Federal Networks 2026
September 17, 2026
The Westin Arlington, Virginia
We expect the final 2026 agenda to be posted in early August
Confirmed 2026 speakers on the left sidebar
For a look at our typical speakers/sessions, please see the 2025 agenda below
We are pleased to announce that the 39th annual Federal Networks Conference will return to the Washington, DC area September 17, 2026.
Federal Networks 2026 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 17, 2026 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 2026 please contact Sarah Salko by email at: [email protected] or call 215-884-5900.
Federal Networks 2025 Conference Agenda
The Conference Program below PREVIOUSLY held in September 2025
Look for the 2026 agenda to be posted in early August 2026
| Registration and Breakfast Sponsor: |  |
| 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
GSA Update on Federal IT Infrastructure. |
 |
OneGov Initiative Fireside Chat
Two of GSA’s senior leaders will introduce GSA’s OneGov strategy, a governmentwide approach to modernizing IT procurement. They will also discuss how agencies leverage OneGov agreements and how industry can propose offers.
- Lawrence Hale, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Office of Information Technology Category (ITC), Federal Acquisition Service (FAS), GSA
- Kyra Stewart, Acting Director, IT Vendor Management Office, ITA, FAS, GSA
OneGov Initiative Q&A
GSA Telecommunications Portfolio & Beyond EIS
A panel of GSA network specialists will provide updates on GSA’s telecommunications portfolio including Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions and Complex Commercial SATCOM Solutions contracts, as well as the Wireless Mobility Solutions, Commercial Satellite Communications Solutions, and Earth Observation Solutions special item numbers on the Multiple Award Schedule. They will discuss the evolving telecommunications landscape and notes on post-EIS market research initiative.
- Everlean Rutherford, Acting Executive Director (SES), Enterprise Technology Solutions (ETS), ITC, FAS, GSA
- Tamika Spencer, Program Manager and Director, Business Management Division, ETS, ITC, FAS, GSA
- Sheela Sastry, Branch Chief - Solutions Brokers, ETS, ITC, FAS, GSA
- Ji Huyck, Solutions Brokers Section Chief, Technical Account Management Division, ETS, ITC, FAS, GSA
- Loren Smith, Director - Solutions Development, ETS, ITC, FAS, GSA
GSA Telecommunications Portfolio & Beyond EIS Q&A
GSA Breakout Session/Networking Break
| DFAS Session, Sponsored by: |  |
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)
DFAS Breakout Session/Networking Break
| Lunch, Sponsored by: |  |
KEYNOTE LUNCHEON: 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
| DISA Update, Session Sponsored by: |  |
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.
- Sajeel Ahmed, Executive Director, DISA J6 (Moderator)
- 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
DISA Breakout Session/Networks Break
FEDERAL NETWORKS - Reception and Networking
Conference sessions, times, and speakers are subject to change.
Uniti Wholesale - Lead Sponsor
Uniti Wholesale delivers nationwide AI-ready dark fiber and scalable high-capacity transport—wavelength, Ethernet, and wireless backhaul—over a secure, resilient optical network. Our platform empowers federal agencies to move data confidently and meet evolving requirements, while enabling carriers, cloud providers, and enterprises to scale without limits. Uniti Wholesale—Your Trusted Federal Infrastructure Partner.
Spectrum Enterprise - Associate Sponsor
Spectrum Business®, a Charter Communications brand, has the expertise and solutions to improve constituent service delivery, enable seamless collaboration and help safeguard critical data. Our diverse solutions span security, internet, voice and collaboration, managed services, networking and TV, while our consultative approach helps identify the best technologies to accomplish your mission.
For information about sponsoring Federal Networks, please contact Sarah Salko
[email protected] or by phone at (215) 884-5900