The Business of Government Magazine - Summer 2016 Edition
Helping the New Administration Get Off to a Fast Start
We are in the midst of an unprecedented period in American history. For the first time since the founding of our nation, we are now about to experience the third consecutive transition to a new president after an eight-year term in office.
From the Editor's Desk
Whether reforming the military health system, building the 21st century United States Coast Guard, leveraging science and technology to secure the homeland, or preparing for the next administration, the keys to success are strong leadership, good manageme
Harnessing Science and Technology in Homeland Security: A Conversation with Dr. Reginald Brothers, Under Secretary for Science and Technology, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
The pace of technological advancement is accelerating while the pace of the adoption of technology is increasing.
Simplifying Federal Acquisition: A Conversation with Anne Rung, Administrator, Office of Federal Procurement Policy, Office of Management and Budget
The federal government spends almost $450 billion annually to buy basic goods and services. Today more than ever, the government must ensure that it spends money wisely and eliminates waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars.
Building the 21st Century Coast Guard: A Conversation with Admiral Paul Zukunft, Commandant, United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard offers a unique and enduring value to the country.
Reflections on Reforming the Military Health Systems: A Conversation with Jonathan Woodson, M.D., Former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense
Since December 2010, Dr. Jonathan Woodson has acted as the principal advisor of health affairs to multiple secretaries of defense.
Protecting America’s Food Supply: Insights from Alfred Almanza, Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture
The food supply in the United States is constantly evolving.
Managing the Business of Government: Insights from Paul Bartley, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Program Support, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
As government agencies continue to be under increased scrutiny to improve efficiency and be ever more vigilant with their use of public funding, they are increasingly adopting alternative models and approaches to providing services.
Creating a Dynamic and Agile IT Enterprise: Insights from Dr. David Bray, Chief Information Officer, Federal Communications Commission
In 2013 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) embarked on an ambitious effort to modernize its information technology infrastructure, transforming from an agency with 207 different IT systems to one with a cloud-based common data platform that would
Transforming VA’s IT Organization to Better Serve Veterans: Insights from LaVerne Council, Assistant Secretary for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
In his second inaugural address, President Abraham Lincoln spoke of the tragedies of the Civil War and society’s need to unify and “to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan....”
Implementing the DATA Act of 2014: Insights from Christina Ho, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Accounting Policy and Financial Transparency, U.S. Department of the Treasury
The impetus behind the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 (DATA Act) may be simple: Transform federal spending information from disconnected documents into open data to improve spending transparency, transform federal financial management
Perspective on Strategic Intelligence: Conceptual Tools for Leading Change with Dr. Michael Maccoby
Today’s government executives face serious and sometimes seemingly intractable issues that can go to the core of effective governance and leadership.
A Management Roadmap for the Next Administration
Introduction: A Management Roadmap for the Next Administration
Delivering on Mission Priorities: New Pathways to Achieve Key Government Outcomes
(with contributions from IBM colleagues Chris Ballister, Chris Trainor, Matt Spaloss, and Mark Fisk)
Creating a Cadre of Enterprise-Wide Leaders: Fledgling Efforts Underway to Create Cross-Agency, Career Level Capacity Building
Several years ago, then-recently retired U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen spoke to a gathering at his alma mater, George Washington University, about his experiences in leading large-scale cross-agency emergency recovery efforts.
Achieving IT Security Intelligence
IT security needs to be proactive—using cyber analytics and cognitive-based systems to ultimately achieve security intelligence.
Beyond Business as Usual: Improving Defense Acquisition through Better Buying Power
The U.S. federal government spends nearly a half-trillion dollars per year through contracts, buying everything from office supplies and automobiles to professional services, information technology, and complex weapon systems.
Using Mobile Apps in Government
Apps are programs designed specifically for mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and wearables.
The Social Intranet: Insights on Managing and Sharing Knowledge Internally
This research report introduces the concept of the social intranet—the use of in-house social networking technologies for employees of a government organization only— and how these technologies are designed and used in the public sector.