Beyond the Legacy SDLC: Why Federal Agencies Need a New Framework for the AI Era
By: Shailesh Patel
Building for the Past in a World That’s Racing Ahead
Technologies shaping today’s world (e.g., AI, automation, low-code platforms, digital agents) have changed the game, but many federal agencies are playing by the old rules.
At the heart of the problem is the outdated Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC). Designed for a time when software was monolithic, timelines were measured in years, and requirements were locked down before development began, legacy SDLCs are now too slow, too rigid and too disconnected from the way modern systems are built and supported.
In today’s environment, the stakes are high. Taxpayers are demanding faster, smarter, more personalized services, and agencies locked in legacy delivery models are falling behind.
To be clear – this isn’t a technology gap. It’s a framework gap, and it’s time to close it.
Agencies Must Shift
Change isn’t optional. It’s existential. Here’s why:
AI and automation are becoming the default. From intelligent service desks to agentic workflows, systems today are expected to think, respond and learn. Traditional SDLCs aren’t built to integrate AI as a foundational layer.
Solutions are now platforms, not projects. Agencies increasingly rely on SaaS, cloud-native tools and commercial platforms (i.e. low/no code) that update continuously. These environments require adaptable frameworks, not locked-down waterfall plans.
Plug-and-play is not a trend. It’s an expectation. Mission needs shift quickly. Development approaches must support modular design, rapid deployment and seamless interoperability.
Security and compliance must move at mission speed. Governance doesn’t need to slow down progress. It must be built into the fabric of how solutions are designed and delivered.
Federal agencies need a framework that meets the moment, not one built for a world that no longer exists.
The Case for a New Kind of SDLC
What government agencies need now is not a tweak to old models, but a radical reset. A new framework tailored to how solutions are built and used in the real world.
A next-generation SDLC must be:
Modular by design. Built to support composable systems where new features and tools can be snapped in and rolled out without overhauls.
Agent-aware. Capable of managing systems where AI agents, in tandem with humans, drive workflows and decision-making.
Platform-native. Designed to work with commercial, cloud-first platforms that update continuously.
Mission-aligned. Fast enough to meet urgent needs, flexible enough to evolve with policy shifts and secure enough for federal environments.
Cherokee Federal is Leading the Shift
Cherokee Federal is driving this transition through framework development built specifically for this new reality. Not a generic process checklist. Not a one-size-fits-all methodology. A modern, modular, action-oriented framework rooted in what agencies need right now, and what will carry them into the future. It will:
Drive value streams, a sequence of steps, to deliver continuous value to a customer.
Support modern procurement methods like Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs), Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and Software Fast Track (SWIFT) Programs. Agencies can deploy innovative solutions, such as AI-driven decision support systems or modernized applications, enhancing mission capabilities. For example, the AI/Agent Development value stream can rapidly prototype models using OTA-funded experiments.
Accelerate delivery through agile and modular processes to deploy critical systems faster, such as cloud-based applications or AI-driven analytics, meeting urgent mission requirements. For example, our framework’s ability to integrate low-no-code development enables quick prototyping, reducing delivery timelines.
Enhance flexibility for Agency needs to address diverse challenges, from rapid application development for small teams to large-scale cloud migrations, without being constrained by a one-size-fits-all methodology. This adaptability is critical for federal agencies with varied missions.
Position Agencies positioned for long-term success, capable of adopting new technologies or responding to shifting mission requirements without overhauling their development processes. This future-readiness is critical in a rapidly evolving federal IT landscape.
And it will be built by doers, not theorists.
We’re not offering advice from the sidelines. We’re on the ground, helping agencies deliver smarter systems, faster, all while laying the foundation for scalable, sustainable digital government.
This Is Your Moment
Federal agencies are at a crossroads – keep building with outdated tools OR adopt a new framework designed for speed, intelligence and mission agility.
The next chapter of public service won’t be written with yesterday’s code or processes.
Cherokee Federal is building the framework for what comes next. And we’re ready to partner with you.
Cherokee Federal offers rapid acquisition contracting solutions, including Tribal 8(a) direct awards, governmentwide IDIQs and GSA Schedules, to help agencies accelerate their technology journeys. This approach allows agencies to start quickly, adapt seamlessly and achieve mission success – without the delays of traditional procurement processes.
Shailesh Patel is a VP of Technology Practices at Cherokee Federal, where he shares his broad experience developing, implementing and managing enterprise IT systems and infrastructure for federal agencies. He brings a deep understanding of what drives success for federal customers by delivering innovative, agile solutions that meet mission-critical needs.