GSA creates new service to help U.S. agencies transform technology

by Brianna Crandall — June 3, 2016 — The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) recently announced the creation of the Technology Transformation Service, establishing a permanent home for innovation and technology modernization inside GSA. The new service builds on the success of GSA technology initiatives, and will help agencies meet the challenge of creating accessible, efficient, user-centered and secure technology.

In working towards a savvier, more effective government, federal agencies are increasingly looking for technologists’ assistance in identifying the best solution, best tools, or the best path to successful implementation of transformative technology and innovative solutions. Creating a dedicated service to meet this need will enable GSA to strengthen the way partner agencies build, buy, and share cutting-edge technology, and thereby improve the public’s experience with government. It will also provide GSA with a platform for future emerging technology efforts.

The Technology Transformation Service is GSA’s third service line. Like GSA’s Public Buildings Service, focused on real estate, and the Federal Acquisition Service, focused on acquisitions, the Technology Transformation Service will be led by a commissioner and deputy commissioner.

The Service will house the Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies, 18F, and the Presidential Innovation Fellows program and will be the home of new, emerging technology initiatives at GSA.

GSA explains that the Federal Acquisition Service will still lead when it comes to the acquisition of IT products and services outside of emerging technologies. The Office of Government-wide Policy will continue to coordinate interagency IT policy and benchmarking to drive better outcomes, and GSA IT will continue to lead GSA’s internal IT strategy and operations as well as be a test bed for many emerging technologies.