[DeadeyeDuck]

Ala "improving gov efficiency through smart use of tech"...I've worked in mil/Fed IT/telecom/technology-development for nearly 30 years. The problem isn't a lack of desire by the metal-benders trying to employ better/faster/cheaper tech, the problem is getting the Jabba-the-Hut career-protected SESs and their minions out of the way, along with instituting Fed procurement and contracting processes that actually facilitate a delivery timeline that at least keeps up with Moore's Law.

The challenge that USDS will need to overcome is one of culture and regulation bureaucracy, not one of throwing a unicorn cavalry at various IT dragons. You go pure "change from within", you'll fail. You go pure newbie/private sector, you'll fail. You need to find fresh and innovative eyes and pair them up with existing Fed ITers that haven't yet been jaded into submission.

Like you, I'm excited to see how it turns out. They need to succeed. If they fail, it will be a long-term failure, and that will do no one any good.