Seven steps to a smooth transition

What: "Transforming Government Through Technology," ACT-IAC's collection of recommendations for the next president-elect's transition team.

Why: On Nov. 9 (we hope!), the presidential election results will be clear and the next administration's transition efforts will pivot from preparation to execution.  When that happens, a broad group of industry and government IT leaders stand ready with a raft of recommendations for budgeting, cybersecurity, human capital, performance management, intergovernmental coordination, innovation and ways to improve citizen experience with federal agencies.

More than 200 members of ACT-IAC helped to shape the recommendations in an effort chaired by former Department of Veterans Affairs CIO Roger Baker and former Office of E-Government and Information Technology Administrator Mark Forman. 

Forman, now the global head of Unisys Public Sector, presented the report at ACT-IAC's Executive Leadership Conference on Oct. 25 along with several of the lead writers.  "The goal of the effort is really to provide the next administration with the key insights that ensure that whatever the government does, it does it well," he said.  "These are not, 'geez, we've gotta fix a little bit here and there in government.' …You’ve got the opportunity to really change how government works, so here’s what needs to be done."

On cybersecurity, for example, the report urged to the next administration to "recognize that the battle over current systems is lost, put executives in place that recognize and can deal with the problem, and provide those executives with authorities necessary to change the tide of the cyber-battle being waged. "

When it comes to putting the citizen experience first, the report calls for an executive order from the next president that makes "delivering an experience that exceeds the public's expectations” an explicit and measurable goal for agencies. 

Also included are specific recommendations for changing the hiring process for mission critical occupations and steps to encourage multi-year funding and working capital funds. 

The report is just the beginning of ACT-IAC's support of the transition, said IAC Chair and Veris Group Chief Strategist Dave McClure. The next few months are a "very influential time," he said at the ACT-IAC event.  "We don’t just issue the paper and walk away. We're planning to engage with the transition teams, and engage with the incoming appointees."

Verbatim:  "Government has largely failed to keep pace with industry's business transformation and information technology revolution. Despite spending over $80 billion annually on information technology, most federal agencies have seen little change in how they perform their work or interact and transact with citizens, businesses, and other governments.  ...The themes of this election year make it clear that voters believe government, and particularly its outcomes, must change."

For the full report, click here.