For most of our lifetime, innovation in government services was driven by federal needs and investments. Increasingly, though, both technology and process innovation are coming to the government from outside sources, including the commercial marketplace.

When we think about innovation and emerging technology and how it enables federal mission success, what does it all mean? And what are the roles contractors can play in those efforts? We take a look at these questions in this edition of the Service Contractor.

From an industry perspective, PSC board members highlight how various types of emerging technologies and processes are enhancing mission success. Read our Sounding Board feature on page 6 where Dell Technologies’ Kelli Furrer, Oceus Network’s Randy Fuerst, and Red Hat’s Paul Smith provide their views.

From the government perspective, federal IT leaders Omar Saeb (General Services Administration) and José Arrieta (Department of Health and Human Services) describe their initiatives. Turn to page 12 to read more on the GSA Alliant 2 program and the HHS new set of acquisition process capabilities called Accelerate.

NetApp’s Rob Stein details how data is the new fuel for federal innovation. Check out his piece on page 11, in which he also highlights a few topics to be showcased at our September 16 Tech Trends Conference. In this edition, we also learn that data is not only fuel, but data and analytics are also critical drivers of mission success. Brian Thamm of Sophinea dives deep into this on page 38.

Emerging technology across the government includes expanding access to the cloud. On page 30, Bill Millward of Addx Corp. breaks down the various types of cloud computing concepts and what they really mean. Robert Smallwood Jr. of GDIT hones in on how achieving successful IT modernization begins with mission, not with IT. For more on how some federal agencies are adopting artificial intelligence concepts, read about the PSC Foundation’s recent report on Federal AI Adoption.

Keeping up with all of the technology jargon is a task on its own. Market Connections offers best practices on how to tell your story about the benefits of new technologies.

While this issue focuses on technology, there is more. PSC’s “Policy Spotlight” and “Working for You” sections highlight key provisions for contractors in the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act that we championed, as well as security clearance reforms within the NDAA. And on page 16, Adelle Elia of Louis Berger lets readers know that environmental, social and governance topics are a trending topic in M&A this year.

This issue provides tips to help our members get the most from PSC. Read an insightful perspective on the business intelligence value of PSC’s Vison Federal Market Forecast from David Rhodes of MCR, Inc. In our Member Value section, we provide more on traits that define the “ideal PSC member.” Finally, see some great photos from PSC’s Annual Conference and Federal Acquisition Conference. These conferences showcase our ability to attract high-level government officials to offer first-hand, content-rich information to our members.

As always, send us your ideas on ways we can improve PSC and help our members help their federal customers. In the meantime, we wish you great success.