Dovel Technologies CEO Paul Leslie gave WashingtonExec his 2012 Outlook regarding the state of the government contracting community.
Paul Leslie: “Federal IT firms will continue to be challenged this government fiscal year. In 2012, Contractors will see continued incremental funding for existing contracts and task orders, and new program budget uncertainty will delay procurement schedules. Ongoing budgetary constraints and pressures will require Government Agencies to look for system, resource, and cost efficiencies. To be successful in this economic environment, companies need to be able to provide creative and effective solutions in response to agencies’ requirements. Federal customers are not expecting a “status quo” solution – every procurement will expect cost efficient benefits and longer-term transformational expectations. There will be a greater use of small businesses in 2012. Small businesses responsive with thought leadership in emerging technologies and differentiated solutions for data management, mobile applications, semantic technologies, and secured cloud computing will see opportunities for successful strategic growth and value.
Federal agencies will spend 2012 struggling with Cloud Computing. On the one hand, the Cloud promises dramatic cost savings even for basic capabilities like email and content management—desirable in the current budgetary environment. But on the other hand, the GSA and CIO Council’s Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), while intended to facilitate secure, cost-effective use of the Cloud in government, risks delays and budget cuts itself. Furthermore, while FedRAMP will be mandatory, it will take a year or more before all the details will be in place. Nevertheless, the benefits of Cloud far outweigh the risks, and we see Cloud adoption accelerating across the government in 2012, with or without FedRAMP.”
*Featured in the 12/21 edition of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority online magazine E-Bird.
