Our Mission
At VAST Data Federal, our mission is clear: to empower the U.S. federal government with the most advanced, secure, and unified data infrastructure available. As a wholly owned subsidiary of VAST Data, we are uniquely positioned to deliver the transformative power of the VAST Data Platform—an all-flash, AI-ready operating system—directly to federal agencies. Our focus is on enabling real-time analytics, AI-driven decision-making, and unparalleled data resilience, all while meeting the stringent demands of government security and compliance.
VAST Data Federal operates as an US based wholly owned subsidiary, purpose-built to serve the unique needs of federal agencies. Our team brings deep expertise in federal contracts, cybersecurity, and mission-critical architecture, ensuring that every solution is tailored to the operational realities of government.
Regulatory Adherence & Certifications
VAST Data Federal is deeply committed to meeting and exceeding the rigorous security and compliance mandates of the U.S. federal government. Our solutions are designed with these requirements as foundational principles, ensuring robust security and seamless integration within the most demanding environments.
DoDIN Approved Products List (APL) Validation
Our products are rigorously validated for inclusion on the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN) Approved Products List (APL). The DoDIN APL, mandated by DoD Instruction (DoDI) 8100.04, is the master list of secure, trusted, and approved products for deployment within the DoD’s technology infrastructure. U.S. government procurement for products connected to the DoD network is limited to those on the DoDIN APL. This certification signifies that our solutions have undergone extensive interoperability (IO) and cybersecurity (CS) testing by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC).
To achieve DoDIN APL listing, products must satisfy comprehensive requirements, including:
Product Testing & Requirements:
FIPS 140 validated cryptography
Information Assurance
CAC/PKI compatibility
IPv6 compliance
Unified Capabilities Requirements (UCR 2013) adherence
Cybersecurity (CS) testing, demonstrating secure configuration based on DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs)
Interoperability (IO) testing, ensuring correct function within the DoD network
CS/IA testing fulfills Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements.
FIPS 140-3 Level 1 Validated Cryptography
Our cryptographic modules meet the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-3 Level 1 validation requirements. FIPS 140-3 is a U.S. government standard specifying security requirements for cryptographic modules, covering both hardware and software components. Level 1requires fundamental encryption and key management capabilities, making it suitable for software-only modules and providing a minimum level of security for sensitive information. This validation confirms our adherence to strict requirements for cryptographic module specifications, roles and services, approved cryptographic algorithms (e.g., AES-128, Triple-DES 112-bit, SHA-1), key management, physical security, logical security, and robust security testing and validation.
Commitment to Security & Compliance
Beyond specific product certifications, VAST Data Federal is committed to ensuring the highest security and integrity of its software supply chain and operational security when dealing with U.S. Government data. We are fully compliant with CMMC Level 1 and EO-14028 and rigorously adhere to all federal mandates:
Source-to-Binary U.S. Compilation: All software is sourced, compiled, and built within the United States.
Presidential Mandate Adherence: We meet or exceed all presidential mandates for secure software development, including the generation and provision of a comprehensive Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) for every product.
Secure Development Lifecycle: Our development processes incorporate secure coding, thorough testing, and robust deployment protocols to minimize risk and maximize resilience.
Supply Chain Transparency: Every component in our software stack is meticulously tracked and documented, ensuring visibility and accountability throughout the supply chain.
Independent Leadership
VAST Data Federal’s leadership team is composed of seasoned executives and technologists with decades of experience in federal IT, cybersecurity, and enterprise data solutions. Our independent board provides oversight, guidance, and a steadfast commitment to our mission.
Independent Governance
VAST Data Federal fully implements all CMMC Level 1 requirements to ensure the basic safeguarding of Federal Contract Information (FCI). Our practices directly align with the 15 basic safeguarding requirements outlined in FAR Clause 52.204-21 and the 17 corresponding controls from NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2. These foundational controls, considered essential “basic cyber hygiene,” are the minimum cybersecurity standards for Department of Defense contractors and subcontractors handling FCI.
Leadership Team
Randy Hayes - Vice President of Sales - As Vice President of Sales, Randy leads all sales and go-to-market (GTM) initiatives at VAST Data Federal, driving the company’s revenue growth and market expansion within the federal sector. Randy is responsible for building and managing a high-performing sales team, developing strategic partnerships, and executing sales strategies that align with VAST Data Federal’s mission to deliver secure, high-performance data infrastructure solutions to government agencies. He oversees the entire sales cycle—from pipeline development and opportunity identification to contract negotiation and customer success—ensuring that every engagement meets the unique requirements of federal clients. Randy’s leadership ensures that VAST Data Federal’s go-to-market approach is both effective and compliant, maximizing impact and fostering long-term relationships with federal partners.
Steve Valimaki - Vice President of PreSales Engineering. As Vice President of PreSales Engineering, Steve leads the technical engagement and solution design for VAST Data Federal’s government clients, ensuring that every deployment of the VAST Data Platform is optimized for performance, security, and compliance. Drawing on his extensive experience as a Senior Systems Engineer and his deep understanding of federal IT environments, Steve oversees a team of pre-sales engineers who work closely with agency partners to assess technical requirements, develop tailored architectures, and demonstrate the value of VAST Data Federal’s all-flash, AI-ready solutions. His leadership ensures that complex data challenges are addressed with innovative, mission-aligned approaches, helping federal organizations unlock new insights and accelerate their digital transformation initiatives.
James Dean - President - As President and Director of Advanced Programs at VAST Data Federal, James leads the company’s efforts to deliver cutting-edge, secure data infrastructure solutions tailored specifically for U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and NASA. With a distinguished background in federal IT, national programs, and advanced technology solutions, James is responsible for setting the strategic vision, driving business growth, and ensuring that VAST Data Federal’s all-flash, AI-ready platform meets the unique performance, security, and compliance requirements of mission-critical government environments. He oversees federal marketing, channel development, and the execution of advanced technology initiatives, working closely with agency partners to address complex data challenges and enable next-generation analytics and AI applications. Through his leadership, VAST Data Federal maintains its reputation as a trusted provider of high-performance, scalable, and secure storage solutions for the federal government.
Sabre Schnitzer - Serving as the Federal Compliance Officer and Facility Security Officer at VAST Data Federal, Sabre is responsible not only for managing all aspects of facility security—including personnel clearances, classified contracts, and ongoing security training—but also for overseeing every compliance initiative within the organization. With over two decades of IT and information security experience in federal environments, Sabre ensures that VAST Data Federal strictly adheres to federal security and procurement regulations such as those required for DoDIN APL validation and FIPS 140-3 cryptographic standards. He leads the development and enforcement of security policies, performs risk assessments, and coordinates with government security agencies to maintain compliance and protect sensitive information. Sabre works closely with internal teams to integrate compliance into all operational processes, ensuring that VAST Data Federal remains aligned with the highest standards of security and regulatory excellence across its products and services.
Carmelo McCutcheon - Chief Technology Officer - As the Chief Technology Officer at VAST Federal, Carmelo is responsible for driving the company’s technology vision and ensuring that our solutions not only meet but exceed the rigorous security and compliance standards required by our federal government partners. He works closely with our engineering, compliance, and product teams to ensure that every technology initiative aligns with federal mandates, including DoDIN APL validation and FIPS 140-3 cryptographic standards. Additionally, he serves as a key advisor to our leadership and board, helping shape the strategic direction of VAST Data Federal to support mission-critical federal missions and maintain our reputation as a trusted provider of secure, high-performance data infrastructure.
Independent Board Member
Gus Hunt, former Chief Technology Officer of the Central Intelligence Agency, plays a pivotal role in helping VAST Data Federal maintain rigorous compliance and independent operational control. Leveraging his extensive background in national security, intelligence, and advanced technology strategy, Gus provides critical oversight to ensure that VAST Data Federal’s solutions consistently meet and exceed the highest standards required by federal agencies. His leadership on the independent board is instrumental in guiding the company’s approach to regulatory adherence, including DODinAPL and FIPS 140-3 requirements, and in reinforcing a culture of accountability and transparency. By drawing on his unparalleled expertise, Gus ensures that VAST Data Federal’s technology and governance frameworks inspire trust, support mission-critical objectives, and uphold the integrity demanded by government partners
Why Choose VAST Federal?
Mission-Driven: Dedicated exclusively to serving the federal government.
Independent & Accountable: Guided by an independent board with deep federal experience.
Security-First: Exceeding federal mandates for software supply chain security and compliance, including DoDIN APL validation and FIPS 140-3.
AI-Ready Infrastructure: Delivering the VAST Data Platform to power the next generation of federal data and AI initiatives.