Doing More with Less: Why the GSA–Microsoft OneGov Agreement is a Win for Federal Agencies and the Future of AI in Government

Let's be honest: Today's public sector is under a lot of pressure right now and the call to modernize is relentless. Agencies are being asked to deliver more services, faster, and more securely, while operating under tighter budgets and heightened scrutiny.

The mandate is clear: demonstrate efficiency, accountability, and innovation - all at once.

That's why the recent announcement of the GSA-Microsoft OneGov agreement is a big deal. It's not just a procurement contract; this is a strategic shift in how the federal government buys and deploys technology. And why Insight Public Sector's role as an exclusive Microsoft partner in this program is a meaningful opportunity for the agencies we serve.

A New Era of Government Modernization

As I shared in a recent episode of our InsightON podcast, the public sector is no longer lagging behind the private sector when it comes to technology adoption. In fact, in many ways, it's leading the charge, particularly in how it approaches AI.

From streamlining citizen services to improving operational efficiency, AI is becoming a core enabler of mission success. But this transformation isn't happening in a vacuum. It's unfolding in a complex environment shaped by evolving regulations, ethical considerations, and the need for scalable, secure infrastructure.

The U.S. General Services Administration's OneGov Strategy treats the federal government as a single enterprise buyer, which means better pricing, more consistency, and faster access to the tools agencies need - especially AI and cloud services.

It also aligns directly with the White House's America's AI Action Plan, which calls for rapid, responsible AI adoption across government. These two initiatives are tightly connected, and they provide a framework for centralized, responsible, and cost-effective AI adoption across government. And Insight is uniquely positioned to help agencies bring that vision to life.

But here's the thing: having greater, more cost-efficient access to AI tools isn't enough. You need a plan. You need governance. You need to know how to use them effectively and ethically. That's where Insight comes in.

What Insight Brings to the Table

At Insight, we're not just handing over licenses, we're helping agencies implement, adopt, and optimize AI and cloud solutions in a way that's secure, scalable, and mission-aligned. That's the essence of a Solutions Integrator - we bring together the tools, expertise, and governance needed to turn technology into tangible outcomes within a cohesive and cost-effective framework.

Under the OneGov agreement, what we're delivering on the surface is obviously beneficial:

• Microsoft 365 Copilot at no cost for up to 12 months for eligible agencies, with deep discounts beyond that.
• Azure cloud services with waived data egress fees and tailored support for migration, optimization, and security.
• Cybersecurity tools like Microsoft Sentinel and Entra ID Governance, all FedRAMP High authorized.
• AI agents and Dynamics 365 to automate workflows and enhance citizen engagement-at no cost for eligible workloads.

But the greater value is in how we can deliver these solutions in a way that I truly believe no other solution provider can:

• Implementation, adoption, and optimization workshops to ensure agencies get real value from day one. Our unique "build, plan, manage" methodology - including Insight RADIUS™ workshops and DEVSHOP® managed services - helps agencies assess their cloud usage for cost-saving, identify new AI implementation opportunities, and align the needed infrastructure with evolving mission needs.
• Governance and compliance support to help agencies deploy AI responsibly and in alignment with federal standards. For example, we help agencies design, deploy, and manage AI agents tailored to mission workflows, with training and governance built in.
• Deep Microsoft expertise, including all six Solutions Partner designations, Azure Expert MSP status, and four Microsoft Security specializations.
• Cybersecurity and identity protection: Insight offers guided security implementation workshops to configure and operationalize Microsoft's security stack, ensuring agencies meet federal standards from day one. With four Microsoft Security specializations, we have a long history of helping agencies meet the highest standards for threat protection, identity governance, and compliance.

AI to Amplify, Not Replace

As I mentioned on our podcast, AI isn't just about automation, it's about amplification. It's about helping government and business do more with less, not by replacing people, but by empowering them.

We've already seen this in action. We helped one state's Department of Transportation use AI to support citizen inquiries in 36 languages, dramatically improving service delivery and reducing strain on staff. Another education system is using AI to help substitute teachers prepare lesson plans on the fly. These are not futuristic use cases. They're happening now, and they're scalable across the country.

But look, I get it … there's a lot of noise out there right now. Everyone's talking about AI. Everyone's selling AI. Yet not everything labeled "AI" is actually AI. And not every tool is built for the complexity of government work.

That's why I always tell agency leaders: proceed with purpose.

Don't just buy licenses and hope for the best. Don't fall for the hype. Instead, ask the right questions.

• What problem are you trying to solve?
• What does success look like?
• How will you measure it?
• And how do you ensure your AI systems are secure, ethical, and aligned with your mission?

This is where the GSA-Microsoft OneGov agreement really shines. It doesn't just give agencies access to discounted tools, it gives them a framework to move forward with clarity. It simplifies procurement. It standardizes pricing. And it ensures that the solutions being deployed - be it Microsoft 365 Copilot, Azure AI, and Sentinel - are vetted, secure, and ready for scale.

It also gives agencies a trusted partner in Insight. We're not just here to sell software. We're here to help you implement it, govern it, and get real value from it. We bring the workshops, the governance models, the training, and the deep Microsoft expertise to help you move fast - but also move smart.

As I often say, "Trust, but verify."

That's how we approach AI at Insight. We help you understand what you're doing, why you're doing it, and how to do it responsibly. Because in the public sector, it's not just about innovation. It's about impact. And that's what we're here to deliver.

Carm Taglienti

Chief Technology Officer, Insight Public Sector

Carmen has more than 25 years of experience as a cloud computing, data science, data analytics and data management expert. As a Chief Technology Officer for Insight Public Sector, he focuses on cloud-based business solutions across multiple industries and technical domains. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Northeastern University Khoury College of Computer Sciences and the College of Professional Studies teaching graduate courses in data science, cloud computing and analytics. Carmen is a published author and speaks at industry and technology events.