Building Inclusive Innovation and Technology Solutions
In today’s world, fostering a culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is essential to delivering meaningful and impactful technology solutions, especially within the public sector. At Agility Technologies, we are committed to embedding DEI principles into every facet of our operations—from our organizational culture to the technology solutions we design and implement. As an 8(a) certified minority-owned business, we understand firsthand the value of diverse perspectives and inclusive practices. Our leadership in DEI extends beyond internal policies and directly impacts the innovative, user-focused solutions we provide to federal agencies.
Why DEI Matters in Technology Solutions
Incorporating DEI into technology solutions goes beyond regulatory compliance; it enhances accessibility, functionality, and user satisfaction. DEI principles help ensure that the systems we build meet the needs of a broad spectrum of users. In working with federal agencies like the Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Science Foundation (NSF), and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Agility consistently prioritizes solutions that are accessible, equitable, and empower underrepresented communities.
For example, Agility’s work with the USDA’s Civil Rights Case Management System involved creating a platform to manage civil rights complaints efficiently, demonstrating how technology can support fairness and transparency in public service delivery. This work required implementing features to address the specific needs of individuals filing grievances while ensuring accessibility compliance through Section 508 standards.
DEI in Our Workforce and Culture
At Agility, we recognize that building inclusive solutions starts with an inclusive workforce. We are proud to maintain a diverse team, which not only enhances creativity and innovation but also ensures that a broad range of perspectives is considered in every project phase. Our recruiting strategies actively seek diverse talent, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, and candidates from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. We offer competitive benefits, including flexible work arrangements and training opportunities, supporting a work environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute fully.
Commitment to Accessible and Inclusive Technology Design
Our technology development process is structured to promote inclusivity. From the initiation of a project, we engage with stakeholders to understand the needs of diverse user groups, conducting thorough discovery sessions to capture a wide array of perspectives. For instance, in our work on the Disaster Loan Assistance Portal (DLAP) for the Small Business Administration (SBA), we addressed high demand and accessibility challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing us to create a scalable, accessible solution for individuals and businesses affected by the crisis.
Throughout our design and implementation phases, we adhere to rigorous standards for accessibility and usability. Agility uses an iterative testing process, blending automated tools and manual assessments, to ensure our systems are accessible to users of all abilities. Compliance with Section 508 and other federal accessibility guidelines is a priority in every solution we deliver.
DEI in Agile and SAFe® Methodologies
Our project management approach integrates DEI through Agile and SAFe® methodologies, ensuring responsiveness to user feedback from diverse groups. By involving end-users in testing and evaluation, we can address specific needs and preferences, ultimately creating systems that reflect a commitment to equitable and accessible technology.
The application of SAFe® methodologies also allows us to scale our DEI practices across larger projects. In our work with the Department of State (DOS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), we adapted our agile processes to respond dynamically to user needs, enhancing inclusivity across these diverse user bases.
Future of DEI in Federal Technology Solutions
As we look to the future, Agility remains dedicated to being a DEI thought leader in the federal technology sector. Our ongoing partnerships with federal agencies allow us to explore new approaches to inclusive design, integration, and user engagement. We continue to invest in DEI-focused training for our teams, emphasizing the role of empathy and cultural awareness in crafting technology that serves all citizens equitably.
Closing
Agility’s commitment to DEI reflects a vision for technology that empowers and uplifts diverse communities. By embedding DEI into every aspect of our operations and solutions, we aim to support federal agencies in delivering services that are fair, accessible, and impactful for all. Through DEI-focused thought leadership, we champion a future where technology serves as a bridge to equity and inclusion across the nation.
– Gunjit Khurana, President
