Evaluate Session
Federal agencies undertake projects (by whatever name) large and small on a daily basis, but are often constrained in project management by the exceedingly rigid frameworks that overlay the federal space, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the unpredictability of the appropriations process, shifting strategic priorities, and soul-crushingly bureaucratic internal processes. These limitations can handicap the ability of programs to adapt to fast-changing realities, something which is true in any context but even more prominent in the international environment. This presentation discusses how USDA/FAS has built an operating environment in which it employs a full suite of tools to react quickly to emerging opportunities, respond to unanticipated needs, and adapt to an ever-changing global context – while staying true to the laws, bureaucracy, and rigidity that define the federal space. Attendees will come away with real-life examples of how to build flexibility in rigid systems, extendable to the federal and non-federal space, and how to empower project managers without sacrificing oversight and upward reporting requirements.
PMI Talent Triangle: Strategic and Business Management
Evaluate Session
The 2020 Census language program is the most robust language program the U.S. Census Bureau has ever built. People could respond online or by phone in English and 12 non-English languages, and access video and print guides in 59 non-English languages (supporting over 99% of all U.S. households).
The program was committed to delivering high-quality non-English materials that were accurate, meaningful, and culturally relevant to respondents. To meet this goal, the program focused on quality management, building quality assurance into all project phases.
At the program level, the Census Bureau created a translation office to standardize the quality, style and terminology of all translations, hired professional translators, and implemented quality management processes based on project management best practices and translation industry standards.
At a project level, the Census Bureau developed clear translation project plans that included quality management and control. The Census Bureau used in-house staff and two contract vehicles to manage and control quality through editorial reviews, expert reviews, inspection and internal testing, and testing translations with recruited respondents of diverse demographics. This presentation will provide an overview of the 2020 Census language program, and discuss the processes, technology, and tools used by the Census Bureau to measure, assess, and ensure translation quality.
PMI Talent Triangle: Technical Project Management
