Federal News Network’s CX Exchange 2025

Status: On-Demand
Event Link: Federal News Network CX Exchange 2025

The CX Exchange 2025, hosted by Federal News Network and presented by Maximus, brought together federal and industry leaders to discuss advancements in customer experience (CX) within government services. Key topics included the integration of emerging technologies, strategies for personalized service delivery, and the cultivation of customer journeys. Notable sessions featured insights from agencies such as Customs and Border Protection, the Marine Corps Community Services, and the Department of State. All sessions are now accessible on-demand for those interested in enhancing CX in the public sector.

 

ATARC Podcast: Enhancing Warfighter Support Through Digital Transformation

Status: Available Now
Podcast Link: ATARC Podcast Episode Featuring David Raley

In this episode of the Doing Tech Better in Government podcast, David Raley, Digital Program Manager for U.S. Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), discusses the organization's pivotal role in supporting the warfighter. The conversation delves into how MCCS provides essential services—ranging from food and retail to recreation—while leading modernization and cloud transformation initiatives. Raley shares insights into enhancing customer experience capabilities and how these efforts bolster the morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) and Exchange services, ultimately strengthening mission readiness and quality of life for Marines.

 

FedScoop: How Agile ATOs Streamline Government Software Development

Status: Ongoing
Link: FedScoop: Dave Raley & Ryan Pratt

FedScoop features a collection of articles and podcast episodes highlighting the work of Dave Raley, CX Digital Program Manager at Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS). Notably, Raley discusses the implementation of Agile Authorization to Operate (ATO) processes, which have significantly reduced the time required for security approvals in software development—from traditional cycles of 12–18 months down to under 30 days for certain components. This streamlined approach enables the U.S. Marine Corps to deploy mission-critical capabilities more swiftly and efficiently. The coverage provides valuable insights into how agile methodologies and risk management frameworks can enhance software delivery within federal agencies.

 

LinkedIn Article: From Bottlenecks to Breakthroughs – How Agile ATO Saved USMC Millions

Status: Published January 6, 2025
Article Link: From Bottlenecks to Breakthroughs – How Agile ATO Saved USMC Millions

In this insightful LinkedIn article, David Raley, CX Digital Program Manager at Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), details the transformative journey of overhauling the traditional Authorization to Operate (ATO) process within the U.S. Marine Corps. By collaborating with Raven Solutions and leveraging Amazon Web Services (AWS), MCCS established the GovCloud Enclave, enabling a secure and efficient cloud environment. This initiative significantly reduced ATO timelines from two years to as little as 30 days, resulting in over $10 million in cost savings within 18 months. The article underscores the importance of Agile methodologies and DevSecOps in modernizing government IT infrastructure and enhancing mission readiness.

 

YouTube Video: Dave Raley on Agile ATO Transformation

Status: Available Now
Video Link: Dave Raley on Agile ATO Transformation

In this insightful video, Dave Raley, CX Digital Program Manager at Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), discusses the transformative journey of implementing Agile Authorization to Operate (ATO) processes within the U.S. Marine Corps. By collaborating with industry partners and leveraging cloud technologies, MCCS significantly reduced ATO timelines from traditional cycles of 12–18 months to under 30 days for certain components. This streamlined approach has enabled the rapid deployment of mission-critical capabilities, resulting in substantial cost savings and enhanced mission readiness. The video provides valuable insights into how agile methodologies and risk management frameworks can revolutionize software delivery within federal agencies.

 

GITEC 2025 Conference: Agenda and Speakers

Status: Concluded (March 30 – April 1, 2025)
Event Link: GITEC 2025 Agenda and Speakers

The GITEC 2025 Conference, hosted by the Advanced Technology Academic Research Center (ATARC), convened federal IT leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to explore the evolving landscape of government technology. Held at the Kimpton Forum Hotel in Charlottesville, VA, the conference featured sessions on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud solutions, and data management. Keynote speakers included Jim Tunnessen, Chief Information Officer & Chief AI Officer at the National Endowment for the Arts, and Frank Indiviglio, Chief Technology Officer at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The event also offered networking opportunities and recognized excellence in federal IT through the GITEC 2025 Awards.

 

LinkedIn Post: Dave Raley on Agile ATO Transformation

Status: Published
Post Link: Dave Raley on Agile ATO Transformation

In this LinkedIn post, Dave Raley, CX Digital Program Manager at Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), highlights the successful implementation of Agile Authorization to Operate (ATO) processes within the U.S. Marine Corps. By adopting agile methodologies and leveraging DevSecOps practices, MCCS significantly reduced ATO timelines, enabling faster deployment of mission-critical applications. This transformation not only enhanced operational efficiency but also resulted in substantial cost savings, underscoring the value of agile approaches in federal IT modernization efforts.

 

USMC IT Day 2025

Status: Concluded (May 21, 2025)
Event Link: USMC IT Day 2025

Hosted by the AFCEA Quantico-Potomac chapter, the 15th Annual USMC IT Day brought together Marine Corps leadership, government IT professionals, and industry partners for a full day of briefings, panels, and collaboration. Held at the Fredericksburg Convention Center, the 2025 event spotlighted emerging priorities across Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC), C4, and DC,I—focusing on innovation, modernization, and multi-domain digital capabilities. Attendees explored themes including cloud adoption, cybersecurity, and accelerated software delivery in support of warfighter readiness.

 

From Zero to ATO: Automating the Full Compliance Lifecycle

Status: Available Now
Gated Recording: From Zero To ATO: Automating The Full Compliance Lifecycle
Video Link: From Zero To ATO: Automating The Full Compliance Lifecycle

Sicura, RegScale and USMC hosted a live session where attendees discovered how to automate the full compliance lifecycle - dramatically reducing ATO timelines while strengthening security and audit-readiness across even the most complex environments.

The session explored how organizations navigating NIST SP800-53, RMF, CMMC Levels 2/3, DISA STIGs, and other federal compliance mandates can benefit from a modern, integrated solutions. Sicurra, Operation Stormbreaker and RegScale demonstrated how their tools work together to offer a smarter, faster path to compliance for government and highly regulated commercial sectors.