This is part of a recurring series, where former federal leaders reflect upon the lessons learned since leaving government. See all of the interviews at federaltimes.com/IfIKnew.
Franklin Reeder co-founded the Center for Internet Security, after a decades-long career in the Office of Management and Budget. In the mid-1990s, he was director of the White House Office of Administration.
If you knew then what you know now ...
…How would you have partnered with industry differently?
I recall a department-level CIO saying that he prided himself on never meeting with industry representatives. He thought that any conversations raised the specter of conflict of interest. If anything, I would have been even more outspoken that such intentional ignorance deprives the government of the potential creativity of the vendor community.
…How would you have worked more effectively within the confines of the Federal Acquisition Regulation?
The FAR is an artifact of often overly zealous reactions to individual bad actors and actions. That is a political reality; each new anecdote will give rise to a FAR clause.
…How would you have sought out innovative ideas and solutions to help your agency (office, department) function better?
I would have encouraged greater use of RFIs and similar vehicles, including workshops, to invite more dialogue on outcome-based solutions rather than responding to internally developed specifications. There has been a real sea change since I left government. People like [former Federal CTOs] Aneesh Chopra and Todd Park recognized early that, if they make government-held data available, entrepreneurial individuals and entities will develop apps that address public needs far more quickly and effectively.
Jill Aitoro is editor of Defense News. She is also executive editor of Sightline Media's Business-to-Government group, including Defense News, C4ISRNET, Federal Times and Fifth Domain. She brings over 15 years’ experience in editing and reporting on defense and federal programs, policy, procurement, and technology.
