Federal IT's next act

This is a time of transition for the federal IT community, in more ways than one.

Three years into the Obama administration, the excitement about new ways of doing business has given way to the inevitable shakeout, as some ideas fall by the wayside and others begin to take hold.

Along the way, concerns about the growing federal deficit and a high-stakes stand-off over the debt ceiling have led to persistent questions about the size and mission of the federal government.

The administration has already instituted a pay freeze for federal employees, and Congress has considered several other measures that would reduce personnel costs through reductions in staff size and changes in pay. And let’s not forget the 2012 presidential elections.

What all this means for the federal IT community remains to be seen. But one way or another, change is coming. With that in mind, we talked with experts around the community to get their sense of what they expect to see in the next act of federal IT.

Budget worries loom large for DOD IT future
Defense officials are looking to IT to lead the way in innovative efficiency.

Gov 2.0 expectations could outrun reality
Devices, data and apps are proliferating, but the defining factor for the next wave will be how useful they are.

Workplace flexibility could expand dramatically soon
Could a management philosophy that shuns traditional ways of thinking about work soon be a reality for the federal workforce?

Procurement shops to become more automated
The regulatory-laden federal procurement process is tough to turn in any new direction, but younger employees and tighter budgets might move it slightly.

Read more of the 2011 Federal List.