Developing Web Based Platform for FOIA Requests Management

This is a paid opportunity. In order to be eligible to apply for this project, you need to be part of the Omdena community and have finished at least one AI Innovation Challenge.

You can find our upcoming AI Innovation Challenges at https://omdena.com/projects. 

The Problem

Government agencies at federal, state, and local levels in the United States of America face significant challenges in managing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests efficiently.  A desktop-based application, FOIA Assist, was developed to address this problem. The desktop-only nature of the system creates barriers to accessibility, limits scalability, and reduces operational efficiency in an increasingly remote-work environment. Traditional desktop applications cannot adequately address the growing volume of FOIA requests while maintaining security and compliance requirements. This limitation in the current system architecture prevents agencies from leveraging modern cloud capabilities and restricts collaboration among team members working across different locations.

Impact of the Problem:

• Limited Accessibility: Desktop-based solutions restrict access to specific workstations, preventing remote work capabilities and cross-department collaboration.
• Scalability Constraints: Current systems struggle to handle increasing request volumes, leading to processing delays and resource strain.
• Technological Limitations: Existing desktop applications lack modern features like real-time updates and collaborative tools, hampering efficiency and productivity.
• Resource Management Challenges: Without centralized web-based management, agencies face difficulties in tracking, assigning, and monitoring FOIA requests effectively.
• Integration Barriers: Desktop systems often struggle to integrate with modern digital tools and databases, limiting the ability to leverage new technologies.

This project addresses these challenges by transitioning to a web-based platform that incorporates modern technology while maintaining robust security measures. The solution will enhance accessibility, improve collaboration, and streamline FOIA request processing across government agencies. By leveraging cloud technologies and modern web frameworks, the platform will provide a more efficient, user-friendly experience for both FOIA officers and requesters.

The project goals

The primary objective is to develop a comprehensive web-based FOIA management platform that transforms how government agencies handle information requests. This transformation will be implemented through several key phases:

1. Platform Development: Creating a secure, web-based interface that maintains core desktop functionality while adding modern features for improved usability and accessibility.
2. Security Framework Integration: Implementing robust security measures to protect sensitive information while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
3. User Experience Enhancement: Developing an intuitive interface that streamlines the FOIA request process, reducing training requirements and improving efficiency.
4. System Optimization: Continuous performance improvements and updates to ensure the platform remains effective and responsive to user needs.

The project aims to deliver a modern, efficient solution that significantly improves FOIA request management capabilities. By leveraging web technologies and maintaining security standards, this initiative will transform how government agencies handle information requests, leading to improved transparency, reduced processing times, and enhanced public service delivery.

**More details will be shared with the designated team.

Why join? The uniqueness of Omdena Top Talent Projects

Top Talent opportunities come as a natural next step after participating in Omdena’s AI Innovation Challenges.

Everyone in the community is eligible to participate once they have shown the relevant skills based on the merit of involvement in past Omdena challenges and the community.

If you are looking for the next challenge after participating in one or more Omdena AI Innovation Challenges, then we believe you have made the right choice! With a healthy, pressured environment, you will be pushed to contribute, learn and grow even more.

Find more information on how an Omdena Top Talent Program works