At the end of fiscal year 2023, the Office of Management and Budget released guidance to agencies on implementing the 21st Century Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which was signed into law four years ago. The "Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience" Memorandum provides agencies with a digital framework, actions, and standards to fulfill the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to creating a government that modernly and securely delivers excellent customer service to those who deal with the Federal Government.

The Digital Experience (DX) guidance will work to drive progress that ensures:

• Knowing when you're interacting with an official government website.
• Getting the best answers to your top questions in a language you can understand.
• Access to government online services regardless of ability.
• Use of government websites that work on mobile devices.
• Interaction with the government in a way that works best for you.

Together, as members of industry and government, we must explore how we can deliver on this mandate in a secure, modern, data- and customer-focused manner. Leaders must look for opportunities to create a digital-first environment that doesn't leave anyone behind.

At the 12th annual Winter IT Luncheon, AFCEA Bethesda Emerging Leaders will bring together thought leaders in both government and industry to examine and discuss the challenges in creating a Digital-First Experience. Government participants will learn from their colleagues and industry partners, while industry participants will find opportunities for innovation discussion with their government clients with an emphasis on:

• IT Modernization
• Customer Experience & Human-Centered Design
• Cybersecurity
• Data and Decision Making