Creating a "future ready" federal workforce equipped with modern tools and technology and implementing smart telework policies were some of the key goals cited by new Federal CIO Steven VanRoekel at an event Tuesday evening in Silicon Valley.
VanRoekel noted a need to close the productivity gap in government, in part by equipping federal workers with modern tools and technologies to serve the American people effectively. He also noted the need for smart telework policies to save on real estate costs and ensure federal workers have flexibility, particularly in the event of an emergency.
"For too long, the government has employed 20th century tools to solve 21st century problems," VanRoekel said at the event, which was sponsored by TechAmerica. "We fell behind in making the smart investments in technology that yield productivity gains in the private sector every day."
VanRoekel also noted a need for government to think more strategically about how it buys, manages and uses mobile devices and collaboration tools cost-effectively and securely.
Meanwhile, Federal News Radio reports that VanRoekel also mentioned that the new Tech Fellows Program has already received 5,000 applications. The government launched the program in September as part of the Obama administration's 25-point plan to reform federal IT management. The program appoints technology students who are expected to complete a master's or doctoral-level degree to serve a two-year paid fellowship with the federal government.
"I'm very encouraged by that number," VanRoekel said. "The amount of talent we can draw from is great. And talent and technology is a huge part of the equation."
Brittany Ballenstedt
Brittany Ballenstedt writes Nextgov's Wired Workplace blog, which delves into the issues facing employees who work in the federal information technology sector. Before joining Nextgov, Brittany covered federal pay and benefits issues as a staff correspondent for Government Executive and served as an associate editor for National Journal's Technology Daily. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Mansfield University and originally hails from Pennsylvania. She currently lives near Travis Air Force Base, Calif., where her husband is stationed.
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