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Tag: GovQA

  • GovQA’s Flexible Records Fulfillment Technologies Can Help Maryland Agencies Prepare for Proposed Body Camera Legislation

    GovQA’s Flexible Records Fulfillment Technologies Can Help Maryland Agencies Prepare for Proposed Body Camera Legislation

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    Upcoming webinar demonstrates how automation can help agencies take a proactive approach to managing all types of public records requests

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jul 9, 2021


    FORT WASHINGTON, Md., July 9, 2021 (Newswire.com)
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    Maryland joins the growing list of states across the country which have passed legislation to equip officers in all of its police departments with body cameras—and are struggling with the subsequent cost of storing, reviewing and releasing footage, according to GovQA. GovQA’s Public Records Request Management software handles more Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for state and local governments than any other software provider, including body camera video redaction via Veritone Redact integration.

    “The biggest challenge with mandating a body camera for every Maryland police officer by 2025 will be the resources needed to comply with the sheer volume and complexity of the information that needs to be reviewed, redacted and approved prior to release,” said Jennifer Snyder, chief evangelist at GovQA.

    A GovQA representative will be on hand at the National Association of Counties (NACo)’s 2021 Annual Conference & Exposition (#NACoANN) in Prince George’s County, Maryland, to answer questions about the company’s automated public records request fulfillment solutions at booth #117.

    Requirements for body cameras within law enforcement agencies are rapidly growing. It is estimated that the number of law enforcement agencies to adopt body camera programs more than doubled between 2013 and 2018 in the United States.

    GovQA, along with Veritone and other important technology partners, will offer a free webinar on Aug. 24, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. EDT to demonstrate how public safety agencies can take a proactive approach to automating their public records management process, and redact requested audio/video files, while staying compliant in a secure cloud environment. Advance registration is recommended.

    The webinar is open to (and information presented will apply to) participants in all 50 states. The webinar is particularly relevant for agencies in Maryland, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine that have recently passed or have pending police reform legislation that directly impacts public records/FOIA.

    GovQA is the only SaaS-based, public records management platform capable of secure, end-to-end public records disclosure workflows for any document type including electronic documents, videos and audio files. Through its strategic relationship with Veritone, creator of the world‘s first operating system for artificial intelligence, aiWARE™, GovQA customers are able to automate the redaction of sensitive information within video and audio-based evidence up to 90% faster than manual methods.

    “Police departments that proactively prepare for the state’s body camera mandate will fare much better than those who do not,” Snyder said. Visit GovQA.com or contact us here to learn more.

    About GovQA

    GovQA is the largest provider of cloud-based SaaS automated workflow solutions for government compliance. Customers use GovQA software to more easily process and manage public records and information requests from citizens, the media, and other government offices. With 20 years’ experience, GovQA combines trusted tools and security, proven government expertise, and a scalable platform that enables cities, counties, and state agencies to securely collect and control time-sensitive information within, across, and outside governments. Visit www.govqa.com for more information.

    Media Contact:

    Patrick McLaughlin, Markit Strategies & PR for GovQA

    patrickm@markitstrategies.com

    734-255-6466

    Source: GovQA

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  • Pandemic Drives Up Public Records Request Volumes While Growing Complexity Impacts Processing Time, Says New GovQA PiPRIndex Data

    Pandemic Drives Up Public Records Request Volumes While Growing Complexity Impacts Processing Time, Says New GovQA PiPRIndex Data

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    First-quarter data can help state, local governments build business case for American Rescue Plan Act funding

    Press Release
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    updated: May 27, 2021


    WOODRIDGE, Ill., May 27, 2021 (Newswire.com)
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    The unprecedented events of 2020, such as the pandemic and civil unrest, are increasing the volume of public records requests and are sending processing times higher because of the complexity of audio, video and other large files. That’s according to the first quarter 2021 Peers in Public Records (PiPR) Index from GovQA, the only index that tracks state and local public records trends.

    “Agencies are receiving requests for COVID data and information about crisis planning and processes, and the types of requests are becoming more complex for health departments, law enforcement/public safety agencies, and others,” said Jennifer Snyder, chief evangelist at GovQA. “In addition, the scramble to remote work during the pandemic led to inaccessible, non-digitized records, increasing time to release.”

    The first quarter 2021 Index shows public records request volumes increased by 35% in the past year, with the total time an average agency spends processing requests skyrocketing by 286% in the same time period. Particularly notable were increases in file size, up 25% in the past quarter and 333% since the Index launched in 2018–mainly due to growing demand for larger files such as audio and video data. These trends are just some of the data points that make up the PiPRIndex’s quarterly measure of complexity.

    “The trends identified in the PiPRIndex can help state and local government agency leadership make decisions regarding budgeting, staffing levels, and technology investments, especially as they document the business case for using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for new records management technologies,” said Snyder.

    How the PiPRIndex Works

    GovQA is the leading provider of cloud-based automated workflow (SaaS) software for governments and is singularly positioned to provide actionable data for the public records industry. The company serves over 110 of the largest 300 U.S. cities, 45 percent of top U.S. counties, and more than 80 state agencies.

    To create the PiPRIndex, GovQA identified approximately 240 member agencies representing the most common records request experiences across the nation. Member organizations include 25% state agencies, 20% counties, and 55% cities. The PiPRIndex quantifies changes in complexity of public records from “peers” across the U.S. on a quarterly basis and is adjusted for volume.

    GovQA’s PiPRIndex tracks two dimensions of complexity: records and activities. Records complexity includes elements such as the quantity and size of response documents or files, and the type of file, with special focus on video and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) files. Activities complexity includes markers for average user interactions, clarification emails and total time spent to complete a record request.

    Records Complexity and Volume Are Growing

    Government agencies have been facing steady growth in the complexity of public records requests, even prior to 2020. As the public becomes more aware of the availability and usefulness of public records, new requesters are entering the system at a higher rate than ever before. Requests range from emails and texts to video from dash, body-worn and 24/7 stationary cameras.

    “Given the increased awareness of public records accessibility, the media gathering data for 24-hour news cycles, and the increase in successful litigation in compliance lawsuits, this complexity trend is likely to continue,” said Snyder.

    Agencies needing assistance with securing ARPA funding to help solve the challenges of public records complexity exacerbated by the events of 2020 are encouraged to sign up for GovQA’s eCourse series, ARPA Implications for Public Records on GovQA’s ARPA Funding Hub where visitors can also access funding request letter and email templates.

    About GovQA

    GovQA is the leading provider of cloud-based SaaS automated workflow solutions for government compliance. Customers use our software to more easily process and manage public records and information requests. GovQA combines trusted tools and security, proven government expertise, and a scalable platform that enables cities, counties, and state agencies to securely collect and control time-sensitive information. GovQA’s proprietary Peers in Public Records (PiPR) Index is the only index that tracks trends in public records for state and local governments.

    Media Contact:

    Patrick McLaughlin

    patrickm@markitstrategies.com

    734-255-6466

    Source: GovQA

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  • GovQA Technology Solutions Tackle Growing Demand for Body Camera Video in Wake of New Illinois Legislation

    GovQA Technology Solutions Tackle Growing Demand for Body Camera Video in Wake of New Illinois Legislation

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    Webinar on May 19 demonstrates how automation can help agencies take a proactive approach to managing all types of public records requests

    Press Release
    –


    updated: May 12, 2021


    WOODRIDGE, Ill., May 12, 2021 (Newswire.com)
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    New legislation in Illinois is driving dramatic changes for state law enforcement, with the potential to stretch already-limited budgets of agencies as they comply with the mandates, according to GovQA. As part of a criminal justice reform bill recently signed by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, every police officer in the state will be required to wear a body camera by 2025.

    “Mandating a body camera for every Illinois police officer will substantially increase the amount of available video footage as well as the volume of public requests for the footage,” said Jennifer Snyder, chief evangelist at GovQA. “The biggest challenges are the sheer volume and complexity of information that needs to be reviewed, redacted and approved prior to release—and the resources needed to comply.”

    Snyder cited a recent California case in which public safety agencies found themselves unable to recover the costs of video redaction. “Police departments that proactively prepare for the state’s body camera mandate will fare much better than those who do not,” she said.

    GovQA, along with Veritone and other important technology partners, will offer a free webinar on May 19 at 1:00 p.m. CST to demonstrate how Illinois public safety agencies can take a proactive approach to automating their public records management process, and redact requested audio/video files, while staying compliant in a secure cloud environment. The webinar is open to (and information presented will apply to) participants in all 50 states. Advance registration is recommended.

    GovQA is the only SaaS-based, public records management platform capable of secure, end-to-end public records disclosure workflows for any document type including electronic documents, videos and audio files. Through its strategic relationship with Veritone, creator of the world‘s first operating system for artificial intelligence, aiWARE™, GovQA customers are able to automate the redaction of sensitive information within video and audio-based evidence up to 90 percent faster than manual methods.

    “GovQA has a proven track record for providing flexible software solutions that help state and local agencies comply with changing public records laws, fulfill the release of public records at a reduced cost, and address the growing demand for accountability,” said Snyder. Visit  www.govqa.com to learn more.

    About GovQA
    GovQA is the largest provider of cloud-based SaaS automated workflow solutions for government compliance. Customers use GovQA software to more easily process and manage public records and information requests from citizens, the media, and other government offices. With 20 years’ experience, GovQA combines trusted tools and security, proven government expertise, and a scalable platform that enables cities, counties, and state agencies to securely collect and control time-sensitive information within, across, and outside governments. Visit www.govqa.com for more information.

    Media Contact:
    Patrick McLaughlin
    patrickm@markitstrategies.com

    Source: GovQA

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  • GovQA Applauds Unsung Heroes During Public Service Recognition Week (May 2-8)

    GovQA Applauds Unsung Heroes During Public Service Recognition Week (May 2-8)

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Apr 28, 2021


    WOODRIDGE, Ill., April 28, 2021 (Newswire.com)
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    GovQA, the largest provider of cloud-based SaaS automated workflow solutions for government compliance, applauds police and fire departments, city and township halls, county and state offices and military and other facilities during Public Service Recognition Week (May 2-8)—especially the unsung heroes who keep us informed in uncertain times.

    The president and Congress designated the first full week in May as Public Service Recognition Week in 1985 to honor the men and women who dedicate their lives to serving the public.

    Nearly every government agency responds to requests for information contained in public records. Since the pandemic started, those working in law enforcement, public safety agencies, and health departments have seen exponential growth in the volume and complexity of requests for information and public records.

    “While it’s not any agency’s primary mission, dedicated public servants at each organization work hard to keep citizens, the media, and other governments informed and themselves accountable,” said Jennifer Snyder, chief evangelist at GovQA.

    This year municipalities across the nation using GovQA software have responded to nearly a half million requests for information—and the number is projected to grow. According to GovQA’s Peers in Public Records (PiPR) Index, which tracks state and local public records trends, request volumes increased by 21% from June to December 2020. As requests become more voluminous and complex, the total time an average agency spends processing requests has skyrocketed, from an average of 438 hours in the second quarter to more than 2,100 by year’s end (a 388% increase). Demand for larger files, such as audio and video data, has increased substantially.

    Many state and local agencies across the nation invest in technologies that allow them to better manage the volume of records requests while becoming more efficient, saving tax dollars and freeing up staff to work on other important business. GovQA’s cloud-based, secure public records (FOIA) software promotes efficiencies by reducing repetitive work, limiting errors, streamlining collaboration and improving customer service.

    “Recognizing public service employees is especially important this year as public service employees have had to scale many barriers to keep communities informed and functioning during the pandemic,” said Snyder. “GovQA salutes these unsung heroes.”

    About GovQA
    GovQA is the largest provider of cloud-based SaaS automated workflow solutions for government compliance. Its Public Records Request Management software handles more Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for state and local governments than any other software provider. With 20 years’ experience in advanced technology for government agencies, GovQA combines trusted tools and security, proven government expertise, and a scalable platform that enables cities, counties, and state agencies to securely collect and control time-sensitive information within, across, and outside governments. GovQA’s proprietary Peers in Public Records (PiPR) Index is the only index that tracks trends in public records for state and local governments. Visit www.govqa.com for more information.

    Media Contact:
    Patrick McLaughlin
    patrickm@markitstrategies.com
    734-255-6466

    Source: GovQA

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  • City of Aurora Implements GovQA Technology to Improve Efficiency of Public Records Request Process

    City of Aurora Implements GovQA Technology to Improve Efficiency of Public Records Request Process

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    Software ensures timely, secure and accurate fulfillment of requests for electronic documents, videos and audio files

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Apr 7, 2021


    AURORA, Ill., April 7, 2021 (Newswire.com)
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    The City of Aurora and the Aurora Police Department are making it easier for residents to request and receive public records available through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), thanks to technology modernization. The City went live with GovQA software on March 1 to more efficiently process and manage requests from citizens and the media for public records and information, such as electronic documents, videos and audio files.

    “This new technology will enhance Aurora’s commitment to open, transparent and cost-efficient delivery of exceptional customer service in fulfilling requests in accordance with Illinois law,” said Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin. “It is another example of how Aurora is working to enhance the quality of life through innovation, partnerships and dedicated service to the community.”

    Aurora has been steadily upgrading its processes for managing public records requests. In recent years, the City migrated from handling requests manually to automation with its first FOIA software purchase. As the volume of records requests grows and the complexity increases, Aurora looked to GovQA’s cloud-based solution for a secure, highly configurable platform that allows it to manage videos and other electronic documents while enhancing transparency and further improving efficiency.

    GovQA is the largest provider of cloud-based SaaS automated workflow solutions for government compliance. Its Public Records Request Management software handles more Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for state and local governments than any other software provider.

    Aurora’s new records request system is a centralized, secure public records portal that allows residents to track their FOIA requests online and standardizes workflows for city employees. Self-serve tools and auto-follow functions make it easy to proactively share information. And an improved intake form refines requests, reducing the need for clarification and delivering improved accuracy. The new system also provides an accurate and efficient process to securely review and release video and other electronic records, protecting personally identifiable information (PII) and other sensitive data.

    “The portal is user-friendly for our citizens and we have better insight into the request’s workflow,” said City Clerk Jennifer Stallings. FOIA Specialist Sarah Walsh agrees, adding that the new system reduces the amount of paperwork and frees up time to work on other important city business.

    Aurora has taken significant steps in the past few years to improve its technology infrastructure and implement innovative solutions to improve the lives of citizens, including expansion of the city’s fiber-optic network and attracting major technology companies to the city.

    “We commend the City of Aurora for its commitment to provide its citizens with easy and efficient solutions to manage document requests from the public,” said Matt Eckstein, senior implementation engineer for GovQA.

    The new public records portal can be accessed through the Aurora website by clicking “I Want To…” and choosing Submit a FOIA Request.

    Media Contacts:

    Aurora: Clayton Muhammad, cmuhammad@aurora-il.org, 630-774-9306

    GovQA: Patrick McLaughlin, patrickm@markitstrategies.com, 734-255-6466

    Source: GovQA

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  • GovQA Completes FISMA/NIST Moderate Compliance Audit, Further Strengthening Security Position for Government Clients

    GovQA Completes FISMA/NIST Moderate Compliance Audit, Further Strengthening Security Position for Government Clients

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    Long list of successful audits and attestations of compliance underscore company’s commitment to security

    Press Release
    –


    updated: May 18, 2020


    WOODRIDGE, Ill., May 18, 2020 (Newswire.com)
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    GovQA, the leading provider of cloud-based solutions for automated public records and information workflows and government compliance, today announced it has successfully completed a rigorous third-party audit for Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) Moderate compliance.

    The FISMA audit process was designed to ensure that government vendors, contractors, and partners effectively manage risk, handling confidential and sensitive information appropriately, and providing protection against various security threats such as unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification or destruction. FISMA Moderate compliance, governed by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), requires that organizations implement and operate an extensive set of security configurations and controls, including documenting the management, operational, and technical processes used to secure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of sensitive information.

    “After a six-month-long process, we passed the FISMA/NIST Moderate third-party audit with flying colors,” said Jim Cassan, Compliance Officer in Technology at GovQA. “This is based on one of the most intensive forms of compliance worldwide, covering hundreds of areas within security, compliance, and data privacy. Our successful completion is a testament to our existing and ongoing commitment to security at GovQA.”

    The audit attestation signifies review of controls and FISMA moderate compliance for GovQA’s Exchange Platform utilizing NIST SP 800-53 rev 4, FIPS 199, 200 and other NIST and FIPS guides and special publications.  

    “We are very proud to achieve FISMA/NIST compliance,” noted Greg Pengiel, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of GovQA. “GovQA is committed to adhering to the strictest security standards and regulations based on NIST 800-53 revision 4, as well as the security controls including HIPAA and CJIS. Our clients will be pleased to learn that we have taken this step to assess and manage their risks.”

    GovQA will repeat the FISMA audit on an annual basis to ensure ongoing, continuous compliance and address any new controls or requirements added to the assessment in the future.

    To learn more about automated workflow and public records compliance solutions for government and GovQA security, visit: https://govqa.com/workflow-management-platform/data-security.

    About GovQA 
    GovQA, headquartered just outside of Chicago, is the leading provider of automated workflow and public records solutions for government compliance. The GovQA Exchange Solution combines trusted tools and comprehensive security, proven government expertise, and a scalable platform that enables cities, counties, and state agencies to securely collect and control time-sensitive information within, across, and outside governments.

    Source: GovQA LLC

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  • GovQA Secures Fifth Annual GovTech 100 Listing

    GovQA Secures Fifth Annual GovTech 100 Listing

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    GovQA has been recognized as a top 100 company in GovTech since the list’s inception five years ago

    Press Release
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    updated: Jan 7, 2020


    WOODRIDGE, Ill., January 7, 2020 (Newswire.com)
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    GovQA, the leading provider of compliance automation solutions for government, is proud to announce its recognition in Government Technology’s GovTech 100 for the fifth consecutive year since the list’s inception. 

    “Our accelerating 40% year-over-year growth rate supported by our new partnership with Frontier Growth helped us secure our continued GovTech 100 listing,” said Will Repole, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of GovQA. 

    The annual list, published by Government Technology magazine, recognizes the top 100 companies focused on making a difference in state and local government agencies across the country. 

    “We are honored to once again be named a GovTech 100 company,” said Phillip Hodge, GovQA Chief Strategic Development Officer. “We appreciate that Government Technology continues to highlight the work our state and local government partners and our employees are doing to deliver the most innovative digital government solutions in the industry.”  

    GovQA is proud to partner with hundreds of government organizations, including 30% of the top 300 U.S. cities and counties and agencies in nearly all 50 states, and has developed a suite of government compliance solutions for public records, subpoenas, legal holds, discovery, complaints, claims, correspondence, and citizen engagement. 

    “For the past 20 years, GovQA has been committed to developing trusted SaaS tools and security to streamline government collaboration for compliance with federal, state and local laws,” said Jen Snyder, Chief Sales Officer for GovQA. “We look forward to continuing to leverage technology that enhances the relationship between citizens and governments.”

    To learn more about streamlined compliance solutions for government from GovQA, visit www.govqa.com.

    About GovQA 

    GovQA, headquartered just outside of Chicago, is the leading provider of streamlined government compliance solutions. The GovQA Exchange Platform enables cities, counties, and state agencies to securely collect and control time-sensitive information within, across, and outside governments.

    About GovTech Magazine

    GovTech is part of the award-winning family of magazines covering information technology’s role in state and local governments. Government Technology chronicles the dynamics of governing in the information age.

    Contact:
    Steve Lafontaine
    Director of Marketing
    Slafontaine@GovQA.com
    T 630.633.7355

    Source: GovQA, Inc.

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