GovSignals, an artificial intelligence platform for government contracting, has achieved Department of War (DoW) Impact Level 5 (IL5) authorization in a significant advancement for defense acquisition technology. This milestone was reached through a strategic deployment on the Game Warden® platform, developed by public-benefit software company Second Front Systems. The authorization permits GovSignals to operate within high-assurance DoW environments, handling sensitive and mission-critical data for national security.
A Strategic Partnership for Enhanced Security
The collaboration with Second Front Systems was instrumental in securing the high-level authorization for GovSignals. By leveraging the Game Warden platform, the company gained access to an accredited, ready-to-operate environment with inherited security controls and continuous monitoring. This approach enabled GovSignals to bring its AI capabilities into secure mission environments far more rapidly than traditional methods would allow.
Achieving IL5 certification validates the platform's capacity to manage Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and unclassified National Security Systems workloads. This level of clearance requires meeting stringent standards for security, governance, and auditability. It assures government partners that the platform provides the robust data protection necessary for handling sensitive acquisition and operational information.
Establishing a Unique Position in GovTech
This latest achievement positions GovSignals uniquely within the federal marketplace, creating a powerful security and procurement stack. The company is now the only acquisition AI platform to hold both DoW IL5 authorization and FedRAMP® High certification. Combined with its GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract, this status offers federal agencies a streamlined and highly secure path to procurement.
Derek Hoyt, Co-founder and CEO of GovSignals, emphasized the deliberate strategy behind this accomplishment. He stated that the platform was built to securely cover the entire acquisition lifecycle, from market research to award reporting. This comprehensive and secure approach provides complete fidelity for acquisition professionals while lowering entry barriers for contractors.
Accelerating Mission-Critical Capabilities
The deployment is expected to have a significant impact on the defense industrial base by making government contracting more efficient. For government users, the platform promises faster and more informed decision-making throughout the procurement process. For contractors, it offers improved competitive intelligence and greater access to opportunities, ultimately expanding the ecosystem.
Mamie Cruse, Chief Mission Officer at Second Front Systems, noted that the partnership's goal is to remove barriers preventing critical software from reaching end-users. Delivering GovSignals into an IL5 environment helps acquisition professionals enhance mission capability without compromising security or trust. This collaboration strengthens the broader defense ecosystem by expanding what is technologically possible for the Department of War.
Building on a Foundation of Federal Success
The IL5 authorization builds upon GovSignals' accelerating traction within the federal government. In March 2025, the company secured a multi-million dollar Other Transaction Authority (OTA) with the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to modernize acquisition workflows. This was followed by the award of its GSA MAS Schedule in January 2026, which opened a simplified procurement path for all federal buyers.
This latest security milestone is a key step in the company's deliberate trajectory toward operating in classified environments. With active engagements already spanning Navy program offices and special operations commands, GovSignals is translating its new authorization into tangible operational impact. The company is actively laying the groundwork for future deployments across additional services and combatant commands.
In conclusion, GovSignals' attainment of DoW IL5 authorization through its partnership with Second Front Systems marks a pivotal moment for AI in government procurement. This development not only solidifies the company's standing as a leader in secure acquisition technology but also promises to accelerate innovation and efficiency for the nation's defense missions. The achievement underscores a growing trend of leveraging specialized platforms to securely and rapidly deploy advanced software capabilities.