4 ms·

While I appreciate the brainpower the USDS is bringing to bear, I'd like to hear more about how they'll actually handle the politics and reality of what they're

by Clanan 12y ago

While I appreciate the brainpower the USDS is bringing to bear, I'd like to hear more about how they'll actually handle the politics and reality of what they're doing - disrupting bureaucracy and federal processes. Specifically, how can a service like this be effective when going up against entrenched bureaucrats, massive big corps, etc.? Healthcare.gov was an exception, due to the media spotlight and the political reputations at stake. (Disclaimer: I'm investigating federal contract opportunities, so I would LOVE to see the process overhauled.)

chiph 12y ago
I expect they won't be doing much disrupting - but a lot of saving and guiding. The political aspect cannot be overlooked. The turf wars in government are unbelievable. What's going to let them succeed is by their being successful time after time. Only then will the heads of those other agencies call them up and invite them in. Sort of like the A-Team, but without the outstanding warrants: Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem... if no one else can help... and if you can find them... maybe you can hire... The A-Team.
- incision 12y ago
  >'What's going to let them succeed is by their being successful time after time. Only then will the heads of those other agencies call them up and invite them in.' Right. I think that possibly the greatest value in something of this sort is to be able to point to the team, the playbooks and the free guidance as a unassailable proven formula. Offering a safe, defensible choice of this sort for the people at the top of these agencies is very important. Everyone knows the saying 'No one ever got fired for buying IBM'. A legitimate source of excellence within the Government could supplant 'IBM' in that notion as the as a 'go to', safe source for solutions that actually has the best interests of Government in mind alongside technical excellence.

by Clanan 12y ago

chiph 12y ago

I expect they won't be doing much disrupting - but a lot of saving and guiding. The political aspect cannot be overlooked. The turf wars in government are unbelievable. What's going to let them succeed is by their being successful time after time. Only then will the heads of those other agencies call them up and invite them in. Sort of like the A-Team, but without the outstanding warrants: Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem... if no one else can help... and if you can find them... maybe you can hire... The A-Team.

incision 12y ago
>'What's going to let them succeed is by their being successful time after time. Only then will the heads of those other agencies call them up and invite them in.' Right. I think that possibly the greatest value in something of this sort is to be able to point to the team, the playbooks and the free guidance as a unassailable proven formula. Offering a safe, defensible choice of this sort for the people at the top of these agencies is very important. Everyone knows the saying 'No one ever got fired for buying IBM'. A legitimate source of excellence within the Government could supplant 'IBM' in that notion as the as a 'go to', safe source for solutions that actually has the best interests of Government in mind alongside technical excellence.