Federal IT and Acquisition Landscape in 2025

Unprecedented Turnover in CIO Positions

In the past year, nearly 85% of chief information officers (CIOs) within CFO Act agencies have departed, marking an unprecedented turnover in the federal technology community. This shake-up raises concerns about continuity and long-term strategy in federal IT and acquisition efforts, especially as these roles play critical parts in driving technology innovation and operational efficiency.

Modest Federal Policy Developments

In 2025, federal technology and cybersecurity policy under the Trump administration has been relatively modest. Instead of sweeping reforms, the focus has shifted toward federal acquisition, overshadowing broader tech discussions. This focus on acquisition involves numerous stories, like the significant overhaul of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the Senate confirmation of Kevin Rhodes as administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy.

Key Voices in the Discussion

To delve deeper into the implications of these changes, the Federal News Network assembled a panel of former federal executives. Their insights illuminate the standout developments in federal IT and acquisition over the past year:

• Jonathan Alboum, federal CTO at ServiceNow and former CIO of the Agriculture Department.
• Melvin Brown, VP at CANI and former deputy CIO at OPM.
• Matthew Cornelius, managing director at Workday and former OMB staffer.
• Kevin Cummins, partner at Franklin Square Group and former Senate staffer.
• Michael Derrios, executive director at George Mason University’s Baroni Center and former senior procurement executive at the State Department.
• Julie Dunne, principal at Monument Advocacy and former GSA Federal Acquisition Service commissioner.
• Mike Hettinger, founding principal at Hettinger Strategy Group and former House staff member.
• Nancy Sieger, partner at Guidehouse and former IRS CIO.

Accomplishments in Federal IT and Acquisition

1. Enhanced Collaboration with Commercial Software Leaders

Matthew Cornelius highlighted a pivotal change led by the administration—a concerted effort to engage directly with leaders in commercial off-the-shelf software. This initiative has not only reduced costs but has also fostered clearer communication regarding product capabilities, ultimately enhancing mission readiness and global competitiveness among government agencies.

2. Adoption of Human Capital Management Solutions

The Department of Energy became the first cabinet-level agency to adopt a true human capital management SaaS solution, showcasing federal readiness to embrace SaaS models that meet stringent security and functional requirements. This monumental step illustrates the accelerating pace of digitization in federal operations, promising to enhance mission readiness substantially.

3. Governance Framework for AI Procurement

Melvin Brown pointed out the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) shift from policy discussions about artificial intelligence toward actionable governance through comprehensive documentation and evaluation frameworks. The introduction of these “AI procurement guardrails” sets industry standards and helps agencies navigate the unique challenges posed by AI technologies.

4. Revolutionizing Federal Acquisition Regulations

The recent overhaul of FAR, noted by several panelists, stands as a significant milestone for easing procurement processes. Although the benefits may not be immediate, these reforms aim to enhance efficiency in agencies’ technology acquisition, promoting a more agile response to evolving mission requirements.

Surprising Progress and Adaptation

FedRAMP 20x Initiative

Nancy Sieger expressed astonishment at the FedRAMP 20x initiative’s bold reimagining of the longstanding federal cloud authorization process. By moving toward a cloud-native and automation-driven model, GSA’s leadership has initiated radical changes in how federal agencies approach cybersecurity, indicating that a cultural shift toward transparency is not just possible, but attainable.

Department of Defense’s CMMC 2.0

Michael Derrios emphasized the launch of CMMC 2.0 by the Department of Defense (DoD) as a transformative step shaping acquisition strategies and enhancing supply-chain resilience. This certification not only highlights capable sources for procurement but also creates practical tools for risk reduction in government operations.

Challenges Ahead

Despite a year of notable advancements, challenges loom large as federal agencies grapple with significant personnel losses due to early retirements and voluntary departures. As Kevin Cummins noted, the acquisition workforce’s ability to modernize federal systems may be hampered, potentially leading to complications in upcoming IT upgrades.

Complexity in Technology Governance

Jonathan Alboum raised concerns about the increasing complexity in government technology acquisitions. The interplay between emerging technologies, cybersecurity imperatives, and procurement reforms underscores the necessity for robust governance frameworks to prevent issues like technology sprawl and unmanageable threats.

AI Adoption Woes

The excitement surrounding AI’s potential in federal operations is tempered by readiness gaps. Melvin Brown expressed concerns about the need for appropriate governance, quality data, and lucid policy frameworks as agencies push forward with AI deployments. These issues need urgent attention to ensure effective integration into mission-critical processes.

Conclusion

As 2025 draws to a close, the federal IT and acquisition landscape is marked by significant accomplishments alongside daunting challenges. The evolution of governance structures, along with innovative approaches to procurement, marks a transformative period that influences both policy and operational efficiency across federal agencies. The panel’s insights underscore the necessity for continued adaptation and strategic foresight as agencies navigate the complexities of modern technology and procurement needs.