As the federal government’s space to foster innovation and competition within the Government, Challenge.gov crowdsources ideas and solutions from the public. The site, maintained and run by the General Services Administration, furthers the mission of “delivering value and savings in real estate, acquisition, technology, and other mission-support services across government.”
Fearless has signed a contract with the General Services Administration to support the ongoing development of the Challenge.gov platform that will give it more robust knowledge sharing and crowdsourcing.
“This is a way to get ideas from the public and be innovative,” said Fearless founder and CEO Delali Dzirasa. “Everyday citizens can chime in and get engaged with the federal government.”
Within Challenge.gov, government agencies post challenges that the general public can respond to help problems big and small. Citizens can also submit ideas and solutions for challenges across the federal government.
Examples of prize competitions on Challenge.gov include Safeguarding with Autonomous Navigation Demonstration with NASA and the FAA Challenge – Smart Airport Student Competition.
"This is an interesting project for Fearless because it allows people to have direct access to the federal government and drive innovation,” Dzirasa said. “The more creative and compelling and competitive the idea or challenge, the better it is for everyone.”
Working alongside partner firm SmartLogic, a Baltimore-based agile software development firm, Fearless’ team will be developing a new platform for Challenge.gov and designing a new user experience, among other new features and improvements.
Federal agencies will have a simplified process for uploading content and challenges for the public to respond to.
“The prize competitions and challenges on the Challenge.gov platform facilitate a form of public engagement that can generate transformational innovation,” Dzirasa said. “The challenges have a real path to execution, everyday people can make a difference and engage with their government.”
Fearless and SmartLogic are also currently working together on Hack Baltimore, a project that supports community engagement through crowdsourcing ideas and solutions using challenge portals. Hack Baltimore is bringing together the city’s extensive community of civic-focused non-profits, companies, community associations, makerspaces, and government agencies to harness resources to hack the city’s biggest problems.
“With Hack Baltimore and with Challenge.gov, the more creative and compelling idea, the better,” Dzirasa said. “Open-source projects like this are a win-win all around. The effect will be felt beyond the initial ideas and involvement in Hack Baltimore and Challenge.gov.”
This announcement was published independently of the General Services Administration. This release does not constitute or imply an endorsement by GSA or the United States Government of the product, process, or service, or its producer or provider. The views and opinions expressed in any referenced documents do not necessarily state or reflect those of the GSA or the United States Government.