Key Takeaways
- Artificial intelligence (AI) may not be the buzzword for 2026, with other topics like "speed to capability" and "resilient innovation" emerging as key areas of focus
- The federal government is expected to prioritize IT and acquisition initiatives such as the implementation of zero trust, AI efficiency and value, and enterprise acquisition and software asset management
- The government is also expected to focus on workforce transformation, with an emphasis on recruiting and retaining top talent in areas like AI, cloud, and cybersecurity
- The administration is likely to tackle long-overlooked issues like the modernization of security clearances and the federal budgeting process
- The buzzword for 2026 is expected to be "resilient innovation," with a focus on continuing to advance technological capabilities while maintaining operational continuity under constrained resources and heightened uncertainty
Introduction to Federal IT and Acquisition Topics
The federal government is expected to focus on a range of IT and acquisition topics in 2026, with a shift away from artificial intelligence (AI) as the dominant buzzword. Instead, experts predict that topics like "speed to capability" and "resilient innovation" will take center stage. The government is expected to prioritize initiatives like the implementation of zero trust, AI efficiency and value, and enterprise acquisition and software asset management. These initiatives will be critical to driving progress in federal IT and acquisition, and will require careful planning and execution to ensure success.
Expert Insights on IT and Acquisition Programs
A panel of former federal technology and procurement executives was asked to share their opinions on the federal IT and acquisition storylines they are following in 2026. The panelists identified a range of key programs and initiatives, including the implementation of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and the development of the Genesis Mission initiative. They also highlighted the importance of workforce transformation, with a focus on recruiting and retaining top talent in areas like AI, cloud, and cybersecurity. The panelists emphasized the need for the government to prioritize IT and acquisition initiatives that drive efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation, while also ensuring the security and integrity of federal systems and data.
Emerging Trends and Priorities
The federal government is expected to prioritize emerging trends and priorities like AI, cloud, and cybersecurity in 2026. The implementation of zero trust architectures, for example, will be a key area of focus, as will the development of more effective AI acquisition governance models. The government is also expected to prioritize the development of more resilient and innovative systems, with a focus on building capabilities that can absorb shocks and maintain operational continuity under constrained resources and heightened uncertainty. These trends and priorities will require careful planning and execution, and will involve significant investments in new technologies and capabilities.
Long-Overlooked Issues
The administration is likely to tackle long-overlooked issues like the modernization of security clearances and the federal budgeting process in 2026. The current security clearance system is widely recognized as being in need of reform, with lengthy delays and lack of reciprocity between agencies creating significant challenges for contractors and federal employees. The federal budgeting process is also in need of reform, with static budgets and lack of return on investment mentality creating significant challenges for agencies seeking to drive innovation and progress. Addressing these issues will be critical to driving progress in federal IT and acquisition, and will require significant investments in new technologies and capabilities.
Buzzword for 2026
The buzzword for 2026 is expected to be "resilient innovation," with a focus on continuing to advance technological capabilities while maintaining operational continuity under constrained resources and heightened uncertainty. This will require the government to prioritize initiatives like AI, cloud, and cybersecurity, while also ensuring the security and integrity of federal systems and data. The government will need to build capabilities that can absorb shocks and maintain operational continuity, while also driving innovation and progress in areas like AI and cybersecurity. This will require significant investments in new technologies and capabilities, as well as a focus on workforce transformation and the development of more effective IT and acquisition governance models.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the federal government is expected to focus on a range of IT and acquisition topics in 2026, with a shift away from artificial intelligence (AI) as the dominant buzzword. Instead, experts predict that topics like "speed to capability" and "resilient innovation" will take center stage. The government is expected to prioritize initiatives like the implementation of zero trust, AI efficiency and value, and enterprise acquisition and software asset management. These initiatives will be critical to driving progress in federal IT and acquisition, and will require careful planning and execution to ensure success. The administration is likely to tackle long-overlooked issues like the modernization of security clearances and the federal budgeting process, and the buzzword for 2026 is expected to be "resilient innovation."
