Barack Obama made sure that the last bill he signed as president would have an impact on innovation in the federal government.
Shortly before President Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, Obama signed the Tested Ability to Leverage Exceptional National Talent Act of 2017 — or TALENT Act — which codifies the Presidential Innovation Fellows program.
The Obama administration started the Presidential Innovation Fellows program in 2012 as a way to incorporate innovators into government for a six to 24-month term. They are paired with civil servants to craft new initiatives for solving problems facing the government with a startup mentality.
Rumors have been swirling since the presidential election that Trump would seek to do away with several Obama-era technology and innovation initiatives, such 18F, upon taking office.
The TALENT Act — sponsored by House Majority leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. — ensures the program remains under the purview of the General Services Administration and has received bipartisan support.
"I’m pleased that before leaving office President Obama was able to enshrine into law a program that has already helped us in the effort to create an efficient, innovative and accessible government," said Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., in a statement.
"I look forward to seeing the lasting impact that the Presidential Innovation Fellows will have in developing a culture of innovation, accountability, and trust in the public sector."
Warner had previously co-sponsored similar legislation with Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., and Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, and backed McCarthy’s bill.
"By signing this bipartisan bill into law, President Obama took an important step toward ensuring that the federal government continues to strengthen its collaborative efforts with innovators and entrepreneurs while improving efficiency and accountability," said Booker in a statement.
The PIF program will continue to be managed by the GSA in partnership with an advisory board consisting of the deputy director for Management of the Office of Management and Budget, the director of the Office of Personnel Management, the administrator of the Office of Electronic Government of the OMB, the assistant to the President and Chief Technology Officer and others.
The Presidential Innovation Fellows program has been credited with the inception of 18F, the U.S. Digital Service, Data.gov and numerous other digital projects.
