The United States non-partisan, not-for-profit Partnership for Public Service (PPS) has called for improved innovation and technology skills in a bolstered Federal bureaucracy.
Reviewing all Federal tech laws, creating a ‘future state’ strategy, and overhauling the pay and job classification system are among the PPS’s bolder recommendations.
Its Roadmap for Renewing Our Federal Government builds on President Joe Biden’s early Executive Orders promoting data-driven decision-making across Agencies and a diverse Federal workforce with a focus on keeping pace with technical innovations.
“Federal Agencies offer few incentives for employees to try new ideas, are saddled with outdated technology and lag behind the private sector in hiring qualified technologists in sufficient numbers for critical leadership and staff positions,” the PPS said.
“This antiquated system is an impediment to the Government’s ability to meet the needs of today’s interconnected, technology-driven world and prepare for the challenges of the future,” it said.
The PPS recommended Congress end crisis budgeting “because short-term spending resolutions and Government shutdowns hurt Agencies’ ability to invest in replacing or modernising legacy IT systems”.
Instead it called for biennial Budget resolutions, multi-year appropriations and the timely passage of Appropriations Bills.
“Congress should also conduct a comprehensive review of all Federal technology management laws to identify where the framework for how Government buys and manages technology needs an updater,” the PPS said.
It also recommended Congress set a “moon-shot” goal for improving customer services that would boost confidence in Government, as well as create a “Government-wide strategy for a Federal tech future state”.
“Political and career leaders should also have a basic familiarity with technology and cyber-security issues in order to focus on key priorities and make informed choices across all policy areas,” it said.
“The Biden Administration and Congress have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build on recent innovations and set the Government on a sustained path to renewal,” the PPS said.
Washington, 3 September 2021
