Data sharing and COVID-19

As the federal government has had to adapt to the new normal of working remotely since the coronavirus shuttered office doors, a number of agencies have prioritized public data sharing in an effort to collaborate on response and recovery efforts.

Federal CIO Suzette Kent said that the General Service Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, and State Department were working to publicize existing data specifically in order to collaborate with the private sector.

"Strides are being made with regards to sharing data and making it available to the private sector to support research initiatives like artificial intelligence and supply chain logistics," she said during a keynote speech at Tableau's Government Summit 2020 on May 12.

"The data we're using to drive change now is going to save lives. It will determine how we get lifesaving medical equipment to those in need, and answer questions about individual health, community safety and reopening the national economy."

The Action Plan, which the Office of Management and Budget published in December, lays out specific goals for how agencies could begin leveraging data as a strategic asset and how to measure its successful implementation.

"We're establishing protocols for how we can more rapidly share data across agencies and deliver government services, such as impact payments to small businesses and farmers," she said. "We're ensuring business continues across every agency while continuing our modernization journey."