Implementing DevSecOps in the Government: The 3 Keys to Success
Integrate development, security, and operations seamlessly for mission outcomes
The rapidly evolving landscape of digital technology has left no sector untouched, including government and defense. In these critical areas, where the stakes are extraordinarily high, the necessity for digital transformation has never been more urgent. A key component of this transformation is the adoption of DevSecOps, a methodology that integrates development, security, and operations into a seamless, continuous software delivery pipeline. Here’s a look at three essential aspects of implementing DevSecOps successfully in government agencies.
1. Understanding the Criticality of Digital Transformation
Marc Andreessen’s famous declaration that "software is eating the world" rings especially true in the context of government and defense. The ability to wield software effectively has become a decisive factor, not just in the commercial sector, but also on the battlefield and in the delivery of essential services to citizens. In today’s world, the last place we can afford to be disrupted is on the battlefield or in delivering critical government services.
Government agencies must recognize that their digital presence and the efficiency of their software systems are directly tied to the public’s trust. In defense, software-driven capabilities are not just an advantage—they are a necessity. A failure to keep pace with digital transformation can lead to severe consequences, both in terms of national security and public satisfaction.
2. Overcoming Bureaucratic Challenges with Continuous Delivery
One of the most significant hurdles government agencies face when implementing DevSecOps is overcoming the inherent bureaucracy that slows down innovation and software deployment. These agencies are some of the world’s largest bureaucracies, and while the principles of Agile and DevOps have been around for decades, their adoption within the government has been slow and fraught with challenges.
A common mistake is to focus too much on alignment and strategy before establishing the ability to deliver continuously. The priority should be on building a pipeline that allows for continuous delivery—enabling teams to ship small changes frequently, gather feedback, and iterate quickly. Only then should the focus shift to broader alignment and strategy discussions. This approach not only accelerates the delivery of value to real users in real environments, but also provides a practical basis for decision-making.
A critical enabler of continuous delivery is a robust Platform as a Service (PaaS). In a high-compliance environment like government, where security and regulatory adherence are non-negotiable, a DevSecOps platform can embed necessary compliance measures directly into the deployment pipeline. This allows teams to focus on delivering capabilities to users rather than getting bogged down by compliance overhead.
3. Driving Cultural Change Through Execution
Cultural transformation is often the most challenging aspect of adopting DevSecOps. Changing the way people work, think, and collaborate requires more than just new tools or processes—it requires a shift in mindset.
The story of NUMMI, the joint venture between Toyota and GM, offers valuable lessons. At NUMMI, the worst-performing auto manufacturing plant in the United States transformed into the best-performing one by not just implementing the Toyota Production System, but by pairing experienced Toyota workers with GM employees. This hands-on, experiential learning led to a profound cultural shift, turning a dysfunctional workplace into a model of efficiency and quality.
For government agencies looking to adopt DevSecOps, the lesson is clear: cultural change is not the result oftraining programs or policy mandates alone. It requires immersive, practical experience where teams learn by doing. Establishing cross-functional teams that can work together on real projects, supported by a robust DevSecOps platform, is crucial. This approach allows for the gradual but steady evolution of a culture that values continuous improvement, collaboration, and user-centric development.
Conclusion
The journey to implementing DevSecOps in government is complex, but by prioritizing digital transformation, overcoming bureaucratic inertia with continuous delivery, and fostering cultural change through practical experience, agencies can position themselves to meet the demands of the modern digital era. As the public's expectations for government services continue to rise, the ability to deliver secure, reliable, and efficient software will be a cornerstone of mission success.
By embracing these principles, government agencies can not only keep pace with technological change but also lead it, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Thumbnail caption:
Staff Sgt. Christian McClellan, 51st Combat Communication Squadron technician, function checks an antenna at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., during exercise Agile Flag 24-3 Aug. 4, 2024. Agile Flag prepares Air Combat Command’s Expeditionary Air Base Force Elements to respond to peer adversaries’ capabilities that threaten bases, contest logistical support, and disrupt command and control. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shaei Rodriguez)
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
