI and Cyber Defense” examines how AI functions as a double-edged sword.

“Zero Trust and Supply Chain Security Belong Together” explores expanding the “never trust, always verify” mandate to include software from multiple vendors.

“Bringing Cybersecurity to Critical Infrastructure” addresses the expanding cyber attack surface, including hostile nation-state targeting operations technology at maritime ports and other critical infrastructure.

Carahsoft is proud to partner with FedInsider to host the Cybersmart Summit at the Carahsoft Conference and Collaboration Center. Join us on Thursday, April 9^th to listen to industry and Government thought leaders discuss current trends in cybersecurity and examine the threats and opportunities that may arise from them.

EDUCAUSE Cybersecurity Privacy Professionals Conference

April 28-30, 2026 | Anaheim, CA | In-Person Event

The EDUCAUSE Cybersecurity Privacy Professionals Conference provides higher education professionals with the tools, resources and peer connections needed to develop and enhance cybersecurity and privacy programs across institutions. At the Conference, participants will learn the risks colleges and universities face, how to implement effective security methods and which precautions to take to keep students and institutional data protected. The Conference helps institutions identify key messages and determine how and when to communicate with leadership, students, faculty, staff and external partners.

Other areas of focus include:

Developing and promoting tools to help campuses improve cybersecurity programs.

Providing expertise on issues related to public policy that is affecting higher education.

The Cybersecurity and Privacy Guide, which provides effective practices and timely guidance on key topics for higher education institutions.

Carahsoft is a proud sponsor of the EDUCAUSE Cybersecurity and Privacy Professionals Conference. Stop by our tabletop exhibit, showcasing a range of cybersecurity solutions, to learn how Carahsoft and our partners support the higher education community. We will also host a reception; more details will be released closer to the event.

AFCEA TechNet Cyber

May 2, 2026 | Baltimore, MD | In-Person Event

Carahsoft, Cybersecurity Top Events blog, embedded image, 2026

As a flagship event, Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association’s (AFCEA) TechNet Cyber brings together the policies, strategies and operations needed to meet global security challenges and successfully operate in a digital environment. The conference connects military and Government leaders with industry professionals through conversations led by the U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), the Department of War (DoW) Chief Information Officer (CIO) and more. At AFCEA TechNet Cyber, attendees will have the chance to explore global security challenges and solutions with IT professionals and learn about new ways to combat sophisticated cybersecurity threats.

Carahsoft’s pavilion will feature more than 50 partners showcasing a full range of cybersecurity, AI, DevSecOps and cloud solutions. Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose will also be in the Carahsoft booth taping a broadcast TV episode showcasing Government and industry thought leaders at the event. More information to come!

EDGE26 Security Summit

July 9-11, 2026 | San Diego, CA | In-Person Event

The Government Business Executive Forum (GBEF) will host the annual EDGE26 Security Summit, joining together 400 senior security professionals across multiple industries for three full days of discussion on the latest global and emerging security threats, strategies and technologies. The summit’s highly interactive, off-the-record executive roundtable agenda offers attendees and participants the opportunity to network, share perspectives and speak candidly on technology and mission issues. Additional impactful multimedia presentations will be broadcast live for virtual attendees, allowing for expanded interaction and insight into the progression of worldwide security innovation.

Sessions to look out for:

Your Biggest Cyber Risk Isn’t Technology – It’s AI-Powered Manipulation

Gen Z and Zconomy: New Discoveries and Specific Solutions to Unlock the Potential of Gen Z

This exclusive, invite-only event is reserved for GBEF members, Government officials and Carahsoft partners. Carahsoft’s participation in EDGE26 reflects our commitment to fostering high-level dialogue among senior security leaders and facilitating candid discussions on the most critical security challenges facing Government and industry.

SANS Government Security Forum

July 22, 2026 | Online Event

The SANS 2026 Government Forum, presented in partnership with Carahsoft, brings together Federal, State and Local Government cybersecurity professionals to explore the technology shaping secure, mission-ready environments. The program will examine how agencies can strengthen resilience amid rising nation-state threats, modernize legacy systems, secure hybrid infrastructures and adopt AI-enabled defense capabilities. Attendees will gain actionable insights from SANS instructors, Government leaders and industry experts on building security programs that are adaptable, auditable and operationally effective. Through technical briefings, case studies and expert-led discussions, the Forum highlights emerging defense strategies, interagency collaboration models, procurement considerations and proven approaches for securing critical services.

Attendees can expect:

Sessions highlighting proven strategies for modernizing Government cybersecurity programs.

Case studies from Federal, State and Local agencies, as well as insights from SANS instructors and Carahsoft partners.

Guidance on adopting secure architectures, AI-enabled defense, automation and aligning modernization with compliance.

Carahsoft looks forward to partnering with the SANS Institute to present the Government Forum for the sixth year in a row, demonstrating our shared commitment to empowering Public Sector cybersecurity professionals. This must-attend virtual event reflects our dedication to providing Government agencies with access to educational opportunities and preparing Public Sector professionals for the next generation of cyber challenges.

Black Hat USA

August 1-6, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV | In-Person Event

Black Hat USA, one of the world’s most respected information security conference series, is returning to Las Vegas in 2026. The event brings together cybersecurity professionals, hackers, executives and security researchers at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Black Hat USA features a six-day program with specialized training courses and a two-day main conference showcasing more than 100 selected briefings, demonstrations and networking opportunities. This essential gathering provides unparalleled chances for Government professionals to connect with leading experts, explore emerging threats and discover innovative defensive techniques.

Last year’s highlights:

Trainings exclusive to Black Hat, taught by experts from around the world, provided hands-on technical skill building.

Briefings led by security experts featured the latest cybersecurity risks, trends and groundbreaking research.

The 2025 Business Hall offered unique opportunities for attendees and vendors to network with cybersecurity professionals and explore a broad range of security products and solutions.

This year, Carahsoft is excited to announce that we will be hosting a networking reception again, providing a great opportunity to connect with industry peers. Our team looks forward to engaging with attendees throughout Black Hat USA and demonstrating how our partners’ solutions support mission-critical security requirements. Stay tuned for updates as plans develop!

Billington CyberSecurity Summit

September 8-10, 2026 | Washington, D.C. | In-Person Event

The 17th Annual Billington CyberSecurity Summit stands as the leading Government cybersecurity conference, bringing together over 2,500 attendees and 200+ top speakers for more than 40 sessions and breakouts. Attendees will have the chance to network and learn the latest cybersecurity trends, best practices and threats through an agenda that combines feedback from previous summits with current cyber issues. This must-attend event enables professionals to stay in front of cyber issues at every level, meet the most innovative companies working cybersecurity from nearly every angle and engage with a wide-ranging group of thought leaders within Federal, State and Local Government.

The program will feature:

A leadership luncheon

Over 100 cyber-focused vendor booths

A lineup of senior Government speakers

General and breakout sessions exploring key topics

Receptions where participants can engage with other attendees and speakers

Demonstrations of the latest developments and innovations in cybersecurity technology

Carahsoft is sponsoring the 17^th Annual Billington Cybersecurity Summit. Stop by our booth throughout the week to explore and learn more about our partners’ comprehensive range of cybersecurity solutions!

GovRAMP Cyber Summit

November 15-17, 2026 | San Antonio, Tx | In-Person Event

GovRAMP Cyber Summit is the premier event where Public and Private Sector leaders examine crucial cybersecurity, risk management and compliance topics and trends. Attendees will gain insights on framework harmonization and AI, best practices in supplier risk management and procurement, real-world case studies from top cybersecurity experts and discussions on emerging technologies and their compliance impact. Join national thought leaders as they explore opportunities for alignment across frameworks like FedRAMP, GovRAMP, Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy and more.

Carahsoft proudly serves as the presenting sponsor of the GovRAMP Cyber Summit, demonstrating our commitment to advancing State and Local Government cybersecurity. Our involvement reflects our dedication to helping agencies achieve secure cloud adoption through compliant solutions.

As the Government and cybersecurity community navigate significant transformation throughout 2026, these events offer invaluable opportunities to stay informed, connected and prepared. From comprehensive training opportunities to intimate networking sessions, each event provides unique perspectives on addressing today’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges. Carahsoft remains committed to supporting the Government through our extensive partner network, deep technical expertise and active participation in these essential industry gatherings. Join us at these events to discover innovative solutions, connect with industry leaders and advance your organization’s cybersecurity posture.

To learn more or get involved in any of the above events, please contact our team at CyberMarketing@carahsoft.com.

For more information on Carahsoft and our industry-leading cybersecurity technology partners, visit our cybersecurity solutions portfolio.