The Top 10 AI Events for Government in 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) has grown from simple automation and robotics in the mid-20th century to modern-day advanced technology, experiencing major evolution within the last several years. The power of AI and increased usage across many Public Sector markets has sparked a new wave of innovation surrounding development of tools, solutions, policy, ethics and more. Whether showcasing new technologies or networking with AI tech industry experts, dive into Carahsoft’s recommendations below for the top upcoming AI events to attend this year as we explore all these topics and what is to come for AI. 


Defense IT Summit 

February 27 | Arlington, VA | In-Person Event 

The Defense IT Summit serves as a critical forum for Federal and industry leaders to collaborate on the transformative power of IT modernization in defense operations. Key priorities and agency initiatives will be outlined by leadership, focusing on critical areas like AI in defense operations, CJADC2 and multi and hybrid cloud security. Featured speakers at the Summit will include officials from the Department of Defense (DoD), Army, Navy, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and Air Force Research Lab. 

Sessions to Look Out for: AI and the Defense Mission 

Carahsoft frequently works with GovCIO on programs targeting the Government audience. Join our partners Snowflake, Gitlab, HP, AMD and Pryon, at this event as they discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping the defense landscape. 


NVIDIA GTC 2025 

March 17-20 | San Jose, CA | Hybrid Event 

NVIDIA’s GPU Technology Conference (GTC) 2025 is a premier event showcasing the latest advancements in AI and accelerated computing. For Government agencies, attending GTC 2025 offers a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge AI technologies that can enhance public services, improve cybersecurity and drive innovation in various sectors. The conference provides a platform to engage with industry experts, participate in specialized sessions tailored for the Public Sector and gain insights into AI applications that address complex governmental challenges. 

Sessions to Look Out for:  

  • Efficient Large Language Model (LLM) Customization 
  • Deploying RAG Pipelines for Production at Scale 

Carahsoft is honored to be the premier host of the Public Sector Reception at NVIDIA GTC 2025 on Monday, March 17 at Blanco Urban. Join us at our reception and stop by our booth on the show floor to learn about the latest AI capabilities within the Government. 


2025 Artificial Intelligence Summit 

March 20 | McLean, VA | In-Person Event 

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The rapid acceleration of AI is transforming the landscape of national security, public services and defense. To maintain our nation’s edge, Government leaders must stay ahead of these advancements and strategically integrate AI into their organizations. The Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Artificial Intelligence Summit offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain critical insights from top Government decision-makers and AI experts. This event will provide actionable strategies to implement AI effectively, explore best practices for organizational integration and connect with industry pioneers shaping the future of AI. 

Sessions to Look Out for:  

  • The Impact of AI on National Security and Economic Growth 
  • Acquisitions in the Age of AI 

As a gold sponsor of the 2025 Artificial Intelligence Summit, Carahsoft, along with our partners EmpowerAI, Primer, Oracle, Coursera and Percipient.AI are excited to participate in the 6th year running of this great event. 


Convening to Act: Managing High Impact AI National Security Applications 

March 27 | Reston, VA | In-Person Event 

The National Cryptologic Foundation (NCF) is hosting a comprehensive, multidisciplinary dialogue uniting Government and industry leaders to explore “Managing High-Impact AI National Security Applications” for the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and beyond. This event is designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities AI presents, including its implementation by small and medium-sized businesses. This two-day program features engaging sessions on critical topics, including legal frameworks, policy development, compliance strategies, security challenges, equality considerations and privacy implications. 

Attendees also have the option to participate in an onsite dinner and fireside chat on the first evening, providing an opportunity to network and exchange ideas in a more informal setting. 

Sessions to Look Out for: Responsible AI Officers Panel on DoD/USIC with Lakshimi Raman, Director of Artificial Intelligence for the CIA. 

As the hosting organization, Carahsoft is proud to sponsor Convening to Act with NSF. Join us at the Carahsoft Conference & Collaboration Center for two days of important discussions around managing high-impact AI National Security Applications. 


AI Week Presented by AI Scoop 

April 21-25 | Washington D.C. | Hybrid Event 

AI has the potential to transform our world, and at AI Week 2025, attendees will get to experience this shift firsthand. Join thousands of C-suite leaders from the Government, tech industry and education communities across the country online and in-person for a week-long festival celebrating present modernization and future innovations of AI. Participate in lightning talks, networking opportunities, interactive sessions and community events to gain valuable insights on the latest in AI. 

Sessions to Look Out for: AI TALKS: Explore the Transformative Potential of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector Space 

Carahsoft partner, Salesforce, is the Underwriting Sponsor for AI Week. Join them along with our other partners Broadcom, Microsoft and Red Hat as sponsors of AI Talks for discussions around sustaining and enhancing the nation’s leadership in AI “to promote human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security.” 


GovCIO AI FedLab 

May 13 | Reston, VA | In-Person Event 

The GovCIO AI FedLab is a unique event, bringing together Government and industry in a workshop environment to learn about AI challenges that span across all agencies. Attendees of over 50 senior-level Federal IT executives will participate in working sessions on problem-solving, brainstorming and creating meaningful engagement for participants and speakers. 

Carahsoft is the leading sponsor and host of GovCIO’s AI FedLab. Join us at the Carahsoft Conference & Collaboration Center for the second year running of this cutting-edge collaborative workshop. 


Carahsoft AI for Government Summit 

May 15 | Reston, VA | In-Person Event 

Carahsoft’s AI for Government Summit is the premier event for exploring how AI is revolutionizing the Public Sector. This summit brings together Federal, State and Local Government leaders, industry innovators and technology experts to discuss the transformative potential of AI in addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Attendees will gain actionable insight into how Generative AI is transforming Government operations, how AI can streamline public services, cybersecurity and data protection, and how to leverage AI for predictive analytics and decision-making, as well as tackling ethical, privacy and compliance challenges.

Sessions to Look Out for:  

  • Government Progress on White House Executive Order 14110 and the NSM on AI 
  • How the Trump Administration is Handling Prior White House EO’s on AI 
  • Update on Government Modernization through the Data Center and AI Infrastructure 
  • What Efficiencies Government Has Gained Using Generative AI and Where it is Headed 
  • Enhancing Customer Experience (CX) in the Public Sector with AI  
  • What Use-Cases are in Production Today 

Carahsoft is the proud host of the AI for Government Summit. This was a milestone event in 2024 with speakers from NVIDIA, OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, AWS, Dell, HPE and others. Join us at the Carahsoft Conference & Collaboration Center to learn about all things AI within the Public Sector. 


GEOINT 2025 

May 18-21 | St. Louis, MO | In-Person Event 

The GEOINT Symposium explores the critical role of geospatial intelligence in building a secure future. Engage with Government leaders, industry pioneers and thought leaders to uncover how GEOINT is addressing pressing challenges and opportunities in today’s complex global environment. From land and sea to cyberspace and outer space, geospatial intelligence is revolutionizing every domain, empowering decision-makers to respond effectively to critical needs. 

As an annual sponsor of the GEOINT Symposium, Carahsoft will be joined by more than 70 of our technology providers on the tradeshow floor in our pavilion space. Additionally, Carahsoft will be hosting a partner-sponsored networking reception at the Post Building. Carahsoft is also the exclusive lanyard sponsor of GEOINT 2025 and attendees will have a front seat to more than 200 speakers across a variety of educational sessions, meaningful networking opportunities and technology demonstrations showcasing modern solutions to present day challenges. 


Billington Cybersecurity Summit 

September 9-12 | Washington, D.C. | In-Person Event 

A long standing and experienced event, the Billington Cybersecurity Summit features an extensive array of cyber topics, speakers, sessions and interactive breakouts for attendees to truly immerse in the world of today’s emerging cybersecurity solutions and trends. In its 16th year running, this leading Government cybersecurity summit promises an exceptional line up of Government presenters, an invaluable leadership luncheon, an all-attendee networking reception and over 100 vendor booths featuring strategy development and technology demos. 

For a sneak peek into what you can expect at the summit, topics covered during last year’s event included:  

  • Zero Trust 
  • Ransomware 
  • Advancing cyber diplomacy 
  • Learning how to use proactive defenses 
  • Engineering AI into cybersecurity platforms 
  • Implementing an effective risk management approach 
  • Protecting critical infrastructure 

Stay tuned to the website for announcements around the speaker lineup and further summit information. 

Carahsoft is looking forward to sponsoring this year’s event and will feature a booth to engage with attendees throughout the week. We will also be hosting a large partner pavilion and encourage attendees to stop by and learn more about our partners and their technology solutions! Check out the events tab on our website for more details closer to the event! 


SC25: International Conference for High Performance Computing 

November 16-21 | St. Louis, MO | Hybrid Event 

Supercomputing25 (SC25) is the premier global conference for high-performance computing (HPC), networking, storage and analysis, tailored to address the needs of Government, defense and research organizations. This year’s event explores the transformative impact of HPC technologies on solving critical challenges, advancing national security and driving innovation across scientific and governmental missions. 

At SC25, there will be a wide array of programming including presentations on new research, showcasing innovative work or practices and teaching and guiding the next generation of HPC students and professionals. 

Carahsoft will once again host a large pavilion space and is an exhibiting sponsor of SC25 along with many of our partners at the forefront of high-powered computing, including AWS, Broadcom, Cloudian, Dell, Google, Groq, HPE, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Microway, NVIDIA, Oracle, Red Hat and VAST Data. 

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As technology and the Public Sector’s adoption of AI advance, the topic remains at the forefront. Our partners are making significant strides in AI, and you are invited to join the conversation. Attend these revolutionary events and help shape the future of AI. 

Tableau Conference 

April 9 – 11, San Diego, CA, Hybrid Event 

Alteryx Inspire 

May 12 – 15, Las Vegas, NV, In-Person Event 

Informatica World 

May 13, Las Vegas, NV, In-Person Event 

Adobe Government Forum 2025 

May 14, Washington D.C., Hybrid Event 

Dell Technologies World 

May 19, San Francisco, CA, Hybrid Event 

Databricks Data + AI Summit 

June 9, San Francisco, CA, Hybrid Event 

AWS re:Inforce 2025 

June 16 – 18, Philadelphia, PA, In-Person Event 


To learn more or get involved in any of the above events please contact us at AITeam@carahsoft.com. For more information on Carahsoft and our industry leading AI technology partners’ events, visit our AI solutions portfolio and AI Events page.

The Top 10 Customer Experience and Engagement Events for Government in 2025

Customer experience (CX) and engagement is at the forefront of positive innovation in Government, creating efficient and convenient services, accessible access to information and opportunities for communication between agencies and their customers to build a clearer understanding of public needs and how to develop and reform operations. Carahsoft Technology Corp., The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider®, features a portfolio of industry-leading solutions and providers to support the Government in its efforts to share and report information to its community. Throughout this year, new and returning events will showcase the latest technologies, generate meaningful conversations through networking sessions and provide live product demonstrations to enhance Government CX. We look forward to joining these events with you soon! 


2025 Government Contact Center Summit 

April 30 | Reston, VA | In-Person Event 

Join us for the inaugural Government Contact Center Summit. Dorris Consulting, in collaboration with ACT-IAC, will bring you a day of thoughtful discussions on delivering outstanding digital experiences with best-in-class contact centers. Learn best practices for Government Contact Centers, explore new technologies and solutions and network with leaders from Government and industry. 

As the hosting organization, Carahsoft is excited to partner with DCI and ACT-IAC for the inaugural Government Contact Center Summit at our Carahsoft Conference & Collaboration Center. Join us to hear from and meet Government and industry leaders at the forefront of Government Contact Center innovation. 


Adobe Government Forum 2025 

May 14 | Washington, D.C. | In-Person Event 

The Adobe Government Forum gathers top leaders across Federal, State and Local organizations to share their digital transformation stories. Join us in Washington, D.C. to learn more about cutting-edge technology that accelerates service delivery and elevates CX. Discover how to take an experience-driven approach to Government services and network with leaders who are paving the way for Government customer experience. 

Carahsoft is an annual sponsor of the Adobe Government Forum and will continue to support for the 16th year running of this great event. Join us and our partner Adobe for discussions on creating digital experiences that put people first. Curious about what to expect? Check out on-demand sessions from the 2024 Forum. 


Carahsoft AI for Government Summit  

May 15 | Reston, VA | In-Person Event  

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Carahsoft’s AI for Government Summit is the premier event for exploring how AI is revolutionizing the Public Sector. This summit brings together Federal, State and Local Government leaders, industry innovators and technology experts to discuss the transformative potential of AI in addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Attendees will gain actionable insight into how Generative AI is transforming Government operations, how AI can streamline public services, cybersecurity and data protection, and how to leverage AI for predictive analytics and decision-making, as well as tackling ethical, privacy and compliance challenges.

Session to Look Out for: Enhancing Customer Experience (CX) in the Public Sector with AI: AI is transforming how Government interacts with citizens. This session will explore how AI-driven chatbots, virtual assistants, and automation improve service delivery and user satisfaction in public-facing Government services.  

Carahsoft is the proud host of the AI for Government Summit. This was a milestone event in 2024 with speakers from NVIDIA, OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, AWS, Dell, HPE and others. Join us at the Carahsoft Conference & Collaboration Center to learn about all things AI within the Public Sector. 


2025 Government Social Media Conference 

May 20-22 | Orlando, FL | Hybrid Event 

GSMCON is the largest social media conference for Government. Hear from 25+ Government speakers participating in more than 20 sessions and breakouts on the latest social media trends, industry secrets and best practices. Attendees will gain real, actionable strategies while fostering connections with Government social media professionals around the globe. 

Sessions to look out for: 

  • Accessible and Inclusive Social Media Strategies for Government Agencies 
  • The Fresh Brand of Bel-Air: Keep Employee Engagement Fresh 

As a Premium Exhibitor at GSMCON in 2025, Carahsoft, along with our partners LinkedIn, Hootsuite and Sprout Social are excited to participate in the premier social media conference for Government agencies for its 10-year anniversary event. Visit our Carahsoft exhibit booth to meet the team and our partners. 


Government Customer Experience & Engagement Summit   

June 3 | Washington, D.C. | Hybrid Event 

The Government Customer Experience & Engagement Summit serves as a crucible for knowledge exchange to build a customer-centric Government. Join Federal and State and Local experts, thought leaders and CX professionals to discuss how emerging technologies are revolutionizing Government CX. Explore best practices for digital transformation, improving employee experience, building trust with constituents and implementing innovative technologies to make Government services, information and processes more efficient. Participants will be able to follow two distinct tracks that cater to diverse interests and objectives: technology and culture. 

Carahsoft is proud to host our 15th annual summit powered by GovExec. Join us, Government leaders and our CX technology and solutions industry experts as they discuss how the future of Government services and CX lies at the intersection of technology, efficiency and establishing a culture of excellence.  


Federal Experience Summit 

August | Washington, D.C. | In-Person Event 

The Qualtrics Federal Experience Summit brings leaders together to engage with each other on the evolving landscape of CX and employee experience (EX). Attendees will gain insight into innovative technologies that foster digital transformation, improve service delivery and build trust with constituents. Participants can choose between CX and EX breakout tracks to tailor their experience to their agency’s needs. 

Carahsoft partner, Qualtrics, is excited to host the Federal Experience Summit once again this year. Join them in Washington, D.C. for discussions on how to listen, understand and act on employee and customer experience feedback. Check out the events tab on our website for more details closer to the event! 


Digital Transformation Summit 2025 

September 17 | Reston, VA | In-Person Event 

The ACT-IAC Digital Transformation Summit provides Government and industry leaders strategies to accelerate the transition from legacy applications to new innovative technologies. Hear leaders share their best practices for building a successful digital transformation approach to meet evolving CX challenges and promote efficiency holistically. Join us for a day of insightful discussions and networking with industry experts, thought leaders and CX professionals. 

Sessions to look out for: 

  • Workforce Management in the Digital Age: AI-Driven Strategies for Recruitment, Retention, and Engagement of Government Employees 
  • Safeguarding Digital Services: Federal Success Stories in Cybersecurity and Data Management 

Carahsoft looks forward to collaborating with ACT-IAC for the 5th Annual Digital Transformation Summit and hosting the event at our Carahsoft Conference & Collaboration Center. Join us to hear from and meet Government and industry leaders driving Government digital transformation. 


Service to the Citizen Awards 

September 19 | Washington, D.C. 

The Service to the Citizen Awards recognizes public servants at all levels of Government (e.g., Federal, State, Local, tribal and international) for their leadership and dedication to delivering services that impact the publics’ lives and rebuild trust in Government. While the event is for the esteemed award winners and sponsors only, nominations are open through April 4, 2025. Are you or do you know someone who goes above and beyond to deliver an exceptional customer experience to citizens? Have a ‘champion of change’ spirit? Supported initiatives that helped the Government provide remarkable services? Submit your nomination today!  

Carahsoft is honored to return as a Platinum sponsor for 2025 and support our partners and customers in their nominations. Join us in honoring exemplary public servants. If you need support with the nomination process, please contact CXmarketing@carahsoft.com. 


Dreamforce 2025 

October 14-16 | San Francisco, CA | Hybrid Event 

Dreamforce is a three-day event featuring the world’s brightest minds in CX to foster discussions about driving innovation and customer success. Discover the latest Salesforce tools and products to help you build engaging digital experiences and meet your constituent’s every expectation. Attend educational breakout sessions, hands-on workshops and network with industry leaders and peers. 

Carahsoft partner, Salesforce, returns with the most impactful event of the year. Carahsoft is looking forward to hosting a Public Sector networking reception at Dreamforce again in 2025. Stay tuned for more details to attend or participate alongside us as a sponsor! Check out the events tab on our website for more details closer to the event! 


CX Workshop 2025 

December 4 | Virtual Event 

During this transitional time of Government operations, the need to streamline service delivery is imperative. This Nextgov/FCW virtual workshop brings together Government and industry leaders to share lessons and successful customer experience case studies. CX leaders will guide participants on adopting technology to enhance CX and highlight how agencies can best collaborate. 

Carahsoft is returning as an Elite sponsor for 2025. Join us and our partners for conversations on delivering quality digital services and meeting customer expectations. Check out the events tab on our website for more details closer to the event! 


Whether you are looking for latest innovations in improving service delivery and employee experience or to learn more about digitization of services and social media trends, join us at an event this year as we explore all topics within the realm of customer experience and engagement. 


To learn more or get involved in any of the above events please contact us at CXMarketing@Carahsoft.com. For more information on Carahsoft and our industry leading CX technology partners’ events, visit our Customer Experience and Engagement solutions portfolio and CX events page.

The Top 10 Cybersecurity Events for Government in 2025

In 2025, assessment, adaptation and agility are key for Government agencies and the tech industry to successfully navigate the growing landscape of cybersecurity. As part of the recently released White House Executive Order, “Strengthening and Promoting Innovation in the Nation’s Cybersecurity” Government agencies are tasked with modernizing polices to meet today’s cyber security challenges which include an emphasis on Zero Trust Architectures, Endpoint Detection and Response, Network Segmentation and advancing Phishing Resistant MFA protocols. Carahsoft is prepared to support and guide the Federal, State and Local Government, as well as Education and Healthcare organizations through this new year in collaboration with our robust network of cybersecurity partners and solutions. Check out these top events to learn more about what to expect in cybersecurity throughout this year. 


Rocky Mountain Cyberspace Symposium 

February 10-13 | Colorado Springs, CO | In-Person Event 

Connecting people and ideas, RMCS25 is an annual forum for the tech industry, academia and Government to discuss and propose solutions to the challenges of cybersecurity, community cyber readiness and homeland defense facing our nation. The theme this year is “Securing the Future: Cyber Capabilities, All-Domain Superiority, and Strategic Advantage.” This event will explore how cyber capabilities and multi-domain strategies are pivotal in achieving and maintaining strategic advantage in the modern landscape. 

Topics for sessions to look out for: 

  • Innovation and Rapid Acquisitions 
  • CJADC2 Strategic Opportunities 
  • Modern Deterrence and Special Ops 
  • Securing Space Through Cyberspace 
  • AI Across the Spectrum of Operations 
  • Posturing and Developing Forces 

Carahsoft will be exhibiting at the event hosting a small pavilion featuring demos from several of our partners. We encourage you to stop by booth #136 to learn more about Carahsoft and our cybersecurity solutions portfolio. Register for our networking reception! Join our vendor partners and their customers at the Lake Terrace Dining Room on February 12 from 5:00-7:00 pm. 


Public Sector Day at RSA Conference 

April 28 | San Francisco, CA | In-Person Event 

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Join us for the 12th Annual RSA Public Sector Day at RSA Conference! This year’s program will examine key areas such as developing a strong cybersecurity workforce, understanding the impact of AI on both offensive and defensive cyber operations, and improving the exchange of information among Government entities. Hear directly from top Government leaders and industry professionals as they discuss their perspectives and strategies for enhancing cybersecurity across all levels of Government and healthcare. 

Stay connected with Carahsoft as we prepare for another great presence at this year’s event and stay tuned to our RSA Public Sector Day 2025 website for more information on our agenda. 


AFCEA TechNet Cyber 

May 6-8 | Baltimore, MD | In-Person Event 

This flagship event will feature conversations led by national defense professionals, tech industry experts and academia partners discussing topics focused on policy, strategic architecture, C2 and joint capabilities. 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, artificial intelligence, 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. In addition to our pavilion, Carahsoft will be hosting a networking reception on May 7 at Power Plant Live. 


Educause Cybersecurity and Privacy Professionals Conference 

May 19-21 | Baltimore, MD | In-Person Event 

Student safety and security are consistently at the forefront of educator’s minds and discovering innovative and modern ways to ensure those basic requirements are met is imperative. This premier Educause forum connects you with higher education information security and privacy professionals to do just that. Attendees will have the chance to network and discuss the latest cybersecurity trends and current events with peers and solution providers to make a meaningful impact on their individual communities and the education sector as a whole.  

Program tracks to look out for: 

  • Privacy 
  • Risk, Compliance and Policy 
  • Awareness and Education 
  • Technologies and Operations 
  • Leadership and Professional Development 

We are excited to confirm that we will be attending this year’s conference! Carahsoft has100+ vendors who are dedicated to supporting cybersecurity in education and we, along with our partners, are looking forward to connecting during this premier event. For updates, please email EDUMarketing@carahsoft.com 


SANS Government Security Solutions Forum

July 22 | Virtual Event 

The SANS Institute stands on a mission of empowering cybersecurity professionals and honoring the highest standard in cybersecurity education to make the world a safer place. The Government Security Solutions Forum will delve into the latest trends in network protection, AI and cyber defense, supply chain, workforce development and more to help attendees understand how to combat modern threats effectively. At last year’s event, participants engaged with technology experts and listened to unique panel discussions with audience Q&As surrounding invaluable security initiatives across the Public Sector in areas such as Zero Trust implementation, achieving CMMC compliance and harnessing AI. Join us at this year’s event for all this and more! 

Carahsoft looks forward to partnering with the SANS Institute for the fifth year in a row to bring this event to life.  Carahsoft has over 800 employees focused on cybersecurity and partnerships with over 150 vendors. To learn more about the topics discussed at the forum and what to expect in July, read out highlights from last year’s event. 


GovForward ATO and Cloud Security Summit 

July 24 | In-Person Event 

The GovForward ATO and Cloud Security Summit will be back for its 7th year on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington D.C. The event will explore the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) changes, and how advancements at the Federal level are impacting the broader Public Sector market. 

With over 1000 registered attendees, more than 30 speakers and 10+ engaging sessions and panels at the 2024 event, Carahsoft is excited to join forces with Government Executive again in 2025 delivering even more valuable insights, expert discussions, and networking opportunities for attendees. View highlights from the 2024 event and check back soon for more information on joining us at the 2025 ATO and Cloud Security Summit.  


Black Hat USA 2025 

August 2-7 | Las Vegas, NV | In-Person Event 

Returning to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center this year, the Black Hat USA 2025 program is packed with cybersecurity excellence in research, development and exploration of trends. Get involved with immersive and interactive trainings, live-in person sessions and demos, on-demand briefings, dynamic networking opportunities in the business hall, as well as the Black Hat Certified Pentester (BCPen) certification program. Join Carahsoft and uncover new ways to support your agency’s or organization’s cybersecurity mission. 

This year, we are exploring the possibility of hosting a breakfast briefing tailored for the Public Sector—stay tuned for updates as plans develop! Additionally, we are excited to announce that we will be hosting a networking reception again this year, providing a great opportunity to connect with industry peers. Check out the events tab on our website for more details closer to the event! 


Billington Cybersecurity Summit 

September 9-12 | Washington, D.C. | In-Person Event 

A long standing and experienced event, the Billington Cybersecurity Summit features an extensive array of cyber topics, speakers, sessions and interactive breakouts for attendees to truly immerse in the world of today’s emerging cybersecurity solutions and trends. In its 16th year running, this leading Government cybersecurity summit promises an exceptional line up of Government presenters, an invaluable leadership luncheon, an all-attendee networking reception and over 100 vendor booths featuring strategy development and technology demos. 

For a sneak peek into what you can expect at the summit, topics covered during last year’s event included:  

  • Zero Trust 
  • Ransomware 
  • Advancing cyber diplomacy 
  • Learning how to use proactive defenses 
  • Engineering AI into cybersecurity platforms 
  • Implementing an effective risk management approach 
  • Protecting critical infrastructure 

Stay tuned to the website for announcements around the speaker lineup and further summit information. 

Carahsoft is looking forward to sponsoring this year’s event and will feature a booth to engage with attendees throughout the week. We will also be hosting a large partner pavilion and encourage attendees to stop by and learn more about our partners and their technology solutions! Check out the events tab on our website for more details closer to the event! 


StateRAMP Cyber Summit 

October 2-3 | Chicago, IL | In-Person Event 

Carahsoft is excited to be the presenting sponsor of the 2nd annual StateRAMP Cyber Summit this year. For Public and Private Sector leaders, this is the leading event to come together and examine today’s crucial cybersecurity, risk management and compliance topics.  

Here is an overview of what attendees can expect this fall: 

  • Future-focused insights on framework harmonization & AI 
  • Best practices in supplier risk management & procurement 
  • Real-world case studies from top cybersecurity leaders 
  • Discussions on emerging technologies and their compliance impact 

With over 350 registered attendees, more than 30 esteemed speakers and 10+ engaging sessions and panels, Carahsoft is honored to have been a presenting sponsor at last year’s inaugural summit. Check out highlights from the 2024 event and check back soon for more information on joining us at the 2025 StateRAMP Cyber Summit. 


Carahsoft Cyber Leaders Exchange 

October | Virtual Event 

Presented by Carahsoft in collaboration with Federal News Network, The Cyber Leaders Exchange will dive into how the Government is building cyber resilience, including showcasing tips, tactics and tools to support your organization’s mission-critical cybersecurity efforts. Look forward to sessions about cybersecurity strategy-building, workforce challenges, AI within cybersecurity and informative speakers from trusted technology vendors as well as Government experts. 

Stay tuned for event announcements and more information to be released. Curious about what to expect? Check out highlights from our 2024 Cyber Leaders Exchange. View the events tab on our website for more details closer to the event! 

While the Government and cybersecurity community face a great deal of change over the next year, join Carahsoft at one of these immersive events and be a part of modernization and finding solutions to today’s cyber challenges. 

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As technology and the Public Sector’s adoption of Cybersecurity tools advance, the topic remains at the forefront. Our partners are making significant strides in Cybersecurity, and you are invited to join the conversation. Attend these revolutionary events and help shape the future of cybersecurity. 

Fal.con Gov 

February 27, Washington, D.C., In-Person  

Zscaler Public Sector Summit 

March 24 – 25, Washington, D.C., In-Person Event 

Okta Government Identity Summit 

March 5, Washington, D.C., In-Person Event 

Palo Alto Ignite  

April 1, Tysons, VA, In-Person Event 

F5 Public Sector Symposium  

April 8 – 10, Tysons, VA, In-Person Event 

AWS re:Inforce 2025 

June 16 – 18, Philadelphia, PA, In-Person Event 


To learn more or get involved in any of the above events please contact us atcybersecurity@carahsoft.com. For more information on Carahsoft and our industry leading Cyber technology partners’ events, visit our Cybersecurity solutions portfolio and Cybersecurity Events page. 

How AI Models are Advancing Weather Predictions and Forecasting

AI models have revolutionized weather forecasting, achieving levels of accuracy unimaginable just a few years ago. Today, a four-day forecast is as reliable as a one-day forecast was in the past, allowing meteorologists to predict weather further in advance with increased precision. This has practical benefits for everyday planning, like deciding whether to grill over the weekend or preparing for outdoor activities. More critically, improved forecasting is a game-changer for disaster preparedness in areas where timely and accurate predictions can save lives and reduce economic losses. Carahsoft, The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider™, leads in AI innovation, addressing Government challenges and unlocking AI’s potential to accelerate operations. Partnering with top AI companies, Carahsoft delivers advanced, accurate weather models to support Government agencies. 

The Power of AI and Data 

Ground-level stations and satellite sensors generate a massive influx of information daily, which AI excels at processing. By analyzing real-time observations alongside decades of historical weather records, AI tools identify patterns and deliver accurate predictions. This capability is particularly valuable during extreme weather events. 

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Innovative AI models like Google DeepMind’s GenCast push the boundaries of what is possible in forecasting. GenCast delivers highly detailed forecasts with a resolution of about 16 miles, capturing localized weather patterns often missed by traditional methods. In addition to precision, these models offer unprecedented speed, processing vast amounts of high-quality data in minutes. This efficiency empowers emergency responders and decision-makers to act with confidence, reducing the impact of extreme weather on communities. 

The integration of AI into weather forecasting has also significantly enhanced disaster preparedness. AI enables more precise identification of regions of concern, helping meteorologists and emergency teams allocate resources more effectively and reduce unnecessary efforts elsewhere. This targeted approach ensures critical areas receive the attention they need, while also preventing burnout among professionals tasked with monitoring weather events. 

Moreover, meteorologists are expanding their roles to include emergency management skills. By combining AI insights with a deep understanding of societal and infrastructure impacts, they ensure forecasts translate into actionable strategies that protect lives and property. The combination of AI’s processing power and human expertise enables more effective evacuations, resource alignment and response efforts. 

Challenges and Sustainability in AI Operations 

While AI offers transformative benefits, it also presents challenges. The risk of misinformation from AI-generated weather models or images remains a concern, as untrained individuals may spread false predictions, causing unnecessary panic. This places an additional burden on professionals to correct misinformation and redirect resources. Maintaining a “human-in-the-loop” is essential for all AI deployments, ensuring that expert oversight validates outputs and mitigates potential errors.  Furthermore, improving model training to recognize complex atmospheric dynamics, such as interactions with continental systems that can alter hurricane paths, is essential to enhancing forecasting accuracy. Weather forecasting is uniquely suited for early AI adoption because it generates massive amounts of data and benefits from high-quality datasets provided by organizations like the National Weather Service and NASA, ensuring models are trained on reliable information. 

Sustainability is another critical consideration. Data centers and AI facilities consume significant amounts of energy and water, often in regions susceptible to drought or extreme heat. Expanding such operations across multiple sites could strain local resources. A lack of water for cooling systems, coupled with increasing heat waves, poses risks to operations and the energy grid, potentially leading to rolling blackouts. 

Infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather is crucial. Facilities like the Salesforce Tower in California exemplify climate-resilient design by incorporating renewable energy, black water recycling and the ability to export energy to the city during optimal periods. More facilities of this kind are needed—those that not only minimize environmental impact but also contribute positively to surrounding communities. Strategic planning for site locations and designs, informed by accurate climate data, will be essential for ensuring sustainability and resilience. 

How Government Agencies are Preparing for the Future 

As Government agencies embrace an AI-driven future, they are modernizing infrastructure, curating large datasets and upskilling their workforce to harness AI’s potential. These efforts go beyond technological enhancements, focusing on using AI to address critical challenges such as refining weather predictions and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather. By integrating AI into disaster preparedness and emergency management, agencies are building a more resilient framework that protects lives, safeguards jobs and fosters innovative solutions for future challenges. 

How Carahsoft Can Help 

Carahsoft works with a robust and growing ecosystem of thousands of IT solutions providers, including Google, NVIDIA and Microsoft, who have developed AI weather models that are predicting hurricane landfall faster and more accurately than traditional Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models. Carahsoft removes barriers around the AI adoption process by providing the infrastructure, data management and cybersecurity solutions required to safely and securely deploy innovative technology in your agency. As Government agencies continue to navigate the complexities of the modern landscape, Carahsoft’s AI partners stand ready to empower them with the tools and technologies needed to thrive in an era of unprecedented change. 

Discover solutions tailored to your needs in Carahsoft’s Artificial Intelligence Solutions Portfolio and gain valuable insights with the AI Buyer’s Guide for Government. 

Vice President for StateRAMP Solutions, Carahsoft: StateRAMP: Recognizing the Importance of Framework Harmonization

StateRAMP builds on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-53 standard, which underpins FedRAMP’s approach to cloud security for Federal agencies by offering a consistent framework for security assessment, authorization and continuous monitoring. Recognizing the need for a similar framework at the State and Local levels, StateRAMP has been developed to tailor these Federal standards to the unique needs of State and Local Governments.  

Key to StateRAMP’s initiative is the focus on framework harmonization, which aligns State and Local regulations with broader Federal and industry standards. This harmonization includes efforts like FedRAMP/TX-RAMP reciprocity and the CJIS task force, making compliance more streamlined. By mapping more compliance frameworks to one another, StateRAMP helps Government agencies and industry players leverage existing work, avoid redundancy and facilitate smoother procurement of secure technologies. Carahsoft supports this mission by partnering with StateRAMP Authorized vendors and engaging in initiatives that promote these harmonization efforts, such as the StateRAMP Cyber Summit and Federal News Networks’ StateRAMP Exchange.  

Developing Framework Harmonization 

CSPs often operate across multiple sectors and industries, each regulated by distinct frameworks such as FedRAMP CJIS, IRS Publication 1075, PCI DSS, FISMA, and HIPPA. Managing compliance across multiple frameworks can lead to redundant processes, inefficiencies and complexity. These challenges have emphasized the need for framework harmonization—aligning various cybersecurity frameworks to create a more cohesive and streamlined process.  

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With the FedRAMP transition to the NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5 requirements in 2023, StateRAMP began working towards harmonization with FedRAMP across all impact levels. Through the StateRAMP Fast Track Program, CSPs pursuing FedRAMP authorization can leverage the same compliance documentation, including Plans of Actions and Milestones (POA&M), System Security Plans (SSP), security controls matrix and Third Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) audits, to achieve StateRAMP authorization.  

Reciprocity between StateRAMP and TX-RAMP has been established to streamline cybersecurity compliance for CSPs working with Texas state agencies, higher education institutions and public community colleges. CSPs that achieve a StateRAMP Ready or Authorized status are eligible to attain TX-RAMP certification at the same impact level through an established process. Additionally, StateRAMP’s Progressing Security Snapshot Program offers a pathway to provisional TX-RAMP certification, enabling CSPs to engage with Texas agencies while working towards StateRAMP compliance. Once CSPs have enrolled in the Snapshot Program or have engaged with a 3PAO to conduct an audit, they are added to the Progressing Product List, a public directory of products and their cybersecurity maturity status. This reciprocity eases the burden of navigating multiple compliance frameworks and certifications.  

Harmonized frameworks enable CSPs to align with the cybersecurity objectives of various organizations while simultaneously addressing a broader range of threats and vulnerabilities, improving overall security. StateRAMP’s focus is to align requirements across the Federal, State, Local and Educational sectors to reduce the cost of development and deployment through a unified set of standards. To ensure the Public and Private Sectors work in alignment, StateRAMP members have access to the same guidance, tools and resources necessary for implementing a harmonized framework. This initiative will streamline the compliance process through a unified approach to cybersecurity that ensures adherence to industry and regulatory requirements. 

The Future of StateRAMP  

StateRAMP has rolled out an overlay to its Moderate Impact Level baseline that maps to Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy. This overlay is designed to strengthen cloud security in the law enforcement sector, helping assess a product’s potential for CJIS compliance in safeguarding critical information.  

At the 2024 StateRAMP Cyber Summit, Deputy Information Security Officer Jeffrey Campbell from the FBI CJIS addressed the challenges state and local entities face when adopting cloud technologies. He explained that while state constituents frequently asked if they could use FedRAMP for cloud initiatives, the answer was often complicated because FedRAMP alone does not fully meet CJIS requirements. “You can use vendors vetted through FedRAMP, that is going to get you maybe 80% of these requirements. There’s still 20% you’re going to have to do on your own” Campbell noted. He emphasized that, through framework harmonization, StateRAMP can bridge this compliance gap, offering states a viable solution to achieve several parallel security standards.  

Another initiative is the NASPO/StateRAMP Task Force, which was formed to unite procurement officials, cybersecurity experts, Government officials and industry experts together with IT professionals. The task force aims to produce tools and resources for procurement officials nationwide to make the StateRAMP adoption process more streamlined and consistent. 

Though still relatively new, StateRAMP is gaining traction, with 28 participating states as of October 2024. As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, cybersecurity compliance has become a larger point of emphasis at every level of Government to protect sensitive data. StateRAMP is working to bring all stakeholders together to drive toward a common understanding and acceptance of a standardized security standard. StateRAMP’s proactive steps to embrace framework harmonization are helping CSPs and State and Local Governments move towards a more secure digital future. 

To learn more about the advantages the StateRAMP program offers State Governments and technology suppliers watch the Federal News Network’s StateRAMP Exchange, presented by Carahsoft.  

To learn more about framework harmonization and gain valuable insights into others, such as cloud security, risk management and procurement best practices, watch the StateRAMP Cyber Summit, presented by Carahsoft. 

Cyberattack Trends Impacting Local Government and Education Sectors

Today’s cybercriminals are no longer driven solely by financial gain, the geopolitical impact of attacks has shifted with nation-state actors now targeting critical infrastructure. While Local Governments have long been a part of this, schools have also become key targets, especially after COVID-19. The pandemic’s disruption to education has left a lasting impact, making attacks on schools and Local Governments both physically and psychologically significant. These institutions, essential to society, are under siege not just for their sensitive data but for their societal importance. With advanced capabilities and financial backing, nation-state actors are accelerating their efforts, heightening the urgency for robust cybersecurity.

Why Threat Actors Target Local Government and Education

Local Governments are frequent cyberattack targets due to their political significance and the essential services they provide. When one city is attacked, neighboring cities often become hyper-vigilant, particularly smaller municipalities managing critical services like water supply. These vital functions make them high-value targets. While financial institutions are seen as obvious targets for their direct connection to money, Government agencies hold more financial value than many realize. The stakes are even higher when political positions are involved, making Local Governments attractive to financially motivated attackers and nation-state actors seeking leverage.

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Education has also become increasingly vulnerable. Schools were initially targeted for geopolitical reasons, with attackers seeking to influence the “hearts and minds” of society by disrupting education. However, cybercriminals discovered the financial value of student records, which are worth more on the dark web than credit card or healthcare information due to students not checking their credit scores. This extended window for identity theft, combined with the vast amount of data schools hold, makes educational institutions prime targets for cybercriminals.

Both Local Governments and schools face shared challenges in defending their systems. For Governments, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) networks that manage infrastructure are often isolated but still present large attack surfaces due to their distributed nature. Schools, on the other hand, struggle with the complexity of students bringing their own devices, which introduces uncontrolled entry points into the network. These vulnerabilities make Local Government and education uniquely attractive and susceptible targets in the cyber landscape.

Two Main Attack Vectors: Phishing and Infostealers

Cybercriminals use various tactics to infiltrate Local Governments and schools, exploiting both technological weaknesses and human behavior. People are often the weakest link, making them prime targets for attackers. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has further advanced these attacks, making them more difficult to detect. While agencies and schools cannot fully eliminate the risk through training alone, understanding these evolving threats can significantly reduce the chances of successful attacks.

Phishing and information stealing are two of the most prevalent methods used by cybercriminals. Research from Lumu Technologies shows that phishing accounts for 52% of attacks, while information stealing makes up 48%, illustrating their near-equal presence as cyber threats.

Phishing

Phishing is often used to gain initial access into a network, accounting for approximately 90% of attacks. By tricking users into clicking malicious links or downloading malware, attackers establish a presence in the system. The preliminary malware allows them to move laterally, escalate privileges and locate sensitive data. Attackers either sell the data or use it to launch ransomware attacks. In ransomware scenarios, the attacker takes control of the network, encrypts critical data and issues a ransom demand. Phishing is thus the starting point for a larger chain of events leading to data theft and/or financial extortion.

Information Stealing

Infostealers are designed to capture sensitive information, often to sell on the dark web or to facilitate ransomware attacks. Like intelligence operations, they collect data to spread through an environment or identify new attack points. Keyloggers record keystrokes to capture usernames and passwords for unauthorized access. Other methods include form grabbers, which intercept forms and alter them, and browser hijackers, which mimic legitimate sites to bypass multi-factor authentication. Sensitive data from Local Government and education sectors is highly valuable, with threat actors intensifying efforts to exploit it for profit.

In addition to phishing and infostealers, cybercriminals continually find new ways to exploit technology and human behavior, such as man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, credential stuffing and supply chain attacks. These often-overlooked attack vectors can cause significant damage to agencies and schools. Recognizing these methods is crucial for developing comprehensive defenses.

Why These Attack Methods are Successful

These attack methods succeed against Local Governments and schools due to the constantly evolving nature of cyber warfare. Like traditional warfare, attackers adapt, finding new ways in after one vulnerability is closed. Defenders must be equally dynamic.

Even with security measures like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), attackers find ways to bypass them. EDR relies on behavior analysis, which takes time, while attackers use advanced AI to quickly develop new methods. Local Governments and schools are often slower to adapt, giving attackers an advantage. The challenge is not just implementing security measures but continuously evolving defenses to keep up with new threats.

AI Versus AI

In the battle against evolving cyberattacks, Local Governments and schools must leverage advanced technologies like AI and automation. As attackers adopt AI to improve the sophistication and speed of attacks, defenders need equally powerful tools. Cybercriminals use AI to bypass traditional defenses, identifying weaknesses faster than humans can.

To keep up, Local Government and education sectors must deploy AI-driven systems to detect threats in real time. AI helps identify vulnerabilities, enabling proactive defense, while automation blocks threats at machine speed. For smaller institutions with limited resources, automation is especially crucial to defend against attacks effectively.

In a landscape where cyber threats continually evolve, matching the speed and sophistication of attackers is crucial for a strong cyber defense. Government agencies and educational institutions must stay vigilant, leveraging AI and automation to outpace attackers and protect the critical infrastructure and data that comprise the foundation of society.

Discover the latest trends in cyberattacks and learn how AI and automation are reshaping the fight against modern cybercriminals in Lumu Technologies’ webinar, “Emerging Cyber Attack Trends Targeting Local Government & Education.”

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 Lumu Technologies, 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.

Tungsten Automation Power PDF: Exploring an Ideal Business Application for Modern FED/SLED Workplaces

In the current digital landscape, federal and state, local, or educational (FED/SLED) institutions need reliable, efficient, and cost-effective tools to manage their document workflows. Power PDF by Tungsten Automation, previously known under the brand Kofax, emerges as a robust alternative, offering features and savings that cater specifically to the needs of these sectors. Let’s delve into why Power PDF stands out as an ideal solution for modern FED/SLED workplaces.

Addressing Common Procurement Concerns

1. Proven Excellence and Reliability

Public institutions often prioritize tools with a proven track record. Power PDF has evolved over 20 years, continually refining its capabilities based on user feedback. This long history of development ensures that Power PDF is not just a mature product but one that has consistently met high standards of performance and reliability.

2. User-Friendly Interface

One of the significant barriers to adopting new software in government settings is the ease of use. Power PDF’s ribbon-style interface, similar to Microsoft Office 365, minimizes the learning curve. This familiar layout means employees can quickly adapt, enhancing productivity and satisfaction without extensive training.

3. Compatibility and Integration

Interoperability is crucial for FED/SLED institutions, which often use a variety of software tools. Power PDF’s full compatibility with the latest ISO PDF standards ensures that it seamlessly integrates with PDFs generated by other applications. This feature helps avoid the compatibility issues that can disrupt workflow efficiency.

Financial and Security Benefits

4. Cost-Effective Licensing Options

Budget constraints are a common challenge in the public sector. Power PDF offers flexible licensing options, including both term and perpetual licenses. This flexibility allows institutions to choose a model that fits their financial planning, providing similar or even superior functionality at a fraction of the cost of the market leader.

5. Enhanced Security and Compliance

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Security remains a top priority, especially for government and educational institutions. Power PDF meets stringent security standards and can be installed offline, eliminating the need for a continuous connection to external servers. This feature is particularly advantageous for maintaining a secure and compliant operating environment, free from the risks associated with free PDF tools that often lack robust security measures.

Productivity and Real-World Success

6. Boosting Productivity and Satisfaction

Efficiency is critical in public sector operations. Power PDF’s intuitive interface and powerful features streamline the creation, conversion, and editing of PDF documents. This efficiency saves valuable time, allowing employees to focus on more critical tasks. The customizable features further enhance user satisfaction, leading to a more motivated and productive workforce.

7. Real-World Success Stories and Awards

When looking for evidence of success in similar organizations, there are plenty of use cases from the US and around the world. The Florida Department of Transportation, for example, has adopted Power PDF as its standard PDF editing tool, citing its cost-effectiveness, flexible licensing, excellent support, and fully on-premise capabilities. Additionally, Power PDF has earned three Top-Rated Awards from TrustRadius in 2024 for PDF editing, document management, and optical character recognition, highlighting its excellence and user satisfaction.

Conclusion: A Smart Investment for the Future

For FED/SLED institutions seeking to streamline their document workflows while ensuring security and cost-effectiveness, Power PDF stands out as an ideal solution. Its proven reliability, user-friendly interface, compatibility, flexible licensing, and enhanced security make it a valuable tool for any modern workplace. Tungsten Automation’s commitment to continuous improvement ensures that Power PDF will remain relevant and effective in meeting the evolving needs of public sector organizations.

Take the Next Step

Explore how Power PDF can transform your organization’s document management processes. Schedule a meeting with our team to learn more, get a trial, or receive full project support. Join the many public sector organizations that have already made the switch to Power PDF and are reaping the benefits today!

Schedule a meeting and receive more insights into how Power PDF can benefit your institution.

Democratizing AI: How Pre-trained Models Plus RAG Can Empower State and Local Agencies

Smaller state agencies need out-of-the-box options that solve immediate needs without a lot of funding or skilled machine learning expertise. Combining RAG with pre-trained LLMs and the agency’s own data accelerates development of AI capabilities and speeds time to value.

In my role at HPE over the last two years, I’ve had meetings with government agencies, defense departments, and research institutions around the world about AI. We’ve discussed everything from how to identify the right use cases for AI, to ethical concerns to getting a handle on the wild, wild west of AI projects across their organizations.

Some of these larger public sector organizations and government agencies have received funding from sources like the U.S. National Science Foundation, U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the European Commission’s EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU), or the European Defense Fund, which has allowed them to develop AI centers of excellence and build end-to-end AI solutions. They have far-reaching goals — goals such as building the first large language model (LLM) for their native language, becoming the first sovereign, stable, secure AI service provider in their region, building the world’s most sustainable AI supercomputer, or becoming the world leader for trustworthy and responsible AI.

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But it takes a lot of resources to train an AI model. The infrastructure needed to train a foundational model may include thousands of GPU-accelerated nodes in high performance clusters. Data scientists and machine learning (ML) engineers are also needed to source and prepare datasets, execute training, and manage deployment.

That’s why many agencies are looking for out-of-the-box options that bring rapid capabilities for solving immediate challenges. Many of these are state and local agencies and higher education institutions. They don’t have the same level of requirements, funding, or expertise to build their own LLMs.

So does that mean the door to powerful AI models is closed on smaller state and local agencies?

No — not if you can gain an understanding of the available pre-trained models that can generate value with AI immediately. There is so much that can be accomplished without ever training a model yourself.

Inference is AI in Action

What exactly is inference? It’s the use of a previously trained AI model such as an LLM to make predictions or decisions based on new, previously unseen data.

Sound complicated? It’s just a fancy way of saying that you’re using an existing model to generate outputs.

In contrast with model training, which involves learning from a dataset to create the model, inference is using that model in a real-world application. Inferencing with pre-trained models reduces both funding requirements as well as the amount of expertise needed to deploy and monitor these models in production.

The pre-trained model market has been steadily growing, as have the number of cloud, SaaS, and open source inference options available. Open AI’s GPT-4o, Anthropic’s Claude, Google’s Gemini, and Mistral AI are among the most popular LLMs used for text and image generation. They’re just some of the thousands of models available through libraries like NVIDIA NGC and HuggingFace.

And just last month in Las Vegas, HPE also made an important announcement of their new NVIDIA AI Computing by HPE portfolio of co-developed solutions. These solutions include HPE’s Machine Learning Inference Software (MLIS), which makes it easy to deploy pre-trained models anywhere including inside your firewall.

Pre-trained Models with Your Data

The advantages of running a pre-trained model with the right platform seem pretty clear — you get the capabilities without the costs of training. However, it’s important to note that a pre-trained LLM excels in general language understanding and generation but is trained on some data other than your own. This is great for use cases where broad knowledge is sufficient and the ability to generate coherent, contextually appropriate text are essential.

So what do you do if you need to generate more specific and up-to-date outputs? There is another machine learning (ML) technique called retrieval augmented generation (RAG) which combines the pre-trained LLM with an additional data source (such as your own knowledge base). RAG combines LLM capabilities with a real-time search or retrieval of relevant documents from your source. The resulting system works like an LLM that’s been trained on your data, but with even more accuracy. RAG is particularly useful for tasks requiring specific domain knowledge or recent data.

Improving Outcomes for State Agencies

Getting started with AI models begins with understanding which problem you want to solve and whether it is most efficiently and effectively solved with AI. Here are some ways different kinds of organizations can leverage pre-trained LLMs:

Law enforcement agencies can use pre-trained models for incident reporting and documentation, to analyze crime data for predictive policing, or to analyze audio and video transcription for evidence management. They can improve community engagement through sentiment analysis and reduce administrative burdens through automated report generation.

Conversational AI can also make many types of citizen services more efficient and user-friendly — from permit applications to public query engines for local government agencies. And LLMs can automate document processing, reducing manual tasks for government workers and improving speed and accessibility of services to citizens.

LLMs can enhance the education experience for students and reduce the burden on teachers. AI-powered virtual assistants can provide tutoring and study support to students outside of school hours and assist researchers in conducting literature reviews by summarizing academic papers or extracting information.

As you consider leveraging pre-trained LLMs, think about the unique problems your agency or institution faces and how this approach could quickly solve those challenges without the need for extensive expertise or the burden and cost of training a model from scratch.

Final Thoughts

As the world and society evolves, the relationship between citizens and their governments, students and their teachers, will evolve too. In fact, they already are. Taking advantage of pre-trained models to solve long-standing automation issues or cumbersome documentation processes can give your organization the catalyst it needs to modernize to meet these new dynamics.

AI is being democratized by a growing number of pre-trained LLMs that are available off the shelf. And you don’t need to have complex data science skills to leverage them, just the right tools.

The door to AI is open for state and local agencies, regardless of size or sophistication. A part of my job is to understand the challenges and goals of public sector organizations of all sizes when it comes to AI.

To learn more about HPE Private Cloud AI, visit the Private Cloud AI solutions overview page and contact the HPE team for questions and comments.

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

The 10 Cybersecurity Events for Government in 2024

In the fast-paced world of Cybersecurity, staying ahead of evolving threats and industry trends is paramount for Government agencies and the ecosystem that supports them. From in-depth discussions on certification processes to cutting-edge solutions for modern cyber threats, Carahsoft and our partners’ cybersecurity events promise to provide valuable insights, networking opportunities and practical strategies for enhancing Government cybersecurity posture.  
 
Join us as we delve into cybersecurity excellence and empower Government entities to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and resilience. 

Public Sector Day at RSA Conference 

May 6 | San Francisco, CA 

Attendees joined us for our 11th Annual Public Sector Day event at RSA Conference. They heard from pioneering figures in Government as they shared their perspectives on the forefront cybersecurity challenges facing the Public Sector. As cyber threats continue to challenge all levels of Government, attendees learned how Government and industry are working together to protect communities at all levels from ransomware, thefts of data, election security challenges and attacks on critical infrastructure. Carahsoft was proud to host this event for our 11th year. We will be back in 2025 in San Francisco and hope to see you there! Access our podcast series for a recap of the sessions and discover how to protect your organization’s sensitive information by leveraging compliant cloud authentication services.  

AFCEA TechNet Cyber 2024 

June 25-27 | Baltimore, MD 

A flagship event, AFCEA’s TechNet Cyber serves as a center of gravity for a whole-of-government effort to bring together the policy, strategic architecture, operations and C2 – along with the joint capabilities – needed to meet the global security challenges and successfully operate in a digital environment. Join us in Baltimore and be part of the conversation led by U.S. Cyber Command, DISA, the DoD CIO and numerous industry and academia partners to deliver solutions for this enduring, no-fail mission. Carahsoft will host a pavilion on the exhibit floor that features more than 50 of our technology partners showcasing a range of cybersecurity solutions. Visit our website for more information! 

2024 SANS Government Solutions Forum  

July 25 | Online 

Government agencies face a continuing stream of legislative, executive and oversight recommendations, constantly keeping teams and technologies on their toes. This SANS Government Security Forum equips Public Sector cybersecurity teams with the essential knowledge to address these challenges and modern threats head-on. Carahsoft has partnered with SANS to host this event for our third year in a row. Hear from Government and industry leaders on the latest in cybersecurity. 

DOE Cybersecurity and Innovation Conference 

July 29 – August 1 | Dallas, TX 

Carahsoft is proud to be a sponsor of the DOE Cybersecurity and Innovation Conference. This event will explore the developments and challenges in cybersecurity, technology innovation, workforce development, and critical infrastructure protection. Speakers and attendees will include top thought leaders from across the DOE enterprise, the federal interagency, academia, international partners, and private industry leaders for thoughtful conversations about cybersecurity, modernizing IT and OT environments and solutions, sharing tools, data management, technology, and best practices with the energy industry, and developing technical solutions to meet national challenges. 

Carahsoft will have a booth on the exhibit floor that features and handful of our technology partners showcasing a range of cybersecurity solutions. We will also host a networking happy hour on July 30th from 7:30 – 9:30 pm CST. Stay tuned for more information! 

Black Hat USA 2024 

August 3-8 | Las Vegas, NV 

Now in its 27th year, Black Hat USA returns to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas with a six-day program. The event will open with four days of specialized cybersecurity trainings with courses for all skill levels. The two-day main conference (August 7-8) will feature more than 100 selected briefings, dozens of open source tool demos in Arsenal, a robust Business Hall, networking and social events and much more.  
 
Carahsoft is pleased to host a networking reception for our vendor partners and their customers. Join us for food, drinks and networking!  

Billington CyberSecurity Summit 2024 

September 3-6 | Washington, D.C. 

Join over 2,500 attendees and 200+ top speakers participating in more than 40 sessions and breakouts at the leading Government cybersecurity summit. Hear from speakers with years of experience in mitigating cyber threats, offering valuable insights. Government, military, nonprofit, academia and industry thought leaders will present major cyber trends and discuss solutions for current field issues. Carahsoft and more than 50 partners will showcase a full range of cybersecurity solutions in our partner pavilion on the show floor. Register Now

The National Cyber Summit 

September 24-26 | Huntsville, AL 

National Cyber Summit is the nation’s most innovative cybersecurity technology event, offering unique educational, collaborative and workforce development opportunities for industry visionaries and rising leaders. NCS offers a cyber conference with diverse focus-areas, premier speakers and unmatched accessibility focused on education, collaboration and innovation.  
 
Visit Carahsoft at our booth on the show floor and explore our CMMC Solutions Showcase. 

Carahsoft Cyber Leaders Exchange 

October 1-2 | Online 

Discover how agencies are leading the way as the Government “fundamentally re-imagines America’s cyber social construct”. During this exclusive two-day virtual event, Federal News Network and Carahsoft will sit down with cyber leaders and experts to dive deep into efforts across Government to bring the White House vision to life and strengthen Federal cyber capabilities. Tune in for multiple sessions featuring some of our leading technology partners.   

Innovate Cybersecurity Summit 

October 6-8 | Scottsdale, AZ 

Powered by the collective knowledge of cybersecurity executives, practitioners and cutting-edge solution providers, Innovate Cybersecurity Summit is the premier resource for CISO education and collaboration. The Reverse Expo, a featured session, is a highly interactive engagement model and a refreshing way for technology vendors to meet with attendees. Carahsoft is a premier sponsor of the event and will have a partner pavilion featuring some of our leading cybersecurity partners as well as networking events throughout the summit. 

Carahsoft Cybersmart Series: State and Local Government 

November 7 | Austin, TX  

Carahsoft has partnered with FedInsider for a series highlighting and discussing topics on cyber in Government. Join us to hear cyber experts in State and Local organizations discuss the latest cybersecurity threats to the Public Sector and what steps State and Local agencies are taking to protect against them. This year’s half-day event focuses on how the release of AI into the broader computing environment is affecting cybersecurity strategies across the Public Sector. Collaborate with peers, thought leaders and key partners in Austin or watch the panel discussions online in a follow-up webinar!  

Do not miss out on the opportunity to engage with industry experts, explore innovative solutions and network with like-minded professionals at our 2024 events. Secure your spot today and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your organization’s critical assets in an ever-evolving cyber landscape. Together, let us strengthen our cybersecurity defenses and pave the way for a more resilient Government cybersecurity ecosystem.  

To learn more or get involved in any of the above events please contact us at CyberSecurity@carahsoft.com. For more information on Carahsoft and our industry leading Cybersecurity technology partners’ events, visit our Cybersecurity Solutions Portfolio and Cyber Events page

Top 7 State and Local Contract Vehicles to Support Your SLG Fiscal Year Requirements

As we approach the end of the fiscal year, state and local governments and higher education institutions are ramping up purchasing to ensure every allocated budget dollar is spent and prepare their organizations for further IT advancements in the coming year. Leveraging the right contract vehicles can streamline procurement processes, ensuring timely and efficient acquisition of necessary technologies and services. These contracts can also provide technology vendors and resellers unique opportunities to expand their public sector businesses.

Below, we explore the top contract vehicles that state and local governments (SLG) and education institutions (EDU) are using as they close out their fiscal year with their preferred reseller partner this month.

1. NASPO ValuePoint

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NASPO ValuePoint is the cooperative purchasing arm of the National Association for State Procurement Officials, designed to provide access to the best possible IT solutions. It is considered to be the nation’s most significant public contracting cooperative. The contract offers a wide variety of technology solutions, including IaaS, PaaS & SaaS.

Carahsoft’s Contract: NASPO ValuePoint contract #AR2472 includes dozens of technology vendors.

Who Can Use It: State and local governments, municipalities, and public education entities (K-12 & Higher-Education.

2. GSA Cooperative Purchasing Program

The General Services Administration (GSA) Cooperative Purchasing Program grants state and local government entities access to federal GSA Schedule contracts, which are exclusively IT solutions and professional services. The GSA Cooperative Purchasing Program provides a streamlined procurement process for state and local governments to purchase IT solutions, often with pre-negotiated and cost-effective pricing structures.

Carahsoft’s Contract: GSA Schedule #47QSWA18D008F, aggregates solutions from many technology vendors.

Who Can Use It: State and local governments.

3. Texas Department of Information Resources (TX DIR)

The Texas Department of Information Resources (TX DIR) has established a Cooperative Contracts Purchasing Program which offers a wide range of product offerings, services and technology solutions to customers in Texas and nationwide. Public entities outside of Texas are also welcome to purchase through DIR contracts. The DIR contracts provide customers with streamlined procurement as all of the preliminary procurement work is done. TX DIR contracts offer a wide range of technologies including hardware, software, cloud, and professional IT services.

Carahsoft Contract: Carahsoft holds six TX DIR contracts, offering a wide variety of products and services from hundreds of technology vendors.

Who Can Use It: State and local governments, public education and other public entities nationwide.

4. California Software Licensing Program (CA SLP)

The California Software Licensing Program (CA SLP), established in 1994 and administered by the Department of General Services’ Procurement Division provides state and local government entities within the state of California with access to discounted software licensing agreements. This contract expedites and simplifies the procurement process while supporting state government modernization goals with a host of technology solutions.

Carahsoft Contract: Carahsoft holds 11 CA SLP contracts, offering solutions ranging from data management to cybersecurity and more.

Who Can Use It: State and local government agencies in California.

5. E&I Cooperative Services

E&I Cooperative Services is the largest and most experienced member-owned, non-profit purchasing cooperative focused on education. E&I provides education institutions with access to IT products and services, including learning management systems, classroom technologies and administrative software tailored to their unique needs.

Carahsoft Contract: E&I Cooperative Services contract #EI00063-2021MA provides E&I members with cloud and managed service solutions, and related IT products and services.

Who Can Use It: Educational institutions, including K-12 schools and higher education.

6. OMNIA Partners Public Sector

OMNIA Partners is one of the largest public sector cooperative purchasing organizations, providing comprehensive access to a wide variety of technology contracts across hardware, software and cloud solutions. The cooperative purchasing program is focused on efficiency, compliance and value, aiming to further streamline the procurement process for the public sector entities that leverage this contract.

Carahsoft Contract: Carahsoft’s contract with OMNIA Partners, #R191902, provides state and local governments and education institutions with access to technology from over 150 vendors, addressing the IT needs for all OMNIA Partners participants.

Who Can Use It: State and local governments, public education institutions, and nonprofits.

7. The Quilt

The Quilt is a national coalition of advanced regional networks for research and education, providing members with access to IT services and technologies. The Quilt provides access to technologies that meet the specific needs of educational and research communities, offering high-performance computing, research networking and related IT services to hundreds of universities and thousands of other education institutions.

Carahsoft Contract: MSA – 05012019F, offers members with access to networking, cloud infrastructure, data management, cybersecurity, virtualization and enterprise technologies.

Who Can Use It: Higher education institutions, research institutions, and related organizations.

By turning to these popular contract vehicles, state and local governments and educational institutions can easily find and purchase the technologies that map to their modernization efforts while ensuring compliance and maximizing investments through their preferred resellers. As the fiscal year draws to a close, these contracts serve as a vital resource for timely and cost-effective procurement, driving end-of-year business to new heights and propelling public sector advancements.

For more information on Carahsoft’s contracts across each of these contract vehicles, please reach out to contracts@carahsoft.com.