From TAC to Tista: Mark Junda on the Evolution of Federal IT Acquisition Sponsored by vTech Solution

In this Former Fed Friday episode, Shelley McGuire chats with Mark Junda, Executive Director of Digital Experience at TISTA Science and Technology Corporation and former senior acquisition leader at the VA. With over 20 years in federal service, including roles at the VA TAC, OMB, and USDS, Mark reflects on his journey driving procurement reform, building contracting vehicles like T4 and T4NG, and shaping IT acquisition strategies that still influence the market today. The conversation dives into the evolution of VA’s Technology Acquisition Center, the ongoing debate over GSA’s role in federal IT buying, and lessons learned from scaling T4 contracting vehicles. Mark also shares insights on the shift from buying teams to buying outcomes, how AI is changing procurement, and why relationships between contracting shops and program offices remain critical. To connect with Mark, visit his LinkedIn profile here. To learn more about Tista Science and Technology Corporation, visit their website here. If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution. Don't know vTech yet? You should as vTech Solution is a trailblazer in the IT services domain with key offerings that include Digital Modernization, including Application Modernization; Managed Cloud infrastructure; and Cybersecurity.