Federal 100: Mike J. Kirkland
![](https://cdn.nextgov.com/media/img/cd/2021/12/11/Kirkland/860x394.png?1639276949)
![](/media/ps360/GIG/FCWNow/People/Fed100/2020/Kirkland.png)
Name:
Mike J. Kirkland
Title:
Senior Vice President, Offerings and Solutions Development
Organization:
Perspecta
Jump-starter in chief. Kirkland runs Perspecta's research and development portfolio, which involves identifying and developing technology at least 18 months ahead of the government's most difficult challenges. His team played a critical role in implementing machine learning and advanced analytics to improve methods, processes and systems for federal background investigations and reduce a 200,000-case backlog. Kirkland and his colleagues also prototyped a solution for a large Defense Department agency that combined robotic process automation with structured systems engineering to streamline operations, security and execution. At scale, the solution frees employees to focus on higher-priority tasks and saves millions of dollars.