Four years ago, the Center for The Business of Government released “The Operator’s Manual for the New Administration.”  This report provided practical insights on how to make agency operations work more effectively, drawing on the first ten years of reports from the Center to draw lessons learned in areas ranging from leadership to money to techno

A Presidential election year provides an opportunity to step back and consider major issues that will face government in the future. Our Center has devoted significant attention to this topic 4, 8, and 12 years ago, and this year we will build on that tradition.

The Operator's Manual is a guide of how government works and how to make it work to advance policy goals and objectives. We present, in brief and simple terms, descriptions of the most important tools and levers that executives can use to advance agency goals and the president's agenda. This Manual will help executives understand the terrain of government, become familiar with the terms and lingo used inside agencies, and know how to effectively use the tools of government.

The Guide: Helping the New AdministrationSucceed in Washington

FAS Commissioner Steve Kempf on the value of a centralized provider as GSA: Challenges facing GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service

On Monday, June 13, in a 4-minuteYouTube message to the American people, the President sat next to a stack of Federal Registers to highlight the steps he taking to take to get rid of “pointless waste, stupid spending.”  

The use of prizes and awards is a visible element of the Obama Administration’s efforts to promote innovation in government. For example, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has sponsored a competition among federal employees to find cost savings and the White House has created the “challenge.gov” website where federal agencies can pose problems in hopes of getting solutions from the public.  OMB issued guidance to encourage agencies to offer challenges and prizes, as well.  

Earlier this month, President Obama signed the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 into law.  It expands opportunities for over 1 million federal workers to telecommute for at least part of their week.  The law advances multiple goals simultaneously.  It advances the greening of government.  It allows federal wo

While the financial management community has made significant progress over the years, it continues to face challenges in meeting some of the basic standards for accounting and reporting. Many agencies currently use outdated financial systems that do not support their efforts to improve financial performance and accountability. Efforts made to improve financial systems through upgrades or replacement of current financial systems must be undertaken with planning and care.

The Obama administration’s Open Government initiative places a strong emphasis on increasing collaboration— among agencies as well as with citizens and other stakeholders— to achieve more effective program and mission results. Agencies have developed their required Open Government Plans, but many of these plans lack details on how to successfully conduct collaborative efforts, especially on the front lines of government.