GSA and Industry Meet to Discuss Contest and Challenge Services
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Video Length: 1 minute 25 seconds Seeking to harness powerful ideas from the public all across the country, GSA is leading an effort to make those solutions available to federal agencies through challenges and contest services. On Aug. 12 at GSA’s Washington headquarters, the agency held an Industry Day to discuss ways in which industry and newcomers could team up to offer contest services to government agencies. The outreach is all part of the President Barack Obama’s call for government to be more open and participatory. GSA is leading the way in the effort with the creation of challenge.gov — the one-stop source for all the challenges and contest being offered across the government. The website is expected to launch soon. “This is a very, very exciting area for government — challenges and contest space,” said David McClure, Associate Administrator for GSA's Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technology. “It’s probably one of the most innovative and exciting areas, I think, that we’ve kicked off in the administration, and it’s already germinating. … It’s more than just an idea; it’s already producing results.” McClure wants GSA to be a value resource for the federal community to help lead the effort to tap into the creativity of Americans through challenges and contests. "It is core to our ability to deliver breakthroughs and innovations in achieving the mission objectives the president’s called for, the Congress has called for, frankly, the country has called for," said U.S Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra. "That’s why we need your help to advise these agencies and execute on this program.” Chopra cited a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture challenge in which the agency called for developers to create an online game to promote awareness around childhood obesity and wellness issues. In response, the site registered 35,000 users, and produced 95 individual games that are available to be voted on. The meeting was part of a series of events to show how public and private cooperation can make government more efficient and participatory through contests and challenges. View the future home for all the government challenges and contests Download above video: mp4 (3.66MB) | mp3 (2.06MB)
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