Federal Networks 2025
September 16, 2025
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel - Arlington, Virginia
Top DISA Executives Confirmed for Federal Networks 2025
We are pleased to announce that the 38th annual Federal Networks Conference will return to the Washington, DC area September 16, 2025.
Federal Networks 2025 brings together the top decision-makers from key Federal and DoD agencies to share their latest plans for how they will design, purchase and operate their networks to improve support for the warfighter and enhance the efficiency of government operations.
Federal Networks is now more important than ever to help you learn the latest requirements, strategies and plans for defending and modernizing the government’s IT technology and infrastructure. We will cover new DoD and civil agency requirements for public and private cloud, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, SD WAN, 5/6 G, Zero Trust, SASE, Edge Computing, EITaaS, and other emerging technologies.
We look forward to joining you September 16, 2025 to help determine how the government, partnered with industry, will leverage the latest network and IT technologies to deliver tomorrow’s solutions.
If you have any questions, or are interested in speaking or sponsoring Federal Networks, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Sincerely,
Warren Suss – President, Suss Consulting and Federal Networks Program Chair
Dr. Matthew Lucas – TeleStrategies Inc.
For information about sponsoring Federal Networks 2025 please contact Sarah Salko by email at: [email protected] or call 215-884-5900.
Federal 2025 DISA panel confirmed
Federal Networks 2025 DISA Panel:
- Chris Barnhurst, DISA Deputy Director
- Sharon Woods, DISA Director for J6 Endpoint Services and Global Service Center
- Brian Hermann, DISA Director and Program Executive Officer, DISA PEO Cyber
- Jeff Marshall, DISA Director, Hosting and Compute Directorate (J-9)
- Steve Wallace, DISA Chief Technology Officer
Additional 2025 Session Announcements Coming Soon
Previously held "2024" agenda
Federal Networks 2024 Conference Agenda
Conference Program -- Day 1
Monday September 23, 2024
| 7:30 - 8:30 AM: Registration and Breakfast Sponsor: |  |
| 8:30 - 9:00 AM: Keynote Address |
Next Generation Federal Networks and Services: Opportunities and Challenges
The conference chairman will identify the latest government marketplace opportunities as agencies across federal government and Defense Department agencies design, acquire, and transition to their next generation networks and cloud services. The presentation will discuss how evolving network, mobile, cloud, cyber and Artificial Intelligence technologies, as well as changes in the customer environment will reshape the competitive landscape for carriers, integrators, system manufacturers and professional services companies.
Warren Suss – President, Suss Consulting Inc. and Conference Chairman
| 9:00 - 10:45 AM: GSA Update on Federal IT Infrastructure Session Sponsored by: |
GSA Introduction and Fireside Chat
9:00 - 9:10 AM
This is a keynote on the current state of federal IT and thoughts on the near future.
- Laura Stanton, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Information Technology Category (ITC), Federal Acquisition Service (FAS), GSA
Fireside Chat: Acquiring Emergent Technologies
9:10 - 9:45 AM
GSA’s senior leaders will provide an overview of their federal customer requirements and GSA’s strategic direction for meeting next generation agency requirements for telecom, networks, and emerging technologies. This session will also cover how GSA manages its acquisition vehicles, trends they see in telecom services, and the policies & technologies that may impact federal networks in the near future.
- Laura Stanton, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Information Technology Category (ITC), Federal Acquisition Service (FAS), GSA
- Lawrence Hale, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Category Management, ITC, FAS, GSA
- Michael Berkholtz, Senior Manager, Technology Lifecycle Services, ETS, ITC, FAS, GSA
- David J. Taybron, Director, Innovation Division, ITC, FAS, GSA
Your Experts in Enterprise Network Infrastructure
9:45 – 10:45 AM
The Executive Director (SES) of Enterprise Technology Solutions (ETS) and a panel of GSA network specialists will discuss what it takes to deliver agile, streamlined, and cost effective telecom and enterprise technology procurement solutions to meet the dynamic needs of the Federal Government.
- Jacob Marcellus, Executive Director (SES), Enterprise Technology Solutions (ETS), ITC, GSA
- Rosa Underwood, Senior Cybersecurity Advisor, ITC, FAS, GSA
- Loren Smith, Director, Solutions Development, ETS, ITC, FAS, GSA
- Dinaira Borba, Contracting Officer, Enterprise Telecommunications Solutions Acquisition, ITC, FAS, GSA
- John Torrence, Solutions Broker, Technical Account Management, ETS, ITC, FAS, GSA
10:45 – 11:15 AM: GSA Breakout Session/Networking Break
11:15 - 11:45 PM: DHS Session
DHS Information Technology Modernization Update
The presentation will highlight high priority DHS requirements for industry cloud, network, cyber, mobile, and Artificial Intelligence technologies, solutions and services to support the effectiveness, efficiency and security of the DHS mission.
- Rear Admiral Chris Bartz, Deputy Chief Information Officer (DCIO), DHS
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM: DHS Breakout Session/Networking Break
| 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch, Sponsored by: |  |
KEYNOTE LUNCHEON: Update on CISA Next Generation Priorities for Federal Cyber Defense
A senior executive from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency will highlight CISA’s high priority requirements for industry technologies, solutions, and services to improve defenses against cyber threats to federal networks and operations.
- Shelly Hartsook, Acting Associate Director for Capacity Building, CISA
1:30 – 2:00 PM: CISA Breakout Session/Networking Break
2:00 – 2:45 PM: VA Session
VA: End User Operations
The VA’s Executive Director of End User Operations will provide an update on VA’s strategies, priorities, and requirements from industry to provide an exceptional customer experience for the end users of VA products and services, as well as the Veterans and caregivers that VA serves. He will highlight technologies to enable VA to deliver self-service tools on par with top private sector companies and that will provide the best online experience in the Federal Government.
- Jeff VanBemmel, Executive Director, End User Operations Office of Information and Technology, End User Services, VA
2:45 – 3:00 PM: VA Breakout Session/Networking Break
3:00 – 3:45 PM: GAO
GAO AI Study: Update on Federal Agency AI Implementation
GAO's Former Chief Data Scientist and Director of Innovation Lab, currently OPM's Chief Data Officer and Director of Enterprise Data and Artificial Intelligence, provide an update on agency adoption of AI. He will provide an overview of how agencies are making plans to expand their application and infrastructure. His remarks will focus on opportunities for industry to help agencies achieve the potential for AI to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations.
- Taka Ariga, Formerly GAO's Chief Data Scientist and Director of Innovation Lab, currently OPM's Chief Data Officer and Director of Enterprise Data and Artificial Intelligence
3:45 – 4:00 PM GAO Breakout Session/Networking Break
| 4:00 – 4:45 PM: State Department Session Sponsored by: |
State Department: IT Infrastructure Requirements Update
The State Department Deputy Chief Information Officer will provide an overview of the agency’s plans to provide a reliable and secure global network infrastructure vital to the conduct of diplomacy and international affairs for the Department of State. She will highlight their department’s upcoming IT infrastructure requirements to support the nation’s diplomats with technology for innovative and collaborative processing and interaction, both internal and external, including zero trust architecture, artificial intelligence, cloud, messaging, text, voice, and video-conferencing initiatives.
- Manuel Medrano - Director, Office of Cyber Monitoring and Operations, Directorate of Cyber and Technology Security, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, U.S. Department of State
4:45 – 5:00 PM: State Breakout Session/Networking Break
| 5:00 - 6:00 PM: Cocktail Networking Reception Sponsored by: |
| \ |
Federal Networks 2024
Conference Program -- Day 2
Tuesday September 24, 2024
| 7:00 - 8:15 AM: Registration and Breakfast Sponsor: |
| 8:15 – 9:00 AM: DISA Keynote Address, Sponored by: |
DISA Keynote Address
An overview of DISA’s most important initiatives, including the latest developments related to network infrastructure and upgrades, cybersecurity, cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence, Unified Communications (UC), and secure mobility. The presentation will also include an update on organizational changes and DISA’s budget.
- Christopher Barnhurst, Deputy Director, DISA
| 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: DISA Update |
DISA Update
Top DISA executives will describe the latest strategies and plans for the Defense Department’s networks, network services, and capabilities with an emphasis on upcoming requirements from industry. The presentations will cover upcoming DISA requirements for network infrastructure, services, enhancements, and upgrades; enterprise services; cloud services and migration; Artificial Intelligence; and cybersecurity.
- Sharon Woods - Director, DISA Command, Control, Communications, and Computers Enterprise Directorate (J-6 C4E)
- Jeff Marshall, Acting Director, Hosting and Commute Directorate (J-9)
- Brian Hermann - Director and Program Executive Officer, DISA PEO Cyber
- Christopher Paczkowski - Director and Program Executive Officer, DISA PEO
Transport - Tinisha McMillan - Director, DISA J-3/5/7 Operations, Plans and Exercises Executive
10:30-10:45 AM: DISA Breakout Session/Networks Break
| 10:45 AM – 11:30AM: DFAS |
DFAS Information and Technology Modernization Update
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service’s Chief Information Officer and Director of Information Technology will provide an update on his agency’s next generation initiatives for enabling the Department of Defense to uphold its fiscal responsibilities for all financial transactions, including payroll and accounting services, enterprise systems for financial transactions, and infrastructure support. He will also outline DFAS plans and requirements to ensure that all networks and transactions made through those networks are secure and cyber defended.
- Don Means, Chief Information Officer and Director of Information Technology, Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS)
11:30-11:45 AM: DFAS Breakout Session/Networks Break
| 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM: DoD AI Session |
CDAO: Update on DoD Artificial Intelligence Requirements and Challenges
A senior executive from the Chief Digital And Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) will provide an update on DoD' s strategy development for promoting the development of AI-enabled solutions to support DoD’s most critical mission priorities. The remarks will focus on how DoD will create enabling digital infrastructure and services that support Components' development and deployment of data, analytics, AI, and digital-enabled solutions.
- Daniel Holtzman, Chief Information Officer (CIO); Cyber Assurance Officer; Authorizing Official (AO) and the Senior Component Official for Privacy (SCOP), Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO)
12:30 – 12:45 PM: CDAO Breakout Session/Networks Break
| 12:45 - 2:00 PM: Luncheon Keynote Address |
Luncheon Keynote: Securing the Pentagon’s Networks to Meet the DoD’s Pacing Threat
DISA’s senior uniformed officer in the Pentagon will describe how DISA J-6 C4E is employing DISA Next Strategy imperatives to harden Pentagon IT against adversary cyber activities, while ensuring uninterrupted network access for DoD senior leadership.
- U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Cornell - Vice Director, DISA Command, Control,
Communications, and Computers Enterprise Directorate (J-6 C4E)
2:00 – 2:45 PM: Air Force Cyber Session
Update on the Department of the Air Force Cyber Strategy
The Principal Cyber Advisor for the Department of the Air Force, comprised of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, will provide an update on the Air Force cyber strategy and its impact on upcoming Air Force cyber initiatives. She will cover the Air Force acquisition and investment strategy to improve Air Force mission readiness. Her remarks will highlight how industry can support Air Force cyber objectives.
- Dr. Wanda Jones-Heath, Principal Cyber Advisor, Department of the Air Force
2:45 – 3:00 PM: Air Force Breakout Session/Networks Break
3:00 – 3:45 PM: Session to be announced
3:45 – 4:30 PM: DHA Session
Defense Health Agency: Cybersecurity and Risk Management Enhancements Across the Enterprise and into the Cloud
Status: Waiting on final DHA internal approval 7/29
A senior Defense Health Agency (DHA) IT executive will describe DHA’s cybersecurity requirements and initiatives to ensure robust protections are in place to protect the DHA’s global infrastructure and the data of Military Health System beneficiaries who receive care around the globe. The presentation will highlight how industry can best support DHA with securing the infrastructure relied upon by military hospitals and clinics worldwide and the beneficiary health data that traverses it.
- Al Hardman, Chief, Risk Management Executive Division (RMED), Defense Health Agency *
FEDERAL NETWORKS 2024 Concludes at 4:30PM
Conference sessions, times, and speakers are subject to change.
*Final Approvals Pending
Windstream Wholesale - 2025 Lead Sponsor
Windstream Wholesale Federal is leading the way in the market with our customer-centric approach, innovative technology, network expansion, and rapid service delivery. Our dedicated FedGov team is aligned with the growing needs of our government agencies for vendor diversity competitive fiber network bids and mission-critical bandwidth. We set the pace by embracing a “fast and flexible” culture and creating an exceptional customer experience.
Spectrum Enterprise
Spectrum Enterprise, a part of Charter Communications, is a national provider of scalable, fiber technology solutions serving many state, local and federal government agencies. Our federal solutions portfolio includes internet connectivity, Ethernet and networking solutions, managed network services, Voice and Collaboration tools and TV solutions. For more information, visit enterprise.spectrum.com/federal.
TekSynap
TekSynap delivers cutting-edge IT solutions that power federal agencies through cyber operations, cloud modernization, core infrastructure, and AI ML innovation. With a deep understanding of government environments, we combine enterprise-grade capabilities with a nimble, customer-first approach. Our philosophy—Technology moving at the speed of thought®—drives us to deliver secure, scalable, and forward-thinking solutions that meet the evolving demands of today’s federal missions.
Comcast Business
Comcast Government Services, LLC is a government, technology-focused division of Comcast Business. Offering technology solutions, including a high-speed, high-capacity network, and white-glove managed services, Comcast Government Services, a GSA-approved provider, and an EIS Prime contract holder, is ready to prepare organizations in the Federal Government for what’s next.
Leidos
Leidos is an innovation company rapidly addressing the world’s most vexing challenges in national security and health. We deliver secure, mission-focused solutions at scale to accelerate our customer’s digital transformation objectives. Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.leidos.com.
For information about sponsoring Federal Networks, please contact Sarah Salko
[email protected] or by phone at (215) 884-5900