Guides and Resources

Requirements for delivering a digital-first public experience

Learn how to implement 21st Century IDEA to design and deliver better websites and digital services.
An introduction to accessibility

An overview of how to design and deliver accessible digital products and services in the federal government
An advanced approach to accessibility

A deeper look at accessibility: what to do, how to do it, and why it matters.
An Introduction to USWDS 3.0

A design system for the federal government that makes it easier to build accessible, mobile-friendly government websites for the American public.
Bilingual Glossaries, Dictionaries, and Style Guides

Multilingual resources to standardize the use of various languages across government.
18F Accessibility Guide

A resource for developing accessible products.
Accessibility for Teams

A guide to making products more accessible for everyone.
FY 23 Governmentwide Section 508 Assessment

Report: Assessment of compliance with Section 508 requirements.
M-24-08 Strengthening Digital Accessibility and the Management of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

Provides requirements and recommendations to support agency integration of digital accessibility into their missions and operations, helping government technology and information resources better serve a diverse public and federal workforce.
PlainLanguage.gov

A resource to help federal employees write in plain language and comply with the Plain Writing Act of 2010.

Cloud Smart: Federal Cloud Computing Strategy

Founded on three key pillars of successful cloud adoption—security, procurement, and workforce—the Cloud Smart strategy includes 11 action items from the Chief Information Officers (CIO) Council.
TechFAR Hub

Understand how to buy, build, and deliver modern digital services while staying on the correct side of compliance with the TechFAR Hub.
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

The primary regulation for use by all executive agencies in their acquisition of supplies and services with appropriated funds. The FAR also contains standard solicitation provisions and contract clauses and the various agency FAR supplements.
Find Your Section 508 Program Manager

Agency Section 508 Program Managers (PMs) are your first point of contact for questions about IT accessibility.
Tabular Comparison of the Previous FAR Text Against the 2021 Update

These FAR Council updates are effective as of September 10, 2021.
Accessibility Requirements Tool (ART)

ART is a multifaceted tool that offers interactive, step-by-step guidance on how to determine applicable accessibility requirements.
Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 39.2 - Information and Communication Technology

This subpart implements section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794 d), and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board’s (U.S. Access Board) information and communication technology (ICT) accessibility standards at 36 CFR 1194.1.
18F De-risking Guides

The Federal Field Guide to De-risk Government Technology offers guidance to federal agencies on how to structure software development teams, write contracts, and oversee agile software activities to reduce risks and improve outcomes for end-users.

Requirements for delivering a digital-first public experience

Learn how to implement 21st Century IDEA to design and deliver better websites and digital services.
An introduction to customer experience

Understand what customer experience (CX) is and how to leverage customer feedback and analytics to enhance the public’s experience when interacting with government services.
An introduction to privacy

Introductory guidance on implementing privacy protections for users of federal websites.
An introduction to analytics

Learn how to set performance goals, and identify specific KPIs and targets to measure and meet them, using web analytics.
Introduction to QR codes

What is a QR code and how can you create one? What are some alternatives to using QR codes? This introductory resource will help you explore your options.
Web Analytics Playbook

Use these plays to help strategize how your team can most effectively use web analytics for your website and target audience.
How to Build an Analytics Strategy

A case study using Digital.gov as an example of how to assess, report, and take action using web analytics as part of an analytics strategy.

Administration Actions on AI

Steps to promote the safe, secure, and trustworthy use of AI. Includes: progress reports, federal agency use cases, and voluntary private sector commitments, as well as the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, NIST AI Risk Management Framework, National AI R&D Strategic Plan, and National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot.
Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence

Establishes new standards for AI safety and security, protects Americans’ privacy, advances equity and civil rights, stands up for consumers and workers, promotes innovation and competition, advances American leadership around the world, and more.
FACT SHEET: President Biden Issues Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence

Summarizes the eight sections of the Executive Order: New Standards for AI Safety and Security; Protecting Americans’ Privacy; Advancing Equity and Civil Rights; Standing Up for Consumers, Patients, and Students; Supporting Workers; Promoting Innovation and Competition; Advancing American Leadership Abroad; and Ensuring Responsible and Effective Government Use of AI.
National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan (PDF, 861 KB, 56 pages) 2023 Update

A report by the Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence of the National Science and Technology Council.
Blueprint for an AI Bill of rights

From the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights is a set of five principles and associated practices to help guide the design, use, and deployment of automated systems to protect the rights of the American public in the age of artificial intelligence.

Guidelines for Digital.gov event presenters

A checklist of requirements for people who are presenting at a Digital.gov event.
Cloud Smart: Federal Cloud Computing Strategy

Founded on three key pillars of successful cloud adoption—security, procurement, and workforce—the Cloud Smart strategy includes 11 action items from the Chief Information Officers (CIO) Council.
Moving to .gov

If you’re moving to .gov from another top-level domain, like .com, .org, or .us, here are some best practices to help you plan that transition.
Introduction to self-description

Help create inclusive digital spaces with these tips for using self-descriptions in virtual meetings or conference calls.

Requirements for improving the management of federal programs and projects

Learn how to implement the Program Management Improvement Accountability Act to deliver better websites and digital services.
Performance.gov

Performance.gov provides the public, agencies, members of Congress, academics, and the media a view into the progress underway to improve federal government performance and accountability to the American public.
TechFAR Hub

Understand how to buy, build, and deliver modern digital services while staying on the correct side of compliance with the TechFAR Hub.
An introduction to analytics

Learn how to set performance goals, and identify specific KPIs and targets to measure and meet them, using web analytics.
How to Build an Analytics Strategy

A case study using Digital.gov as an example of how to assess, report, and take action using web analytics as part of an analytics strategy.
How to track performance

A step-by-step guide to picking metrics and tools for tracking performance on your site.

Guidance on the Use of Challenges and Prizes to Promote Open Government

This guidance calls for the increased use of challenges and prizes to develop new tools and approaches to improve open government, and highlights for agencies policy and legal issues related to the use of prizes and challenges as tools for promoting open government, innovation, and other national priorities.

Cloud Smart: Federal Cloud Computing Strategy

Founded on three key pillars of successful cloud adoption—security, procurement, and workforce—the Cloud Smart strategy includes 11 action items from the Chief Information Officers (CIO) Council.

Guidelines for Digital.gov event presenters

A checklist of requirements for people who are presenting at a Digital.gov event.
An introduction to working with social media influencers

Learn how to partner with social media influencers and design, implement, and measure an influencer program.
The CDC Clear Communication Index

The CDC Clear Communication Index is a research-based tool to help you develop and assess public communication materials.
PlainLanguage.gov

A resource to help federal employees write in plain language and comply with the Plain Writing Act of 2010.
An introduction to pronouns

A guide for government employees and contractors to understand and use pronouns in the workplace.
Introduction to translation technology

What is translation technology? This introductory resource will help you understand how and when to use translation technology to provide meaningful access for people with limited English proficiency.
An introduction to plain language

Understand how and why to use plain language on government websites and other digital services
How to start and sustain a federal podcast

Discover how to create and maintain a successful podcast at your federal agency.
Introduction to self-description

Help create inclusive digital spaces with these tips for using self-descriptions in virtual meetings or conference calls.
Lessons from the 2021 Federal Plain Language Report Card

This event recap highlights best practices, a short case study video, and examples of federal web content that received both high and low scores in the 2021 Plain Language Report Card.

Tips for Starting Your Customer Experience Journey

Low-cost, low-lift actions that any federal employee can take to improve customer experience.
Fifteen Plays of Our Contact Center Approach

Following relevant laws, policies, and guidance, the Contact Center Center of Excellence (CoE) developed a 15-play Playbook for federal agencies that are looking to modernize and optimize their contact centers. While not every play will apply to your agency, these plays will get you started.
Contact Center Operation and Management

Many things can impact the service quality, economics, and sustainability of your government contact center. This section provides insight on various aspects of operating and managing a contact center to help you improve its performance.
Contact Center Technologies

A contact center is supported by many technologies designed to enhance the customer experience, improve the operating and management efficiency, or lower the overall costs of running a contact center.
Getting Started with your Contact Center

This guide provides you with the information to get a governement contact center started
Contact Center Guidelines

The Contact Center is no longer viewed as only a center to receive complaints, but as a valued operation in an agency’s strategy to deliver a quality customer experience.

Content Strategy

Requirements for delivering a digital-first public experience

Learn how to implement 21st Century IDEA to design and deliver better websites and digital services.
An advanced approach to accessibility

A deeper look at accessibility: what to do, how to do it, and why it matters.
Bilingual Glossaries, Dictionaries, and Style Guides

Multilingual resources to standardize the use of various languages across government.
Required web content and links

Various policies require you to have certain content—or provide links to content—from specific places on your website.
Tips for Starting Your Customer Experience Journey

Low-cost, low-lift actions that any federal employee can take to improve customer experience.
An introduction to working with social media influencers

Learn how to partner with social media influencers and design, implement, and measure an influencer program.
The CDC Clear Communication Index

The CDC Clear Communication Index is a research-based tool to help you develop and assess public communication materials.
FY 23 Governmentwide Section 508 Assessment

Report: Assessment of compliance with Section 508 requirements.
An introduction to content

Best practices for creating clear, useful, digital content for federal websites and digital services.
Moving to .gov

If you’re moving to .gov from another top-level domain, like .com, .org, or .us, here are some best practices to help you plan that transition.

Crowdsourcing Toolkit for Federal Agencies

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.

Department of Homeland Security: Usability Testing Kit

A resource with four approaches to help federal employees perform usability testing.
OMB Circular A-11 Section 280: Managing Customer Experience and Improving Service Delivery

Guidance on how to measure customer experience, including questions on satisfaction and confidence and trust in section 280.7
An advanced approach to accessibility

A deeper look at accessibility: what to do, how to do it, and why it matters.
Guide to the Paperwork Reduction Act

A plain language guide which answers the most common questions to the PRA.
Customer Experience Toolkit

This Toolkit is intended to help government agencies improve how we deliver services and information to the public.
Required web content and links

Various policies require you to have certain content—or provide links to content—from specific places on your website.
Tips for Starting Your Customer Experience Journey

Low-cost, low-lift actions that any federal employee can take to improve customer experience.
An introduction to customer experience

Understand what customer experience (CX) is and how to leverage customer feedback and analytics to enhance the public’s experience when interacting with government services.
Embedding Equity in Civic Design to Transform Customer Experience

This case study describes how two civic designers at different agencies embed equity in civic design to transform federal customer experience.
Executive Order 14058: Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government

A more simple, seamless, and secure customer experience for the American public.

An Introduction to USWDS 3.0

A design system for the federal government that makes it easier to build accessible, mobile-friendly government websites for the American public.
18F Accessibility Guide

A resource for developing accessible products.
Accessibility for Teams

A guide to making products more accessible for everyone.
USWDS Maturity Model

How to adopt the design system incrementally and design and build better digital experiences.
An introduction to design

How to design government websites that meet customer needs, work well on any device, and follow federal web requirements.
Making the big move: Search in support of federal web modernization

In this special report, we discuss a website redesign’s nine phases and their impact on search.
An introduction to design systems

If your organization needs to ensure compliance with a design standard or align to a brand, a design system can help you achieve those goals more easily than building a site from scratch. Learn how a design system can help you and what you need to know to get started.
Embedding Equity in Civic Design to Transform Customer Experience

This case study describes how two civic designers at different agencies embed equity in civic design to transform federal customer experience.
Lessons from the 2021 Federal Plain Language Report Card

This event recap highlights best practices, a short case study video, and examples of federal web content that received both high and low scores in the 2021 Plain Language Report Card.
Multilingual Huddle: Designing for Translation

In this webinar, Laura Godfrey and Fedora Braverman share tips for translating content in the digital context.

Requirements for delivering a digital-first public experience

Learn how to implement 21st Century IDEA to design and deliver better websites and digital services.
An introduction to search

Learn why search functionality is an important component of federal websites, and discover how to add a search function to your website.
An introduction to digital governance

Learn why governance is essential to digital experience.
An introduction to accessibility

An overview of how to design and deliver accessible digital products and services in the federal government
Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council

Principal interagency forum to implement and sustain a national strategy for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across the federal government and position the federal government as a model for DEIA.
Executive Order 14091

Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government
Government-wide DEIA: Our Progress and Path Forward to Building a Better Workforce for the American People

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) 2022 Annual Report
Government-Wide Strategic Plan to Advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce

Five foundational principles lay out key steps agencies can take to strengthen DEIA in their workforce policies, practices, and culture.
Executive Order 14035

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce
USWDS Maturity Model

How to adopt the design system incrementally and design and build better digital experiences.

An introduction to accessibility

An overview of how to design and deliver accessible digital products and services in the federal government
An advanced approach to accessibility

A deeper look at accessibility: what to do, how to do it, and why it matters.
An introduction to inclusion

An inclusive culture contributes to a sense of belonging, promotes a healthier and more empowering workplace, respects differences, and optimizes for equal opportunities.
Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence

Establishes new standards for AI safety and security, protects Americans’ privacy, advances equity and civil rights, stands up for consumers and workers, promotes innovation and competition, advances American leadership around the world, and more.
FACT SHEET: President Biden Issues Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence

Summarizes the eight sections of the Executive Order: New Standards for AI Safety and Security; Protecting Americans’ Privacy; Advancing Equity and Civil Rights; Standing Up for Consumers, Patients, and Students; Supporting Workers; Promoting Innovation and Competition; Advancing American Leadership Abroad; and Ensuring Responsible and Effective Government Use of AI.
Embedding Equity in Civic Design to Transform Customer Experience

This case study describes how two civic designers at different agencies embed equity in civic design to transform federal customer experience.

Domain Management

An introduction to domain management

A .gov domain instantly conveys credibility and trustworthiness, and proper domain management practices ensure that your website is secure and accessible.
Requirements for the registration and use of .gov domains in the federal government

Learn how to implement the DOTGOV Online Trust in Government Act and understand how to register federal internet domain names.
Moving to .gov

If you’re moving to .gov from another top-level domain, like .com, .org, or .us, here are some best practices to help you plan that transition.
M-23-10: The Registration and Use of .gov Domains in the Federal Government

Provides guidance to all federal agencies on the acceptable use and registration of Internet domain names as required by the DOTGOV Online Trust in Government Act of 2020.
DOTGOV Online Trust in Government Act of 2020

Title IX of Public Law No. 116-260, §§ 901-907 (DOTGOV Act of 2020), which outlines responsibilities, authorities, duties, strategies, and requirements related to the process of creating top-level .gov domains, authorizes the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to manage the domain registration process for federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments.

Administration Actions on AI

Steps to promote the safe, secure, and trustworthy use of AI. Includes: progress reports, federal agency use cases, and voluntary private sector commitments, as well as the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, NIST AI Risk Management Framework, National AI R&D Strategic Plan, and National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot.
Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence

Establishes new standards for AI safety and security, protects Americans’ privacy, advances equity and civil rights, stands up for consumers and workers, promotes innovation and competition, advances American leadership around the world, and more.
FACT SHEET: President Biden Issues Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence

Summarizes the eight sections of the Executive Order: New Standards for AI Safety and Security; Protecting Americans’ Privacy; Advancing Equity and Civil Rights; Standing Up for Consumers, Patients, and Students; Supporting Workers; Promoting Innovation and Competition; Advancing American Leadership Abroad; and Ensuring Responsible and Effective Government Use of AI.
Blueprint for an AI Bill of rights

From the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights is a set of five principles and associated practices to help guide the design, use, and deployment of automated systems to protect the rights of the American public in the age of artificial intelligence.

Requirements for delivering a digital-first public experience

Learn how to implement 21st Century IDEA to design and deliver better websites and digital services.
An introduction to digital governance

Learn why governance is essential to digital experience.
Checklist of requirements for federal websites and digital services

Links to relevant laws, policies, and regulations for federal agencies.
Required web content and links

Various policies require you to have certain content—or provide links to content—from specific places on your website.
OMB Circular A-130

Managing Information as a Strategic Resource
Requirements for the registration and use of .gov domains in the federal government

Learn how to implement the DOTGOV Online Trust in Government Act and understand how to register federal internet domain names.
Requirements for improving access to services for people with limited English proficiency (LEP)

Learn how to strengthen and improve meaningful language access for all people in the U.S., regardless of the language they speak.
Requirements for improving the management of federal programs and projects

Learn how to implement the Program Management Improvement Accountability Act to deliver better websites and digital services.
An introduction to trust

Guidance on how to build government websites that people can trust.
2012 Digital Government Strategy

The 2012 Digital Government Strategy mission drives agencies, and the need to deliver better services to customers at a lower cost.

Guide to the Paperwork Reduction Act

A plain language guide which answers the most common questions to the PRA.
Customer Experience Toolkit

This Toolkit is intended to help government agencies improve how we deliver services and information to the public.
An introduction to customer experience

Understand what customer experience (CX) is and how to leverage customer feedback and analytics to enhance the public’s experience when interacting with government services.
Overview of the Privacy Act of 1974 (2020 Edition)

This overview, prepared by the Department of Justice’s Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties (OPCL), covers various provisions of the Privacy Act, as addressed by court decisions in cases involving the Act’s disclosure prohibition, its access and amendment provisions, and its agency record-keeping requirements.
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)

The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 requires that agencies obtain Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval before requesting most types of information from the public.
Social Media, Web-Based Interactive Technologies, and the Paperwork Reduction Act

This memo clarifies when and how the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA) applies to federal agency use of social media and web-based interactive technologies.
M-11-26 New Fast-Track Process for Collecting Service Delivery Feedback Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

The new Paperwork Reduction Act Fast Track Process will allow agencies to obtain timely feedback on service delivery while ensuring that the information collected is useful and minimally burdensome for the public, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Paperwork Reduction Act Fast Track Process

Protect Your Customer’s Privacy Federal agencies must follow various laws and regulations, including the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) and the Privacy Act, when collecting information from the public. You should also be familiar with SORN (Systems of Records Notice), as well as rules around personally identifiable information, and laws that relate to your specific method of feedback collection

Open Data Policy (M-13-13)

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.

Eight Principles of Mobile-Friendliness

Following these principles will help you make your site more usable and user-friendly.
An Introduction to USWDS 3.0

A design system for the federal government that makes it easier to build accessible, mobile-friendly government websites for the American public.
Introduction to QR codes

What is a QR code and how can you create one? What are some alternatives to using QR codes? This introductory resource will help you explore your options.
U.S. Web Design System

A design system for the federal government that makes it easier to build accessible, mobile-friendly government websites for the American public.
How to track performance

A step-by-step guide to picking metrics and tools for tracking performance on your site.
Mobile Development Strategies

The following is a list of the most common mobile development strategies.
A Guide to Creating Mobile-Friendly Websites

Based on a recent six-month study, this guide outlines the top five practices needed to improve the mobile-friendliness of federal websites: the optimization of JavaScript, CSS, and images, caching, and pop-ups.
Connected Government Act

Resources to help your agency comply with the Connected Government Act.
Mobile User Experience Guidelines

These mobile user experience guidelines were distilled from community feedback about mobile UX practices.
Mobile SOW and Developer Qualifications

Structuring a Statement of Work (SOW) for the development or modification of mobile products should be similar to any SOW your government organization issues for IT products and services.

Requirements for delivering a digital-first public experience

Learn how to implement 21st Century IDEA to design and deliver better websites and digital services.
Bilingual Glossaries, Dictionaries, and Style Guides

Multilingual resources to standardize the use of various languages across government.
Requirements for improving access to services for people with limited English proficiency (LEP)

Learn how to strengthen and improve meaningful language access for all people in the U.S., regardless of the language they speak.
Introduction to translation technology

What is translation technology? This introductory resource will help you understand how and when to use translation technology to provide meaningful access for people with limited English proficiency.
Multilingual Huddle: Designing for Translation

In this webinar, Laura Godfrey and Fedora Braverman share tips for translating content in the digital context.
Top 10 Best Practices for Multilingual Websites

Ten tips for creating and managing multilingual government websites.
Department of Justice 2022 Memo Reaffirming the Mandates of EO 13166

Executive Order 13166 was issued in August of 2000 and this memorandum reaffirms its mandate.
Improving Access to Services for People with Limited English Proficiency (Executive Order 13166)

EO 13166 requires federal agencies to examine the services they provide, identify any need for services to those with limited English proficiency (LEP), and develop and implement a system to provide those services so LEP persons can have meaningful access to them.
Spanish Language Style Guide and Glossaries: Spanish Health Care Terms in the United States

A list of common English health care and medical terms, and their Spanish translations.
Spanish Language Style Guide and Glossaries: Internet Resources

A list of additional Internet resources to help standardize the use of Spanish across government.

Guidelines for Digital.gov event presenters

A checklist of requirements for people who are presenting at a Digital.gov event.
How to start and sustain a federal podcast

Discover how to create and maintain a successful podcast at your federal agency.
How to Present Like a Pro

Wendy Wagner-Smith of the Small Business Administration (SBA) shares her tips and tricks for presenting virtually.

How to Build an Analytics Strategy

A case study using Digital.gov as an example of how to assess, report, and take action using web analytics as part of an analytics strategy.
Inventory.data.gov Guide

Introduction Features Using inventory.data.gov Creating a User Account Using inventory.data.gov to manage datasets Adding a Dataset Exporting Data.json Automating data.json downloads by agencies Dataset Hosting Webinar on inventory.data.gov Introduction Inventory.data.gov is a data management tool established in 2013 by the Data.gov Program Management Office (PMO) in what is now the Technology Transformation Service of the
How to Get Your Open Data on Data.gov

Find out below how federal, federal geospatial, and non-federal data is funneled to Data.gov and how you can get your data federated on Data.gov for greater discoverability and and impact.

Freedom of Information Act Memo 2009

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is the law that gives anyone the right to access information from the federal government. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government. This 2009 FOIA memo covers the following: An agency should not withhold information simply because it may do so legally. Whenever an

Requirements for delivering a digital-first public experience

Learn how to implement 21st Century IDEA to design and deliver better websites and digital services.
An advanced approach to accessibility

A deeper look at accessibility: what to do, how to do it, and why it matters.
Bilingual Glossaries, Dictionaries, and Style Guides

Multilingual resources to standardize the use of various languages across government.
An introduction to working with social media influencers

Learn how to partner with social media influencers and design, implement, and measure an influencer program.
An introduction to content

Best practices for creating clear, useful, digital content for federal websites and digital services.
PlainLanguage.gov

A resource to help federal employees write in plain language and comply with the Plain Writing Act of 2010.
An introduction to trust

Guidance on how to build government websites that people can trust.
An introduction to plain language

Understand how and why to use plain language on government websites and other digital services
Lessons from the 2021 Federal Plain Language Report Card

This event recap highlights best practices, a short case study video, and examples of federal web content that received both high and low scores in the 2021 Plain Language Report Card.
Multilingual Huddle: Designing for Translation

In this webinar, Laura Godfrey and Fedora Braverman share tips for translating content in the digital context.

How to start and sustain a federal podcast

Discover how to create and maintain a successful podcast at your federal agency.

M-19-17 Enabling Mission Delivery through Improved Identity, Credential, and Access Management

This 2019 memorandum sets forth the federal government’s Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) policy.
Chief Information Officer (CIO) Handbook

This handbook aims to give CIOs important information needed to be a technology leader at their respective agency.
OMB M-20-19

Harnessing Technology to Support Mission Continuity
OMB Circular A-11 Section 280: Managing Customer Experience and Improving Service Delivery

Guidance on how to measure customer experience, including questions on satisfaction and confidence and trust in section 280.7
Guide to the Paperwork Reduction Act

A plain language guide which answers the most common questions to the PRA.
OMB Memos, Circulars, Executive Orders and Other Policies

Tech- and digital-related policies, memos, circulars and executive orders.
Checklist of requirements for federal websites and digital services

Links to relevant laws, policies, and regulations for federal agencies.
Requirements for the registration and use of .gov domains in the federal government

Learn how to implement the DOTGOV Online Trust in Government Act and understand how to register federal internet domain names.
Requirements for improving access to services for people with limited English proficiency (LEP)

Learn how to strengthen and improve meaningful language access for all people in the U.S., regardless of the language they speak.
An introduction to the Digital Experience Council

The Digital Experience (DX) Council plays a critical role in coordinating governmentwide efforts and assisting agencies in delivering digital experiences that meet the public’s needs and expectations.

An introduction to privacy

Introductory guidance on implementing privacy protections for users of federal websites.
Privacy-Preserving Collaboration Using Cryptography

In conjunction with her May 2020 presentation, Dr. Emily Shen outlines her work on Secure multi-party computation (MPC), a type of cryptography that allows parties to jointly analyze their data without disclosing it.
Guidance for Implementing the Privacy Provisions of the E–Government Act of 2002 (M-03–22)

This guidance provides information to agencies on implementing the privacy provisions of the E-Government Act of 2002. It addresses privacy protections when Americans interact with their government.

Requirements for delivering a digital-first public experience

Learn how to implement 21st Century IDEA to design and deliver better websites and digital services.
Chief Information Officer (CIO) Handbook

This handbook aims to give CIOs important information needed to be a technology leader at their respective agency.
OMB M-20-19

Harnessing Technology to Support Mission Continuity
Eight Principles of Mobile-Friendliness

Following these principles will help you make your site more usable and user-friendly.
An advanced approach to accessibility

A deeper look at accessibility: what to do, how to do it, and why it matters.
An Introduction to USWDS 3.0

A design system for the federal government that makes it easier to build accessible, mobile-friendly government websites for the American public.
Checklist of requirements for federal websites and digital services

Links to relevant laws, policies, and regulations for federal agencies.
OMB Circular A-130

Managing Information as a Strategic Resource
Tips for Starting Your Customer Experience Journey

Low-cost, low-lift actions that any federal employee can take to improve customer experience.
An introduction to the Digital Experience Council

The Digital Experience (DX) Council plays a critical role in coordinating governmentwide efforts and assisting agencies in delivering digital experiences that meet the public’s needs and expectations.

An introduction to inclusion

An inclusive culture contributes to a sense of belonging, promotes a healthier and more empowering workplace, respects differences, and optimizes for equal opportunities.
How to Present Like a Pro

Wendy Wagner-Smith of the Small Business Administration (SBA) shares her tips and tricks for presenting virtually.
Open Opportunities Task Creator Toolkit

The step-by-step task creation process for Open Opportunities.
10 Tips for Creating the Perfect Open Opportunity Task

Ten tips for creating tasks in Open Opportunities on USAJOBS.
Open Opportunities

Open Opportunities is a government wide program offering professional development opportunities and facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing across the Federal Government.

M-23-07, Update to Transition to Electronic Records

M-23-07 updates the previous target dates described in M-19-21 to June 24, 2024.
NARA guidance on Managing Web Records

Managing web records properly is essential to effective web site operations, especially the mitigation of the risks an agency faces by using the web to carry out agency business.

Department of Homeland Security: Usability Testing Kit

A resource with four approaches to help federal employees perform usability testing.
Guide to the Paperwork Reduction Act

A plain language guide which answers the most common questions to the PRA.
Tips for Starting Your Customer Experience Journey

Low-cost, low-lift actions that any federal employee can take to improve customer experience.
18F Research Guidelines

Covers the basic principles research: informing and getting consent, and managing personally identifiable information (PII)
Addressing Barriers to User-Centered Design

An overview of the most common barriers and how federal agencies might address them.
Managing Research Projects Remotely

Best practices for distributed teams.
The basics of human-centered design in government

How the Lab at OPM drives innovation through design education
Stakeholder and User Interview Checklist

Key interview moments and how to navigate them.
Usability Testing with Steve Krug

Get started making usability fixes to your website or product.
Tips for capturing the best data from user interviews

How to ensure the most useful information makes its way back to your team for further analysis

Guide to Robotic Process Automation

Configure bots to execute repetitive tasks to save users from performing mundane tasks repeatedly for the same process.

Making the big move: Search in support of federal web modernization

In this special report, we discuss a website redesign’s nine phases and their impact on search.

An introduction to search

Learn why search functionality is an important component of federal websites, and discover how to add a search function to your website.
Making the big move: Search in support of federal web modernization

In this special report, we discuss a website redesign’s nine phases and their impact on search.

An introduction to domain management

A .gov domain instantly conveys credibility and trustworthiness, and proper domain management practices ensure that your website is secure and accessible.
M-19-17 Enabling Mission Delivery through Improved Identity, Credential, and Access Management

This 2019 memorandum sets forth the federal government’s Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) policy.
Cloud Smart: Federal Cloud Computing Strategy

Founded on three key pillars of successful cloud adoption—security, procurement, and workforce—the Cloud Smart strategy includes 11 action items from the Chief Information Officers (CIO) Council.
OMB Circular A-130

Managing Information as a Strategic Resource
Social media cyber-vandalism toolkit

Cyber-vandalism presents a serious challenge to online-based communication tools. This resource provides information for agency practitioners to prepare for, recover from, and respond to cyber-vandalism.
Overview of the Privacy Act of 1974 (2020 Edition)

This overview, prepared by the Department of Justice’s Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties (OPCL), covers various provisions of the Privacy Act, as addressed by court decisions in cases involving the Act’s disclosure prohibition, its access and amendment provisions, and its agency record-keeping requirements.
An introduction to web security

Guidance on meeting security requirements for federal websites.
An introduction to ATOs

What is an Authorization to Operate? Before you use software in government, you need to make sure it is allowed. You should know what an ATO is and when you need one.
An introduction to security and privacy controls

What do the control families of NIST 800-53 mean? Here’s an overview of the control families that create the foundation of federal security compliance.
Privacy-Preserving Collaboration Using Cryptography

In conjunction with her May 2020 presentation, Dr. Emily Shen outlines her work on Secure multi-party computation (MPC), a type of cryptography that allows parties to jointly analyze their data without disclosing it.

Social media cyber-vandalism toolkit

Cyber-vandalism presents a serious challenge to online-based communication tools. This resource provides information for agency practitioners to prepare for, recover from, and respond to cyber-vandalism.
An introduction to working with social media influencers

Learn how to partner with social media influencers and design, implement, and measure an influencer program.
How to start and sustain a federal podcast

Discover how to create and maintain a successful podcast at your federal agency.
Introduction to QR codes

What is a QR code and how can you create one? What are some alternatives to using QR codes? This introductory resource will help you explore your options.
Guidelines for Secure Use of Social Media

Guidelines and recommendations for using social media technologies in a manner that minimizes risks are analyzed and presented in this document.
Social Media, Web-Based Interactive Technologies, and the Paperwork Reduction Act

This memo clarifies when and how the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA) applies to federal agency use of social media and web-based interactive technologies.
Social Media Cyber-Vandalism Toolkit

Cyber-vandalism presents a serious challenge to online-based communication tools. This document provides guidance and security practices to federal, state, and local government employees. Suggestions and resources prepare users to respond to cyber-hijacking.
Improving the Accessibility of Social Media in Government

Government agencies are increasingly using social media to engage with citizens, share information and deliver services more quickly and effectively than ever before. But as social content, data and platforms become more diverse, agencies have a responsibility to ensure these digital services are accessible to all citizens, including people with disabilities.
Federal Social Media Accessibility Toolkit Hackpad

The following contains the shared document for the development of the Social Media Policy Toolkit, a shared service of the Federal Social Media Community of Practice lead by teams including The Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.
Guidance for Social Media Providers

GSA welcomes interest from providers that want to offer, for the federal government’s consideration, social media products that are free of charge. If you are such a provider, please email GSA and include the following information: Explanation of the

Requirements for delivering a digital-first public experience

Learn how to implement 21st Century IDEA to design and deliver better websites and digital services.
An introduction to GitHub

Steps for managing website content in GitHub.
An Introduction to USWDS 3.0

A design system for the federal government that makes it easier to build accessible, mobile-friendly government websites for the American public.
USWDS Maturity Model

How to adopt the design system incrementally and design and build better digital experiences.
An introduction to ATOs

What is an Authorization to Operate? Before you use software in government, you need to make sure it is allowed. You should know what an ATO is and when you need one.
U.S. Web Design System

A design system for the federal government that makes it easier to build accessible, mobile-friendly government websites for the American public.
Revised 508 Standards Roadmap

Follow the Revised 508 Standards to ensure your information and communication technology (ICT) is accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities.
18F De-risking Guides

The Federal Field Guide to De-risk Government Technology offers guidance to federal agencies on how to structure software development teams, write contracts, and oversee agile software activities to reduce risks and improve outcomes for end-users.

Federal-Compatible Terms of Service Agreements

Agreements negotiated between the federal government and vendors who offer digital tools and services.
Guidance for Social Media Providers

GSA welcomes interest from providers that want to offer, for the federal government’s consideration, social media products that are free of charge. If you are such a provider, please email GSA and include the following information: Explanation of the
Negotiated Terms of Service Agreements

The list of free tools that have federal-compatible terms of service agreements.
Agency Points of Contact for Federal Compatible Terms of Service Agreements

The list of cabinet and non-cabinet agency points of contact for the federal-compatible Terms of Service agreements.

Requirements for delivering a digital-first public experience

Learn how to implement 21st Century IDEA to design and deliver better websites and digital services.
An introduction to domain management

A .gov domain instantly conveys credibility and trustworthiness, and proper domain management practices ensure that your website is secure and accessible.
An introduction to privacy

Introductory guidance on implementing privacy protections for users of federal websites.
An introduction to trust

Guidance on how to build government websites that people can trust.
Embedding Equity in Civic Design to Transform Customer Experience

This case study describes how two civic designers at different agencies embed equity in civic design to transform federal customer experience.
Executive Order 14058: Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government

A more simple, seamless, and secure customer experience for the American public.

Department of Homeland Security: Usability Testing Kit

A resource with four approaches to help federal employees perform usability testing.
An introduction to content

Best practices for creating clear, useful, digital content for federal websites and digital services.
Usability Testing with Steve Krug

Get started making usability fixes to your website or product.
18F Methods

A collection of tools that describe how teams can put human-centered design into practice.
Usability Starter Kit

Here are some tools and templates to help you create better user experiences.
Fueleconomy.gov – Extended Case Study

Like any valid business decision, User Experience work should produce results and demonstrable impact. To see a list of screenshots from websites we’ve improved, visit the rest of our Usability Case Studies. Or see a more complete case study below. Case Study: Fueleconomy.gov Mobile Site In December of 2012
Government Usability Case Studies

This list of government usability case studies shows how government sites, mobile apps and other products become more effective, more coherent and more usable by focusing on the User Experience of their customers. Want to be featured here? Just email us. National Cancer Institute Persona

Requirements for delivering a digital-first public experience

Learn how to implement 21st Century IDEA to design and deliver better websites and digital services.
Department of Homeland Security: Usability Testing Kit

A resource with four approaches to help federal employees perform usability testing.
An advanced approach to accessibility

A deeper look at accessibility: what to do, how to do it, and why it matters.
An Introduction to USWDS 3.0

A design system for the federal government that makes it easier to build accessible, mobile-friendly government websites for the American public.
Required web content and links

Various policies require you to have certain content—or provide links to content—from specific places on your website.
18F Accessibility Guide

A resource for developing accessible products.
Accessibility for Teams

A guide to making products more accessible for everyone.
An introduction to privacy

Introductory guidance on implementing privacy protections for users of federal websites.
Lessons from the 2021 Federal Plain Language Report Card

This event recap highlights best practices, a short case study video, and examples of federal web content that received both high and low scores in the 2021 Plain Language Report Card.
Deceptive Design: How to Identify and Combat Consequence Design

Consequence design is part of everyday life. Deceptive techniques like “dark patterns” and “hostile design” trick people into taking unintended actions — learn how to prevent them from sneaking into our design work.

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