How to Run a Successful Apps or Mobile Apps Contest on Challenge.gov

An apps challenge is a way to gather new ideas by asking the public to create software applications that may use a particular dataset, in order to solve an existing problem or draw attention to data.

Challenges to solicit apps are sometimes referred to as “participation challenges” because the creator is often seeking many creative apps around a given area and not just one winning application.

How to Run an Apps or Mobile Apps Contest, Step-by-Step

Specific Requirements

In August 2011, OMB released the America COMPETES Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 274 KB, 12 pages, August 2011)

In March 2010, OMB released guidance on the Use of Challenges and Prizes to Promote Open Government (PDF, 94 KB, 12 pages, March 2010)


Phase 1: Plan

Listen to a podcast on planning apps challenges from the March 1st, Apps Challenges Workshop (Mediafire file: MP3 Format Sound, 5261 KB, 5 minutes, March 2011)

Phase 2: Implement

Listen to a podcast on marketing apps challenges from the March 1st, Apps Challenges Workshop (Mediafire file: MP3 Format Sound, 4012 KB, 4 minutes, March 2011)

Phase 3: Improve

Listen to a podcast on post-competition strategy from the March 1st, Apps Challenges Workshop (Mediafire file: MP3 Format Sound, 11892 KB, 7 minutes, March 2011)

 

Content Lead: Karen Trebon
Page Reviewed/Updated: August 16, 2012

You are now leaving the HowTo.gov website.


CancelView Link