Teamwork and Collaboration Create Efficiencies for Both the U.S. Census and U.S. Postal Service

As we have seen in previous Pivotal Plays blog posts, the ability to bring multiple organizations under one roof through acquisitions and teaming can be highly effective in the government contracting business.  Deltek is a prime example of a company that has achieved major success and business transformation through acquisition.

Though from the federal government’s perspective, is it possible for agencies to collaborate to bring new efficiencies in a time when government budgets are being cut?  The answer is clearly “yes.”

The Census Bureau and U.S. Postal Service (USPS) are now working together in ways that will enhance efficiencies, cut costs and improve the accuracy of the census data-gathering process.  Census needs to control the escalating cost of the decennial census and maintain its accuracy, while the USPS must improve its overall financial condition.

According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the USPS will help Census reduce the number of census forms that end up undelivered — 19 million were undelivered in 2010.  Conversely, Census is going to help the USPS update its local-address databases.

They are also exploring ways for Census to hire retired local mail carriers as temporary field-staff census takers.

In an era of government needing to “do more with less,” this Pivotal Play clearly shows that government agencies can form innovative partnerships that enhance effectiveness and improve the bottom line.

And, speaking of a different era of government, check out this Census PSA from 1980 featuring the famed actor Kirk Douglas — for a moment of nostalgia.  Fast-forward more than 30 years and the Census Bureau is still a very important part of our government that helps communities get equal representation and supports funding for localized job programs and schools.

“Answer the Census.  We’re Counting on You.” – 1980 Census Public Service Announcement: