With advancements in AI, cloud computing, and open source technologies, Federal IT leaders face a critical opportunity to rethink and reshape their approach to software development. Recent government initiatives have intensified the urgency. The newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is leading a Software Modernization Initiative to enhance governmentwide software quality and operational efficiency. Executive Order 14144 further emphasizes the importance of software security, calling on agencies to improve their management of open source software in particular.

How are Federal agencies incorporating open source, AI-assisted development, and cloud technologies into their software development practices? What advantages do these approaches offer, and what challenges are holding them back? How can these advancements help agencies optimize efficiency and deliver better services to the American public?

MeriTalk, in partnership with ICF, surveyed 100 IT decision-makers from Federal civilian agencies to explore how these leaders are transforming software development strategies – and advancing their missions – with open source, AI, and cloud.