The Long Arc of Progress
Progress in civic tech often unfolds slowly, built on innumerable incremental steps, thoughtful iterations, and lasting partnerships. As we reflect on our journey this year, we’re reminded of the long arc of progress and the importance of staying the course, even with an uncharted path ahead. In these times, we look to our mission and values which serve as our North Star, guiding us through uncertain trails toward the ultimate objective of positive change.
In this issue of Collectively, we celebrate the projects and milestones from this past year that form our road markers on this steady trek forward—from improving tax filing systems for federal taxpayers to starting new projects in our healthcare, public interest, and Veterans services focus areas. You’ll also read insights from members of our leadership team and learn what’s on the horizon for 2025. Thanks for joining us on this journey!
[co]designing Progress
“Working in civic tech has its challenges, and we still have such a long way to go. But I’m heartened to see how many smart, mission-driven public servants and vendors have committed a portion of their professional lives to bringing our government into the twenty-first century and beyond.” —Jared Cunha, Senior Director of Creative Technology
Insights from the Direct File Pilot Project
Earlier this year, we partnered with the Internal Revenue Service, the US Digital Service, 18F, and Truss to design the Direct File pilot project. Over 140,000 taxpayers used this first-of-its-kind system to file their federal and state taxes for free, saving a collective $5.6 million in preparation fees and claiming over $90 million in refunds.
Our human-centered approach helped the IRS make meaningful progress toward a more equitable tax system by simplifying the filing process for the American public and reducing tax filing barriers for historically underserved communities. The program received high praise and was named this year’s Innovation of the Year by FedScoop 50.
From user research to bilingual content development and accessibility testing, we took intentional steps that enabled us to deliver an intuitive, efficient, and accessible experience. Read the full case study to see how Coforma helped bring this ambitious vision to fruition and learn what’s next for this program.
A Fresh Perspective on Incremental Progress in Civic Tech
Our newly launched blog, Perspectives, features data-driven observations, civic tech news, and behind-the-scenes insights into how we respond to policy and co-create public digital services.
We’re excited to share our latest article from Perspectives, “Scrubbing Rocks: The Social Impact of Incremental Progress in Civic Tech.” In it, we explore how incremental progress—and the monotony that sometimes accompanies it—can lead to meaningful change. Drawing on research, illustrative examples, and perspectives from Coforma employees, the article offers a thoughtful reflection on finding purpose in even the smallest acts of progress.
Recent Contract Award Wins
We are honored to share a series of recent contract wins that highlight the impact of our work across our healthcare, public interest, and Veterans services focus areas.
Healthcare: Medicaid Drug Program (MDP) Volume III
We look forward to continuing our work with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to support improvements to the Medicaid Drug Program (MDP). Working in partnership with For People, ICF/SemanticBits, Oddball, Stratiform, Element Solutions, and Blue Tiger, we will develop and implement solutions to maintain MDP’s operational excellence, reduce manual interventions, generate a roadmap for future innovations, and reduce administrative burden for CMS personnel.
Veterans Services: VA SPRUCE, Benefits Management Team II, and Pension and Burial Programs
As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), working with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to support Veterans and their families is particularly meaningful for us. Among other contract awards with VA we’ve received in recent months, we’re pleased to share that Coforma was named one of ten awardees for Secure, Performant, Reliable, and User-Centered Experiences (SPRUCE)—a five-year, agency-wide indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle.
In the coming year, we’ll also work with VA on Benefits Management Team II, leveraging design and engineering expertise to streamline claims status processes and improve the web and mobile applications Veterans rely on for benefits. Additionally, we’ll support the digital transformation of VA’s Pension and Burials Program, helping VA streamline the digital experience for Veterans and their survivors so they can apply for pension and burial benefits online with minimal frustration—using assistive technology, if needed—and receive distributions quickly.
Government-Wide Innovation: GSA OASIS+
Coforma made the list of participating Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) on the One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS+) Government Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC). OASIS+ will give government agencies easy and efficient access to innovative services from highly qualified businesses and technologists. We look forward to teaming with our federal partners on new opportunities over this contract’s 15-year period of performance.
View more of our past work on our website.
[co]creating Culture
“Today, our vision is to ‘undeniably improve our world,’ and our mission is to be ‘impactful by design.’ We’ll follow our vision and mission and remain steadfast in reaching for them while we chart a path forward, together.” —Eduardo Ortiz, CEO
Celebrating Kat Allarde’s Promotion to VP of PMO
Big news! Kat Allarde is settling into her new role as Vice President of Coforma’s Project Management Office (PMO). With over 15 years of experience leading PMOs and driving impactful digital initiatives for clients such as The Smithsonian, The Kennedy Center, and AARP, Kat is known for her commitment to excellence and ability to get things done. From operationalizing project management processes to championing cross-departmental collaboration, her work has improved project visibility, thoughtfully streamlined resource management, and reinforced Coforma’s reputation for innovative, human-centered solutions.
In 2025, Kat plans to introduce a tech challenge playbook that will standardize Coforma’s approach to complex technical issues, complete with mock challenges and hands-on training. We’re excited to see her continue driving progress in her new role. You can read more about Kat’s servant leader philosophy and vision for the future on our blog.
Eduardo Ortiz Recognized as Federal Health 150 Honoree
Removing access barriers, operating transparently, and facilitating collaboration are what we strive for in civic tech. Orange Slices AI’s 2025 Engage Federal Health 150 Honorees are recognized as the leaders living these ideals, modeling the standard for leading with purpose and inspiring others to do the same.
We’re honored that Coforma CEO, Eduardo Ortiz, was named among this year’s honorees. Under Eduardo’s leadership, Coforma has driven impactful projects that simplify access to services, uplift communities, and build trust in government. His values-driven approach to leadership and emphasis on collaboration inspire others to follow his example. Congratulations to Eduardo and all the honorees for setting a standard of excellence in government contracting!
Our Commitment to Partnership Gains Industry Recognition
Collecting industry accolades this year has been a humbling byproduct of our focus on improving lives alongside our government partners. We’re honored to add a couple more to the list!
Coforma was recognized among this year’s 2025 Elev8 GovCon Honorees and as a finalist for the NOVA GovCon Contractor of the Year Award in our revenue category. Elev8 GovCon honorees set the industry gold standard for facilitating employee and customer engagement, mentoring others, and being a good partner in civic tech. The NOVA GovCon Awards celebrate companies that go the extra mile to support their partners and the people they serve.
The throughline for both these awards is partnership. For us, building trusted relationships with our partners is grounded in active listening and transparent communication. These practices enable us to come to the table with relevant, human-centered solutions to challenges.
“We view every partnership as an investment,” says VP of Marketing and Communications, Angela Palm Hopkins. “Collectively, we can address real human needs more effectively than working alone.”
Read more about Coforma’s approach to partnership in our article, The Art of Product Delivery: An Interview with Jamie Newberry.
If Coforma sounds like a workplace you’d thrive in, we invite you to learn more about us by visiting our website.
[co]authoring Tomorrow
“The work we do is rarely achieved in the short term. Those of us who have come to civic tech after years of private sector work—where progress is measured in fast-moving quarters and stock prices—have had to adjust to the longer timelines that accompany government work. And this is true of culture as well; change takes years, decades, and lifetimes.” —Melissa Casburn, VP of Design
Health IT Summit 2025
Our healthcare focus area centers around improving health outcomes and equity for the communities served by our partners. Together, we help build tools that make healthcare more accessible, transparent, and effective for patients, caregivers, and clinicians alike. We heartily welcome opportunities to align our project work with corporate sponsorships that support this vision.
Earlier this month, we sponsored AFCEA Bethesda’s Health IT Preview event, where expert panelists explored pressing topics such as interoperability, AI, and data governance in healthcare. We’re also sponsoring the 2025 Health IT Summit on January 28-29, Transforming Health IT: Leveraging Innovation for Mission-Focused Solutions. You can find more information about the event and register here.
“Events like these inspire connections and conversations that move the Health IT needle,” says Coforma VP of Growth, Fahima Vakalia. “Getting together with others who care about this work helps us all ideate solutions that facilitate better healthcare experiences for people and societies.”
Warrior Rising Presents: Saluting Her Service
As a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), we care deeply about supporting Veterans’ success. That’s why it’s important to us to pair our Veterans services project work with corporate sponsorships that aid organizations assisting Veterans in numerous ways.
Warrior Rising’s Saluting Her Service event is dedicated to elevating women Veterans and military spouse entrepreneurs. Coforma had the privilege of both sponsoring and providing judges for Saluting Her Service this year. We also enjoyed celebrating women Veterans at the gala on Thursday, where the Vetrepreneur winners were announced and Martha Stewart served as a special speaker.
We want to commend Warrior Rising on their efforts to create this incredible experience and congratulate all of the women Veterans who participated in the pitch competition. We look forward to cheering your continued success in the future!
Coming Soon: Coforma’s 2024 Impact Report
Our next issue of Collectively will be a Special Edition! We’re currently developing our first annual Impact Report, which will highlight the tangible difference we’ve made this year across our three focus areas—Veterans services, healthcare, and public interest—and through community involvement. Stay tuned for it in January!
If something in this newsletter has piqued your interest or you have challenges we could partner with you to solve, please email us at business@coforma.io. Let’s continue to make things that matter. Together.