2021-08-22-ITIF-Assessing_the_Federal_Government_s_Transition_to_Web-Based_Forms_10页_177kb

Summary of ITIF Report: Federal Government Transition to Web-Based Forms

Report Key Points and Findings

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) analyzed the federal government's implementation of the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA), which requires executive agencies to transition from paper-based to web-based forms by December 2020. Despite legislative mandates, progress was minimal, with most agencies failing to meet deadlines or provide detailed compliance information.

Key Findings

• Legislative Requirements and Compliance Issues: IDEA passed in 2018 aimed to modernize government services, but agencies missed key deadlines. No implementation guidance from OMB was issued by the required June 2019 deadline. A sample of 1,348 forms showed only 2% fully compliant with IDEA standards, and 78% partially compliant (e.g., via fillable PDFs, but lacking full mobile-friendliness).

• Agency Assessment: Most agencies reported vague progress, often citing incomplete digitization or narrow definitions of "forms related to serving the public." Actual compliance was low, with fewer than half of agencies providing specific numbers, and high variation in form accessibility for users with disabilities.

• Mobile-Friendliness and Accessibility: While some popular forms like the FAFSA were compliant, most lack full mobile functionality and accurate accessibility features, endangering IDEA's goal of usable digital services.

Recommendations

To accelerate compliance, the report suggests:

• OMB should issue implementation guidance for IDEA to clarify standards and deadlines.
• Congress should hold oversight hearings and mandate detailed annual reporting on form compliance.
• The CIO Council should establish a task force to track progress and share best practices.
• Agencies should prioritize high-utilization forms (e.g., taxes, student aid) and discontinue fax machine use.
• The Technology Modernization Board should fund proposals using login.gov for secure e-signatures.

Overall, the federal government's slow transition undermines public trust, efficiency, and cost savings, with a clear need for stronger accountability and coordination.