# State Department Scales AI and Cyber Defense

U.S. Department of State CIO Kelly Fletcher identified the department’s FY27 technology priorities as scaling AI agents, improving connectivity for its global workforce, automating cyber defense, and strengthening shared accountability with technology providers. These priorities point to potential demand for AI platforms and integration, secure cloud and collaboration tools, satellite connectivity, vulnerability remediation, and adoption support; the signal identifies no specific solicitation, contract value, or procurement timeline.

- Technology providers can evaluate how their AI, secure collaboration, connectivity, and cyber defense offerings align with the stated priorities.
- Microsoft is identified as the provider of the Microsoft Teams platform in which the Beacon administrative AI agent is embedded.
- Because no solicitation or timeline is announced, the priorities indicate areas of potential future demand rather than an open procurement opportunity.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity
**Published:** September 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of State (State Department)

### Vendors
- Microsoft (Provider of the Microsoft Teams platform in which the Beacon administrative AI agent is embedded)

### Sources
- [State CIO Kelly Fletcher: Building AI Was the Easy Part – MeriTalk](https://www.meritalk.com/articles/cxo-profile-kelly-fletcher-state-department-ai) - MeriTalk