GSA Shutters 18F, Impacting Federal Tech Initiatives

The Rise and Role of 18F

Established in 2014, 18F was conceived as a team of tech-savvy civil servants dedicated to overhauling and modernizing government digital services. Operating under the GSA, 18F collaborated with various federal agencies to improve the user experience of government services by helping them build and buy technology. The team consisted of designers, software engineers, strategists, and product managers who worked to fix technical problems, build products, and enhance public service through technology.

Abrupt Closure and Its Implications

On March 1, 2025, 18F employees received an early morning email from Thomas Shedd, the newly appointed director of the GSA's Technology Transformation Services (TTS), informing them of the immediate termination of their positions. The email cited directives from the highest levels of leadership within both the Administration and GSA, labeling the 18F office as "non-essential" and "non-critical."

This sudden shutdown affects approximately 90 employees and casts uncertainty over several critical projects, including the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) Direct File program, which offers free online tax filing services. The closure also raises questions about the future of other digital services that 18F was instrumental in developing and maintaining.

Reactions and Concerns

The decision to disband 18F has sparked widespread concern among former officials, industry experts, and the public. Dan Tangherlini, who oversaw 18F during his tenure as GSA administrator, criticized the move, stating, "These were smart, technical, caring, dedicated, and patriotic public servants. Their dismissal with a late-night email demonstrates that this administration either doesn’t know how to effectively enhance government efficiency, or really doesn’t care."

Entrepreneur Mark Cuban suggested that the former 18F employees should consider forming a consulting firm, predicting that they would soon be needed "to fix the mess" that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will "inevitably create."

Broader Context and Future Outlook

The elimination of 18F is part of a broader initiative led by the Trump administration to streamline government operations and reduce federal spending. This effort, spearheaded by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, aims to cut down on what it deems non-essential functions within federal agencies.

However, critics argue that dismantling units like 18F undermines the government's ability to innovate and improve public services. The closure not only affects current digital services but also hampers future technological advancements within federal agencies. The loss of in-house expertise may lead to increased reliance on external contractors, potentially escalating costs and reducing the agility of government operations.

Summary: The abrupt closure of the GSA's 18F office eliminates a key driver of federal digital innovation, raising concerns about the future of government tech initiatives and the capacity for in-house development.