Behind the Buy Podcast 5 - Managing and Delivering Digital Services for Agile Software Development

In the fifth episode of the Behind the Buy podcast series, OFPP Administrator Anne Rung interviews Chris Cairns, a former founding member of a private equity company and now Managing Director of the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) 18F Consulting. The GSA’s 18F Consulting team provides hands-on consulting services to Federal leaders and helps Federal agencies use modern approaches to managing and delivering digital services. Chris draws on his private sector and government experiences to describe the important role of a project manager in leading a successful agile software development project.

Chris describes the key strengths of an agile project manager, including a strong vision for the project’s end product, expertise in the software industry, and the ability to balance the needs of both the users and the agency’s mission interest. Chris also emphasizes that technical expertise, while not required in a project manager, can help a project manager to prioritize requirements.

The project manager also needs to apply and reinforce the basic principles of agile software development–an iterative, adaptive approach that utilizes cross-functional teams as opposed to one that is sequential and inflexible. This includes delivering working software every couple of weeks instead of every couple of months; ensuring that the product reflects the needs of the end user, prioritizing the development of features based on whether they are delivering value; and supporting a flexible approach to project management and structure.

From selecting the best leaders to motivating a talented team, Chris offers listeners advice on the best approaches to managing and delivering digital services for agile software development projects both within and outside the Government.