Tag Archives: VA

Improving Service. Improving Trust.

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Improving customer service (or in the case of the government, citizen service) has been a focus of the Federal government for the past several administrations, most recently being named a key goal of the Biden-Harris President's Management Agenda (PMA). Despite this focus, citizen satisfaction with government service has remained low, but a 2022 report shows that the tide may be turning.

The American Customer Satisfaction Index's (ACSI) Federal Government Report 2022 showed that citizen satisfaction with Federal government services increased by 4.6 percent in 2022. Report authors attribute the increase to improved availability of digital services (spurred by the PMA and the Customer Service Executive Order) and major government initiatives including the distribution of free COVID-19 tests. Continue reading →

Continuing Cloud Innovation

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Use of Cloud Computing is now standard practice across federal, state, and local government agencies, but that does not mean the technology is growing stale. Organizations are finding new ways to use the flexibility of cloud computing to deliver on their missions.

Radio in the Clouds

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is examining options for a "transition from hardware-based ground radio processing to cloud-based software applications." In practice, this would mean digitizing NOAA radio frequencies using devices that are software-driven, rather than traditional hardware-based devices, to support the agency's satellite programs' need for telemetry processing--the reading and transmission of data from a remote source. Continue reading →

Online or In Person, Job Fair Success Depends on Preparation

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Looking for a new job, whether you are currently employed or unemployed, is stressful. Luckily, job seekers have more options than ever when it comes to connecting with employers. Virtual job fairs have come a long way since being widely implemented during pandemic lock downs. A variety of platforms now offer job seekers and recruiters an incredibly interactive experience from the comfort and convenience of home or office. In-person events are now back and provide an outlet for people who feel more effective in a face-to-face environment (or simply just want to get out and mix with people).

However you choose to participate in a job fair, the preparation is key. Job fair organizers stress that it is critical to do your research and go into each event with a plan that includes:

  • What companies do you want to meet with
  • An understanding of those companies' business
  • A list of current open positions of interest

Recruiters should similarly do their homework, looking at registration lists and identifying people they want to attract to their booth. With basic preparation, there are some tips that are unique to each type of event. Continue reading →

FITARA Report Looks to Future Evolution

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The 15th Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) scorecard was issued in December 2022 to provide a look at how agencies are meeting modernization goals. Much like the 14th report, all measured agencies improved their scores or stayed the same indicating that changes are needed to ensure the report fully reflects today's modernization goals that have shifted from data center consolidation to cloud usage, and onward to Zero Trust cybersecurity strategies. The committee overseeing the scorecard, as well as industry groups, are looking at ways to better align modernization activities with the report.

FITARA 15 Findings

Currently, the seven active grading categories on the scorecard are: 1) progress in transitioning to EIS contracts; 2) CIO authority enhancements; 3) transparency and risk management; 4) portfolio review; 5) data center consolidation; 6) Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act; and 7) cybersecurity/FISMA. Continue reading →

Department Spotlight: Department of Homeland Security

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The mission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may seem straightforward - protect the homeland - but in practice a lot goes into fulfilling that promise. DHS is an incredibly complex organization with a set of agencies that, while focused on the singular mission of keeping America safe, do so in incredibly diverse ways. The Department has laid out six core missions that all support the effort to secure the nation.

Recent efforts of DHS highlight their commitment to these goals. Continue reading →