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Is Tech Missing a Skilled Workforce? Yes, says Ed. Dept. Senior Procurement Officer

Today, technology is a critical component to transform and modernize government to truly create a 21st century government. For our year-end report, the GovLoop team set out to explore what technology trends shaped 2012 to help agencies meet organizational goals. The report also includes best practices, case studies, and identifies which trends will shape government technology in 2013. This post will highlight one of those core trends, cloud computing.

Story Highlights

  • GovLoop Releases New Report on government technology in 2012
  • Report includes interviews with government thought leaders, insights from 250 GovLoop members, case studies and best practices
  • This story reviews big data as a core trend for government in 2012

The report below includes a survey from 250 members of the GovLoop community, and interviews with Bernie Mauzer, Chief Information Officer, Department of the Interior, Jim Ropelewski, Chief Procurement Officer, Department of Education, Linda Cureton, Chief Information Officer, NASA and Malcolm Jackson, Chief Information Officer, Environmental Protection Agency. Be sure to check out the entire report below and related resources on the guide landing page.

Expert Insights: James Ropelewski, Senior Procurement Executive, Education Department

Technologist Profile:

The SPE has responsibility for providing acquisition leadership and management of the ED acquisition system. Specifically, the SPE provides management direction for implementation of procurement policies, regulations, and standards for the entire Department. Additionally, the SPE coordinates and oversees ED’s acquisition planning process, ensuring that planning activities are completed in accordance with established Department and federal acquisition policies and procedures.

Chris Dorobek sat down with Mr. Ropelewski where he said big data is a trend on the upswing.


View the Guide Above Or Click Download Now.



Big Data Double Down

“Right now there is a desire for a great deal of data. Data analytics is really the big buzz word the day. A lot of acquisition offices have struggled over the past several years creating that type of data analytics to really better gear their business processes. We don’t suffer from a lack of data, it’s what to do with the data. We are still figuring out what’s the best way to crunch the numbers in order to make strategic decisions,” said Ropelewski.

Mobile Workforce Still at Bay

“Agency will likely move to more mobile workforce in the next few years. That move will increase the use of iPads and iPhones. We’ve already introduced some iPads and other tablets to a certain extent. But it’s not ingrained the culture yet,” said Ropelewski.

BYOD VS. Security

“The other big trend will be BYOD. But BYOD brings a whole host of security challenges. We will have to partner with OCIOs even more than we do now to make sure that added complications don’t arise from modernization,” said Ropelewski, “first do no harm.”

Biggest Challenge: Skilled Workforce

“It’s not a new or cutting edge challenge. But our real area of concern is finding and maintaining a highly skilled workforce. Right now because technology is getting so sophisticated we need to start thinking of our staff as strategic business officers,” said Ropelewski

The GovLoop Guide: Government Technology Year in Review

Agile Government Cloud Technology Turning Data into Power Expansion of Mobility Social Government

This page is brought to you by the GovLoop Technology Solutions Council. The mission of this council is to provide you with information and resources to help improve government. Visit the GovLoop Technology Solutions Council to learn more.

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