The U.S. federal government is facing a growing technology talent shortage, even as it attempts to modernize critical digital services and outdated infrastructure, according to the Federal News Network. Amy Gleason, acting head of the U.S. DOGE Service — formerly the U.S. Digital Service — highlighted the urgency of bringing skilled technologists into public service during a recent federal IT summit.
Gleason, who also advises the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), noted that many agencies lack the engineering capacity needed to improve digital service delivery. At CMS, a small team of engineers oversees thousands of contractors, with efforts now focused on building scalable, user-friendly services.
The situation is further strained by deep federal workforce reductions under the Trump administration. Nearly 200,000 employees have left the government this year, driven in part by an extended hiring freeze and a strict “1-for-4” replacement policy. Key technology-focused offices have been downsized or dismantled, including a 25% workforce reduction at the IRS and the closure of the 18F tech unit at the General Services Administration.
Internal restructuring has also hit the DOGE Service, which cut 25% of its staff earlier this year. A lawsuit from former 18F employees alleges politically motivated terminations under the leadership of Elon Musk, who previously oversaw the agency.
Recruitment efforts have ramped up, but obstacles remain. Reports suggest that certain vetting steps, including political screenings, are discouraging potential hires from the predominantly left-leaning tech sector.
Meanwhile, experts like former DOGE staffer Sahil Lavingia argue that these filters are misaligned with the realities of the talent pool.
Elsewhere, agencies like the FDA are attempting to turn workforce losses into operational improvements. Following a major reduction in force this spring, FDA leadership is reorganizing around shared services to maintain functionality with fewer staff. The Department of Health and Human Services, the FDA’s parent agency, saw tens of thousands of employees either laid off or voluntarily exit this year.
Leaders across federal health and tech agencies agree: modernization is possible — but only if the government can recruit and retain the people who know how to build it.
