7th Annual GovForward ATO and Cloud Security Virtual Summit - AGENDA
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Agenda

Times are subject to change.

9:05 AM EDT Thursday, July 24

Program Introduction

10 minutes
Craig Abod
Craig Abod
President
Carahsoft Technology Corp.
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9:15 AM EDT Thursday, July 24

9:40 AM EDT Thursday, July 24

The Future of Federal Cloud: Policy, Security, and Modernization in Motion

30 minutes

As the federal government accelerates its cloud modernization efforts, agencies face a shifting landscape of security, compliance, and procurement priorities. This opening session will offer a strategic perspective on how evolving policies and technology strategies are influencing the way cloud services are authorized, secured, and delivered. Panelists will discuss the government’s vision for building a more agile, secure, and mission-driven cloud environment in the years ahead.

As the federal government accelerates its cloud modernization efforts, agencies face a shifting landscape of security, compliance, and procurement priorities. This opening session will offer a strategic perspective on how evolving policies and technology strategies are influencing the way cloud services are authorized, secured, and delivered. Panelists will discuss the government’s vision for building a more agile, secure, and mission-driven cloud environment in the years ahead.

Katie Arrington
Katie Arrington
Chief Information Officer
Department of Defense
Drew Myklegard
Drew Myklegard
Deputy Federal CIO
Office of Management and Budget
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10:10 AM EDT Thursday, July 24

Optimizing Procurement Strategies: Leveraging Governmentwide Acquisition Vehicles for Better Cloud Outcomes

30 minutes

Join a dynamic panel of experts as they delve into the updated strategies for unlocking the full potential of promoting expedited and streamlined acquisitions. This discussion will focus on actionable insights for selecting the best acquisition vehicles, optimizing costs, and navigating federal compliance standards. Attendees will walk away with practical, real-world guidance to refine their procurement processes, accelerate cloud adoption, and drive measurable success across their organizations.

Join a dynamic panel of experts as they delve into the updated strategies for unlocking the full potential of promoting expedited and streamlined acquisitions. This discussion will focus on actionable insights for selecting the best acquisition vehicles, optimizing costs, and navigating federal compliance standards. Attendees will walk away with practical, real-world guidance to refine their procurement processes, accelerate cloud adoption, and drive measurable success across their organizations.

Theresa Kinney
Theresa Kinney
Senior Deputy Director
NASA SEWP
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10:40 AM EDT Thursday, July 24

11:00 AM EDT Thursday, July 24

Harmonizing Security Frameworks: Aligning FedRAMP, GovRAMP, and More to Optimize Efficiency

30 minutes

Learn new strategies for aligning multiple security frameworks to streamline compliance efforts and enhance operational effectiveness. Experts will discuss the challenges and opportunities of aligning FedRAMP, GovRAMP, FBI CJIS, and other standards to create cohesive security practices across jurisdictions. As part of this broader conversation, GovRAMP’s recent rebrand from StateRAMP reflects an expanded mission – one that continues to support state and local governments while also exploring engagement with federal agencies.

Learn new strategies for aligning multiple security frameworks to streamline compliance efforts and enhance operational effectiveness. Experts will discuss the challenges and opportunities of aligning FedRAMP, GovRAMP, FBI CJIS, and other standards to create cohesive security practices across jurisdictions. As part of this broader conversation, GovRAMP’s recent rebrand from StateRAMP reflects an expanded mission – one that continues to support state and local governments while also exploring engagement with federal agencies.

Leah McGrath
Leah McGrath
Executive Director
StateRAMP
Frank Konkel
Frank Konkel
Editor-in-Chief
GovExec
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11:30 AM EDT Thursday, July 24

Accelerating AI in Government: Setting Standards for Innovation and Authorization

30 minutes

As government agencies look to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance their operations, the challenge of deploying these solutions in a secure and responsible manner remains paramount. This panel will explore the integration of standards such as ISO 42001 and NIST AI RMF to ensure the efficient delivery of AI technologies to government end users without compromising security. Discussions will emphasize responsible AI practices and explore how aligning with these standards can accelerate authorization timelines.

As government agencies look to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance their operations, the challenge of deploying these solutions in a secure and responsible manner remains paramount. This panel will explore the integration of standards such as ISO 42001 and NIST AI RMF to ensure the efficient delivery of AI technologies to government end users without compromising security. Discussions will emphasize responsible AI practices and explore how aligning with these standards can accelerate authorization timelines.

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12:00 PM EDT Thursday, July 24

12:40 PM EDT Thursday, July 24

Cyber-Powered Procurement: Leveraging GovRAMP for Smarter and More Secure Operations

30 minutes

How does GovRAMP enable governments to enhance cybersecurity while streamlining procurement processes? In this power panel, experts will discuss their strategies for leveraging the framework to assess offerings, manage risks, and ensure compliance with evolving security standards. Gain actionable insights into adopting GovRAMP to improve efficiency, protect critical infrastructure, and foster trust in state and local operations.

How does GovRAMP enable governments to enhance cybersecurity while streamlining procurement processes? In this power panel, experts will discuss their strategies for leveraging the framework to assess offerings, manage risks, and ensure compliance with evolving security standards. Gain actionable insights into adopting GovRAMP to improve efficiency, protect critical infrastructure, and foster trust in state and local operations.

Jessica Van Eerde
Jessica Van Eerde
Chief of Operations
GovRAMP
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1:10 PM EDT Thursday, July 24

Navigating FedRAMP 20X: Strategies for Accelerating Authorization

30 minutes

The introduction of FedRAMP 20X presents new opportunities and approaches for Cloud Service Providers in navigating the authorization process for government cloud services. This panel will feature experts who work closely with CSPs and government agencies to guide them through the transition, offering insights into changing program requirements and agency engagement. Panelists will share practical strategies for aligning with the new model and accelerating time to authorization.

The introduction of FedRAMP 20X presents new opportunities and approaches for Cloud Service Providers in navigating the authorization process for government cloud services. This panel will feature experts who work closely with CSPs and government agencies to guide them through the transition, offering insights into changing program requirements and agency engagement. Panelists will share practical strategies for aligning with the new model and accelerating time to authorization.

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1:40 PM EDT Thursday, July 24

2:00 PM EDT Thursday, July 24

Balancing Innovation and Security: Government Agencies Perspective on Navigating Government Cloud Adoption

30 minutes

This panel brings together agency leaders to discuss the balance between fostering innovation and maintaining robust security within the frameworks of FISMA, FedRAMP, and DoD CC SRG. The session will highlight how adhering to these frameworks enhances the government’s return on investment by reducing duplicative efforts and associated costs, and by facilitating quicker access to cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, the discussion will emphasize the importance of reuse and reciprocity principles, which streamline cloud adoption and promote agile, cost-effective solutions across government entities.

This panel brings together agency leaders to discuss the balance between fostering innovation and maintaining robust security within the frameworks of FISMA, FedRAMP, and DoD CC SRG. The session will highlight how adhering to these frameworks enhances the government’s return on investment by reducing duplicative efforts and associated costs, and by facilitating quicker access to cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, the discussion will emphasize the importance of reuse and reciprocity principles, which streamline cloud adoption and promote agile, cost-effective solutions across government entities.

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2:30 PM EDT Thursday, July 24

Automating Risk Management: The Future of the FedRAMP Ecosystem

30 minutes

As automation becomes central to FedRAMP 20X, this panel will feature compliance technology providers supporting CSPs and agencies through the shift to continuous validation and real- time risk management. Panelists will explore how automation is being used to streamline security assessments, enforce configuration baselines, and align with FedRAMP’s evolving expectations. Attendees will discover how the strategic integration of advanced automation technologies can promote agility and bolster the integrity of cloud authorization processes.

As automation becomes central to FedRAMP 20X, this panel will feature compliance technology providers supporting CSPs and agencies through the shift to continuous validation and real- time risk management. Panelists will explore how automation is being used to streamline security assessments, enforce configuration baselines, and align with FedRAMP’s evolving expectations. Attendees will discover how the strategic integration of advanced automation technologies can promote agility and bolster the integrity of cloud authorization processes.

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3:00 PM EDT Thursday, July 24

3:25 PM EDT Thursday, July 24