New ways of using and managing technology—social media, collaborative tools, dashboards, everything-as-a-service—are transforming the way government agencies accomplish their missions. And behind every technological leap is a member of the federal workforce.
Each year, Federal Computer Week’s Federal 100 list highlights how innovative and creative government and industry workers have catalyzed government transformation, recognizing them for outstanding public service and going above and beyond their daily responsibilities.
I’m honored to have been named to this year’s list for my work on the BetterBuy project. In my new role as Assistant Commissioner of GSA’s Office of Integrated Technology Services (ITS), I will continue the dialogue the project started so ITS can deliver the transformative solutions agencies need.
However, I’d like to focus on the achievements of two people within my new organization. I work with enterprising individuals dedicated to innovation, and I’d like to highlight the achievements of Michael Anastasio, Jr. and Daisy Bhagowalia.
Delivering Innovation: Cloud Computing
Cloud computing technology is poised to transform the way we manage government. It heralds cost-effectiveness, increased efficiency, and renewed mission focus. But until now, many agencies have been unclear on cloud computing’s characteristics and the way in which they could procure it. All that has changed, thanks to Michael Anastasio, Jr.
In October 2010, under Mike’s stewardship, GSA awarded the Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) blanket purchase agreement, the first cloud-specific government contract vehicle. Working with agencies, industry and key stakeholders, Mike managed the program to ensure the resulting solution would position GSA to meet agencies’ current needs as well as anticipate future requirements.
Mike’s efforts put in place the tools agencies need to realize the benefits of cloud while complying with the Office of Management and Budget’s “Cloud First” policy and the White House’s recently released Federal Cloud Computing Strategy, particularly their contracting and security provisions.
Delivering Acquisition Excellence: .Gov Contract
With the government now in budget season, more than ever, each agency is looking to stretch technology investment funds. IT security concerns have also never been greater.
The .GOV Domain Registration program offers U.S. government organizations an online registry for the Internet’s .GOV namespace. As the .GOV program manager, Daisy Bhagowalia oversees all aspects of this effort including registering, administering and maintaining .GOV second-level domain names such as gsa.gov and whitehouse.gov.
Daisy was recognized this year for her team’s successful implementation of a no-cost direct order/direct bill contract. This strategy upgraded the .GOV system to the highest Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 199 security level, thus giving customers a more streamlined, secure service.
What is “great government through technology” if not saving the government time and money while improving security and customer service?
Both Mike and Daisy have helped make government more efficient and effective by focusing on great service. Their efforts are saving agencies time and money, while improving GSA’s ability to deliver the crucial solutions government requires in order to deliver great services to citizens.
Thank you for following my blog and my tweets. I want to hear your feedback on how we can build on these successes, and how ITS can continue to improve the way we serve our customers.
We congratulate all the Federal 100 winners for their hard work!