Public Sector Pulse

My Public Sector Colleagues, 

Spring is here and FY26 is in full swing!! Legislative cycles, budgets and projects are top of mind for the SLED community. 

The annual cycle of tech and business conferences has kicked off. We are all renewing our connections and relationships and I look forward to seeing all of you as the year unfolds.

The journey continues. It can be done - we'll get there together. 

- Nelson Moe, Director of SLED Strategy, Iron Bow Technologies

Solutions Spotlight

Why Managed Services are the Future of Cyber Defense

In a landscape where cyber threats evolve faster than organizations can respond, managed cybersecurity services have shifted from a nice-to-have to an absolute necessity. In a recent podcast discussion, Richard Vallejo, Director of Cybersecurity Operations at Iron Bow, shared critical insights into why this transformation matters now more than ever.

Trends to Watch

Emerging Trends in State and Local Education & Government 📈

FY 27 Budgets

April is the time of the year where the state level proposed budgets are being finalized for the new Fiscal Year consideration and a June start! I hope your projects for FY27 reflect your visions, investment priorities and achieve your business outcomes. 

Federal Accessibility Mandate Impact to State and Local Governments📈

The federal accessibility mandate to state and local governments is gaining significant traction. For perspective, a majority of state CIOs have indicated that digital services and digital accessibility are at the top of their priority list.  

To be specific, accessibility is #6 on the overall NASCIO list of priorities from State CIOs. In 2025, fully 66 percent of states have an accessibility officer, either within or outside of the state CIO organization. 

The Mandate’s Challenges to the SLED Community:  

• Cost of compliance and legal risks of non-compliance

• Enterprise policy and architecture fit

• Ensuring concurrent AI efforts do not provide barriers to accessibility

• Looming compliance deadlines (4/2026 for entities greater than 50,000)

• High technical standard: Entities must meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA
• Covered Assets: websites and mobile applications, PDFs
• Impacted Services: voting via absentee ballot, paying tickets, filing taxes, and attending virtual town meetings
  

Some Background 

The federal IT accessibility mandate, primarily known as Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, requires federal agencies to make their Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessible to people with disabilities.  

While Section 508 applies to federal agencies, a significant Department of Justice (DOJ) final rule issued in April 2024 established similar technical standards (WCAG 2.1 Level AA) for state and local governments, with a primary compliance deadline of April 24, 2026.   

WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the internationally recognized "standard" for web accessibility compliance. It builds upon the basic requirements of Level A to address a wider range of disabilities, including low vision, hearing loss, and cognitive impairments. 

Key Outcomes  

The guidance focuses on six core areas to ensure technology is usable for all:  

• Establish Digital Accessibility Programs 

• Buy Accessible Products 

• Design Accessible Experience 

• Deliver Accessible Content 

• Evaluate and Remediate Digital Services 

• Cultivate Inclusive Culture 

Where to Get Started 

Wondering how to get started? Check out these resources:  

• Leveraging The State CIO and Statewide Accessibility Officer Partnership Across State IT Operating Structures 

• NASCIO IT Accessibility Working Group in Review: A Guide to DOJ Final Rule Compliance 

• The Web Accessibility Initiative 

• Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments 

• Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines (ATAG) Overview  

• AI Risk Management Framework 

• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Overview 

Grants and State Funding

Emerging Trends in State and Local Education & Government 📈

Did you know that Iron Bow offers a wide array of free grant services?

We provide you resources to specifically meet the needs of your organization, from grant identification and application through post-award administrative support.  

Check out the following grants opening in spring 2026.

• The School Violence Prevention Program (COPS-SVPP) offers grants for improving school security through the implementation of evidence-based school safety programs and technology. These include coordination with local law enforcement, training for local law enforcement officers, and allowable equipment and technology. Want to learn more? Join our webinar on April 21.

  [Register here]

• The Rural Utilities Service Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant provides funding to encourage and improve telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas through the use of telecommunications, computer networks, and related advanced technologies.  

Upcoming Events

Solving the Challenges of Mutual Aid Response

Public Safety and Law Enforcement agencies are facing complex demands in the field. In our April 16 webinar, Iron Bow and CERA will share how a modern mission-forward approach can streamline multi-jurisdictional operations and improve incident response.

Contact Center AI Modernization Strategies for Public Utilities

Government utilities and public services face many complex demands. In our May 7 webinar, Iron Bow and Cisco share how a modern, managed contact center approach can utilize AI agents to streamline operations and improve customer service.  
 
You'll learn:  

• What’s New with Cisco Contact Center

• How AI Agents Can Improve Resolution Time and Enhance Citizen Experience

• What AI Agents Can Really Do - and How Customer Data Stays Protected

• Why Iron Bow and Cisco are your Contact Center Partners of Choice
• How to Get Started

Connect With Us

Contact Your SLED Account Manager 🤝

Email us at SLED@ironbow.com to get in touch with your Account Manager.