A group of former leaders from the United States Digital Service (USDS) have launched a new project, Tech Viaduct, aimed at overhauling how the U.S. government delivers services to its citizens, spurred by what they view as the disruptive but ultimately misguided approach of the Trump administration's rebranding of the USDS as DOGE. The initiative seeks to capitalize on the perceived decisiveness of the previous administration while redirecting that energy toward citizen-centric improvements rather than, as they allege, dismantling government agencies.

Tech Viaduct intends to develop a comprehensive plan for rebooting federal service delivery, with the goal of implementing it during the next Democratic administration. The project emerged from a sense of disillusionment among former USDS staff who witnessed what they considered the misuse of technology and talent under the DOGE initiative. They felt that the Trump administration, influenced by figures like Elon Musk, prioritized disruption over effective governance.

The core idea behind Tech Viaduct is to leverage modern technology and design principles to streamline citizen interactions with government agencies. This includes simplifying online forms, improving website accessibility, and enhancing data security. The project aims to address the "cruft and inertia" that has accumulated over decades of government service delivery, making it more efficient and user-friendly.

While specific product details are still under development, Tech Viaduct is exploring the use of open-source software, cloud computing, and agile development methodologies. The team believes that these technologies can enable faster iteration, greater transparency, and lower costs compared to traditional government IT projects.

The launch of Tech Viaduct comes at a time of increasing scrutiny of government technology infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in systems used for unemployment benefits, vaccine distribution, and other critical services. This has fueled calls for modernization and reform, creating an opportunity for initiatives like Tech Viaduct to gain traction.

The project faces several challenges, including securing funding, navigating bureaucratic hurdles, and building consensus among diverse stakeholders. However, the team is confident that its experience within the USDS, combined with its commitment to public service, will enable it to overcome these obstacles.

The next steps for Tech Viaduct involve refining its plan, building partnerships with government agencies and technology vendors, and advocating for policy changes that support its goals. The team hopes to present its proposal to the next Democratic administration and play a key role in shaping the future of government technology.