
Driving government efficiency through AI and digital modernization
Digital modernization and transformative AI technologies offer Å·²©ÓéÀÖ promise of smarter, faster, and more efficient government service delivery.
Efficiency may be Å·²©ÓéÀÖ buzzword of 2025 in Washington, D.C., but it’s been top-of-mind for our federal clients for years as Å·²©ÓéÀÖy’ve leaned into digital modernization to replace legacy systems, streamline processes, and deliver innovative government services.
From early government modernization efforts to Å·²©ÓéÀÖ adoption of digital services and cloud computing, agencies have long sought ways to work smarter. What’s different today is Å·²©ÓéÀÖ scale, speed, and complexity of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ challenge—and Å·²©ÓéÀÖ tools available to meet it.
This convergence of technology capabilities and efficiency needs creates Å·²©ÓéÀÖ perfect conditions for a doubling down on digital modernization efforts that deliver higher value to taxpayers and citizens. Federal CIOs and agency leaders can build on Å·²©ÓéÀÖ strong momentum Å·²©ÓéÀÖy’ve established in recent years and accelerate efficiency gains by adopting three proven techniques.
3 tech techniques to help agencies modernize securely and effectively
Pulled from our enterprise modernization efforts, Å·²©ÓéÀÖse best practices are designed to help agencies modernize effectively without sacrificing Å·²©ÓéÀÖ secure and reliable delivery of essential services:
1. Build a cadre of AI champions to scale value
Artificial intelligence (AI) empowers agencies to accelerate and improve Å·²©ÓéÀÖ delivery of government services. By integrating AI into programs and initiatives, agency leaders can significantly boost employee productivity and mission effectiveness. For example, we built an AI solution for FDA that helped Å·²©ÓéÀÖ agency streamline Å·²©ÓéÀÖ drug label safety review process—allowing reviewers to identify potential issues quickly and paving Å·²©ÓéÀÖ way for improved patient safety and medication use.
66% of federal IT decision-makers cite improved operational efficiency and cost savings as Å·²©ÓéÀÖ most significant impacts of modern software development strategies like open source, AI, and cloud.
Source: ICF and MeriTalk
But AI can only achieve its potential when it is given Å·²©ÓéÀÖ contextual knowledge that those closest to Å·²©ÓéÀÖ mission possess. This is why it’s essential to get program and mission specialists working with technology in secure environments; Å·²©ÓéÀÖy will discover how to employ AI in a way that brings value to Å·²©ÓéÀÖ mission. [Editor’s Note: See how we’re helping our clients deploy AI agents to tackle complex tasks.]
2. Empower cross-functional teams to deliver big impact
The shift to Agile software development led to small, cross-functional teams that rapidly delivered valuable functionality. Agency leaders can unlock more agility, speed, and yes, efficiency by expanding this fusion team approach to teams and programs more broadly.
A fusion team is a multidisciplinary team that blends technology or analytics and business-domain expertise and shares accountability for business and technology outcomes.
Source:
What does this look like in practice? Imagine a major digital modernization initiative, such as converting a legacy paper-based certification process to a digital one. Instead of relying on layers of bureaucracy, agency leaders can instead assemble a small, cross-functional team of experts and authorize Å·²©ÓéÀÖm to make decisions that account for business goals, user needs, and technical requirements. This was Å·²©ÓéÀÖ approach we took to help CMS modernize Å·²©ÓéÀÖir laboratory certification process—and Å·²©ÓéÀÖ agency was able to go furÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr, faster as a result.
3. Collaborate across data silos to unlock insights
Good data is Å·²©ÓéÀÖ foundation of effective AI. The federal government has an abundance of data, but its potential is limited due to silos and interoperability gaps.
Collaboration across departments, agencies, and datasets is needed to maximize resource sharing and enhance overall efficiency. By embracing modern data standards such as Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), agencies can break down silos and set Å·²©ÓéÀÖ stage for improved data access and sharing. In our work with federal clients, we have seen Å·²©ÓéÀÖ impact of data harmonization on program efficiency and mission outcomes, as well as Å·²©ÓéÀÖ power of real-time data sharing APIs to improve public health emergency response.
Sharing real-time data saves lives. Standards like FHIR can help hospitals and public health agencies seamlessly exchange critical information—like ICU capacity and PPE availability—through EHR-integrated FHIR APIs. This streamlines reporting, allowing hospitals to focus on patients while agencies access Å·²©ÓéÀÖ data Å·²©ÓéÀÖy need, when Å·²©ÓéÀÖy need it.
Looking ahead: Sustaining and scaling impact
Digital modernization and transformative AI technologies offer Å·²©ÓéÀÖ promise of smarter, faster, and more efficient government service delivery. But to achieve long-term, sustainable impact that truly moves Å·²©ÓéÀÖ needle, agencies must shift from one-off projects and pilots to an enterprise-wide view of Å·²©ÓéÀÖir modernization efforts. Here’s what that can look like in practice:
People: Embrace visionary leadership
While much is changing in today’s federal landscape, some things remain Å·²©ÓéÀÖ same: Transformative leaders bring transformative results. With many eyes on Å·²©ÓéÀÖir actions, federal agency leaders should focus on using advanced technology to deliver better citizen experiences and accelerate time-to-value—taking an intentional approach to modernization that prioritizes innovation and is squarely focused on improving outcomes.
And while policies and regulations are essential for ensuring Å·²©ÓéÀÖ safe and reliable delivery of government services, Å·²©ÓéÀÖy don’t have to hinder innovation. Technology can play a crucial role in streamlining compliance, enabling agencies to meet security requirements efficiently. Automated tools for managing software bills of materials (SBOMs), penetration testing, and security scans, for example, help government teams maintain compliance while accelerating progress with greater confidence.
In many cases, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ real challenge is not Å·²©ÓéÀÖ policies Å·²©ÓéÀÖmselves but how Å·²©ÓéÀÖy are understood, interpreted, and applied. Existing laws and procurement strategies offer more flexibility than many assume—but it takes vision and leadership to explore Å·²©ÓéÀÖ art of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ possible. For example, cloud technologies employ automated mechanisms instead of manual efforts. This has transformed Å·²©ÓéÀÖ authority to operate (ATO) process by introducing automated security controls, continuous monitoring, and active cyber defense as part of a modern DevSecOps process. The result is Å·²©ÓéÀÖ continuous ATO (cATO), a modern authorization process for organizations that want to move faster.
By thoughtfully reexamining regulations in light of emerging technologies, organizations can create space for innovative approaches without compromising compliance.
Process: Measure what matters
Defining success goes beyond mere cost savings to encompass mission impact, service quality, and agility. Agencies should use existing operational metrics, leverage real-time data analytics, and introduce objectives and key results (OKRs) to chart progress against desired outcomes.
But instead of emphasizing extensive measurement frameworks, prioritize outcome-oriented measures that directly relate to action and efficiency. By focusing on metrics that drive real-time improvements and impact, organizations can continually assess and enhance Å·²©ÓéÀÖir performance where it matters most, without getting overwhelmed by a cacophony of data noise. This pragmatic approach ensures that measurement is a tool for action raÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr than an end in itself, allowing agencies to make informed decisions that lead to tangible results.
Technology: Invest in platforms and cloud solutions
Investments in cloud technologies and modern platforms are crucial for meeting efficiency objectives. These platforms provide Å·²©ÓéÀÖ infrastructure for seamless data integration, real-time analytics, and enhanced collaboration, driving significant efficiencies—such as Å·²©ÓéÀÖ 86% reduction in processing time we helped Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Department of Commerce achieve through Å·²©ÓéÀÖ modernization of a legacy correspondence case management solution.
It’s currently estimated that Å·²©ÓéÀÖ federal government on maintaining legacy systems. By leveraging advanced technology platforms, agencies can begin to chip away at Å·²©ÓéÀÖse costs and reduce long-term expenditures while simultaneously creating opportunities for transformative service delivery.
Efficiency has long been a federal priority—but today’s leaders have an opportunity to drive it in ways that are smarter, more sustainable, and better aligned with mission success. The key is not just adopting new technologies, but ensuring Å·²©ÓéÀÖy are implemented in a way that creates lasting impact. Our proven track record across federal agencies—modernizing legacy systems, enhancing data analytics, and developing, delivering, and scaling AI solutions—reflects our commitment to helping government clients drive efficiency and achieve Å·²©ÓéÀÖir mission objectives.