Webinar Description
Key Takeaways
- Practical guidance on navigating the Authority to Operate process for government software deployment
- Firsthand perspectives from founders and operators who have achieved ATO under resource constraints
- Coverage of DevSecOps, Zero Trust architecture, and Risk Management Framework implementation
- Relevant for government CIOs, CISOs, compliance officers, and commercial vendors pursuing federal contracts
- Live demonstrations and interactive discussion with practitioners from Accrete Government AI, Dropzone.AI, and Onebrief
Introduction
Inside the ATO: Seed to Mission-Deployed is a virtual event examining the practical realities of achieving Authority to Operate for commercial software companies entering government markets. Hosted by Second Front Systems and Carahsoft, the session brings together founders and technical leaders who have successfully navigated federal compliance requirements to share lessons learned and operational strategies. The event addresses a persistent challenge in government technology procurement: bridging the gap between innovative commercial solutions and the rigorous security frameworks required for federal deployment.
For organisations working to bring modern software capabilities to government users, the ATO process represents one of the most significant barriers to entry. This session offers peer-level insight into how early-stage and growth companies have managed compliance obligations while operating under the resource constraints typical of smaller technology firms.
About This Event
The webinar follows a panel discussion format featuring leaders from companies that have deployed solutions in government environments. Participants will hear directly from operators at Accrete Government AI, Dropzone.AI, and Onebrief, each of whom has experience translating commercial technology into mission-ready government applications. The session includes live product demonstrations and an open question-and-answer segment, allowing attendees to engage directly with panellists on specific compliance and technical challenges. The event qualifies for Continuing Professional Education credit.
Navigating the ATO Process Under Constraints
Authority to Operate represents the formal approval required before software systems can process government data or connect to federal networks. The process involves comprehensive security assessments aligned with the Risk Management Framework, documentation of security controls, and ongoing monitoring commitments. For commercial software companies, particularly those at earlier stages of growth, meeting these requirements demands significant investment in security infrastructure, compliance expertise, and organisational processes.
The event focuses specifically on how companies have made strategic decisions about security architecture and compliance investments when resources are limited. This includes prioritising which controls to implement first, determining when to build internal capabilities versus engaging external support, and structuring development workflows to satisfy continuous monitoring requirements without disrupting product velocity.
Technical and Architectural Considerations
Discussion topics span several interconnected technology domains relevant to government security requirements. DevSecOps practices, which integrate security testing and validation throughout the software development lifecycle, have become essential for maintaining compliance in environments that demand both rapid iteration and rigorous control documentation. Zero Trust architecture, now a federal mandate under recent cybersecurity executive orders, requires organisations to implement identity verification and access controls that assume no implicit trust within network boundaries.
The session also addresses application security considerations specific to artificial intelligence systems entering government use. As agencies increasingly adopt AI-powered tools for operational and analytical purposes, vendors must demonstrate that these systems meet security standards while also addressing emerging requirements around algorithmic transparency and data governance.
Who Should Attend
The event serves two primary audiences. Government professionals responsible for technology procurement, compliance oversight, or fleet management will gain insight into how commercial vendors approach federal security requirements and what distinguishes companies prepared for government deployment. This perspective can inform evaluation criteria and procurement discussions.
For commercial technology companies, particularly founders and executives considering or actively pursuing government contracts, the session provides operational guidance from peers who have completed the ATO journey. Technical leaders, compliance officers, and business development professionals will find relevant content on structuring teams, timelines, and technical architectures to support successful government market entry.
Accelerating Commercial Technology Adoption in Government
A central theme of the event concerns reducing the time required to move commercial capabilities into operational government use. Traditional procurement and compliance cycles have often created multi-year delays between technology availability and government deployment, limiting agencies’ access to current innovations. The panellists represent companies that have worked to compress these timelines while maintaining the security posture required for sensitive government applications. Their experiences offer practical models for organisations seeking to balance compliance rigour with deployment speed.