AI may not be the federal buzzword for 2026

Several federal IT and acquisition topics aside from AI were highlighted as potential buzzwords for 2026 based on discussions between former federal technology and procurement executives.
Potential key initiatives included speed to capability models, cybersecurity maturity, human resource transformation, and governmentwide acquisition reform.
Several panelists highlighted workforce challenges, including the IT talent exodus, the impact of return-to-office requirements, managing the exit of mid-career technologists, and whether agencies can sustain IT operating models independently or by relying on contractors.
There was also a focus on modernizing procurement processes to simplify and streamline contracting, reforming security clearances for contractor personnel, and integrating customer experience and service delivery.
Some buzzwords proposed for 2026 included resilience, fraud prevention, governance, value, and speed to capability models.
Overall, experts debated whether 2026 will shift focus from cost and efficiency of 2025, to more critical topics like workforce, governance, resilience, and value for federal missions.