POLITICO Tech This Biden official wants to root out waste. She says DOGE is doing it all wrong.
Feb 27, 2025
Ann Lewis, former director of Technology Transformation Services under President Biden, shares her insights on government technology waste. She discusses the pitfalls of ineffective management in reform efforts and the potential for bipartisan solutions. Lewis critiques recent budget cuts and highlights a failed call center project as a prime example of inefficiency. She advocates for aligning government procurement with private-sector practices and emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in viewing technology as an ongoing investment for effective governance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Conway's Law and Government
- Conway's Law states that an organization's communication structure influences product design.
- Government's siloed structure contributes to inefficient and disjointed digital experiences.
Call Center Failure
- A benefits program's call center software failed due to increased demand during the pandemic.
- They spent $400 million on a custom system when a $4 million solution existed.
Policy and Implementation Alignment
- Policymakers should define clear, implementable goals and involve implementers in the process.
- Treat technology projects as ongoing investments, not one-time purchases.