The Samuel Freeman Charitable Trust and the Project Management Institute cosponsored an Academy white paper that explored the issues associated with agile government and recommended ways that the federal government can become more agile. The study considered such issues as:
This was a six-month project. The Academy formed a three-member Expert Advisory Group to provide guidance to the professional study team.
Click the button below to view the Building an Agile Federal Government- Full Report.
Building an Agile Federal Government- Full ReportThe study team proposed that diligent, thoughtful, widespread application of agile—as adapted from the digital world—as a way to manage organizations can significantly improve federal agencies’ responsiveness and results. New operating principles and practices—and a new leadership and management mindset—will be required for success. With a more flexible management approach, the federal government can be in a stronger position to tackle persistent problems and deal with crises.
The study team's key recommendations regarding the use of agile in the federal government include 1) To the maximum extent feasible, agile government should be the preferred operating model across the federal government, 2) Agile methods of management and operations should be championed inside federal departments and agencies and incorporated into as many of their activities as possible, 3) Key barriers to agile functioning within the federal government should be identified and appropriately addressed within the nation's checks-and-balances political system and legal framework, 4) Agile approaches, successes, and challenges should be highlighted across the federal government, and 5) Department and agency leaders should ensure that readily-accessible training opportunities and approaches, especially including management skills, are available.
Final Report Recommendations and Action Steps
Recommendation 1: To the maximum extent feasible, agile government should be the preferred operating model across the federal government.
Recommendation 2: Agile methods of management and operations should be championed inside federal departments and agencies and incorporated into as many of their activities as possible.
Recommendation 3: Key barriers to agile functioning within the federal government should be identified and appropriately addressed within the nation's checks-and-balances political system and legal framework.
Recommendation 4: Agile approaches, successes, and challenges should be highlighted across the federal government.
Recommendation 5: Department and agency leaders should ensure that readily-accessible training opportunities and approaches, especially including management skills, are available.