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P ublic Sector Innovations
tool that uses machine learning and natural language processing algorithms to match keywords to relevant research expertise in a data lake of NSF’s research proposals and information from external publications and third parties. Semantic indexing separates search results into meaningful groups
and provides users with a list of potential reviewers.
The Suggest Reviewer Dashboard was implemented in less than six months through the efforts of a cross-functional team of IT, business and human resources volunteers and has significantly reduced the administrative burden on grant administrators at no additional cost.
The data and tools required to build the dashboard would not have been available five years ago, so the convergence of technology, volunteers and passion created an opportune moment to solve a chronic problem. Approximately 40% of the NSF workforce uses the dashboard, and its popularity is growing. In addition, NSF has shared the technology and lessons learned with peer agencies.
NSF CIO Dorothy Aronson said the dashboard represented a significant win
for the agency. “It let us dip our toe into the water with AI,” she added. “It was a low-risk project, but it addressed a problem that staff [was] passionate about solving and it delivered high yields.”
Conserving Resources by Adapting Smart Technology in Waste Management and Recycling Services
City of Montgomery, Ala.
As part of its waste management program, the city of Montgomery, Ala., took on
the additional job of monitoring streets
for potential safety hazards. Because 60 sanitation vehicles travel every street at least twice a week, officials decided to equip them with technology to identify potholes, high grass, damaged street signs and broken traffic signals.
Drivers have a smartphone mounted on
Crash Detection and Mitigation Technology
City of Henderson, Nev.
As part of its vision to become one of the best communities in America, the city
of Henderson, Nev., is deploying crash detection and mitigation technologies to make its streets safer.
Officials are using an artificial intelligence solution from Waycare to analyze traffic-related data and predict — and eventually prevent — accidents. By gathering data from existing cameras, sensors, connected vehicles and monitoring devices at intersections and on streetlights, the tool enables government officials to proactively
their dashboards, and they log problems by tapping a customized screen. They also have the option of stopping to take a photograph of significant issues, IT Manager Savio Dias said.
“Essentially, this program has equipped the city’s trucks to become mobile data- reporting assets [that] help us analyze how to optimize routes and services while generating a cost savings,” he said.
manage city roads. For instance, the system alerts 911 dispatchers and
first responders when irregular traffic congestion occurs. Then dispatchers can check the city’s camera feeds to see if an accident has taken place.
“This platform allows us to gather insights from historical data and real- time data to determine where a high level of incidents occur so the city
of Henderson can be proactive with response,” said Claire Leck, senior technology project manager at the city’s Department of IT. “This solution can also be used as a collaborative tool with regional entities such as the Regional Transportation Commission, Nevada Department of Transportation and Nevada Highway Patrol.”
Additionally, the city’s Public Works department uses the solution to view accident scenes so it can better clear streets and repair any damage to infrastructure. The data also helps officials become more proactive with street maintenance, such as filling potholes and fixing broken streetlights.
The city has deployed Waycare at two of the 186 intersections with connected traffic signals as part of a six-month test of the technologies.
“We are already seeing benefits of the system with our Public Works and Fire Department,” Leck said. “Users are able to log into the system and view incidents once a call has been placed. This allows responders to assess the situation and understand exactly where the incident is located.”
Using service confirmation algorithms that automatically verify waste and recycling pickups, the technology identifies patterns in the speed, motion and vibration of each truck as it makes its stops. Drivers and supervisors benefit by receiving digital routing, vehicle tracking and diagnostic information for proactive maintenance.
Supervisory staff can now track down to the household level which neighborhoods
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