Community Member

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5 ideas posted

9 comments 6 votes

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Department/Agency:

USDA

City:

Washington

Ideas contributed by Community Member

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  Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »

  Put more stringent controls on consulting contracts

  The federal government uses a wide range of contractors. Some provide equipment, which are tangible. But when contractors provide more ill-defined "goods" the scrutiny should be heightened and there should be a time limit the consultant can work with the contractor. For example, X consultanting firm can help an agency build a training course, but that must be done with a certain time frame -- six months or less -- and ...more »

  The federal government uses a wide range of contractors. Some provide equipment, which are tangible. But when contractors provide more ill-defined "goods" the scrutiny should be heightened and there should be a time limit the consultant can work with the contractor. For example, X consultanting firm can help an agency build a training course, but that must be done with a certain time frame -- six months or less -- and the contract cannot be extended. Time to stop runaway spending on consultants. They are abusing the system, and federal workers are not calling them on it.

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  20 votes

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  Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »

  electronic "paper"

  The federal government must convert a majority of their publications/information to formats readily accessible on e-book technology, the internet and other electronic formats. There are dozens of government offices and store rooms stacked with hundreds, if not thousands, of pamphlets, regulations, maps, etc. By converting to a mostly e-format, the government could offer a "pay to print" module that allows people to buy ...more »

  The federal government must convert a majority of their publications/information to formats readily accessible on e-book technology, the internet and other electronic formats. There are dozens of government offices and store rooms stacked with hundreds, if not thousands, of pamphlets, regulations, maps, etc. By converting to a mostly e-format, the government could offer a "pay to print" module that allows people to buy a map for $1, a booklet for $5, etc., so that hard copies are available. Experiment with providing one hard copy to each library so that the information is accessible. Or one computer in each library dedicated to government publications. If you find something you want a hard copy of, order it. If it's documentation that is generally free, put it in PDF form and in an e-format accessible by a multitude of platforms that allows users to download and read or print. Stop wasting natural resources that sit in a storeroom.

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  1 comment for Idea: electronic "paper"

  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »

  Evaluate government agencies for potential consolidation

  There are many agency programs, areas of work, programs, etc., that are redundant or nearly identical to other agencies. Consider a 20-year plan of reduction and consolidation while balancing that with the need to get something done. There may be instances where combining two small agencies would be less efficient. But this will take some study.

  11 comments for Idea: Evaluate government agencies for potential consolidation

  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  6 votes

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  Increasing Trade, Exports, and Overall Competitiveness »

  Government-wide green policies

  A federal government-wide green policy should address every aspect of the workplace, from the light bulbs used to the types of travel allowed. It's not unusual to see lights on throughout D.C. even though offices are empty. Bad lighting in offices is augmented by even more types of lighting within cubicles. Travel is booked individually even through several people from one agency is going to the same location. In-person ...more »

  A federal government-wide green policy should address every aspect of the workplace, from the light bulbs used to the types of travel allowed. It's not unusual to see lights on throughout D.C. even though offices are empty. Bad lighting in offices is augmented by even more types of lighting within cubicles. Travel is booked individually even through several people from one agency is going to the same location. In-person meetings are held rather an video teleconferencing because there are few questions about why someone travels and because video conferencing equipment is in high demand and sometimes does not work. Every aspect of a government agency should be scrutinized to determine their green level in an effort to benefit our environment but also to save money.

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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  Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »

  Reevaluate the level of oversight over work products

  Levels of bureaucracy that exercise too much oversight can undermine an agency's ability to accomplish really good work. If a government agency hires a professional to do a job, let them do their jobs. If an agency does not trust the professional, then hiring practices need to change. I am new to the federal government and am astounded by the attitude that the chain of command, whatever the level, will simple quash great ...more »

  Levels of bureaucracy that exercise too much oversight can undermine an agency's ability to accomplish really good work. If a government agency hires a professional to do a job, let them do their jobs. If an agency does not trust the professional, then hiring practices need to change. I am new to the federal government and am astounded by the attitude that the chain of command, whatever the level, will simple quash great ideas or will take a good idea to make it their own. This results in poor employee moral, which has a great impact on quality of work.

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  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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