Although the phrase is repeated often, government officials are willing to listen to anyone who understands the issues they face and has the ability to provide them with cost saving solutions.

This morning's Northern Virginia Technology Council Business to Government Committee's event "The Latest in Local Government Technology Initiatives from the District of Columbia & Fairfax County" featured presentations by local Chief Technology Officers Wanda Gibson of Fairfax County, and Vivek Kundra of the District of Columbia.

A point that both Gibson and Kundra emphasized was their desire to engage industry in government problem solving. They noted that their personal experiences working in the private sector helped to create their belief in the benefits of public-private partnerships.

After expressing their desire for industry to develop innovative solutions, both CTOs highlighted some of innovative strategies that they have developed themselves. In order to build upon the County's growing GIS system Gibson helped to create a "GIS Day" in the County, which featured a contest of among County agencies for the best new GIS application.

As part of the Fenty administration's drive to improve the D.C. Public School System, Kundra has gone a step past putting computers in the classroom and has moved his GIS team to Jefferson High School. Housing the GIS team at Jefferson exposes students to cutting edge technology and helps to create a training ground for the next generation of IT professionals.

Gain more insight into doing business with local governments at INPUT's 3rd Annual State & Local MarketView event on June 4, 2008 in Tysons Corner.