- CBP has developed an AI-powered, mobile, voice-activated chat-and-search function
- Agency CIO Sonny Bhagowalia told the 2026 FedCiv Summit the agency will grow its translation app
- Hear more from Bhagowalia during his keynote at the 2026 Homeland Security Summit this coming Tuesday, Nov. 10!
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is in the process of modernizing technology on many fronts and putting it in the hands of frontline agents, officers, analysts and staff in support of CBP’s 24/7/365 mission. One of many capabilities include ongoing development of an AI-powered, mobile, voice-activated chat-and-search function built to incrementally allow agency personnel to securely obtain information anywhere at any time, according to a top agency technology official.
Sanjeev “Sonny” Bhagowalia, CBP’s chief information officer, Office of Information and Technology assistant commissioner and a two-time Wash100 Award winner, said Oct. 29 to a full house at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 FedCiv Summit that the agency also plans to grow the number of languages available for its CBP translation app. The app currently translates 250 languages and will include automatic language detection in 2026, for seamless communication and operations.
CBP has extensive 24/7 technology requirements as the agency operates 276 applications at 1,744 locations and over 100,000 assets in a $2.5 billion annual portfolio, Bhagowalia said. The agency has a goal of being fully operational in the cloud by migrating these 276 applications to the cloud by Jan. 20, 2028.
“One of the applications is a high value asset called the Automated Commercial Environment, which handles $5.7 trillion in imports and exports annually,” the CIO explained. “The agency is 86 percent of the way there at the application tier and over half that at the database level, with a goal of being one the first large agencies completely in the cloud for faster, better, more affordable and more secure mission outcomes.”
Hear additional technology modernization insights from Bhagowalia during his keynote at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Homeland Security Summit this coming Tuesday, Nov. 10. Join the conversation with Bhagowalia during his question-and-answer session. Network with Bhagowalia and other leading federal technology officials and boost your GovCon technology connections. Tickets are running out for his highly anticipated GovCon forum—buy yours now!
How Big Is the DHS Budget?
DHS is a $100 billion-plus agency with another $191 billion coming in from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 for national and border security. Bhagowalia is interested in edge computing technology from industry that links unmanned systems, internet of things devices, sensors and cameras, among others, to accelerate information access.
“Our OIT mission is to deliver secure and reliable IT services and capabilities to authorized users anywhere, anytime, on any approved device, at the speed of our 24/7/365 mission,” Bhagowalia said. “Always delivering faster, better, more secure and more affordable mission outcomes.”
Bhagowalia gave an update on current and upcoming solicitations. He said a cyber solicitation is underway and that procurements for architecture, financial management and creative analytics are forthcoming.
Bhagowalia also told industry to have its supply chain risk management solutions ready to go in every solicitation. Industry can also expect more solicitations for biometrics and a roughly $2 billion re-compete for border security technology.
What Is a CBP Technology Priority?
Data fabric, or modern data architecture designed to better optimize and manage data, is another technology priority for CBP. Bhagowalia said the agency needs countermeasures against AI-powered cyber attacks as well as improved next-generation identity management.
Our OIT mission is to deliver secure and reliable IT services and capabilities to authorized users anywhere, anytime, on any approved device, at the speed of our 24/7/365 mission. Always delivering faster, better, more secure and more affordable mission outcomes.
Unlock insights into AI for investigations, border security and emergency response at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Homeland Security Summit this coming Tuesday, Nov. 10. The Mission Ready: The Next Generation of Homeland Security Operations panel discussion will dig into cultural and organizational change for AI adoption and technical foundations for successful implementation. It also features representatives from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and CBP. Secure your seat today!
How Is CBP Cooperating With DHS on Technology Efforts?
Bhagowalia said CBP is cooperating extensively with other Department of Homeland Security agencies on technology efforts. He’s been working with the CBP chief AI officer on responsible AI use policies to support over 80 use cases being implemented by OIT and trusted partners.
Bhagowalia outlined eight technology focus areas and concomitant projects/initiatives to be led by an OIT executive: software and application services, infrastructure and support services, operational technology and IT integration, cybersecurity, technology modernization, data, governance and CIO business operations.
As CBP continues to advance these strategic pillars, Bhagowalia emphasized that close collaboration with government and industry partners will remain vital to equipping personnel with the secure, next-generation tools needed to “protect the American people, safeguard our borders, and enhance the nation’s economic prosperity.”
