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The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency’s National Background Investigation Services hosted its first “Product Days” at Fort Meade on Sept. 9–10, convening representatives from more than 50 federal agencies and industry to help shape the personnel vetting system’s next phase.
“This two-day event represents a milestone for NBIS. We are bringing together stakeholders to ensure the transition from legacy government systems to advanced technologies that address users’ real needs, while also incorporating vital changes to address the requirements of Trusted Workforce 2.0,” said Rebecca Cellarius, NBIS chief product officer.
Cellarius framed the gathering as a shift toward deeper user involvement in how NBIS tools are built and refined. “In the past, there has been too much of leadership talking to the user, rather than listening to the user. We want to hear from you to ensure we build the best product we can,” she said.
Over two days, participants were grouped for interactive user experience and user interface sessions to sketch out their ideal digital workflows. UX/UI specialists facilitated discussions on design and functionality, and designers translated feedback into mock dashboards and wireframes that were displayed on site for immediate critique and iteration.
Attendees closed the event by calling for continued involvement as NBIS evolves. The effort is part of DCSA’s scaled agile approach to software development, which relies on frequent engagement with a broad set of stakeholders to meet government-wide requirements and maintain a customer-focused design process.
NBIS leaders pledged regular updates on product rollouts and said the agency will make Product Days a recurring forum to keep designers and users closely aligned.
NBIS underpins the federal personnel vetting process and is a core component of Trusted Workforce 2.0, a government-wide initiative intended to speed hiring, make it easier for employees to move between roles, and improve visibility into workforce behavior trends.
