Digital Government

Code for America, civic tech and DOD

Defense Department digital experts were invited to speak at the recent CfA Summit, and some attendees took offense. Steve Kelman argues that civic tech should embrace such debates.

Digital Government

A new government digital services playbook

Steve Kelman applauds another effort to share knowledge across the contractor community.

Digital Government

China's new challenges to the U.S.

In technology, politics, economics and ideology, the U.S.-China tensions are growing.

Digital Government

How Harvard is helping government do digital better

Steve Kelman reports on the results of a project-based Kennedy School course on public-sector innovation.

Digital Government

USDS in action

Steve Kelman digs into the actual mechanics of a U.S. Digital Service team's partnership with a particular agency.

Acquisition

Striking a blow for agile with DOD weapons systems

If the Defense Department truly embraces agile, Steve Kelman argues, it would be a critical and much-needed tipping point for government innovation.

Digital Government

When the U.S. is a tech laggard

While the United States dominates many areas of IT, Steve Kelman notes that the hotspots for certain sectors are clearly clustered elsewhere.

Acquisition

Meet the contracting folks who are encouraging new IT vendors

Steve Kelman shares some innovations that can be applied by contracting officers across government.

People

Students recruiting students into federal tech

Steve Kelman checks in with the Coding it Forward fellowship program.

People

Teaching digital government at Harvard today

Steve Kelman sits down with his colleague David Eaves to discuss, among other things, the differences between "digital" and "IT."

Digital Government

Non-traditional IT contractors unite to watch each other's backs

Steve Kelman writes that the nascent Digital Services Coalition could change industry collaboration -- if its members can preserve the culture of trust.

Digital Government

As others see us -- a few surprises

A recent dinner with civil servants from Asia delivered some interesting insights, Steve Kelman writes.

Digital Government

How to have a good debate at your next meeting

Steve Kelman notes that the whole point of meetings is to have substantive discussions. He shares some suggestions for making sure that happens.

Digital Government

More proof that government innovation can come from anywhere

Steve Kelman reports on a creative solution that could save lives in crowded emergency situations.

Digital Government

When government gets it right

Steve Kelman reports on an encounter with exceptional service, and considers what agencies need to deliver such an experience.

Digital Government

Good enough for government work?

Steve Kelman seeks to reclaim the original meaning of the now-disparaging catchphrase.

Digital Government

Fight waste and fraud with tech

Nick Sinai and Steve Kelman contend that a great way to "drain the swamp" is to fix the Do Not Pay shared service that was created to combat fraudulent and improper payments.

Acquisition

'Reinventing government,' 25 years later

In 1993, the government began shifting its focus to performance, but the question remains: Has the procurement system improved?

Acquisition

Another new face of government IT contractors

Steve Kelman talks with the CEO of a public benefit corporation focused on federal work.