The Challenge:

Historically, the Environment, Health, Safety and Security Associate Undersecretary (EHSS/AU) Web Database Systems Reporting Database System (RDS/WDS) development and support teams were not using a structured methodology for development and support of software applications. Federal managers tasked individual developers as needed without ever considering the “big picture” or any type of structured backlog. Priorities changed daily, resulting in a lot of churn and a significant loss of productivity. The thrashing caused by conflicting priorities and unreasonable deadlines resulted in low staff morale. After being awarded the contract and discovering the current state, the Edgewater team determined the need to institute processes for intake and prioritization of work, coupled with a rigorous development and release methodologies in order to promote improved software development while simultaneously greatly increasing transparency for stakeholders.

The Solution:

Edgewater instituted Agile processes and worked with the customers on training, adoption and utilization of the revised methodology. Edgewater took a two-pronged Agile approach to the problem: The use of Kanban for software maintenance and the use of Scrum for new software development. Kanban provided complete transparency into the effort and prioritization of all maintenance tasks as well as a mature process for time-boxing and reporting on those tasks while Scrum allowed the team to establish and manage a backlog and measure velocity in 2-3 week Sprints.

The Outcome:

The outcomes of establishing a software development methodology using Agile were significant. Vastly improved transparency and constant communication and feedback loops between developers and stakeholders helped avoid any surprises in terms of delivery dates and changing requirements. The resulting applications were so well-received that the client requested additional Scrum Training for stakeholders of upcoming projects and now champions the approach for all software development

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Further Reading

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As more government agencies look to modernize their legacy applications and remove technical debt, many are finding themselves struggling with […]

Edgewater Celebrates its 20th Year in Business 

Frederick, Md. (December 12, 2022) — Edgewater Federal Solutions, Inc. (Edgewater) proudly celebrates its 20th Anniversary of offering IT, agile […]

ARL Partners with Edgewater and Amyx to Land 5 year, $20mil DOE Office of the Chief Financial Officer Contract

Frederick, Md. (December 1, 2022) — Acquisition, Research, & Logistics, Inc. (ARL), with support from Edgewater Federal Solutions, Inc. (Edgewater) […]

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Frederick, Md. (November 30, 2022) — Edgewater Federal Solutions, Inc. (Edgewater) teamed up with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation to […]

TOM FERRANDO JOINS EDGEWATER AS EXECUTIVE BOARD CHAIR 

[September 20, 2022]—Frederick, Md. Edgewater Federal Solutions, Inc. (“Edgewater”), a leader in enterprise IT, cybersecurity, systems engineering, and data science […]

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I have been working at Edgewater as a Configuration Manager for over 5 years. The job has been challenging, rewarding and has provided an environment for professional growth. As an on-sight contractor, I have been working with a team of seasoned professionals who have provided both technical expertise and a warm friendly environment.

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