Aligned with efficiency: How infrastructure modernization drives federal cost savings

From the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiatives to new and revolutionary Department of Defense (DoD) directives, Trace Systems is helping Combatant Commands, Services, and Agencies (CC/S/As) do just that—delivering engineered solutions that align with the administration's goals of reducing redundancy and spend, increasing cybersecurity and operational capability, and maximizing value. 

The federal IT spending reality

The administration's directives to dramatically reduce federal spending while improving capabilities has intensified scrutiny on costly and inefficient legacy IT infrastructures. A prime example is the traditional approach to securing classified information through multiple isolated networks, creating unnecessary duplication across hardware, software, facilities and personnel.

“Legacy and redundant federal IT infrastructure represents billions in potential savings,” observes Otto Hoernig, CEO of Trace Systems. “Multiple classified systems have historically meant duplicative hardware. These outdated approaches waste resources and introduce security vulnerabilities. Yet we continue to see hesitation to move away from outdated approaches despite the financial and operational benefits that come with infrastructure modernization.” 

For agencies now required to demonstrate immediate cost reductions, Trace's expertise in infrastructure consolidation offers a ready path to compliance and cost savings.

Trace's proven approach to IT modernization

Unlike many contractors still adjusting to the new efficiency push, Trace has a proven track record of optimizing government networks. From wired, wireless and satellite networks and infrastructure to advanced capabilities at the tactical edge, Trace is providing capability to the Warfighter while eliminating infrastructure redundancies and waste.

The company's NSA-approved M-DRIVE (Modular, Dynamically Reconfigurable, Integrated Virtual Environment) platform reduces waste by providing a unique multi-tenant environment that consolidates multiple classified network enclaves onto a single physical infrastructure. Using virtualization and encryption configurations, M-DRIVE preserves required security boundaries between classified domains while reducing hardware and SWaP requirements by up to 68%.

“M-DRIVE eliminates duplicative infrastructure and cost while maintaining cybersecurity and operational flexibility,” explains Steve Bagley, vice president of technology solutions at Trace. “With version 3.0, we’re advancing even further with the latest commercial encryption, storage and compatibility with GPU technologies to effectively host complex machine learning algorithms for diverse mission applications.”

As the only NSA-approved multi-tenant solution of its kind, M-DRIVE allows agencies to host multiple active mission enclaves at the same classification level on one hyperconverged platform, in rack-mountable enterprise operations and ruggedized tactical configurations for deployment at the edge. This consolidation approach delivers what new policies demand: reduced capital expenses, more efficient SWaP requirements and fewer maintenance personnel, all with faster deployment and operational versatility.

Engineering innovation partnerships for federal efficiency

M-DRIVE is certified under the NSA Lab Based Security Assessment (LBSA) and has achieved Authority to Operate (ATO), paving the way for expanded use across government. The platform has already demonstrated it can consolidate numerous classified networks comprising many data center racks of hardware/software to an integrated hosting platform housed in a single rack. 

This type of innovation along with a commitment to driving engineering and modernization excellence is evident in Trace’s growing contract portfolio:

Modernization implementation: Trace's selection for the $12.5 billion US Air Force Base Infrastructure Modernization contract and award of the 61st Communications Squadron Base Operations contract positions the company as a technical innovation partner transforming legacy base infrastructure into a more efficient as-a-service (aaS) model.

Communications streamlining: The recent Army PM TN Satellite Terminal Modernization (STM) and VSAT IV contract wins are streamlining communications infrastructure and eliminating redundant systems, producing both short- and long-term savings. 

Sustained efficiency: The recapture of the Army 160th AITEL contract focuses on Trace's engineering-first approach, including innovative enhancements that support CENTCOM operations while reducing infrastructure costs.

Efficiency trends in federal IT

Agencies looking to meet new federal efficiency mandates are drawn to several approaches that are proving effective:

1. Innovation over headcount: Agencies are seeking contractors who bring engineered solutions rather than adding more personnel or other costs.
2. Infrastructure consolidation: Eliminating redundant systems through virtualization and multi-tenant environments is one of the fastest paths to significant cost reduction.
3. Security-conscious modernization: Organizations implementing solutions that maintain or enhance security while significantly reducing infrastructure costs are prioritized.
4. Process transformation: Rethinking operational processes and eliminating inefficient practices is yielding substantial savings for forward-thinking agencies.
5. Near-term implementation: Engineered solutions that can be deployed within the current fiscal year are prioritized to demonstrate early progress.

Engineering excellence for the efficiency era

As the administration's initiatives reshape federal spending priorities, Trace’s technology-driven approach to infrastructure consolidation provides agencies with a proven path to meeting their mandates and seeing real, measurable results — not in years, but now.

“The administration’s message is clear: eliminate waste while improving capabilities,” Hoernig concludes. “Trace is ready with technical innovation and engineering excellence to provide solutions that consolidate systems, reduce hardware requirements and enable more efficient operations across classified environments. We're ready to help agencies meet their efficiency objectives with proven solutions that deliver immediate and sustainable cost reductions.”

For federal decision-makers navigating today's requirements, Trace exemplifies how engineering-driven companies focused on innovation can deliver the concrete results needed to meet ambitious efficiency goals.

Learn more about Trace Systems' innovative and engineering-focused solutions.