Research & Innovation

At the Forefront of Federal Innovation

Our joint venture pushes boundaries through research-led thinking, emerging tech prototyping, and human-centered experimentation.

We don’t just deliver digital transformation, we design what’s next. Our research and innovation capabilities allow federal agencies to explore, test, and adopt emerging technologies with confidence and compliance.

Innovation Through Action

As a joint venture between Cloud7Works and Nationwide IT Services (NIS), NIS Cloud7 Federal brings together two innovation-forward cultures:

  • Cloud7Works, a proven cloud modernization leader, specializes in rapid prototyping, DevSecOps, and secure architecture design for federal clients.
  • NIS, through its National Center for Innovation (NCI), drives next-gen experimentation with AI, blockchain, and platform automation in federal R&D programs.

Together, we deliver emerging technologies in practical, secure, and scalable ways that are fully compliant with federal regulations.

Our Innovation Models

NIS Innovation Center (NCI)

NIS’s NCI cultivates a collaborative environment where “out-of-the-box thinking” and open discussion inform the development of optimized mission solutions.

Cloud7Works Innovation Focus

Cloud7Works is committed to driving transformation through cloud modernization, agile DevSecOps, cutting-edge cybersecurity, enterprise architecture, AI/ML, and even blockchain planning.

Core Research & Innovation Capabilities

Human-Centered Design & UX Prototyping

  • Agile and design thinking workshops
  • User research, persona development, and iterative testing
  • Prototypes built in Figma, tested across real user environments

Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Tech

  • Generative AI experimentation (e.g., CoPilot integrations)
  • NLP, intelligent search, and automation pilots
  • Blockchain Architecture Design for government use cases

DevSecOps & Platform Engineering

  • Secure CI/CD pipelines built with GitHub Actions and AWS CodePipeline
  • OWASP ZAP, SonarQube, Pytest, and Veracode are integrated into every sprint
  • IaC frameworks using Terraform for reproducible cloud infrastructure

Secure Innovation Labs

  • Sandbox environments on Azure and AWS for prototype deployment
  • FedRAMP-moderate environments for safe experimentation
  • Dedicated testing environments: DEV, TST, QAT, PROD, with training overlay.

Notable Innovation Initiatives

SIEM Cost Optimization

NIS integrated Databricks with Splunk to reduce SIEM licensing cost while retaining analytics compliance with Executive Order 14028 and OMB M‑21‑31.

DevSecOps Playbook

NIS created a full CI/CD and DevSecOps playbook based on open-source toolkits, securing rapid and automated delivery

Blockchain Pilots (BaaS)

Rapid-prototype blockchain applications using Hyperledger Fabric, Azure-hosted infrastructure, and smart contracts built in Golang/Java/JS.

Selective Service System – RCV Cloud Refactoring

  • Rebuilt legacy .NET into Java/React microservices
  • Introduced CI/CD pipelines, Terraform automation, and Veracode security scans
  • Enabled cross-region disaster recovery and auto-scaling via AWS Fargate
  • Delivered user-centered redesign with integrated training and UX testing
  • Introduced a secure sandbox for AI tools (Ollama on EC2) and custom analytics dashboards

HHS – HRMESB Azure Security Modernization

  • Designed a Zero Trust Architecture compliant with EO 14028
  • Developed API-based alternatives to legacy SFTP
  • Integrated GitHub Actions for CI/CD, with automated DAST and SAST scanning
  • Built toggle-based DR deployment via Terraform
  • Enabled full-stack deployment in < 60 minutes, validated in sandboxed Azure labs

Innovation Process Framework

We apply a repeatable 5-step process to guide federal innovation initiatives:

  • Discover – Co-create problem statements with mission owners
  • Design – Facilitate rapid prototyping and secure architecture planning
  • Deploy – Use IaC, containers, and CI/CD for scalable test deployments
  • Validate – Perform automated testing, peer reviews, and stakeholder demos
  • Transition – Deliver production-ready packages with documentation and training

This Agile-driven model ensures experimentation is always measurable, reversible, and compliant with federal frameworks like NIST 800-53, RMF, and FedRAMP.

Innovation Tools & Stack

Category Technologies
Cloud & Infra Azure, AWS, Terraform, GitHub Actions, AWS CodePipeline
Security & Compliance SonarQube, OWASP ZAP, Veracode, Azure Defender, AWS SecurityHub
AI & Analytics Python, FastAPI, Jupyter, Splunk, Generative AI (Ollama), NLP toolkits
Prototyping & UX Figma, Miro, Postman, Cypress, Playwright
DevOps & Automation Docker, Kubernetes, GitHub Actions, CI/CD templates
Logging & Monitoring Azure Log Analytics, AWS CloudWatch, CloudTrail, Splunk SIEM

Why Agencies Choose Us for Innovation

  • Secure by Design – Innovation meets Zero Trust, encryption, and compliance
  • Mission-Aligned – Each project maps to agency goals and strategic priorities
  • Testable & Repeatable – All prototypes can be containerized, validated, and transitioned
  • Future-Ready – Whether it’s AI, blockchain, or serverless platforms, we’re already building what’s next

Technologies We Use

Want to Co-Innovate with Us?

Whether you’re modernizing a mission-critical system, exploring AI pilots, or seeking a Zero Trust sandbox, we’re your partner in secure, agile, and scalable federal innovation.

 JV Notice
NIS Cloud7 Federal is an SBA-approved joint venture between Nationwide IT Services, Inc. (Mentor) and Cloud7Works, Inc. (Protégé) under the 8(a) Mentor–Protégé Program.