The One Constant: Change

Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, is quoted as saying “change is the only constant in life.” Change is certainly a constant for us at Coforma. In fact, the very essence of the work we do is change: changing processes and services, and the digital systems that facilitate them for the better. This issue of Collectively celebrates change in many forms: project completions and new work beginning, the growth of our company, and industry moves embracing new ways of thinking and working. When we embrace this change with the intention to positively impact people’s lives, our collective effort leads to a brighter future for all.

[co]designing Progress

We recently completed a project with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to unify and scale the applications used by their Medicaid Data Collection Tool (MDCT), which helps monitor and manage the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs for each state. Aquia and BlueLabs lent their talent as subcontractors in this effort, which will ultimately benefit over 90 million people who rely on the services provided through these programs.

Our partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues with a newly-awarded contract to improve the tools Veterans use to apply for pension benefits and to develop a process for fast-tracking disability claims submitted by Veterans being treated by the VA for cancer. As a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, one of our primary focus areas is Veterans' services and we’re always eager to tackle efforts that make it easier for Veterans to apply for and receive benefits, as well as access to high-quality healthcare. Ad Hoc LLC will join us as subcontractors on this project.?

In the spirit of supporting Veterans in many different ways, this September Coforma is sponsoring Saluting Her Service, a fundraising event supporting women Veteran entrepreneurs, and the Gateway Paralyzed Veterans of America 5K walk, run, and roll.?

Finally, we know that the approach we take to our work is often just as important as the work itself. We’ve recently started to share Coforma insights on process and methodology through a series called Approach Matters. Here’s how we ensure everyone involved in a project is operating with a shared language and understanding of human-centered design methodologies. You can learn more about our work on our website, as well.?

[co]creating Culture

One aspect of change is growth, something Coforma has experienced quite a lot of over the past few years. We recently introduced four new vice presidents: Melissa Casburn is our Vice President of Design, Deena Class, Ph.D is our Vice President of Research and Insights, Fahima Vakalia is our Vice President of Business Development & Partnerships, and Dan Miller is our Vice President of Engineering. These individuals are already applying their strengths and skills to deepen the expertise in our practice areas, tightly align our strategies across teams, and ensure we continue to deliver exceptional results in the work we do.?

As we grow, we’re also focused on enriching our company culture. In July, we celebrated Disability Pride Month, reaffirming the value we place on diverse perspectives and life experiences, which includes living with disabilities. We’re dedicated to providing a workplace where all employees are supported and encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work each day and in our work, we strive to design solutions that benefit and include all users. We believe that with this mindset, we are able to truly build products that improve lives in the communities our partners serve.

We also continue to celebrate and highlight the many perks of being a remote-first company. Perhaps one of our favorites is the ability to share office space with our beloved pets. With National Dog Day and International Cat Day both happening in August, we invited Cofolx to share their four-legged, swimming, and flying friends with us. We hope the few included here bring a smile to your face.

If?this sounds like a workplace you’d thrive in, we invite you to consider a career at Coforma. We currently have openings on the delivery team, but also accept general applications and would welcome the opportunity to get to know you.

[co]authoring Tomorrow

“The thing that lies at the foundation of positive change, the way I see it, is service to a fellow human being.” –Lech Walesa

We’re always encouraged by news in the civic tech and digital services industries that signal movement toward positive change. The White House announced this summer that several technology companies actively pursuing artificial intelligence (AI) advancements had agreed to three commitments to ensure their AI products meet safety standards before going to market. A few months ago, several Cofolx—designers, researchers, and engineers—shared their thoughts related to the use of AI generative models in civic technology, including benefits, risks, and potential applications. We look forward to the anticipated Executive Order outlining AI regulations and usage guidelines and the conversations that will follow.

We’re also excited about the noted shift from project to product thinking in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs , along with other agencies, and how this enables project teams to think holistically about the best way to deliver high-value digital services. Samantha Smith , a Senior Director of Product Management at Coforma, says this is a “game-changer” and a promising innovation in the federal government.

If something in this newsletter has piqued your interest or you have challenges we could partner with you to solve, please email us at [email protected]. Let’s continue to make things that matter. Together.