Optimism greets Obama

Take your pick: the economy, the war or the budget. We all have plenty of things to worry about in 2009. But one of the encouraging aspects about working on this issue’s cover story is that a recurring theme of optimism kept creeping into people’s comments.

Some of the optimism is motivated by business. When the government is in crisis, it almost always turns to outside help; that is, to contractors. This time, it isn’t a hurricane or terrorist attack but a financial crisis in which the government will need help managing billions in bailout funds.

Tight budgets and increased demands for services also plague the government.

Agencies must operate more efficiently, and that is one of the strongest drivers for contracting opportunities such as consolidating infrastructures and eliminating redundant systems.

Many look at how Barack Obama’s campaign used collaboration and communications technologies to make his run for the presidency. What executives see is a new administration that has firsthand experience using technology in novel ways.

Some experts believe that the Obama administration will be more open to innovative approaches to contracting and using technology. But how those hopes and beliefs translate into reality won’t be known for months.

Surely, there will be disappointments and naysayers, but as the New Year gets under way, it’s good to enjoy a little optimism first.