Browse Ideas with tag 'technology':

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  Use Free, Open-Source Software

  The Linux operating system has several distributions which are rock-solid stable, secure, user friendly, and high performing. However, most people don't use Linux because they are either unaware of it, unwilling to learn something other than Mac or Windows or have misunderstandings of compatibility issues. If the government mandated all basic machines to use Linux, this would save billions of dollars in licensing fees ...more »

  The Linux operating system has several distributions which are rock-solid stable, secure, user friendly, and high performing. However, most people don't use Linux because they are either unaware of it, unwilling to learn something other than Mac or Windows or have misunderstandings of compatibility issues.

  If the government mandated all basic machines to use Linux, this would save billions of dollars in licensing fees currently paid to Apple and Microsoft, billions more in IT Security costs because Linux is actually more secure than Windows and Mac, and even more because Linux frequently outperforms Mac and Windows on older computer hardware. This would imply that machines would not need to be upgraded as frequently. In addition, since most of the software for Linux is absolutely free and well supported, the government saves even more money it spends to third-party developers for tool maintenance and licenses.

  So I propose converting, at a minimum, all basic systems on which government workers only use their computers for office productivity tools such as email, documents, spreadsheets and presentations, to a standard Linux distribution (Ubuntu or RedHat). If there are users that require specialized software, such and EDA or mathematical analysis software that is only available on Mac or Windows, then don't change it. Government workers should be taking advantage of the abundance free open-source software to do their jobs, and save taxpayers billions of dollars.

  No one needs a $2000 Mac to check email or write a spreadsheet.

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Recycle Old Smart Phones to Store Emergency Contact Information

  Recycle old smart phones to store contact information for emergency responders. This would remove phones from the waste stream, and provide a use for outdated technology from low cost technology.

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Make O & M Money 2 years

  Instead of being a single year funding rollover could limit unfunded requirements by finding savings.

  No more Christmas in August and September!

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Recycle Ipods to Store Acronym Definitions 4 Gov't Agencies

  Old ipods can be recycled to store the definitions of acronyms for military and government organizations. This would remove waste from our disposal streams, and allow government workers and the military to readily access acronym definitions for regulatory compliance.

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Technology Consolidation

  Currently, science and technology organizations are widely disbursed amongst many Federal entities (NASA, NOAA, Dept of Energy, DARPA, etc.). Having these organizations under multiple entities causes administration duplication, funding overlap and a lack of fiscally responsible synergy. By leveraging science, energy and technology programs under one Department, such as "The Department of Science, Energy and Technology ...more »

  Currently, science and technology organizations are widely disbursed amongst many Federal entities (NASA, NOAA, Dept of Energy, DARPA, etc.). Having these organizations under multiple entities causes administration duplication, funding overlap and a lack of fiscally responsible synergy. By leveraging science, energy and technology programs under one Department, such as "The Department of Science, Energy and Technology (SEaT)," proper emphasis, mission direction and funding streams could be better managed by not having to compete with other government functions totally irrevelant to SEaT objectives.

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Management Idea

  Cameras in the offices of all manager, or higher positions. If these folks are good enough for management positions, why shouldn't we do what we can to make sure we're getting our moneys worth? Camera's are being used everywhere else, including police cars. This would increase productivity, reduce workplace violence, intimidation, sexual harrassment, discrimination, etc. Our salaries, promotions, and demotions are ...more »

  Cameras in the offices of all manager, or higher positions. If these folks are good enough for management positions, why shouldn't we do what we can to make sure we're getting our moneys worth? Camera's are being used everywhere else, including police cars. This would increase productivity, reduce workplace violence, intimidation, sexual harrassment, discrimination, etc. Our salaries, promotions, and demotions are based on their recommendations, why should that be left to chance?

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Provide consulting for repetitive computer tasks.

  Apparently my office has people who copy and paste to rework documents and spreadsheets. I'm a law intern so they naturally (sarcasm) task me with data input. The story usually goes like this: "I need you to go through this 5,000 page Word document and keep the sections that have the words "Congress" or "Senate" in them. I've already spent two days on this and I got done with the first 1,000 pages. I need to do some ...more »

  Apparently my office has people who copy and paste to rework documents and spreadsheets. I'm a law intern so they naturally (sarcasm) task me with data input. The story usually goes like this: "I need you to go through this 5,000 page Word document and keep the sections that have the words "Congress" or "Senate" in them. I've already spent two days on this and I got done with the first 1,000 pages. I need to do some other repetitive task so I don't have time to do the rest. I know you're a legal intern, but I need this done ASAP. This will probably take you 8 days to finish."

  I then write a computer program and the job is done in 10 minutes. This makes me wonder what percentage of the government is wasting time on repetive tasks that should be automated. The problem must be rampant.

  Perhaps staff in IT could give consultation to people who are otherwise wasting their time. IT staff could create quick tools tailored to specific repetetive tasks.

  Other examples of repetive tasks I've solved include:

  "I need you to send out 60 emails to 60 different companies. Each email should be the same except different company name and the number of employees in the company. Just take this info from this spreadsheet and send out an individualized email using the spreadsheet data. I know this will probably take you a couple hours. I already spent two hours doing it."

  My solution: Mail merge. Google it. It's really easy. Anyone sending mass emails in Government should know about this. It sends indivualized emails through Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook using datafields form an Excel spreadsheet Stop wasting your time. IT Consultants should teach everyone about this.

  Last problem:

  "I need you to add an extra column to this spreadsheet of 5,000 companies. The spreadsheet currently has the zip code. We need to match up the zip code with their region that is found on a separate spreadsheet and insert the region name on the company list. The zip code/region spreadsheet has all 43,000 US zip codes with the name of the region next to it. I know this is really tedious. I already worked on this for one day and finished 1,000. This will probably take you 4 days to finish."

  My solution: Excel formula VLOOKUP. Matches the zip code from the company spreadsheet with the zip code in the zip/region spreadsheet and inserts the region name on that line into the original company spreadsheet. Stop wasting your time.

  I'm a legal intern, not a computer expert. People whose job it is to enter data should at least have basic skills to do their job and should have access to an IT consultant for repetetive tasks who can code customized tools for quick tasks.

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Combine Many Services and Resources Government-wide

  Many services and resources are duplicated throughout the Government. My proposal is to combine some of these services into one Government -wide service that is interchangable throughout the Government. Examples are: the Govewrnment -wide travel system (DTS, GeT, etc) this should be one service that accomodates all agencies. Another example would be the CAC card and it's certificates, interoperability throughout the different ...more »

  Many services and resources are duplicated throughout the Government. My proposal is to combine some of these services into one Government -wide service that is interchangable throughout the Government. Examples are: the Govewrnment -wide travel system (DTS, GeT, etc) this should be one service that accomodates all agencies. Another example would be the CAC card and it's certificates, interoperability throughout the different agencies. I should be able to use my CAC card on any DoD, State Dept, Commerce Dept, etc computer. A final example would be Security classifications. We could save millions by having one set of classifications that are not agency specific.

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Add back the disagree button!

  Add back the disagree button!

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Drill for More Oil! Keep gas prices from going back to $5/gal

  Drill for oil here in the US!

  9 comments for Idea: Drill for More Oil! Keep gas prices from going back to $5/gal

  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Active Duty retirement at 20 year no matter your age?

  Currently a 20 year military vet that joined at 18 and retires at 38 gets a retirement immediately. I am military so I understand this isn't popular but that means if they live the life expectancy they get this for 40+ years!

  This is not true for the reserves so the system needs to be more balanced.

  11 comments for Idea: Active Duty retirement at 20 year no matter your age?

  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Set Ambitious Export Goal

  We need to have the President set an ambitious export goal. Like increase so much by this date.

  This should be the goal of all executives - even states. They should want the US to lead the world in goods and services.

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Persuade China to allow its currency to appreciate

  The U.S. needs to do more to get China to stop manipulating its currency or threaten to do the same to ours.

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Take adantage of lower value dollar to jumpstart manufacturing

  America can use the lower dollar to her advantage and with the right incentives for business become a manufacturing giant again.

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Keep this website open year round

  Keep this website open and collect ideas routinely.

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Competitiveness - Tax incentive to create new export item

  Help U.S. companies expand into international markets with products slated to be exported by giving them tax breaks. Even it is a new break even the jobs alone help the United States and establish better reputation for "Made in America" products.

  1 comment for Idea: Competitiveness - Tax incentive to create new export item

  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Tourism - Market the U.S. overseas as a great place to visit

  The dollar is low and now is the best time to lure Europeans, Middle easterners, and Asians to America for their vacations.

  I have not seen much of this but it would help the U.S. Economy.

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  Nuclear and green energy - so more dollars go into economy

  It is about time the U.S. invest in all power sources. Wind, solar, AND nuclear power are a must. By increasing supply the cost will go down allowing more dollars into the economy and more jobs. With huge increases in energy and health care costs how is the nation ever going to recover!

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Upgrade to productivity-enhancing calendar and email systems

  My agency at least is using antiquated computer productivity systems---or I should say, there is a lack of the modern applications and systems that make using computers efficient and make collaboration easy, resulting in productivity loss. My calendar does not talk to my email system which does not talk to my Blackberry which does not talk to my travel laptop. I can't have a contacts list common to all these systems, ...more »

  My agency at least is using antiquated computer productivity systems---or I should say, there is a lack of the modern applications and systems that make using computers efficient and make collaboration easy, resulting in productivity loss.

  My calendar does not talk to my email system which does not talk to my Blackberry which does not talk to my travel laptop. I can't have a contacts list common to all these systems, forcing me to waste hours (literally) of time every week looking through email chains to find either the right email reference from a calendar event, or the right email address on my computer to transfer by hand to my Blackberry. Online access to email when away from the office is circa 1995.

  Also, available modern applications such as action trackers and collaborative document editing systems are simply not available. Hence, preferred methods for achieving what could all be done online or through a shared network instead involve printing.

  This problem may be related to another comment already in this system about training older employees in how to effectively use technology. I get the feeling that these problems have not been addressed because many managers don't understand how much better productivity could be if basic computing issues were resolved; computers need not be constant headaches!

  Perhaps what is necessary is a government-wide initiative to modernize its computer systems.

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Regularly Educate Baby Boomers on Technology

  I see way too many baby boomers doing unnecessary work that can be done by today's technology. Copying a 200-page document ten times and distributing it among your staff is wasteful and barely resourceful when we already have pdf capabilities, email, and network privileges. Tallying numbers on an excel spreadsheet dates back to an era long gone, and in an institution that prides itself on numbers and facts, the time ...more »

  I see way too many baby boomers doing unnecessary work that can be done by today's technology. Copying a 200-page document ten times and distributing it among your staff is wasteful and barely resourceful when we already have pdf capabilities, email, and network privileges. Tallying numbers on an excel spreadsheet dates back to an era long gone, and in an institution that prides itself on numbers and facts, the time spent waiting for a baby boomer to count and copy documents would be better spent training him or her on how to better use technology, and therefore utilitze their positions in more resourceful ways.

  It has taken some time for our agency to use social media as a means for publicizing our work, as well as recruiting talent. We are so far behind in using Facebook, Twitter, and other social medias. If baby boomers were regularly trained and allowed open use of social media to facilitate work processes and therefore, the vision of the organization, perhaps we can actually start CREATING CHANGE.

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Project Management Guidelines

  Issue Government-wide project management guidelines based on an industry standard. Issue project managment templates government-wide. Create common information models for portfolio, program, and project management to be utilized governement-wide. Stop each Agency or subAgency from creating the project management wheel themselves. This will reduce project management cost. Create a common methodology from which all projects ...more »

  Issue Government-wide project management guidelines based on an industry standard. Issue project managment templates government-wide. Create common information models for portfolio, program, and project management to be utilized governement-wide.

  Stop each Agency or subAgency from creating the project management wheel themselves. This will reduce project management cost. Create a common methodology from which all projects funded with Government dollars are based. Utilization of a standard like PMI (Project Management Insitute) and certification of PMs will assist in efficent use of staff time and funding in a manner consistent with and supportive of trustworthy stewdardship and transparency in government for taxpayers.

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Monitors - Extend life for replacements - Saves 1 Billion USD!

  Intro: Every federal employee loves when the IT guys says " you are getting a new computer" - which in many agencies means a laptop. This happens every three years and it is time. Three years of use at 40 hours a week and newer programs on dated technology are a problem - but why the new monitor? I have seen the property book and what they cost and been involved in "excessing" the old ones that all work fine. Do ...more »

  Intro: Every federal employee loves when the IT guys says " you are getting a new computer" - which in many agencies means a laptop. This happens every three years and it is time. Three years of use at 40 hours a week and newer programs on dated technology are a problem - but why the new monitor? I have seen the property book and what they cost and been involved in "excessing" the old ones that all work fine. Do you replace yours at home every three years?

  My Suggestion: Change the lifecycle from 3 to five years for flat screen monitors. From years 0 to 3 they can be supported under the help desk agreements or warranties and from 3 to 5 years if they have a problem they are replaced.

  2.15 million Federal works x $175 per monitor (I am low balling here) = $376,250,000 every three years or $125,416,667 per year. If it was 5 years it would be $75,250,000 per year and a savings of $50,166,667 per year! Over 20 years the savings is $1,003,333,340 - that is over a BILLION dollars for such a simple change.

  Impact: None. All federal employees still have a monitor. No loss in services!

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Federal Employee Video Testimony

  Routinely the DOJ and US Attorneys Office will subpoena Federal employees to testify in cases outside of the employee's geographical work area. These cases can often be cross country in nature as currently my office on the West Coast is working to find funding to send an employee to the East Coast for under one hour of general background testimony. A cross country flight and hotel for less than one hour of general ...more »

  Routinely the DOJ and US Attorneys Office will subpoena Federal employees to testify in cases outside of the employee's geographical work area.

  These cases can often be cross country in nature as currently my office on the West Coast is working to find funding to send an employee to the East Coast for under one hour of general background testimony.

  A cross country flight and hotel for less than one hour of general testimony. This is our Government at work. A Government which is under a CR yet we continue to spend on travel when there is no need.

  We can do much better by having the involved employee sworn in at the local US Courthouse and testify or provide affidavit by video conference. Extensive and immediate cost savings.

  This is applicable to all agencies and bureaus to include but not limited to; BOP, CBP, CPSC, DOJ, FBI, DHS, HSI, HUD, ICE, IRS, NOAA, USDA.

  http://files.ali-aba.org/thumbs/datastorage/lacidoirep/articles/PLIT0909-Lederer_thumb.pdf

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Offer Secure US.gov Email Addresses to US Citizens through USPS

  Provide US.gov email address services to US Citizens through the USPS for secure email transactions with any US Government Agency (IRS, SSA, State Department etc.). This would provide a new revenue source for the USPS as more US goverment transactions are completed electronically over smart phones. It could also be combined with the Secure Identity initiative, so that US Citizens are assured that their email transactions ...more »

  Provide US.gov email address services to US Citizens through the USPS for secure email transactions with any US Government Agency (IRS, SSA, State Department etc.). This would provide a new revenue source for the USPS as more US goverment transactions are completed electronically over smart phones. It could also be combined with the Secure Identity initiative, so that US Citizens are assured that their email transactions with the US Government are secure. I see this as a natural extension to the physical address services already offered by the USPS. I don't think that it competes with private industry as US Citizens would still be responsible for providing their own Internet Access. Email addresses could be offered on a subscription basis, or for single use transactions (e.g. to submit a tax return to the IRS).

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Come up with efficient ways to communicate

  We travel all the time to meet and for training. With such budget problems is travel really needed with our current technology. Why can't we make the best of it for now and use web, video and phone conferencing. When times are good we can travel again. Thanks EDIT: I found these posts buried down in the hundreds of ideas. Thanks to the authors: http://governmentreform.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Elimninate-End-of-Year-Spending/118530-13060 ...more »

  We travel all the time to meet and for training. With such budget problems is travel really needed with our current technology.

  Why can't we make the best of it for now and use web, video and phone conferencing.

  When times are good we can travel again.

  Thanks

  EDIT: I found these posts buried down in the hundreds of ideas.

  Thanks to the authors:

  http://governmentreform.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Elimninate-End-of-Year-Spending/118530-13060

  http://governmentreform.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Utilize-the-Site/120215-13060

  http://governmentreform.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Analyze-processes-and-improve-them-to-reduce-work/121196-13060

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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