It's more accurate (IMO) to say the two have really different operating models. 18F is funded via cost recovery - agencies have to pay per project via an offici

It's more accurate (IMO) to say the two have really different operating models. 18F is funded via cost recovery - agencies have to pay per project via an official agreement between agencies for the work (which can make it harder to do a project). USDS is funded via congressional appropriation, so doesn't need the same types of agreements.