Federal IT Open Source Software Adoption: A Rising Trend

The Growing Adoption of Open Source Software in the Public Sector

A notable shift is occurring as private companies increasingly favor open source software and development methodologies over proprietary alternatives. This trend is driven by compelling advantages, including cost savings and accelerated development cycles.

Utilizing readily available components instead of creating new code from scratch significantly reduces expenses and time investment. Furthermore, open source facilitates rapid deployment of new applications and mitigates the risks associated with vendor lock-in.

Federal Government's Cautious Approach

The federal government’s adoption of open source has been comparatively gradual. This hesitancy stems from the prevalence of extensive, established IT infrastructure within many agencies.

These systems are critical for serving a vast population and safeguarding substantial amounts of sensitive information. While federal IT spending reaches tens of billions annually, decentralized decision-making across numerous agencies mirrors that of individual enterprises rather than a unified organization.

Despite several initiatives promoting openness, the narrative surrounding open source within federal IT has often centered on unrealized potential.

A Turning Point for Open Source in Government

However, indicators suggest a significant change is underway, with the government approaching a critical mass in open source adoption. The escalating costs of developing modern applications to meet the demands of digitally engaged citizens, coupled with budgetary constraints, are driving this shift.

Agencies are actively seeking methods to enhance service delivery while responsibly managing taxpayer funds.

Economic factors are fundamentally necessitating a greater reliance on open source, alongside a range of additional benefits. The public availability of source code fosters continuous scrutiny from external developers, leading to enhanced software reliability and security.

Moreover, code reuse across different agencies is simplified, promoting efficiency and collaboration.

Five Signs of Increasing Government Support

Here are five key observations demonstrating the U.S. government’s growing commitment to open source:

• Increased investment in open source projects and initiatives.
• Development of clear policies and guidelines for open source adoption.
• Greater collaboration between agencies on open source development.
• A growing recognition of the security benefits of open source.
• Emphasis on open standards and interoperability.

Advancing Open Source Innovation Through Dedicated Programs

Significant progress in the adoption of open source solutions within government agencies has been facilitated by two key initiatives.

18F, a digital services consultancy operating within the General Services Administration, is a strong advocate for open source principles. Their contributions include the creation of a novel application for accessing data from the Federal Election Commission, alongside software designed to streamline the GSA’s contractor recruitment procedures.

Named after the GSA headquarters address at 1800 F St., 18F embodies the community-driven spirit that fueled the rise of open source within the commercial sector. The organization explicitly states on its website that all code developed is considered public property and resides within the public domain.

In August of 2016, the Obama administration implemented the Federal Source Code Policy. This policy mandated that all federal agencies embrace open source methodologies, compile an inventory of their source code, and release a minimum of 20% of their custom-written code as open source.

Concurrently, Code.gov was launched, providing a centralized platform for agencies to discover and leverage open source solutions already in use by other government departments.

While the overall impact has been varied, the majority of agencies are now aligned with the policy’s objectives. However, Code.gov’s tracking system indicates that full implementation remains an ongoing process for many. A recent report from a Code.gov team member highlighted disparities in open source adoption rates across different agencies.

Despite these challenges, Code.gov reports that the expansion of open source within the federal government has exceeded initial projections.

Key Takeaways

• 18F provides consultancy and develops open source tools for other agencies.
• The Federal Source Code Policy of 2016 aimed for 20% open source code publication.
• Code.gov serves as a central repository for federal open source projects.
• Open source adoption is growing, but implementation varies across agencies.

Increased Momentum for Federal IT Modernization

A significant impetus for change arrived with the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion package of pandemic relief legislation signed into law by President Biden in early March of 2021. This bill allocated $9 billion to the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Technology Modernization Fund, providing resources for innovative federal technology initiatives.

The White House has emphasized the critical need to modernize federal IT systems and remediate vulnerabilities exposed by recent cybersecurity incidents, notably the SolarWinds hack. Addressing these concerns was characterized as an immediate national security priority demanding swift action.

The Role of Open Source Software

It is highly probable that open source software will be central to many of these modernization projects. This expectation stems from the background of David Recordon, the White House’s technology director.

Recordon is a well-established proponent of open source principles and previously oversaw open source initiatives at Facebook, indicating a likely preference for these technologies within the administration’s approach.

The Evolving Landscape of IT Skills

A significant shift is occurring within Federal IT departments as experienced employees, long dedicated to maintaining legacy systems, begin to retire.

Their replacements are typically younger professionals who have grown up immersed in the principles and practices of open source technology, demonstrating a natural aptitude and comfort with its use.

Demand for Open Source Expertise

Recent surveys conducted by the Linux Foundation reveal that approximately 81% of private sector hiring managers prioritize the recruitment of individuals skilled in open source technologies.

These managers also indicate a growing preference for candidates possessing relevant professional certifications.

Mirroring Trends in the Public Sector

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the public sector is aligning with this trend.

This alignment stems from a recognized necessity to cultivate a workforce capable of effectively supporting the expanding adoption of open source solutions.

The Importance of Certifications

• Open source talent is now a key hiring priority.
• Professionals with open source certifications are highly sought after.
• The public sector is mirroring the private sector’s increasing demand.

The growing prevalence of open source within government IT infrastructure necessitates a workforce equipped with the appropriate skills and credentials.

Enhanced Support from Commercial Providers

Agencies can significantly reduce infrastructure expenses and streamline application management by collaborating with suitable commercial open source vendors. These vendors have demonstrably improved their ability to meet stringent security standards.

Specifically, they’ve made substantial progress in fulfilling the requirements of regulations like the Federal Security Modernization Act (FISMA), Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS), and the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRamp), thereby simplifying the compliance process.

Furthermore, select vendors provide robust infrastructure automation capabilities alongside comprehensive support services. This ensures federal agencies aren’t left to navigate their open source initiatives independently as they gain momentum.

Consistent Developer Experience

Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, deliver a unified developer experience across diverse environments. This consistency extends from developer laptops and workstations to cloud deployments and edge computing scenarios.

This consistent experience supports application development with readily available resources. Agencies benefit from around-the-clock phone and web support, granting access to highly skilled enterprise support teams.

Access to these teams is facilitated through online portals, extensive knowledge bases, and direct phone communication. Strong support is a key benefit of working with commercial vendors.

Benefits of Vendor Support

• Reduced infrastructure costs
• Simplified compliance with federal regulations
• Powerful automation tools
• 24/7 access to expert support teams
• Consistent developer experience across platforms

These advantages collectively empower federal agencies to successfully implement and manage their open source strategies. The availability of expert support is crucial for navigating the complexities of modern IT infrastructure.

The Impact of the Pandemic on Digital Transformation

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated the digital transformation within the federal government. This shift has been driven by the need to support a growing remote workforce and meet increased public expectations for online service delivery.

Consequently, a substantial portion of the federal sector has been compelled to enhance its digital capabilities.

Open source solutions are playing a crucial role in this process, facilitating the migration of existing applications to the cloud.

Benefits of Open Source Adoption

The utilization of open source technologies enables faster development cycles for new applications. It also provides the flexibility needed for IT infrastructures to respond effectively to evolving requirements.

This adaptability is particularly important in the face of rapidly changing circumstances.

Federal Government Momentum

Evidence indicates a clear trend within the federal government: a transition from discussing open source adoption to actively implementing it.

This proactive approach signals a commitment to modernizing government IT systems.

Positive Outcomes for All

The widespread adoption of open source benefits all stakeholders. Improved services, increased efficiency, and greater responsiveness are among the positive results.

Ultimately, this digital advancement serves the interests of both government agencies and the citizens they serve.