Page 31 - FCW, January/February 2021

CONTRACT LEADERSHIP
solutions that impact both the current and target states of the business, information and technical architecture.” Research from the Agile Government Center finds that agile government
is the best pathway to more effective government, and will help agencies bring agencies together, build trust in government by improving outcomes for the public, and reducing the complexity of government.
Augmented intelligence: By now, most people are familiar with the concept of artificial intelligence,
which applies advanced analysis and logic-based techniques to improve predictions, make forecasts and identify risk factors. Augmented intelligence
is closely related, but a bit different.
It combines the power of AI with human capabilities, machine learning algorithms and statistical models
to supplement human intelligence. Making the most of augmented intelligence requires first defining the agency’s broad AI strategy
and identifying challenges that AI technology can address. Next,
build the AI talent within the agency and choose a few test cases to pilot, Deloitte recommends.
The Enduring Appeal of ITES
Since 2003, federal agencies have relied on the Army’s Information Technology Enterprise Solutions (ITES) series of contracts has to procure the IT products (and more recently, services) they need quickly, efficiently, and cost effectively.
Administered by the Army’s Computer Hardware Enterprise Software and Solutions (CHESS) office, ITES contracts have produced more than $4.3 billion in sales since 2017, according to Bloomberg Government.
Because of the popularity of these contracts, they have been extended time and time again. Today, there are three ITES firm-fixed-price ID/IQ contracts available:
• ITES SW-2: This follow-on to the original software contract has a $13 billion ceiling
• ITES-3H: This follow-on to the previous contract is capped at of $5 billion • ITES-3 Services: This $12 billion contract vehicle runs through 2027
In addition to low-cost (agencies do not have to pay a fee to use the contracts), the ITES contracts have done a great job of keeping pace with emerging technologies and trends. One of the biggest changes has been the addition of IT-related services. The ability to bundle technology assessments, design, integration, consolidation, operation, maintenance, education and training services gives agencies a true one-stop shopping experience.
their own terms. For some, that
might mean using a smart speaker
to find a website. For others, it might be more comfortable to apply for a permit using a mobile device. Still others prefer chatbots or even an actual phone call. Federal leaders understand the importance of this change; the President’s Management Agenda, for example, stresses the importance: “meeting customer expectations, keeping sensitive data and systems secure, and ensuring responsive, multi-channel access to services are all critical parts of the vision for modern government.”
The 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA) breaks it down further, requiring all government- produced digital products and services to be consistent, modern and mobile- friendly. It also stresses the need
for in-person services, forms, and paper-based services to be available in a digital format.
Meeting these expectations means providing a variety of ways for citizens to engage. It also means putting the right infrastructure in place—one
that is secure and efficient, with the ability for citizens to serve themselves securely, and for agencies to analyze trends for continual improvement.
It requires a modern customer engagement platform that optimizes all touchpoints and interactions with agencies, and often benefits from advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.
Agile by design: Instead of the traditional approach to program and application development, federal leaders are urging agencies to adopt
a more agile approach—one that can adapt quickly to changing priorities and requirements. Like agile software development, an agile approach to government stresses innovation, speed, flexibility and collaboration.
Gartner considers agile by design a major tenet for government moving forward. “Digital government is not
a ‘set and forget’ investment,” it noted in its report. “CIOs must create a nimble and responsive environment by adopting an agile-by-design approach, a set of principles and practices used to develop more agile systems and
While embracing these trends and technologies will take time and effort, agencies clearly understand the need
to move in the right direction. The key, Richbourg says, is to determine both the current and desired future state. “Every agency is in a different place on each of these issues,” he says. The ITES family of contracts is an ideal place to start. Through these contracts, CDW•G can evaluate what is needed and procure those products and services to get the job done. •
Visit www.cdwg.com/federal to learn more about CDW·G, our capabilities and contracts. Contact us at 800.808.4239 to orchestrate a secure solution customized to your agency’s needs.