The federal government is on the cusp of a major digital transformation event. Between the rapid advances in IT modernization in 2020 courtesy of the pandemic and the influx of funding – approximately $1 billion for Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) under the American Rescue Plan – federal agencies are well set to overhaul their IT infrastructure in the coming year. How they will direct this funding and determine their tech priorities has undoubtedly become a big source of interest. Through streamlined acquisition capabilities, and much more, 8(a) and Native-owned small businesses have been driving IT modernization efforts, which helps government to maximize their investments while also meeting mission goals.These were the key themes of our “8(a) and Native Owned Small Business Advantage: Helping to Shape Federal IT Priorities and Missions” podcast where Ryan Maloney, President at Chenega Systems; Heather Lacroix, President of Chenega Technical Innovations, and Brandilynn Collins Garrison, Partner Manager for Small and Medium Businesses at Verizon Public Sector, discussed this topic further.