Innovation on Digital.gov

18F's year of launches

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Over the past year, 18F has helped partner agencies launch innovative software products to improve the public’s experience with the federal government. From helping Get.gov simplify domain requests to working with Notify.gov to develop a new public benefits texting service, the six projects featured here focus on putting their users first. Learn more about how these launches emphasize the importance of user research and strong partnerships in delivering better government services.

Supporting innovation through the American Rescue Plan

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

GSA uses American Rescue Plan funding for over 40 initiatives to foster community, improve user experiences, and empower underserved populations.

Reassessing priorities: Adapting to additional work without additional resources

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Office of Natural Resources Revenue’s Open Data, Design, and Development (ODD) team is taking on management of a fourth website, despite being short-staffed. As a result, they have revisited and reprioritized their yearly goals. To do so, they utilized a prioritization matrix, developed a structured impact assessment, and laid out a transition plan. Their process ensured realistic workload adjustments, improved team morale, and highlighted the importance of practical goal-setting, especially when teams are short-staffed.

18F's engineering craft practices at 10

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

18F recently celebrated its 10th anniversary by renewing its commitment to refining and sharing best practices through regular publications, tech talks, and updates to the 18F Engineering Guide. They also created a permanent principal consulting engineer role to enhance digital service delivery and support skill development within the organization.

18F's engineering craft practices at 10

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

18F recently celebrated its 10th anniversary by renewing its commitment to refining and sharing best practices through regular publications, tech talks, and updates to The 18F Engineering Guide. They also instructed a permanent principal consulting engineer role to enhance digital service delivery and support skill development within the organization.

Bridge the gap between policy and implementation: Impactful solutions and strategies for success from Digital.gov's spring 2024 summit

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 10:55:00 -0500

The summit highlighted digital transformation, emphasizing the significance of recent OMB memos for improving accessibility and customer experience.

FEMA National Summit on Risk Communications, Crisis Communications, and Community Engagement

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Office of External Affairs is convening risk and crisis communicators and community leaders who are on the front-line of the climate and emerging hazard crises. Attend the free, June 10, 2024, summit virtually, or in Washington, DC. The agenda includes: the sharing invaluable tools and insights, how to implement culturally competent and accessible communications, how to integrate behavior change strategies, and more. An ASL interpreter will be provided.

Progress towards delivering a digital-first public experience

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Each year, more than 400 million individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and local governments get information and services from about 430 federal agencies and sub-agencies. The Biden-Harris administration is driving a bold vision for how government agencies serve their customers digitally with OMB’s ten-year roadmap for a modern digital experience. Agencies have already made significant strides. Learn about recent successes by the IRS, CDC, NASA, and FEMA, and how OMB will continue to collaborate with agencies to ensure ongoing improvement in digital government services.

Celebrating the work of public servants

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Performance.gov invites you to participate in their #GovPossible campaign to celebrate Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW)! Recognize the invaluable efforts of government employees who ensure that the everyday needs of Americans are met. Access a range of tools and resources to help you join the #GovPossible campaign and show your support. The #GovPossible toolkit makes it easy for you to participate in this important (and fun!) campaign.

Calling All Americans! The federal government is seeking your input

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) wants your thoughts on how federal agencies can more broadly and meaningfully engage with you and your communities. Share your ideas by May 17, 2024 to help build a more inclusive, responsive, transparent, and accountable government.

18F at ten

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:02:00 -0500

We’re celebrating all the ways we continue to realize our founding vision: bringing technologists into government, launching shared digital services, and helping partner agencies build user-centered technology.

In 2023, TTS stepped up to meet growing technology demands for government

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 11:21:00 -0500

GSA’s Technology Transformation Services (TTS) celebrated major milestones and met growing demand for its services in 2023. This wrap-up summaries key successes in five areas: improving customer experience, modernizing federal technology, innovating for the future, focus on equity and accessibility, and building the technology workforce of tomorrow.

Managing a high-performing dream team in the federal government

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 12:32:00 -0500

Discover how the Open Data, Design, and Development (ODDD) team at the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) transformed their federal projects with Agile methodologies, creating a culture of collaboration, accountability, and openness. From unique sprint names to engaging traditions and innovative knowledge-sharing practices, this blog post offers insights into building a high-performing dream team in government.

IHS health information technology modernization: The path forward

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 16:28:00 -0500

Save the date for this year’s fourth Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer, hosted by the IHS Health IT Modernization Program. The virtual event on November 8 will provide updates to the EHR vendor selection and program timeline, as well as host an open and welcoming space for dialogue with IHS leadership.

Reflections on a year in government from 11 U.S. Digital Corps fellows

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 11:41:00 -0500

To celebrate their first year in government, 11 U.S. Digital Corps Fellows reflect on what they have learned.

HHS Leverages Data for Impact and Action at the 2023 Health Datapalooza

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:29:00 -0500

U.S. Digital Corps Fellows at HHS proved instrumental to delivering this year’s Health Datapalooza, especially the 2023 Health Equity DataJam, which launched at the event as a two-month-long technology sprint through the end of April. A professional association for health services and policy researchers will run the DataJam using HHS open data. Thanks to the U.S. Digital Corps Fellows, HealthData.gov includes DataJam challenge prompts, priority themes, open datasets, and curated resources for solvers.

Challenge.Gov FY22 Year In Review

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 08:32:00 -0500

Challenge.gov is proud to be part of an ecosystem advancing open innovation in the federal government and engaging the public in open ways. Through the collective efforts of federal challenge managers and the ChallengeGov team, Challenge.gov hosted more prize competitions from a greater number of federal agencies than in previous years. Review fiscal year 2022’s accomplishments, and five goals for FY23.

Creating a Culture of Innovation at Your Agency

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 10:10:00 -0500

When we talk about innovation in government tech, what do we mean? During a recent project, 18F partnered with a government innovation lab to help them understand the impact innovation can have at their organization.

Technology-boosting TMF Investments Deliver Benefits for the American Public

Mon, 23 May 2022 11:00:00 -0500

The Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) is working to transform the way the government uses technology to deliver for the American public in an equitable, secure and user-friendly way. It strategically invests in priority IT modernization projects that are aligned with the fast pace of changing technology and agency needs. Here are a few examples of how the TMF has invested in multiple projects that are helping many agencies deliver what people need when they need.

The Opportunity Project 2021 Summit: Open Innovation for All

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 13:49:00 -0500

3 Health-Tech Tips From the Team Behind VA’s COVID-19 Clinical Decision Tool

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 12:13:00 -0500

Presidential Innovation Fellow Kaeli Yuen shares tips for developing clinician- and patient-centered healthcare tools.

Innovation Adoption

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 10:30:00 -0500

Our purpose is to build innovation and intrapreneurship capacity across government by investing in and nurturing innovation, intrapreneurship capabilities, and the innovation experience.

The U.S. Data Federation graduates the 10x Program, Launches New Repository

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 13:40:00 -0500

GSA’s 10x program is proud and excited to announce the graduation of the U.S. Data Federation project, the first to exit 10x after receiving all four phases of 10x investment.

Federal Leadership and Professional Development

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 16:00:00 -0500

Providing federal employees with seminars on leadership, professional development, and strategy.

DigitalGov Year in Review: Our Top Blogs, Resources, and Writers for 2016

Fri, 03 Feb 2017 11:25:00 -0500

DigitalGov had a pretty great year in 2016, and that was largely due to a bevy of talented and dedicated writers from over 50 agencies and departments across all 3 branches of the federal government (Thank you!!!). Below, we’ll review some program highlights from the last year, including our top-viewed articles and resources, and tell you how you, too, can contribute to DigitalGov in 2017.

Challenge.gov

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Provides resources and collaborative opportunities to facilitate the use of prize competitions in government.

White House and GSA Open Innovation Forum: Building Equitable Partnerships

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 14:00:00 -0500

Celebrating OSTP’s biennial report to Congress on Implementation of Federal Prizes and Citizen Science Authority, Fiscal Years 2019 - 2020, and the role of community partnerships in the federal open innovation landscape.

Get your Idea Funded Through GSA's 10x Program

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 14:00:00 -0500

The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about 10x’s newest round of idea selections. We want attendees to learn about 10x, understand what it takes to submit, and feel empowered to submit.

Federal Crowdsourcing Webinar Series, Episode 12: How AFWERX Crowdsources an Innovation Culture

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 14:00:00 -0500

The Air Force is catalyzing innovation with a variety of partners.

Federal Crowdsourcing Webinar Series, Episode 10: A precisionFDA Strike for Public Health

Tue, 12 May 2020 14:00:00 -0500

See how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration crowdsources to identify potential health risks.

Federal Crowdsourcing Webinar Series, Episode 9: A Match Made in History

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 14:00:00 -0500

History Hub is a crowdsourcing platform that helps the public find historical records.

10x Announces 25 Projects to Start Phase One

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 15:30:00 -0500

10x, the federal venture studio, has approved 25 new projects for Phase One funding.

18F Is Here to Help During Critical Times

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 19:00:00 -0500

Government agencies are seeing their systems and staff stretched to the max as they do their best to serve the public. 18F is a team of government employees with expertise in modern digital tools and practices, and we’re here to help.

Federal Crowdsourcing Webinar Series, Episode 8: How NASA@WORK Ignites Ideas from Within

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Learn how NASA’s workforce contributes inspiring ideas as part of internal idea competitions facilitated NASA@WORK program.

Federal Crowdsourcing Webinar Series, Episode 7: Crowdsourcing for Code

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 14:00:00 -0500

Learn how the Code.gov team, and every day contributors, are helping the U.S. government to expand its repository—and application—of open-source code as part of Code.gov’s Open Tasks initiative.

What the PIFs Have Been Up to in 2019

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 10:30:00 -0500

Members of the PIF class of 2019 include data strategists, AI specialists, venture capitalists, and neuroscientists. See what they’ve been up to this year.

An Introduction to 10x and How to Get Your Idea Funded

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 15:00:00 -0500

Learn how you can work with the new investment fund for technology products in the government.

Get Your Idea Funded Through 10x

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 09:00:00 -0500

Introducing a new investment fund for technology products in the federal government

American Tech Series, Part One: Why Leave the Private Sector?

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 15:00:00 -0500

In part one of this multi-part YouTube Live series, learn how civic technologists work to better our government.

U.S. Government Open Innovation Summit

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 09:30:00 -0500

Presentations that highligh the potential and impact of crowdsourcing through citizen science and prize competitions in the U.S. government

Deep Dive: Using Data Technology + Innovation for Lyme Disease

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 13:00:00 -0500

A 14-week sprint delivered digital tools that used federal open data to address Lyme and tick-borne diseases.

Deep Dive: How a Health Tech Sprint Pioneered an AI Ecosystem

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 13:00:00 -0500

Seven teams created digital tools that help in finding experimental therapies for patients, and for clinical trials to recruit new patients.

Introducing the 2019 Presidential Innovation Fellows

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 09:24:00 -0500

We are excited to announce our 2019 Presidential Innovation Fellows (PIF) who have begun their “tour of duty” in American tech.

Out On the Front Lines of Civic Tech

Wed, 19 Dec 2018 09:00:00 -0500

A look back at the Presidential Innovation Fellows work with federal agencies in 2018.

Health Tech Sprint Aims at Improving Care Access and Experience

Fri, 02 Nov 2018 10:40:00 -0500

This sprint is designed to improve care by assisting in access to novel therapeutics and improving clinical trials.

Want a More Innovative Agency? Encourage Employees to Experiment

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 10:12:00 -0500

How agency leaders can create a work environment that fosters innovation via creativity and experimentation.

Collaborating for Better Design, Technology, and User Experience

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 12:18:00 -0500

Overview of initiatives across Federal government that focus on IT design, development and accessibility.

Emerging Tech and Open Data for a More Open and Accountable Government

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 08:44:44 -0400

Open data and emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence and distributed ledgers, such as blockchain—hold vast potential to transform public services held back by bureaucracy and outdated IT systems.

The Data Briefing: Ten Years of Digital Transformation—Lessons Learned

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 12:00:00 -0400

Since 2007, a major consulting firm has conducted an annual survey on organizations’ “Digital IQ.” In the ten years of organizations grappling with digital transformation, what has been learned?

VA Innovators Network Program: Ahead of the Curve in Healthcare Innovation

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 11:00:59 -0400

VA Innovators Network Program Selected as FedHealth IT Innovation Award Winner This month, FedHealth IT announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Innovators Network Program was selected as a 2017 recipient of the FedHealthIT Innovation Award. FedHealth IT recognized 25 Federal Health

Advice From Digital Thought Leaders

Thu, 22 Jun 2017 15:31:18 -0400

Many know that digital tools have become indispensable for connecting with many audiences—but we also know that what’s available in the digital realm is always changing. So how do you know what tools are best for your purpose? And how do you plan for your organization’s digital future when the pace of change is so

Fostering Medical Innovation: A Plan for Digital Health Devices

Fri, 16 Jun 2017 15:07:18 -0400

It is incumbent upon FDA to ensure that we have the right policies in place to promote and encourage safe and effective innovation that can benefit consumers, and adopt regulatory approaches to enable the efficient development of these technologies. By taking an efficient, risk-based approach to our regulation, FDA can promote health through the creation

The Data Briefing: the Promise – and Perils – of Artificial Emotional Intelligence

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 11:37:13 -0400

People are quick to treat computer programs as being more aware than computer code could be. However, can computer programs – especially chatbots – have a significant effect on people? Especially people suffering from depression or anxiety? A recent academic study shows some promising results from using a chatbot as a complement to a human therapist.

Opening Public Services to Artificial Intelligence Assistants

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 14:02:20 -0400

“Hey, Computer, how do I access my public services?” Citizens will soon be able to ask their Intelligent Personal Assistants (IPA) this question through an Emerging Citizen Technology open-sourced pilot program. The purpose of the initiative is to guide dozens of federal programs make public service information available through automated, self-service platforms for the home

"Want to Expand Your Innovation Base? Dive In, Run a Challenge, and Listen to Your Customers"

Wed, 24 May 2017 14:00:58 -0400

The Office of the National Coordinator is a small agency in the Department of Health and Human Services whose mission is to increase the interoperability and use of electronic health records and health IT.

The Data Briefing: How to Best Prepare Federal Government Datasets for Chatbots

Wed, 10 May 2017 11:00:46 -0400

Forbes magazine recently ran an article showcasing six handy mobile apps that were built using federal government open data. The apps range from the Alternative Fueling Station Locator to ZocDoc (a doctor locator). What I especially like about the Forbes article is that the author describes the federal government data sets behind each app. There

Cybersecurity: Protecting Manufacturing Technology and Innovation

Thu, 04 May 2017 15:00:45 -0400

Recently a segment on my favorite morning news program stopped me in my tracks. The young and attractive hosts (why are they always so young and attractive?) were demonstrating new appliances including a smart refrigerator. The fridge was equipped with all kinds of high-tech features including touch screen displays, a camera inside that allows you

Federal Pilot to Integrate Public Services Into Intelligent Personal Assistants

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 11:00:33 -0400

The demand for more automated, self-service access to United States public services, when and where citizens need them, grows each day—and so do advances in the consumer technologies like Intelligent Personal Assistants designed to meet those challenges. The U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA)

The Future of Technology at GSA

Fri, 02 Dec 2016 12:00:54 -0400

The potential to transform government and impact the lives of Americans is tremendous. Our country needs the government to work well, and technology is the key to that.

Sharing Public Service Visions for Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence

Wed, 30 Nov 2016 12:00:46 -0400

I’m taking a break from sorting through dozens of concepts from federal agencies about how they want to use artificial intelligence and virtual reality for citizens in the coming months in order to share with you just some of these groundbreaking initiatives of tomorrow that can be explored at a DigitalGov University workshop this week.

White House Electric Vehicle Datathon: Unlocking New Opportunities through Data

Tue, 22 Nov 2016 11:08:26 -0400

The White House is hosting its first-ever Electric Vehicle Datathon, and nominations for participation are now open. Don’t miss your chance to join the discussion!

New Trademark App Open Source Code on GitHub

Fri, 18 Nov 2016 03:00:31 -0400

Improving the way the government delivers information technology (IT) solutions to its customers isn’t just a goal, it’s our mission. We at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office know that by publishing our open source code, the public can help us come up with new and better IT solutions. In advance of the new Federal

Meeting Patients Where They Are: Liberating Clinical Trials Data Under the Cancer Moonshot

Wed, 16 Nov 2016 13:00:23 -0400

Cancer clinical trials are a critically important step on the pathway for new or improved treatments to make their way to patients in clinics and hospitals in towns and cities across the country. Patients and their loved ones are relying on these rigorous studies to determine whether promising new therapies and approaches might extend how

Hualapai Public Safety Meet Old and New Challenges Through Technology

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 11:00:06 -0400

How can a place be remote and virtually unpopulated, yet constantly full of thousands of people and teeming with activity? It certainly seems impossible, but that is exactly the situation at Grand Canyon West (GCW), home of the Hualapai indigenous Indian Tribe and the famous Skywalk.

The Data Briefing: Four Steps to Becoming a Data-Driven Organization

Wed, 09 Nov 2016 11:00:45 -0400

As the Federal government agencies begin the digital transformation journey, becoming a data-driven organization is even more vital. What does it mean to become a data-driven organization? According to one definition, “[a] data-driven company is an organization where every person who can use data to make better decisions, has access to the data they need

Celebrating Nanotechnology With a Day, a Dash, Some Nuggets, and a Plan

Fri, 04 Nov 2016 11:00:56 -0400

Summary: The release of an updated National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic Plan caps a month of activities highlighting nanotechnology. The Federal government continues to play a key role in the success of the U.S. nanotechnology enterprise through the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI)—as was

Laying the Foundation for a More Secure, Modern Government

Fri, 28 Oct 2016 03:00:16 -0400

Summary: Building on efforts to boost Federal cybersecurity & as part of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, today we’re releasing a proposed guidance to modernize Federal IT. America’s spirit of ingenuity and entrepreneurship created the world’s most innovative economy and keeps us dominant in today’s digital age. Indeed, in 1985 about 2,000 people used the Internet;

The Data Briefing: Help Predict the Future of Federal Government Data

Wed, 26 Oct 2016 13:00:55 -0400

In December, I plan to write two postings detailing a scenario analysis for the next ten years of the Federal government’s data technologies. Governments are on the cusp of amazing technological advances propelled by artificial intelligence, blockchain technologies, and the Internet of Things. Also, governments will face new challenges such as the recent global cyber

GSA launches new AI, Virtual Reality, and Authentication Programs

Wed, 26 Oct 2016 10:00:17 -0400

Today we’re launching three new initiatives powered by GSA Digital Communities that leap federal agencies ahead on some of the most innovative new capabilities becoming available to our programs — Artificial Intelligence, Virtual/Augmented Reality, and the U.S. Digital Registry. These new Communities and portal are products of inter-agency collaboration and our shared commitment pushing the

Changing the Knowledge Management Tides and Why it Matters: The Federal HR Wiki

Mon, 24 Oct 2016 12:00:26 -0400

Imagine this – a go-to member of your organization just retired, a furlough is approaching, and now no one knows what to do. What communications need to go out? Who is considered ‘excepted’? Can the daycare center stay open? In the absence of mind-melds, how do you make expert knowledge easily accessible to newer team

GAO to Congress: Federal Agencies Are Making a Difference Through Open Innovation

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 13:00:16 -0400

Federal agencies confront tough problems every day. In searching for solutions, agencies will want to attract different perspectives, test new products, build capacity and communities, and increase public awareness. How do they do it? The answer: open innovation. Federal agencies need to engage and collaborate with all sectors of society, a task made easier by

Announcing the Digital Acquisition Accelerator Playbook

Thu, 20 Oct 2016 11:00:41 -0400

Built on the lessons learned during the pilot phase of the Digital Acquisitions Accelerator, the accompanying playbook examines the current acquisition landscape and provides an approach to procuring custom software solutions.

Progressive Web Applications, Part 2: Pros, Cons, and Looking Ahead

Thu, 13 Oct 2016 11:00:04 -0400

A few weeks ago, Progressive Web Applications, Part 1: the New Pack Mule of the Internet introduced PWAs and the technologies behind them. We shared that article to the MobileGov Community of Practice and asked about the pros and cons of this approach to winning mobile moments. What Are Some Benefits of PWAs? PWAs bring

Transforming the Federal Marketplace, Two Years In

Tue, 11 Oct 2016 11:00:16 -0400

Summary: It’s been two years since we laid out the Administration’s plan to transform the Federal marketplace. Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished, and what’s next. Over the last two years, we’ve focused on our mission to implement the President’s vision for a modern government– one that leverages private-sector best practices to achieve a

Vendors and Government Strengthen Partnership at Technology Industry Day

Fri, 30 Sep 2016 10:00:02 -0400

On September 8, 2016, the General Services Administration (GSA) held a Technology Industry Day. We’re thrilled that more than 300 members of the technology industry in person and via the live stream were able to join us for this first step towards a closer partnership and more open lines of communication about how we can work together to transform federal technology.

NASA: Open Gov Plan 2016 Outline

Thu, 29 Sep 2016 02:00:50 -0400

Here is the outline for our 2016 Open Government Plan. Let us know what you think.

The Data Briefing: A New Perspective on the Digital Transformation of Government

Wed, 28 Sep 2016 02:00:23 -0400

One day, at an unnamed agency, the Outlook server crashed. The server stayed down for the rest of the afternoon. Deprived of email and meeting calendars, employees wandered around trying to remember what meetings they had to attend. Other employees went searching for people who they ordinarily would email. There was confusion that made people

GSA Hosts First-Ever Technology Industry Day in Washington, D.C.

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 10:00:53 -0400

On September 8, 2016 Administrator Denise Turner Roth of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) hosted the first-ever Technology Industry Day to provide a better understanding of GSA’s path to improve the government’s outdated technology systems. Private industry and government came together to find best ways to deliver 21st century technology to federal agencies.

Progressive Web Applications, Part 1: the New Pack Mule of the Internet

Tue, 20 Sep 2016 11:00:19 -0400

A mule is the hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a horse. This new species is stronger and better equipped than the species from which it comes. Overall, mules tend to be healthier, more sound, and live longer than horses. They are favored over horses in mountainous terrain because the mule has a reputation for being more surefooted than their equine cousins.

No Longer an Idea of the Future, Artificial Intelligence Is Here and You Are Probably Already Using It

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 11:00:12 -0400

It might surprise some of you to know that artificial intelligence (AI) is already in use and a routine part of our daily lives, but we leverage this technology when we use our smartphones or other devices to ask Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana, Google Now, or Amazon’s Alexa a question to get the facts or data we

The Data Briefing: Harnessing the Internet of Things and Synthetic Data to Provide Better Flood Warnings and Prevent Veterans Suicides

Wed, 14 Sep 2016 11:00:37 -0400

Two significant items in federal government data in the last few weeks: The Department of Commerce releases the National Water Model. The National Water Model provides a comprehensive model of river flows so local communities can better prepare for possible flooding events. What is especially amazing about the National Water Model is that it pulls

Agency Mobile Resources at the Ready Following OMB Memo

Fri, 09 Sep 2016 01:00:59 -0400

Note: This is a guest blog post by Amando E. Gavino, Jr., Director, Office of Network Services, ITS/FAS/GSA. He is responsible for a portfolio of telecommunication acquisition solutions that provide government agencies the ability to meet their diverse set of telecommunication requirements. Acquisition solutions include Networx, Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions – EIS (the future replacement for

Sharing The Story of Innovation

Thu, 08 Sep 2016 11:00:55 -0400

Our goal for a more veteran-centered and innovative VA is shared. Our approach to innovation is collaborative. Our approach to innovation is driven by listening, understanding and responding to the experiences and stories of the Veterans we serve. We were huddled on squeaky chairs in the social room of a transitional housing facility in Los

Looking Back and Looking Forward: the Future of Public Safety Communications in the Post 9/11 Era—a Video Series

Thu, 08 Sep 2016 01:00:56 -0400

The week before Patriot Day, our nation’s annual remembrance of the 9/11 attacks, first responders share their remembrances and vision for the future of public safety communications in this video series. This week, we’ll hear from: Mike Worrell, Senior Fire Advisor, FirstNet Chad Weber, Public Information Officer, Florida Wildlife Conservation, Northeast Region Mike Duyck, Fire

Sign up for the Technology Industry Day

Wed, 31 Aug 2016 13:00:45 -0400

On September 8, 2016, the General Services Administration (GSA) is hosting its very first Technology Industry Day. Sign up to hear about how GSA is transforming technology in the federal government, see demos of products and solutions developed by technologists and, last but not least, provide feedback on how we can work better with industry.

Making Modernizations and Migrations Successful

Fri, 19 Aug 2016 12:25:31 -0400

Summary: Today, we’re launching the M3 Framework to provide agencies with leading best practices for mission-support function modernizations and migrations. The government’s internal operations have a powerful impact on service to its citizens, and this Administration has made transformation of management practices within the Federal Government a key priority. By sharing and streamlining mission support services

The People’s Code

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 01:00:47 -0400

Summary: Today, we’re releasing the Federal Source Code policy to support improved access to custom software code developed by or for the Federal Government. “If we can reconceive of our government so that the interactions and the interplay between private sector, nonprofits, and government are opened up, and we use technology, data, social media in order

That Six-Letter Word: Change

Thu, 04 Aug 2016 11:00:58 -0400

One of the biggest challenges in implementing a new technology or process is change. Change creates a multitude of feelings; for some it is apprehension and uncertainty, while for others it is excitement and acceptance. Change management is defined as “a systematic approach to dealing with change, both from the perspective of an organization and

DARPA: A Case Study in Open Innovation

Mon, 25 Jul 2016 12:00:25 -0400

You may not know it, but the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, has changed your life. There’s the Internet, for starters. And if that isn’t enough, the agency also has played a pivotal role in shaping GPS, stealth aircraft and drone technology. In fact, ever since its creation under President Eisenhower, DARPA has

Unlocking the Promise of Broadband for All Americans

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 02:30:50 -0400

The Administration announces new wireless research efforts that will improve testing and research of advanced wireless technologies.

NASA Space Apps Challenge: 2016 Global Winners!

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 14:00:49 -0400

We’re thrilled to announce the Space Apps 2016 Global Award Winners!! These projects well represent the best of the best innovative thinking this year. Congratulations to all the teams. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming NASA launch in Florida.

White House: Challenges, Citizen Science Among Top Innovation Efforts of Past 8 Years

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 11:30:32 -0400

The White House this week released a report detailing the impact of 100 initiatives that have expanded U.S. capacity in science, technology and innovation over the past eight years. Evident throughout the report is the influence of Challenge.gov and CitizenScience.gov, two open innovation programs managed by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). In fact, among

700 Strong: Challenge.gov Crosses New Milestone in Open Innovation

Wed, 15 Jun 2016 11:00:04 -0400

Challenge.gov, the official website for crowdsourcing and prize competitions across government, celebrated its five-year anniversary in October 2015. Now, not even one year later, the site has reached another milestone. On Monday, two agencies launched new challenges, bringing the total

Open Data Democratizes Innovation

Thu, 02 Jun 2016 14:15:24 -0400

Americans Use Public Data to Improve the Lives of Fellow Citizens Data is one of our most important national assets. It informs our policy and our national priorities. But as we have seen time and time again, the most effective way to govern is to engage with the public directly. Thanks to the President’s Executive Order requiring

Your Trek to Vesta & Mars Starts Now

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 13:02:23 -0400

The NASA Open Innovation team is pleased to announce the availability of the APIs that power Mars Trek and Vesta Trek on api.nasa.gov. The APIs for Mars provide data from the Mars Express, Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter missions with 21 different data products such as MOLA Altimetery Hillshade, Viking and THEMIS.

Bringing Agile Inside

Thu, 25 Feb 2016 13:00:58 -0400

We hear a lot about agile software development being used in work with customers and end users. User stories are developed, coders and programmers turn them into prototypes, then testing is done to make sure the features work and do what is expected. But, agile is more than a way to develop software; it’s a

Challenges, Crowdsourcing, Citizen Science: What’s the Dif?

Wed, 16 Dec 2015 11:10:18 -0400

There’s more than one way to harness the wisdom of the crowd. In honor of December’s monthly theme, we’re diving into and defining the various ways that federal agencies use public contributions to meet real needs and fulfill important objectives. Crowdsourcing Two’s company, three’s a crowd—and getting input from many is crowdsourcing. A White House

Open Data Policy (M-13-13)

Tue, 01 Dec 2015 12:50:58 -0400

This Memorandum establishes a framework to help institutionalize the principles of effective information management at each stage of the information’s life cycle to promote interoperability and openness.

The Data Briefing: Innovating Health Data at the HHS IDEA Lab

Wed, 18 Nov 2015 10:00:07 -0400

By the time this is published, the United States, along with 160 other countries, will be celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week 2015. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) IDEA Lab is an outstanding example of a federal agency using open data to foster economic growth through empowering federal employees with innovative ideas and opening health data to the private sector.

The White House, Back To The Future Day, and the Road to Innovation

Wed, 21 Oct 2015 09:47:15 -0400

The White House is marking Back to the Future Day with a series of conversations with innovators across the country. Follow along here.

An Innovation Framework That Delivers: The SunShot Catalyst Program

Fri, 07 Aug 2015 10:00:00 -0400

Behind every great innovation is a team. And behind successful innovation teams are efficient tools, processes, and most importantly, people. The Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative funds projects that make solar energy more affordable and accessible for Americans. As part of the initiative, the SunShot Catalyst open innovation program seeks to rapidly deliver solar solutions

Vote to Make the Spring Summit a Success

Fri, 06 Feb 2015 11:10:14 -0400

Thanks to your awesome input on the Citizen Services Summit agenda and the rallying of the Summit Sounding Board, we now have more than 70 ideas and 50 comments on those ideas. Vote early and Vote often! We’ve opened up the voting floodgates for these 70 ideas until February 28th! Now

The API Briefing: Make 2015 the Year You Create an App

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 10:00:04 -0400

According to some experts, over 80% of Americans will make a least one New Year’s resolution. So, if you are looking for a way to improve yourself while helping others, think about making a resolution to learn how to build a mobile app that can be used in disaster relief.

CFPB's IdeaBox: an Open-Source Internal Ideation Platform

Mon, 03 Nov 2014 10:00:00 -0400

IdeaBox is an application that helps an organization collect ideas, organize them, and solicit comments and votes on the ideas. Do you want to build an innovation program at your organization? Learn how you can leverage resources from IdeaBox, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s initiative to generate, incubate, and implement great ideas from employees across the agency.

Challenge, Contract or Grant – Which tool is right for the job?

Thu, 14 Aug 2014 09:52:00 -0400

Choosing between a contract, a grant, or a public prize competition to get solutions to the problems your agency faces is a difficult task. Each is a tool that has different qualities and each might be the best choice for varying situations.

The Trend is Diversity, in Challenge and Prize Competitions

Tue, 15 Jul 2014 10:00:13 -0400

The U.S. government has launched more than 45 challenge and prize competitions so far in Fiscal Year 2014. What trends are we seeing? Well, the trend is…diversity. That might sound like an oxymoron, but federal agencies are really putting themselves out there, asking the crowd to help tackle a wide array of problems. Until August 3rd,

Challenge and Prize Practitioners Gather at GSA

Fri, 13 Jun 2014 10:00:48 -0400

Got innovation? Well, we do! On Wednesday May 28, the Challenge.gov team gathered the Challenges and Prizes Community of Practice together for its quarterly meeting.

Ignite with Us

Wed, 21 May 2014 15:00:05 -0400

Have a DigitalGov success?—published an API? Got buy-in from leadership? Changed a part of your customer-service paradigm? Developed a cool dashboard? Got the app out the door? Heck! Have you prototyped a wearable, drivable or flyable? Have a DigitalGov opinion?—think we should be focusing more or less on something? Have an idea on how to

Because It’s Hard

Wed, 07 May 2014 10:00:35 -0400

Two years ago, federal agencies were set on a fast track to create a 21st century digital government. The Federal Digital Strategy served up a heaping set of deliverables on a tight timeline.

Civic Hacking: Pathways for Participation

Fri, 02 May 2014 10:00:00 -0400

The National Day of Civic Hacking is actually a weekend. An awe-inspiring two days of collaborative work where coders, designers, writers, innovative thinkers,

Get Started with Challenge and Prize Competitions

Mon, 31 Mar 2014 10:00:13 -0400

Interested in running a challenge and prize competition, but don’t know where to start? Well, here are all the resources GSA’s Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies has to offer: 1) Challenge.gov. Put your agency’s challenges on this government-wide listing and learn about more than 300 public

Six Tips for Measuring Success in Challenge Competitions

Thu, 20 Mar 2014 10:09:09 -0400

You’ve run a challenge and prize competition, selected your winners, and distributed the prizes. If you think you’re done, guess again. There’s much more to challenge and prize competition success than getting a solution that solves your problem or meets the criteria.

HHS Uses Crowdsourcing in Booming mHealth Industry

Wed, 19 Mar 2014 10:07:39 -0400

The mobile health (mHealth) market is projected to become a $50 billion industry by 2020, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been actively contributing to the rise of the mHealth applications. The agency uses public prize competitions like the recent “Game On: HIV/STD Prevention Mobile Application Video Game Challenge” to crowdsource a

Crowdsource Ideas with New Competition Platform

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 12:26:37 -0400

Federal agencies now have the ability to create a challenge competition website that accepts submissions and allows public voting with a new, no-cost tool. The Challenge.gov team unveiled and demonstrated the capabilities of GSA’s new crowdsourcing and prize competition platform, Challenge.sites.usa.gov on a DigitalGov University webinar. The platform is now available for any

Open for Innovation in DigitalGov!

Wed, 26 Feb 2014 08:43:24 -0400

There’s tons of great work and innovations happening in federal agencies, and it is happening fast. They are embracing the 21st-century citizen expectations and working to deliver anytime, anywhere, any device services and information to the public.

Lights, Camera, Action! 7 Tips to Run a Successful Video Challenge

Thu, 20 Feb 2014 10:10:13 -0400

Not sure how to craft a video challenge that will result in the creative solutions your agency is looking for? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Jason Crusan from NASA and Tammi Marcoullier from Challenge.gov joined a recent DigitalGov University webinar to share best practices and hurdles in running video competitions. We’ve recapped their advice and key

Join HHS Ignite Innovation Day on Friday

Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:23:22 -0400

This post was originally published on the IDEA Lab blog by Read Holman, HHS Innovation Advisor to the Chief Technology Officer and an Intrapreneur working in the HHS IDEA Lab. Launched last year in “beta” by Secretary Sebelius, HHS Ignite supports early-stage projects that can be completed in tight time frames. Ignite is part of HHS’s IDEA Lab, which

Citizen Needs Come First for UK Websites

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 01:02:31 -0400

We have long believed that “governments learn best from other governments” and encourage far-ranging discussions with experts from other countries, as well as state and local governments. An example of this came to fruition when Michael Bracken, creator and director of the United Kingdom’s Government Digital Service, spoke to

Challenge Contest Requirements

Fri, 13 Dec 2013 17:14:24 -0400

As you are planning your challenge, you will want to review the relevant policies, memos, and legislation pertaining to challenge competitions.

Challenge.gov Named as Top 5 Finalist Harvard Innovation Award

Tue, 26 Nov 2013 09:34:23 -0400

Thanks to the tremendous work of challenge managers across federal government and the support of the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy, the Challenge.gov program at GSA has been named one of the top 5

Ideation Challenges

Thu, 14 Nov 2013 13:13:08 -0400

Tips for Conducting an Ideation Challenge Examples of Ideation Challenges Criteria for Choosing an Ideation Platform Online Platforms and Tools Challenge and prize competitions are one tool that federal agencies use to drive innovation and solve mission-centric problems—whether technical, scientific, or creative. One type of competition is ideation, which allows you to collect ideas from

Software and Apps Challenges

Wed, 06 Nov 2013 14:13:29 -0400

Challenge and prize competitions are one path that federal agencies take to drive innovation and solve mission-centric problems—whether technical, scientific, or creative. One type of competition is software and apps challenges, where solvers are asked to develop specific software or other code-based technical solutions, such as websites, mobile applications, or algorithms. Here you’ll find tips

Federal Government Challenges and Contests

Fri, 01 Nov 2013 13:10:14 -0400

What is a Challenge? In a challenge, a “seeker” challenges “solvers” to identify a solution to a particular problem, or rewards contestants for accomplishing a goal. The solutions may be: ideas, designs, logos, videos, finished products, digital games, or mobile applications. There are many challenge success stories in government: Challenges Conducted in 2011 Under America COMPETES Act

Technology Demonstration and Market Stimulation Challenges

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 13:32:25 -0400

Challenge and prize competitions are one path that federal agencies take to drive innovation and solve mission-centric problems—whether technical, scientific, or creative. One type of competition is technology demonstration and market stimulation prizes, competitions that result in fully developed solutions to address market failures, solve significant problems facing society, or catalyze and demonstrate breakthrough technical

Mobile Code Sharing Catalog Snippet: Leaflet

Wed, 23 Oct 2013 14:07:23 -0400

Would you like help incorporating mobile-friendly maps in your mobile sites and/or web apps? Check out Leaflet, available on the Mobile Code Sharing Catalog, a modern open-source JavaScript library for mobile-friendly interactive maps. It is developed by Vladimir Agafonkin of CloudMade with a team of dedicated contributors. Weighing

Mobile Code Sharing Catalog Snippet: Web Experience Toolkit (WET)

Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:46:20 -0400

Looking to jumpstart your mobile website development? Check out the Web Experience Toolkit (WET) available on the Mobile Code Sharing Catalog. The toolkit includes reusable components for building and maintaining innovative Web sites that are accessible, usable, and interoperable. Developed as a collaborative open source project by the Government of Canada, the WET has reusable

Trends on Tuesday: 10 Mobile Trends to Embrace

Tue, 02 Jul 2013 09:24:48 -0400

Jackie Rov of tmgmedia points out that with more than a billion smartphones in consumer’s pockets, it’s more important than ever for brands to adapt their strategy to mobile trends. To engage with consumers in the mobile era, we must understand the shift in consumer behavior

Tips for Creating Great Digital Content for Kids

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:24:36 -0400

Great websites for kids have many of the same features as websites for adults, but some key differences are worth noting when writing digital content for kids or teens. Kids have short attention spans, so it’s important to keep your site engaging, fun,

Planning an Apps Challenge

Wed, 08 May 2013 02:27:12 -0400

Apps challenges are a great way to spur innovation and help your agency meet its mission. But before you jump in, learn about how apps challenges work, to ensure yours is successful. Design Concept or Functioning App? What kind of product do you want from your apps challenge? A working app; or A concept for

Harvard’s Top 25 Innovations in Government

Wed, 01 May 2013 14:22:08 -0400

Nine federal programs made the list! Harvard’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation announced the Top 25 Innovations in Government May 1. A winner and four finalists will be revealed this fall. The Washington Post described how Harvard’s review

How to Improve an Apps Challenge

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 02:32:50 -0400

The contest is over, but your work isn’t finished. Maintain a positive relationship with the community you’ve developed around your challenge. You will want to reach out to them in the future. Close the challenge and present awards Hold an awards ceremony to draw attention to the winners and to your challenge. The team behind

How to Implement an Apps Challenge

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 02:30:29 -0400

Recruiting the right judges, writing clear rules, and ensuring the public can find your apps challenge online will help ensure success. Recruit the judges Reach out to those who have expertise in your topic or are influential in the area. Well-known judges will help you draw attention to your challenge, and the judges are likely

Battle Royale: Mobile Web Versus Mobile Apps

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:32:24 -0400

When agency folks gather together to talk about mobile gov, the number one question asked is, “Should we do a mobile app or a mobile web site?” To help people with that question, we became fight promoters and sponsored THE BATTLE OF THE CENTURY: Mobile Web Vs. Mobile Apps.

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Indian Health Service, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Innovation on Digital.gov

18F's year of launches

Supporting innovation through the American Rescue Plan

Reassessing priorities: Adapting to additional work without additional resources

18F's engineering craft practices at 10

18F's engineering craft practices at 10

Bridge the gap between policy and implementation: Impactful solutions and strategies for success from Digital.gov's spring 2024 summit

FEMA National Summit on Risk Communications, Crisis Communications, and Community Engagement

Progress towards delivering a digital-first public experience

Celebrating the work of public servants

Calling All Americans! The federal government is seeking your input

18F at ten

In 2023, TTS stepped up to meet growing technology demands for government

Managing a high-performing dream team in the federal government

IHS health information technology modernization: The path forward

Reflections on a year in government from 11 U.S. Digital Corps fellows

HHS Leverages Data for Impact and Action at the 2023 Health Datapalooza

Challenge.Gov FY22 Year In Review

Creating a Culture of Innovation at Your Agency

Technology-boosting TMF Investments Deliver Benefits for the American Public

The Opportunity Project 2021 Summit: Open Innovation for All

3 Health-Tech Tips From the Team Behind VA’s COVID-19 Clinical Decision Tool

Innovation Adoption

The U.S. Data Federation graduates the 10x Program, Launches New Repository

Federal Leadership and Professional Development

DigitalGov Year in Review: Our Top Blogs, Resources, and Writers for 2016

Challenge.gov

White House and GSA Open Innovation Forum: Building Equitable Partnerships

Get your Idea Funded Through GSA's 10x Program

Federal Crowdsourcing Webinar Series, Episode 12: How AFWERX Crowdsources an Innovation Culture

Federal Crowdsourcing Webinar Series, Episode 10: A precisionFDA Strike for Public Health

Federal Crowdsourcing Webinar Series, Episode 9: A Match Made in History

10x Announces 25 Projects to Start Phase One

18F Is Here to Help During Critical Times

Federal Crowdsourcing Webinar Series, Episode 8: How NASA@WORK Ignites Ideas from Within

Federal Crowdsourcing Webinar Series, Episode 7: Crowdsourcing for Code

What the PIFs Have Been Up to in 2019

An Introduction to 10x and How to Get Your Idea Funded

Get Your Idea Funded Through 10x

American Tech Series, Part One: Why Leave the Private Sector?

U.S. Government Open Innovation Summit

Deep Dive: Using Data Technology + Innovation for Lyme Disease

Deep Dive: How a Health Tech Sprint Pioneered an AI Ecosystem

Introducing the 2019 Presidential Innovation Fellows

Out On the Front Lines of Civic Tech

Health Tech Sprint Aims at Improving Care Access and Experience

Want a More Innovative Agency? Encourage Employees to Experiment

Collaborating for Better Design, Technology, and User Experience

Emerging Tech and Open Data for a More Open and Accountable Government

The Data Briefing: Ten Years of Digital Transformation—Lessons Learned

VA Innovators Network Program: Ahead of the Curve in Healthcare Innovation

Advice From Digital Thought Leaders

Fostering Medical Innovation: A Plan for Digital Health Devices

The Data Briefing: the Promise – and Perils – of Artificial Emotional Intelligence

Opening Public Services to Artificial Intelligence Assistants

​"Want to Expand Your Innovation Base? Dive In, Run a Challenge, and Listen to Your Customers"

The Data Briefing: How to Best Prepare Federal Government Datasets for Chatbots

Cybersecurity: Protecting Manufacturing Technology and Innovation

Federal Pilot to Integrate Public Services Into Intelligent Personal Assistants

The Future of Technology at GSA

Sharing Public Service Visions for Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence

White House Electric Vehicle Datathon: Unlocking New Opportunities through Data

New Trademark App Open Source Code on GitHub

Meeting Patients Where They Are: Liberating Clinical Trials Data Under the Cancer Moonshot

Hualapai Public Safety Meet Old and New Challenges Through Technology

The Data Briefing: Four Steps to Becoming a Data-Driven Organization

Celebrating Nanotechnology With a Day, a Dash, Some Nuggets, and a Plan

Laying the Foundation for a More Secure, Modern Government

The Data Briefing: Help Predict the Future of Federal Government Data

GSA launches new AI, Virtual Reality, and Authentication Programs

Changing the Knowledge Management Tides and Why it Matters: The Federal HR Wiki

GAO to Congress: Federal Agencies Are Making a Difference Through Open Innovation

Announcing the Digital Acquisition Accelerator Playbook

Progressive Web Applications, Part 2: Pros, Cons, and Looking Ahead

Transforming the Federal Marketplace, Two Years In

Vendors and Government Strengthen Partnership at Technology Industry Day

NASA: Open Gov Plan 2016 Outline

The Data Briefing: A New Perspective on the Digital Transformation of Government

GSA Hosts First-Ever Technology Industry Day in Washington, D.C.

Progressive Web Applications, Part 1: the New Pack Mule of the Internet

"Want to Expand Your Innovation Base? Dive In, Run a Challenge, and Listen to Your Customers"