In recent years, government agencies have been transitioning to artificial intelligence (AI) for more efficient, accurate, and cost-friendly results. This trend will continue as technology improves and becomes more accessible and cost effective. Technology using AI, including tools that exploit data, is integral to solutions that improve agency operations and processes and data-driven decision-making.
The Federal Government relies on technology to deliver critical services to citizens and to protect the homeland. Communication, enabled by technology, allows government agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate with local partners when responding to emergency events. But what happens when technology fails? How can operations continue when a cyber security attack compromises communications, or an extreme weather event obliterates IT equipment?
Arc Aspicio’s culture prioritizes serving the Metro DC community, and we are involved in more pro bono consulting projects than ever before. Through volunteering, our teams advance the mission areas we support, including homeland security, emergency management, and law enforcement.
Since I first learned about the Ctrl+C and Ctrl+Z keyboard short cuts in elementary school, I have been addicted to experimenting with new technologies that can improve productivity and innovation. It’s incredible to see a steady stream of new business products arrive into the mass market and bring exponential increases in productivity and innovation.
Anyone who has purchased a new phone, vehicle, or tool at some point asks themselves why certain functions exists. Why does it work this way, why did they change this, and exactly who did they obtain requirements from? End users are usually left pondering “if only they had asked me.”
Forward-looking organizations across the country are migrating to the Cloud. Following this trend, many Federal agencies are exploring migrating systems to increase resiliency, drive cost saving, and achieve fast deployment.
Technology can help get something done. This has been a common theme in my 29-year consulting career, whether it be preventing terrorist attacks, mitigating flood risk, making it easier for students to apply for loans, or combating human trafficking.
Hybrid, Data, and Resiliency are In. The mission is at the forefront.
Implementing change is not always easy, but it is always necessary. Federal agencies have been working to transform how they acquire and manage Federal information technology (IT). The Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) in December 2014 has increased visibility into this transformation.Although FITARA enhances the authority and accountability of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in reviewing and approving major IT investment projects, CIOs continue to look for new ways to implement best practices at their agencies.
Meetings are an essential part of day-to-day work and collaboration in every organization. There are an estimated 37 million meetings every day in the United States, yet up to 67 percent are considered failures. Sources estimate the cost of unproductive meetings in the billions and say meetings may take up 15% of an organization’s collective time.
Innovation is the driving force for competition throughout many different organizations. Without it, service, strategy, and technology become stale, and customers get bored.
The Federal Information Technology Reform Act (FITARA), which aims to improve the management and acquisition of Federal information technology (IT) assets, is quickly approaching its two-year anniversary this December. The November 2015 FITARA Implementation Scorecard demonstrates that FITARA should continue to generate new opportunities for change within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) moving forward.
