Empowering Government Entities with Technology Implementation

Herbert Myers, Founder and CEO, RequestFOIA

Herbert Myers, Founder and CEO, RequestFOIA

In an interview with Govt CIO Outlook, Herbert Myers, founder and CEO of RequestFOIA, sheds light on the importance of strategic partnerships to implement emerging technology and streamline processes in government agencies.

Could you briefly introduce yourself and your organization?

I am the CEO of RequestFOIA, a cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company specializing in streamlining the public records process for government agencies nationwide. In addition to my CEO responsibilities, I am actively involved in marketing, sales, operational functions, and engagement with venture capitalists (VCs) and investors who support companies like ours. Our company, RequestFOIA, has gained significant traction as a startup in the VC ecosystem and is now poised for rapid expansion.

At RequestFOIA, we are committed to delivering exceptional value to government agencies and the communities they serve. Through our SaaS platform, we enable agencies to efficiently manage and process public records requests, enhancing transparency and accountability.

As a leader in public records software, we constantly strive to push boundaries and seek strategic partnerships that align with our vision. Our success in attracting investment from VCs reflects the confidence they have in our business model and growth potential. This funding allows us to fuel our own expansion and invest in other promising companies within our ecosystem, further strengthening the network of innovative solutions available to public entities.

What are some emerging trends in the industry?

It is widely recognized that the public sector lags behind the private sector in terms of technological advancements. However, this gap is narrowing rapidly through digital transformation initiatives. SaaS companies are leading the charge in driving these changes, offering government clients an opportunity to invest in technology and realize a tangible return on investment.

“SaaS companies are leading the charge in driving digital transformation in the public sector, offering government clients an opportunity to invest in technology and realize a tangible return on investment.”

SaaS companies alleviate the burden of having to allocate significant funds to technology infrastructure and staffing, enabling government agencies to focus on their core missions. They are empowering government agencies to catch up with the new world of technology, providing them with the necessary tools and support to successfully navigate this transformative journey.

How does your organization approach cloud-based security in the govt tech space?

We have actively pursued various trends and advancements in response to the evolving landscape of cloud-based security. As part of our strategic approach, we have embraced government cloud solutions, which allow us to align our infrastructure with industry-leading security standards.

Ensuring a delicate balance between transparency and security is a critical aspect of our operations. Being a company dedicated to providing transparency to citizens through our services, we recognize the paramount importance of upholding stringent security measures. Our commitment lies in safeguarding vital documents that are significant to the community and require robust security protocols when shared externally.

Our adherence to Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance ensures that our processes and systems meet rigorous security requirements. Our personnel undergo training programs focused on CJIS protocols to strengthen their understanding of the best practices in security. This comprehensive training equips our team with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the utmost security in all aspects of our operations.

What technological trends could impact the future of the industry?

The public sector currently operates in silos, making it challenging for technology adoption and understanding. AI represents a significant step forward, but its implementation should first be tested in the private sector before transitioning to the public sector. While AI will play a crucial role in the future, its widespread integration is further down the line.

Our concentration lies in leveraging existing solutions and collaborating with innovative startups that support gov tech initiatives. Cloud-based SaaS solutions remain the primary focus in the foreseeable future. We are positioned appropriately and should not rush progress.

Do you have any advice for your fellow peers and colleagues?

I strongly advocate for strategic partnerships as a means of fostering innovation and driving digital transformation. Our focus lies in forming mutually beneficial partnerships, leveraging open APIs, and integrating applications to expand not only within our organization but also with innovative startups developing complementary solutions.

By collaborating with like-minded companies that share our spirit, ingenuity, and thought process, we can collectively advance and deliver impactful solutions to our clients and end users.