Publication Archive

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Government Capacity
Blog
The Data We Take for Granted: Telling the Story of How Federal Data Benefits American Lives and Livelihoods

As the former U.S. Chief Data Scientist, I know first-hand how valuable and vulnerable our nation’s federal data assets are. Like many things in life, we’ve been taking our data for granted and will miss it terribly when it’s gone. 

06.20.25 | 6 min read
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Government Capacity
Blog
The Direct File Dream Lives On

Direct File redefined what IRS service could look like, with real-time help and data-driven improvements. Let’s apply that bar elsewhere.

06.13.25 | 3 min read
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Government Capacity
Blog
Breaking Down the New Memos on Federal Hiring

There is a lot to like in OPM’s new memos on federal hiring and senior executives, much of which reformers have been after for years, but there’s also a troubling focus on politicizing the federal workforce.

06.04.25 | 12 min read
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Government Capacity
Blog
The Untold Story of the CHIPS and Science Act

The public rarely sees the quiet, often messy work that goes into creating, passing, and implementing a major piece of legislation like the CHIPS and Science Act.

05.30.25 | 2 min read
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Government Capacity
Press release
FAS Position on “Schedule PC” and Impact on Federal Scientists

If this proposed rule were enacted it would have deleterious effects on government workers in general and federal researchers and scientists, specifically.

05.20.25 | 3 min read
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Government Capacity
Blog
Proposed “Schedule Policy/Career” Rule is Open For Comment Now, and If Implemented Could Significantly Change How Decisions Are Made

When we introduce “at-will” employment to government employees, we also introduce the potential for environments where people are more concerned about self-preservation than service to others.

05.20.25 | 3 min read
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Government Capacity
Blog
Bridging Innovation and Expertise: Connecting Federal Talent to America’s Tech Ecosystems

We’re launching an initiative to connect scientists, engineers, technologists, and other professionals who recently departed federal service with emerging innovation ecosystems across the country that need their expertise.

05.09.25 | 5 min read
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Government Capacity
Blog
Getting ‘What Works’ in Education into the Hands of Teachers and Students

Employing a living approach to evidence synthesis, disseminated at a national level, is a streamlined way to enable evidence-based decision-making nationwide.

05.01.25 | 5 min read
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Government Capacity
Blog
Goodbye IRS Direct File, Hello Inefficiency

It takes the average person over 9 hours and costs $160 to file taxes each year. IRS Direct File meant it didn’t have to.

04.16.25 | 5 min read
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Government Capacity
day one project
Policy Memo
Reforming the Federal Advisory Committee Landscape for Improved Evidence-based Decision Making and Increasing Public Trust

Protecting the health and safety of the American public and ensuring that the public has the opportunity to participate in the federal decision-making process is crucial. As currently organized, FACs are not equipped to provide the best evidence-based advice.

02.18.25 | 11 min read
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Government Capacity
day one project
Policy Memo
Protecting Infant Nutrition Security:
Shifting the Paradigm on Breastfeeding to Build a Healthier Future for all Americans

Policymakers on both sides of the aisle agree that no baby should ever go hungry, as evidenced by the bipartisan passage of recent breastfeeding legislation and widely supported regulations. However, significant barriers remain.

02.11.25 | 10 min read
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Government Capacity
Press release
Federation of American Scientists and Environmental Policy Innovation Center Unveil Permitting Tech and Talent Policy Recommendations to Support Deployment of Crucial Energy, Environmental, and Infrastructure Projects

FAS today released permitting policy recommendations to improve talent and technology in the federal permitting process. These recommendations will address the sometimes years-long bottlenecks that prevent implementation of crucial projects, from energy to transportation.

02.05.25 | 4 min read
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