Travis Howerton, Commentary, Federal News Network, July 22, 2025
Government efficiency is a front and center topic like never before. The Department of Government Efficiency aims to reduce $2 trillion from the federal budget. One of the best ways to reduce waste and streamline bureaucracy — two of DOGE’s stated goals — is through technology and software solutions.
In my decades-long career supporting the Energy Department and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) as a federal employee, contractor and now vendor, I’ve experienced firsthand what has worked — and more acutely, what does not work. I saw hardworking, smart and loyal employees who were not empowered to make major changes or try new technologies, even ones that would deliver savings and radically improve efficiency.