Makpar https://makpar.com/ The Makpar Way Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:18:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://makpar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Makpar__Green-and-Slate-Mark-150x150.png Makpar https://makpar.com/ 32 32 DC Journal: Commercial First Is Not “Commercial Only” https://makpar.com/blog/dc-journal-commercial-first-is-not-commercial-only/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:18:48 +0000 https://makpar.com/?p=4699 Federal agencies are increasingly turning to commercial platforms to accelerate modernization and reduce the need for costly custom development. However, as Makpar President Kaamil Khan explains in a recent guest article in DC Journal, adopting commercial technology is only part of the equation. The real challenge lies in turning those platforms into mission-ready systems that operate […]

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Federal agencies are increasingly turning to commercial platforms to accelerate modernization and reduce the need for costly custom development. However, as Makpar President Kaamil Khan explains in a recent guest article in DC Journal, adopting commercial technology is only part of the equation.

The real challenge lies in turning those platforms into mission-ready systems that operate within the complex policy, security, and operational environments of federal agencies.

In his article, Kaamil examines the growing momentum behind the government’s Commercial First approachand why successful modernization requires more than simply acquiring commercial software.

Commercial Platforms Create Potential. Integration Delivers Results.

Recent federal policy initiatives reflect a clear shift toward Commercial First strategies. Procurement reforms, updated acquisition guidance, and government-wide initiatives like OneGov are encouraging agencies to leverage proven commercial solutions and build modern capabilities on scalable platforms.

This direction is widely supported across government. Commercial technologies offer powerful capabilities and can significantly reduce development timelines.

However, Kaamil highlights an important misconception that is emerging in some modernization efforts. Commercial First is increasingly interpreted as a delivery model rather than a sourcing strategy. In other words, some assume that once a commercial platform is acquired, agencies can simply deploy it and modernization will follow.

In practice, that assumption rarely holds. For example, commercial platforms are designed for broad markets, not the specific operational, security, and regulatory environments of federal agencies. Integration is what bridges that gap.

The Role of Value-Creating Integration

Kaamil acknowledges that skepticism toward system integrators exists for a reason. Federal programs have seen integration efforts that overran schedules, failed to meet expectations, or created long-term dependency rather than capability.

However, the solution is not to eliminate integrators altogether. Instead, agencies must distinguish between value-extracting overhead and value-creating integration.

Value-creating integrators deliver measurable outcomes. They align mission workflows with platform capabilities, manage complex data migration and API integration challenges, and ensure identity and access controls align with modern security frameworks like Zero Trust.

They also help agencies navigate the seams where modernization efforts most often fail, including governance alignment, legacy system interoperability, and workforce adoption.

Without this work, agencies may acquire modern platforms but struggle to realize their full operational value.

Turning Policy Intent Into Mission Outcomes

Modernization policies such as Commercial First are designed to accelerate innovation and improve efficiency. But policy direction alone does not guarantee operational success.

As Kaamil explains, integration is the mechanism that converts platform capabilities into mission outcomes. It connects software functionality with real-world operational workflows, regulatory requirements, and security controls.

Even highly regulated commercial industries recognize this reality. Financial services and healthcare organizations routinely rely on integration expertise to align platforms with regulatory obligations and operational processes. Federal agencies face similar complexity, particularly when modernizing mission-critical systems that must operate at national scale.

Commercial First Plus Integration

The path forward, Kaamil argues, is not Commercial First alone. It is Commercial First combined with value-creating integration and clear mission ownership. This approach allows agencies to realize the full value of commercial platforms while strengthening security, improving data foundations for analytics and AI, and reducing long-term technical debt.

Commercial platforms set the direction for modernization. Integration determines whether agencies arrive. For a deeper look at why Commercial First should not mean Commercial Only, read Kaamil’s full DC Journal article.

If your agency is modernizing mission systems, integrating commercial platforms, or strengthening enterprise architecture, contact Makpar to learn how we can help turn modernization strategies into operational results.

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Women’s History Month: Celebrating Leadership and Impact at Makpar https://makpar.com/blog/womens-history-month-makpar-seema-khan/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:06:34 +0000 https://makpar.com/?p=4696 Each March, Women’s History Month celebrates the achievements and leadership of women  while also honoring the generations who fought to expand women’s rights in the United States.  What began in the early 20th century as a grassroots effort to recognize women’s roles in shaping history and advancing equality has grown into a national opportunity to reflect on both […]

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Each March, Women’s History Month celebrates the achievements and leadership of women  while also honoring the generations who fought to expand women’s rights in the United States. 

What began in the early 20th century as a grassroots effort to recognize women’s roles in shaping history and advancing equality has grown into a national opportunity to reflect on both the progress made and the work still ahead.

Today, the month highlights how women continue to shape industries, communities, and institutions. From public service to technology and entrepreneurship, women are leading innovation, expanding opportunity, and strengthening organizations across every sector of society.

At Makpar, Women’s History Month is an opportunity to recognize the leaders who shape our culture and mission. This year, we are proud to highlight Seema Khan, co-founder and CEO of Makpar Corporation.

A Journey of Leadership and Entrepreneurship

Seema Khan’s story reflects determination and vision. Born and raised in Pakistan, Seema came to the United States in the late 1980s to pursue education and explore entrepreneurial opportunities in the Washington, D.C. region. In 2008, she and her husband, Mushtaq Khan, founded Makpar with a vision of helping federal agencies solve complex technology challenges while building an employee-centered organization.

Over the past 15 years, Makpar has grown into a trusted federal technology partner delivering modernization solutions across cybersecurity, data management, and application development. Under Seema’s leadership as CEO, the company has remained focused on integrity, accountability, and strong relationships with employees and customers.

Trust Is the Foundation of Makpar’s Relationships

When Seema and Mushtaq founded Makpar, they built the company on a simple principle –trust is earned through consistent delivery.

The company quickly developed a reputation for federal IT project management through supporting programs at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Makpar continues to build on that foundation by supporting mission-critical federal programs and delivering results for government agencies. 

Makpar’s core value of Customer Delight reflects this philosophy. This means going beyond expectations to deliver resilient solutions and measurable outcomes.

Leadership Through Community and Culture

Seema’s leadership extends beyond Makpar’s customer work. She has long believed organizations should support the communities around them.

She previously served on the board of Loudoun Cares and acted as the organization’s pro bono Treasurer for many years. Her commitment to community service reflects Makpar’s culture of giving back through Makpar Cares and employee volunteer initiatives.

Internally, Seema has helped shape Makpar’s employee-first culture, where employees are empowered to grow and contribute to meaningful mission work.

Supporting the IRS Mission

Seema’s leadership has also been central to Makpar’s long-standing partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 

For more than 15 years, Makpar has supported modernization initiatives that directly impact taxpayers nationwide. Through changing policies, priorities, and budgets, Makpar has remained a consistent partner delivering solutions on time and on budget.

Makpar teams work closely with government stakeholders to address real-world challenges affecting millions of taxpayers. From infrastructure modernization to identity and access management, our work supports the digital systems that power secure government services.

One example is Makpar’s support of the Electronic Authentication, Authorization, and Access (eA3) program, which underpins secure identity services for more than 60 million users. By strengthening the IRS digital front door, Makpar helps ensure taxpayers can access services securely and reliably.

Looking Ahead

Women’s History Month reminds us that leadership takes many forms. It includes entrepreneurial vision, building organizations that empower people, and delivering results that strengthen institutions.

Seema Khan’s journey reflects these qualities. From helping build Makpar into a trusted federal technology partner to shaping a culture centered on integrity and community impact, her leadership continues to guide the company’s growth.

As Makpar looks ahead, the principles that guided its founding remain unchanged: strong relationships, disciplined execution, and a shared commitment to supporting government missions that serve the American public. During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the leaders who make that mission possible.

Contact Makpar to learn how we support federal agencies with mission-driven modernization and trusted technology solutions.

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The Fed Mission Success Round Up: Accessibility Challenges; SBA-IRS Data Sharing; and GSA Multiple Award Schedule Program https://makpar.com/fed-round-up/accessibility-challenges-sba-irs-data-sharing-and-gsa-multiple-award-schedule-program/ Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:08:59 +0000 https://makpar.com/?p=4692 Welcome to the Fed Mission Success News Round Up brought to you by Makpar. Each week, we will provide a summary of actionable news and insights to help aid in overall mission success for Federal agency IT decision-makers and influencers.  GSA Proposes Sweeping Changes to Multiple Award Schedule Program, Including New AI Terms and Conditions […]

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Welcome to the Fed Mission Success News Round Up brought to you by Makpar. Each week, we will provide a summary of actionable news and insights to help aid in overall mission success for Federal agency IT decision-makers and influencers. 

GSA Proposes Sweeping Changes to Multiple Award Schedule Program, Including New AI Terms and Conditions

The General Services Administration has released a draft of several changes it plans for the Multiple Award Schedule program, which would make transactional data reporting mandatory and introduce new AI contract terms, according to NextGov.

Government Tech Largely Falls Short on Accessibility Requirements, GSA Finds

U.S. government agencies continued to have low compliance with a statute designed to ensure that federal websites, software, and other products are accessible for people with disabilities, according to FedScoop.

SBA-IRS Data-Sharing Process for Disaster Loans Needs Better Tech, GAO Says

The data-sharing process between the Small Business Administration and the IRS for disaster loans is inefficient and ripe for a technological boost, says a new Government Accountability Office report, according to FedScoop.

EOs Likely to Drive Cyber Strategy Actions

The new national cyber strategy is light on details, and implementation details could come in the form of executive orders and other actions to advance implementation of the White House’s goals, according to Federal News Network.

CMS Touts Early Uses of New Biometric Verification Tools for Medicare.Gov

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rolled out enhanced identity verification login options for Medicare.gov earlier this month and is already seeing a strong response rate from users despite making little fanfare about the move, according to NextGov.

NASA Seeks Extension of SEWP V to Sept. 30

Faced with several bid protests and an extremely large number of proposals, NASA is asking for authorization to extend SEWP V for a few more months until the end of the fiscal year, according to NextGov.

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The “War on Fraud” Starts with Digital Identity https://makpar.com/blog/war-on-fraud-digital-identity/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:34:07 +0000 https://makpar.com/?p=4688 In his February 2026 State of the Union address, President Trump declared a renewed “war on fraud,” signaling a heightened federal focus on preventing improper payments and strengthening oversight across government programs. Fraud prevention has long been a priority in federal agencies, but the renewed emphasis reinforces a growing reality, which is that modern fraud is […]

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In his February 2026 State of the Union address, President Trump declared a renewed “war on fraud,” signaling a heightened federal focus on preventing improper payments and strengthening oversight across government programs.

Fraud prevention has long been a priority in federal agencies, but the renewed emphasis reinforces a growing reality, which is that modern fraud is digital. It exploits fragmented systems, inconsistent controls, and gaps in identity verification. 

As agencies evaluate how to strengthen program integrity, the conversation must move beyond audits and investigations and toward foundational infrastructure. At the center of that infrastructure is digital identity.

Fraud is an Identity Problem First

Before fraud becomes a financial issue, it is an access issue. Fraudsters exploit weak identity proofing, inconsistent authentication, and fragmented access controls. When identity systems are siloed across programs or bureaus, agencies lack a unified view of user activity and risk signals. Manual onboarding and inconsistent deprovisioning processes can leave gaps that bad actors exploit.

Modern fraud prevention requires agencies to confidently answer two questions in real time:

  • Who is accessing this system?
  • What are they authorized to do?

That is the core function of Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM).

ICAM as Fraud Prevention Infrastructure

Too often, ICAM is treated as a compliance requirement or security control layered onto applications after the fact. In reality, enterprise ICAM is foundational fraud prevention infrastructure.

When designed and operated correctly, enterprise identity systems:

  • Centralize identity proofing and authentication.
  • Enforce consistent access policies across systems.
  • Provide unified visibility into user behavior.
  • Strengthen insider threat detection.
  • Support Zero Trust enforcement.

This shifts fraud prevention from reactive investigation to proactive risk reduction.

Phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication reduces account takeover risk. Behavioral analytics surface anomalous activity earlier. Centralized governance ensures that when employees or contractors leave, access is revoked immediately rather than weeks later.

Fraud reduction becomes embedded in daily operations rather than dependent solely on downstream audits.

From Policy Mandate to Operational Discipline

Declarations of a “war on fraud” create urgency, but sustained results require operational discipline.

Agencies must engineer identity systems for peak demand and real-world conditions. Identity throughput, availability, and recovery time matter just as much as authentication strength. During high-volume periods, even minor latency can create friction that impacts service delivery.

Fraud prevention must also balance security and usability. Overly burdensome controls can push users toward alternative channels or create operational bottlenecks. A modern ICAM strategy right-sizes assurance to risk, applying stronger controls to high-risk transactions while streamlining routine access. This approach strengthens both program integrity and citizen experience.

Building the Foundation for Financial Integrity

Fraud prevention efforts often focus on payment systems, audits, and enforcement mechanisms. While these are critical, they often sit downstream of identity.

When digital identity is strong, agencies can prevent improper access before it becomes an improper payment. When identity is fragmented, fraud detection becomes reactive and more costly.

Makpar has supported large-scale federal identity environments where secure access, resilience under peak demand, and consistent policy enforcement are mission critical. We have seen firsthand how enterprise ICAM strengthens operational integrity while improving collaboration and workforce efficiency.

As agencies respond to renewed fraud prevention priorities, the most impactful investments will be foundational. The “war on fraud” will not be won solely through investigations or after-the-fact corrections. It will be won by strengthening the identity infrastructure that governs access to federal systems in the first place.

Fraud prevention begins at the front door. And in today’s digital government environment, that front door is identity.

Contact Makpar to learn how we can help your agency modernize digital identity and build a stronger foundation for program integrity.

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The Fed Mission Success Round Up: Agencies Stop Using Claude; New Labor Portal; and Army Capital Deals https://makpar.com/fed-round-up/federal-it-news-roundup-agencies-claude-labor-portal/ Mon, 09 Mar 2026 03:23:28 +0000 https://makpar.com/?p=4685 Welcome to the Fed Mission Success News Round Up brought to you by Makpar. Each week, we will provide a summary of actionable news and insights to help aid in overall mission success for Federal agency IT decision-makers and influencers.  NASA Chatbots, Treasury Coding, OPM Drafting: How Agencies Have Deployed Claude In recent days, the […]

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Welcome to the Fed Mission Success News Round Up brought to you by Makpar. Each week, we will provide a summary of actionable news and insights to help aid in overall mission success for Federal agency IT decision-makers and influencers. 

NASA Chatbots, Treasury Coding, OPM Drafting: How Agencies Have Deployed Claude

In recent days, the Department of Treasury, the Office of Personnel Management, NASA, and the International Trade Administration all indicated they have stopped or plan to stop using Anthropic technologies in the wake of the ban announced via President Trump, according to FedScoop.

Accessing Social Security Disability Benefits Became Harder in 2025, Researchers Find

Accessing disability benefits at the Social Security Administration has gotten more difficult since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term, according to new qualitative research highlighted by NextGov.

Data Experts See New Labor Department Portal As ‘An Important First Step’

The Department of Labor believes its new open data portal — which brings together datasets on everything from unemployment insurance claims to county-level childcare prices — will be “a win for everyone,” according to FedScoop.

OPM Revives Defunct Gov Tech Efforts with Tech Force Hires

The OPM plans to issue its first Tech Force job offers, as the agency wraps up reviews for software engineers and data scientists who would serve two‑ to four‑year tours on modernization projects, according to Federal News Network.

Army Eyes Summer for Initial Capital Deals

The U.S. Army expects to finalize some initial agreements under its new strategic capital initiative by summer 2026, focusing first on projects officials describe as more easily attainable, according to MeriTalk.

OPM’s HR IT Consolidation Effort Hit with New Obstacles

The Trump administration’s drive to create one human capital management system for all of government by July 4, 2027is hitting many contracting obstacles, according to Federal News Network.

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IT Consolidation Is the Next Frontier of Federal Modernization https://makpar.com/blog/federal-it-consolidation-modernization/ Mon, 09 Mar 2026 03:18:31 +0000 https://makpar.com/?p=4682 Federal IT modernization has entered a new phase. For years, agencies have focused on cloud migration, cybersecurity compliance, digital service expansion, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. While those investments are necessary, many agencies still operate fragmented environments built over decades of program-level decisions. Findings from a 2025 GAO report found that consolidating duplicative IT systems across […]

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Federal IT modernization has entered a new phase.

For years, agencies have focused on cloud migration, cybersecurity compliance, digital service expansion, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. While those investments are necessary, many agencies still operate fragmented environments built over decades of program-level decisions.

Findings from a 2025 GAO report found that consolidating duplicative IT systems across government can generate more than $100 million in cost savings. It’s clear that consolidation is about more than cost reduction, it’s also about strengthening cybersecurity, improving operational efficiency, and building the enterprise foundation needed for sustainable modernization.

At Makpar, we believe consolidation is not simply an efficiency initiative, but is a strategic modernization imperative.

The Hidden Cost of Fragmentation

Across government, it is common to see:

  • Separate identity systems and directories
  • Independent network architectures
  • Multiple monitoring and security platforms
  • Distinct service desk models
  • Non-uniform policy enforcement

These environments may function individually, but they introduce duplicative infrastructure, inconsistent controls, and limited visibility across the enterprise.

Fragmentation slows collaboration and complicates onboarding and offboarding. It also increases cybersecurity risk and drives higher licensing and infrastructure costs. In addition, as agencies face increased fiscal scrutiny and rising cyber threats, maintaining siloed IT environments is no longer sustainable.

Identity Consolidation as a Foundation

Identity is the digital front door to government systems. It governs access to data, collaboration platforms, applications, and infrastructure. However, in many agencies, identity management remains distributed across bureaus or programs.

An enterprise identity consolidation approach creates a single, authoritative identity layer. It centralizes provisioning and deprovisioning, standardizes policy enforcement, and integrates HR workflows directly with credentialing processes.

The impact is immediate and measurable. For example, agencies reduce redundant infrastructure and overlapping licensing, while also improving insider threat visibility and simplify compliance with federal cybersecurity directives. Cross-organizational collaboration becomes seamless rather than manual and credential-driven.

More importantly, enterprise identity lays the groundwork for Zero Trust architectures and future digital initiatives. Without it, modernization will remain fragmented.

Makpar has deep experience designing and implementing enterprise identity solutions that support secure, scalable operations at national scale. We understand both the technical and organizational dimensions of consolidation and how to navigate them.

Network Operations Consolidation as an Accelerator

If identity is the foundation, network operations are the connective layer that enables everything behind it. Many agencies still operate independent network architectures, legacy perimeter-based security models, and separate operational support structures. Even in cloud-forward environments, traffic patterns and monitoring tools often reflect outdated design principles.

Enterprise network consolidation introduces standardized connectivity, unified device management, and consolidated monitoring and support. It aligns infrastructure with Zero Trust principles while improving visibility across the environment. The benefits extend beyond cybersecurity.

Standardized device acquisition and configuration reduce complexity. Consolidated service desk operations improve user experience and operational efficiency. Coordinated infrastructure planning strengthens resilience and reduces supply chain risk, particularly as agencies expand AI and advanced analytics capabilities.

Consolidation also positions agencies to negotiate more effectively with vendors, rationalize contracts, and scale infrastructure investments strategically rather than reactively.

Unlocking the Opportunity

The GAO’s findings highlight the measurable savings available through IT consolidation. But the broader opportunity is strategic. Enterprise consolidation strengthens security posture. It simplifies compliance. It improves workforce productivity. It accelerates modernization. And it creates the shared foundation needed to support emerging technologies and evolving mission requirements.

Makpar helps federal agencies design and execute phased consolidation strategies across identity, network operations, and shared services. With deep experience modernizing complex federal environments, we deliver mission-driven solutions on time and on budget.

Contact Makpar to discuss how we can help your agency reduce fragmentation, strengthen security, and accelerate modernization.

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A 15-Year Partnership in Service of the IRS Mission https://makpar.com/blog/a-15-year-partnership-in-service-of-the-irs-mission/ Wed, 04 Mar 2026 03:33:40 +0000 https://makpar.com/?p=4679 For more than 15 years, Makpar has worked side-by-side with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), supporting critical modernization efforts that directly impact taxpayers across the country. In a current federal environment defined by shifting leadership priorities, evolving policy directives, and changing budget landscapes, consistency matters. As such, Makpar has remained a steady, trusted partner at […]

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For more than 15 years, Makpar has worked side-by-side with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), supporting critical modernization efforts that directly impact taxpayers across the country.

In a current federal environment defined by shifting leadership priorities, evolving policy directives, and changing budget landscapes, consistency matters. As such, Makpar has remained a steady, trusted partner at the IRS, delivering high-quality solutions on time, on budget, every time. 

Our longevity reflects a deliberate focus on building deep institutional knowledge, understanding operational realities, and earning trust through performance.

Embedded in the Mission

Makpar is deeply embedded within IRS programs, collaborating with government teams to solve real-world challenges that affect millions of taxpayers.

From infrastructure modernization to identity and access management, our work supports the digital foundation that enables secure, reliable services. A prime example is our support of the IRS Electronic Authentication, Authorization, and Access (eA3) program, which underpins secure identity services for more than 60 million users. 

By strengthening the digital front door, Makpar helps ensure taxpayers can access services securely and consistently, even during peak filing season. Through programs like eA3 and beyond, our focus remains on improving the taxpayer experience while protecting sensitive data and ensuring operational resilience.

Consistency Through Change

The IRS has navigated significant transitions over the past decade and a half, from modernization initiatives and policy shifts to leadership changes and budget adjustments. 

Through it all, our goal has been to remain consistent. Our approach is grounded in disciplined delivery, mission alignment, and accountability. We understand the complexity of IRS systems and processes because we have grown alongside them. That depth of knowledge allows us to anticipate challenges, adapt quickly, and continue delivering results without disruption.

“Our growth at the IRS has always been rooted in relationships,” said Mushtaq Khan, Co-Founder of Makpar. “When you take the time to understand the agency’s mission, its constraints, and the real pain points facing its teams, you can deliver solutions that truly make a difference. Long-term partnerships are built on trust, performance, and a shared commitment to serving the American taxpayer.”

Focused on the Taxpayer Experience

At its core, the IRS mission is about serving taxpayers effectively and fairly. Technology modernization is not an abstract goal. It is a means to improve how individuals and businesses interact with the agency.

Makpar’s work supports secure access, reliable infrastructure, and scalable systems that perform under pressure. By engineering solutions that reduce friction, improve resilience, and protect sensitive information, we help the IRS deliver a digital experience that taxpayers can trust.

Looking Ahead

After more than 15 years at the IRS, Makpar’s commitment remains as strong as ever. We will continue to invest in relationships, deepen our understanding of agency needs, and deliver 

mission-driven solutions that support modernization and strengthen taxpayer trust.

In addition to tenure, partnership is all about consistency, accountability, and shared purpose. We are proud to bring this foundation Makpar brings to the IRS every day.

Contact Makpar to learn how we deliver mission-driven modernization that strengthens taxpayer trust and drives measurable results.

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The Fed Mission Success Round Up: GSA OneGov Staying Power; Trump and AI Energy Costs; and SMB AI Assistance https://makpar.com/fed-round-up/gsa-onegov-staying-power-trump-and-ai-energy-costs/ Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:46:55 +0000 https://makpar.com/?p=4676 Welcome to the Fed Mission Success News Round Up brought to you by Makpar. Each week, we will provide a summary of actionable news and insights to help aid in overall mission success for Federal agency IT decision-makers and influencers.  GSA’s OneGov Strategy Won Quick Raves from Federal IT Leaders. Will It Have Staying Power? […]

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Welcome to the Fed Mission Success News Round Up brought to you by Makpar. Each week, we will provide a summary of actionable news and insights to help aid in overall mission success for Federal agency IT decision-makers and influencers. 

GSA’s OneGov Strategy Won Quick Raves from Federal IT Leaders. Will It Have Staying Power?

Almost a year after the launch of the GSA’s signature tech-buying initiative, agency IT leaders still support cheaper, streamlined products. But a debate continues over the program’s long-term payoff, according to FedScoop.

Trump Unveils Big Tech Pledge to Offset Rising Data Center Energy Costs

During last week’s State of the Union address, President Donald Trump announced a new initiative to ensure data center owners and operators absorb surges in electricity costs associated with artificial intelligence use, according to NextGov.

NIST Bill for Small Business AI Assistance Passes House

A congressional push to provide artificial intelligence resources to small businesses recently took another step forward with the passage of a bill that enlists the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the effort, according to FedScoop.

Energy Department Patched Flaws Enabling Email Impersonation in Critical Minerals System

The Energy Department recently fixed an identity verification flaw in a portal supporting its critical minerals programs after a security researcher found the system allowed outside users to register with email addresses that appeared to belong to the department, according to NextGov.

State Department Makes Multiple Awards Under $10B IT Program

The Department of State recently announced nearly 50 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity awards under its $10 billion Evolve program aimed at IT modernization, according to FedScoop.

NIST Seeks Industry to Host AI Models for National Security Reviews

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is taking another step toward operationalizing its artificial intelligence (AI) safety agenda and is seeking companies that can host and run open-weight AI models for federal evaluation efforts, according to MeriTalk.

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GovLoop: Why Identity Will Make or Break the Digital Taxpayer Experience https://makpar.com/blog/why-identity-will-make-or-break-the-digital-taxpayer-experience/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:35:59 +0000 https://makpar.com/?p=4656 Digital transformation in government often focuses on new tools, new portals, or new user experiences. However, as Jessica Alfaro, Makpar’s Vice President of Technology, recently outlined in a GovLoop guest article, there is one element that determines whether any of it works, which is identity. Every time a taxpayer logs in to an IRS system to […]

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Digital transformation in government often focuses on new tools, new portals, or new user experiences. However, as Jessica Alfaro, Makpar’s Vice President of Technology, recently outlined in a GovLoop guest article, there is one element that determines whether any of it works, which is identity.

Every time a taxpayer logs in to an IRS system to check a transcript, upload documentation, or resolve a notice, the interaction begins with a single question. Can the system confidently determine who this person is and what they are allowed to do?

When that answer is fast, accurate, and seamless, taxpayers move through tasks with ease. When it is not, frustration rises, fraud risk increases, and confidence in digital channels declines.

Identity as Mission Infrastructure

In her article, Jessica makes a clear case that identity is no longer just a cybersecurity control. At IRS scale, it functions as mission infrastructure.

Modern Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) brings identity proofing, authentication, authorization, and monitoring directly into how services operate. When embedded properly, identity improves both security and usability. The right users reach the right services at the right time, without unnecessary friction.

At the scale of the IRS, identity is not a background function. Every login request and access decision contributes to system load. Minor latency becomes visible to millions of users. Small failures can cascade quickly during filing season.

Treating identity as infrastructure changes the design mindset. Systems must be engineered for surge, not average demand. Access rules must be consistent across services. Monitoring must focus on performance and operational health as much as security signals. 

The goal is reliability and a consistent digital front door for taxpayers and tax professionals alike.

The Operational Impact of Getting Identity Right

Jessica emphasizes that strong identity foundations deliver benefits far beyond security. Seamless access reduces friction and speeds task completion. Resilient systems stay responsive during peak demand. Modernization moves faster when new services can rely on a shared identity layer instead of rebuilding access controls each time.

There is a clear cost impact as well. When taxpayers can successfully self-serve online, agencies reduce reliance on phone based and in person support, easing operational strain and reinforcing trust in digital channels.

The opposite is also true. Weak proofing increases fraud risk. Inconsistent authorization creates confusion. Friction drives users back to higher cost channels. At scale, those failures result in longer wait times, higher costs, and declining trust.

What the IRS Is Signaling to the Field

The IRS is treating identity as a strategic enabler of digital service delivery. This reflects a broader shift toward ICAM as foundational infrastructure that supports resilience, fairness, and efficiency.

Agencies that see identity as a compliance exercise will struggle. Those that treat it as mission infrastructure will be better positioned to deliver secure, scalable services while managing fraud and operational risk.

Jessica’s guidance is practical. Engineer for peak demand, align access rules, reduce friction in high volume journeys, right size assurance to risk, and measure identity performance with the same rigor as applications. Identity may not be visible, but it shapes every digital interaction. 

For a deeper look at why identity is foundational to modern digital services, read Jessica’s full GovLoop article. If your agency is modernizing identity or strengthening digital access, contact Makpar to learn how we can help.

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The Fed Mission Success Round Up: IRS Path Forward; Identity at the IRS; and HHS Leadership Shake Up https://makpar.com/fed-round-up/federal-it-modernization-irs-icam-hhs-ai/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:09:50 +0000 https://makpar.com/?p=4653 Welcome to the Fed Mission Success News Round Up brought to you by Makpar. Each week, we will provide a summary of actionable news and insights to help aid in overall mission success for Federal agency IT decision-makers and influencers.  Senators Demand to Know the IRS’ Path Forward Following the End of Direct File Sens. […]

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Welcome to the Fed Mission Success News Round Up brought to you by Makpar. Each week, we will provide a summary of actionable news and insights to help aid in overall mission success for Federal agency IT decision-makers and influencers. 

Senators Demand to Know the IRS’ Path Forward Following the End of Direct File

Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Angus King, I-Maine, are opening an investigation into the Trump administration’s decision to end the Biden-era free online tax filing program, Direct File, according to NextGov.

Why Identity Will Make or Break the Digital Taxpayer Experience

Makpar Vice President of Technology Jessica Alfaro outlines why Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) is no longer just a security control but mission infrastructure that determines whether digital government services succeed or fail, in a recent GovLoop guest article.

SSA Needs Better Assessment of Data-Sharing Costs as Treasury Program Saves Millions, GAO Says

While a pilot program giving the Treasury Department access to the Social Security Administration’s death data is projected to save the government millions, SSA still needs to better evaluate the cost of collecting those records from states, according to FedScoop.

The Pentagon Says It’s Getting Its AI Providers on ‘The Same Baseline’

After weeks of back-and-forth with AI company Anthropic, the Pentagon is actively talking with all four major U.S. AI players—Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, and xAI—to ensure the companies and the Defense Department are at “the same baseline” regarding Pentagon expectations, according to NextGov.

Pentagon Seeks Industry Input on Phase 2 Regulatory Reforms

The Pentagon is seeking input from defense contractors and stakeholders to help shape Phase 2 of regulatory reforms for the Department of Defense (DOD) – rebranded as the Department of War by the Trump administration, according to MeriTalk.

HHS IT Leadership Experiences Additional Shakeup

The Department of Health and Human Services has updated its IT leadership directory to include two new acting officials, as well as denote that another executive is holding his position in an acting capacity, according to NextGov.

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