So many reasons! But here are a few:

1. 1.  Access to a network of states who can provide guidance on ways to move project work forward.

   2.  Skill-building workshops and insights from subject matter experts who can share implementable best practices and stories of challenges states have overcome.

   3.  Build robust partnerships between data and policy professionals within your state to enhance coordination and efficiency.

   4.  Free, individualized support from a dedicated Data Labs program manager.

   5.  At the end of the program, you will have an action plan that helps your team establish a clearly defined and replicable process for using data to address a problem in your state. 

We do not provide private funding for state projects. The Treasury Department has authorized states to use ARP funding to strengthen government technology, data, and service delivery. Through participation in the program, we will help you consider ways to strategically invest those funds. 

For specific language related to use of funds, see the Interim Final Rule.

Data Labs is an eight month program that runs from April to November 2024.

We anticipate you will spend one to two hours per week on scheduled weekly programming. This estimate does not include any individual work you may need to do outside of regularly scheduled events, such as conducting a data audit or meeting with a legal representative.

We realize data sharing projects take time. We do not expect teams to launch a data sharing project from start to finish in only eight months! 

By the end of the program, states will be expected to complete a draft of an action plan to support long-term implementation of their data project and a deliverable [IY: See action plan / deliverable comments Vinith made on About page] to support near-term efforts after the program ends. Each state's action plan and deliverable are unique. Examples of deliverables that states have produced in the past include: project plans, playbooks, pitch presentations, research briefs, and policy memos with data evidence.

If your state team would benefit from learning best practices for solving problems using data, having a comprehensive understanding of your data assets, establishing robust governance practices and culture, and/or building relationships with data and policy experts, then this program is for you! 

Still not sure if you should apply? Contact us at datalabs@georgetown.edu.

Yes! We recommend selecting a team lead with a mix of technical and analytical skills who can support interagency data coordination. This person may be a data administrator or coordinator, data manager, or analytics director. General information on the role of a CDO is available here. Participation in this program may elevate the need to establish a CDO position.

Need additional assistance? Contact us at datalabs@georgetown.edu. We are happy to help you both identify the right representative to participate in this program and advocate for establishing a CDO role in your state.

A diversity of voices, skills, and experiences can lead to project breakthroughs and innovative interventions. We suggest your team includes a diverse mix of policy and data experts, along with decision makers and implementers. 

Some potential project team roles might include:

• State Chief Data Officer or equivalent, such as data administrator or coordinator, open data manager, analytics director, etc.

• Governor’s office representative, such as policy director, deputy chief of staff, advisor, etc.

• Decision-maker or program manager from relevant agencies with policy or subject matter expertise

• Equity or DEI officer from relevant agencies

• Budget office representative, such as budget director, financial manager, etc.

• Community partners, such as nonprofits, local academic institutions, private-sector organizations, etc.

Additional participants may be brought in at your discretion to participate at various points in the program, such as data stewards and other agency representatives.

We understand that identifying appropriate team members will depend on which cohort your state participates in, so we do not expect you to have your team finalized at the time of application. For the sake of this application and program planning, please name the key team members who could potentially make up your state team. 

Need help recruiting your team? Contact us at datalabs@georgetown.edu.

No. The program will start with refining your problem statement and scoping your project. If you are already working on a project that would benefit from the extra support provided by this program, that works too.

This program can help you scope and launch a brand new project or build momentum for a project that has already been developed.

The proposal deadline has been extended to Friday, March 29. We will notify states by Friday, April 5.

Any member of your team. We anticipate that teams may want to identify a lead who will serve as the primary point of contact throughout the program. This person is likely best suited to complete the proposal.

Each proposal will only be considered for one cohort. Please select the issue area that most closely aligns with your project proposal. 

Our team may propose moving your project into a cohort that differs from your original selection, depending on our understanding of your project scope and space available.

Yes. States must secure a statement of support that demonstrates a commitment to participating in and completing the program in its entirety. We believe the strongest demonstrations of commitment will come from the governor’s office. 

While statements of support do not have to be submitted at the time of application, we ask that you send them to us by the time the program launches. 

If you do not have a connection in the governor’s office or need assistance securing this documentation, please contact us at datalabs@georgetown.edu. We are happy to help.

No. If you would like to provide additional information, or if something has changed, please contact us at datalabs@georgetown.edu.