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Published Jul 2, 2018

Recode Decode: Matt Cutts

Matt Cutts, acting administrator of the U.S. Digital Service, explores the transformative impact of agile practices and tech collaboration on modernizing government processes, enhancing efficiency, and improving public service delivery.
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  • Impactful Projects

    The U.S. Digital Service (USDS) has been instrumental in modernizing government services, tackling both immediate and long-term challenges. highlights projects like Vets.gov, which consolidates over 500 websites and 1,000 toll-free numbers into a single platform for veterans to manage their benefits 1. This initiative exemplifies the USDS's mission to simplify and improve access to essential services.

    We are able to do incredibly impactful and inspiring projects where people hear about it and it affects them, it affects their lives.

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    Additionally, the USDS has digitized processes like the N-400 form for citizenship, making it faster and easier for applicants 2.

       

    Recruiting Challenges

    Recruiting talent for the USDS presents unique challenges, especially given the political climate and the need for specialized skills. Despite these hurdles, notes that over half of the current USDS staff joined after the last election, drawn by the mission to serve the American people 3. The recruitment process emphasizes the meaningful impact of their work, which often leads to longer tenures than initially planned.

    Once you see the kinds of projects that you can work on, you're like, okay, that's more impactful than a dog walking startup or a laundry startup.

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    The application process is streamlined, requiring only a resume and a brief online form, making it accessible for potential recruits 4.

       

    Procurement Improvements

    Improving procurement processes is a key focus for the USDS, aiming to make government contracting more accessible and efficient. explains that training contracting officers to write better contracts is crucial for attracting agile businesses capable of delivering quick results 5. This initiative includes a certification for officers handling projects over $7 million, ensuring they can manage digital services effectively.

    Instead of $100 million boondoggles, you'll actually write something where you could have a small system and iterate quickly and deliver something pretty fast.

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    Such improvements are essential for fostering innovation and efficiency within government operations.

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