2026: The Future of Federal IT and Acquisition

The buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) may not dominate the federal IT landscape in 2026. Instead, experts predict that various emerging topics will take the forefront, from the Defense Department’s drive for rapid capability deployments to innovative workforce transformations. The Federal News Network recently polled a panel of knowledgeable figures in technology and procurement to shed light on what this year might hold.

Key Voices in Federal Acquisition

The panel includes seasoned professionals, each bringing expertise from various federal sectors:

• Jonathan Alboum: Federal Chief Technology Officer, ServiceNow, and former CIO of the Agriculture Department.
• Melvin Brown: Chief Growth Officer at CANI and former deputy CIO at the Office of Personnel Management.
• Matthew Cornelius: Managing Director of Federal Industry at Workday.
• Kevin Cummins: Partner at Franklin Square Group.
• Michael Derrios: Executive Director, Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting at George Mason University.
• Julie Dunne: Principal with Monument Advocacy and former GSA commissioner.
• Mike Hettinger: Founding Principal of Hettinger Strategy Group.
• Nancy Sieger: Partner at Guidehouse’s Financial Services Sector and former IRS CIO.

Key Initiatives to Watch

1. AI Acquisition Governance
Brown emphasizes the importance of establishing standardized frameworks for acquiring AI. In 2025, guidelines were laid out, and 2026 will be crucial for agencies to operationalize these in procurement processes through common clause libraries and “responsible AI” evaluations.

2. Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
The phased rollout of CMMC will present significant challenges, particularly for smaller firms. Observing how often contracting officers incorporate these clauses will provide insights into industry accessibility and competitive dynamics.

3. GSA OneGov Initiative
Hettinger points out the ongoing pressure on resellers and systems integrators to deliver more at lower costs. How well the OneGov initiative adapts to government needs will be a bellwether for future IT acquisitions.

4. Software Asset Management (SAMOSA Act)
Cornelius highlights the importance of Congress potentially passing the SAMOSA Act. This legislation could empower agencies to better manage their software assets and transform IT operations into more efficient practices.

Legislative Developments

In terms of legislative focus, reauthorization of the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) has many observers concerned. Given its bipartisan support in the past, Cummins notes that failure to revitalize this fund may signal challenges in modernizing federal IT systems.

Workforce Dynamics

An essential aspect of 2026 is how federal agencies manage the ongoing IT talent exodus. Sieger warns that the loss of mid-career technologists may create critical knowledge gaps. Agencies face a daunting task: retaining legacy system knowledge while pushing forward with new technologies.

Acquisition Reforms on the Horizon

Dunne underscores the potential for significant reforms in acquisition processes that align civilian and defense sectors under Title 41 provisions. The recent creation of the Office of Centralized Acquisition Services (OCAS) is intended to streamline procurement across agencies.

Managing IT Efficiency and Value

Agencies are tasked with deriving tangible value from their investments in AI, as emphasized by Alboum. Monitoring which technologies deliver results will be key amid tight budgets, ensuring that efficiency gains are maintained long-term.

Evolving Security and Access Needs

As agencies proceed with zero-trust frameworks, Brown indicates that managing the data layer will become increasingly crucial. This raises discussions about whether to converge on fewer tools or continue investing in overlapping solutions.

Future Buzzwords

Several panel members predict that new themes will emerge in 2026:

• “Speed to Capability”: Brown expects this model to expand beyond the Department of Defense.
• “Resilient Innovation”: Sieger foresees agencies balancing modernization efforts with the need to maintain operational stability.
• “Value”: Derrios emphasizes that the focus will shift towards ensuring that federal acquisitions deliver meaningful outcomes.

Governance as a Foundation

Alboum predicts that governance around AI, data, and cybersecurity will become paramount. Moving from merely deploying AI to ensuring its security and value will transform how government measures success.

As 2026 unfolds, it promises a complex landscape full of opportunities and challenges for federal IT and acquisition. The journey toward innovation and efficiency will depend heavily on how agencies adapt their strategies, manage talent, and embrace new technologies while ensuring accountability and performance.