A startup focused on advocating for the US Government to build and maintain a public cloud infrastructure.
Here’s our high-level roadmap:
1. Conduct Thorough Research
Understand the landscape of cloud computing, current government policies on technology and cloud infrastructure, and the various stakeholders involved. Focus on these areas:
- Existing Government Cloud Services: Study existing public cloud services, like those provided by AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, as well as government cloud initiatives like FedRAMP.
- Legislation & Policy: Look into current laws and policies related to technology and infrastructure. Understand any regulatory hurdles we might face and plan to overcome them.
2. Develop a Clear Value Proposition
Articulate why creating a publicly funded cloud infrastructure is beneficial. Consider the following points:
- Economic Impact: Demonstrate how widespread access to cloud resources can drive innovation, create jobs, and support new business models.
- Equity and Access: Show how this initiative can democratize access to technology, making it accessible to underrepresented and underserved communities.
- Security and Sovereignty: Argue that a US Government-managed cloud can enhance national security and data sovereignty.
3. Build a Strong Team
Assemble a team with diverse expertise, including:
- Technical Experts: Engineers, cloud architects, and IT professionals who understand cloud infrastructure.
- Policy Advocates: Individuals experienced in working with government agencies and who understand federal procurement.
- Legal Advisors: Attorneys who specialize in technology, intellectual property, and public policy.
- Business Strategists: Professionals with experience in startups, particularly those dealing with large-scale infrastructure projects.
4. Create a Business Plan
A solid business plan should cover:
- Mission and Vision: What we aim to achieve and how it aligns with broader societal goals.
- Roadmap & Milestones: Key stages of development, from initial advocacy to full-scale implementation.
- Funding Strategy: Potential sources of funding, including grants, private investors, or partnerships with established cloud service providers.
- Partnerships & Alliances: Potential collaborators within the tech industry, civil society, academia, and government agencies.
5. Engage Stakeholders & Build Alliances
Form alliances with relevant stakeholders:
- Government Officials: Approach policymakers and legislators who could champion your cause.
- Technology Organizations: Partner with tech advocacy groups, think tanks, and industry bodies.
- Community Organizations: Engage with grassroots organizations and civil rights groups to build broad-based support.
6. Advocacy and Lobbying
Create a robust advocacy plan:
- Public Campaigns: Raise awareness about your initiative through public relations campaigns, social media, and community events.
- Policy Proposals: Draft detailed policy proposals and white papers to present to government officials and policymakers.
7. Pilot Projects and Demonstrations
Run pilot projects to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of a publicly funded cloud.
- Proof of Concept: Develop small-scale prototypes or community-driven cloud projects as a proof of concept.
- Case Studies: Highlight successful case studies where public cloud access has driven innovation and business creation.
8. Fundraising
Secure funding through multiple channels:
- Public Grants and Funding: Apply for government grants and public funding initiatives.
- Private Investments: Seek venture capital or angel investments.
9. Continuous Feedback and Adaptation
Incorporate feedback and stay adaptable:
- Community Engagement: Maintain active communication with the developers and business communities to adapt to their needs.
- Iterative Development: Continuously improve our proposal based on stakeholder feedback and technological advancements.
Example Resources
- GovLoop: A social network connecting government officials and providing resources for public sector innovation (GovLoop Website)
- FedRAMP: Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, which provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud services (FedRAMP Website)
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): Guidelines and standards for cloud computing (NIST Cloud Computing)