Kaptivate
SmartLogic partnered with Kaptivate to enhance Challenge.gov with a secure, scalable platform that streamlines and centralizes the evaluation of public submissions.
- Built a secure module enabling federal program staff to evaluate and comment on challenge submissions through a centralized interface
- Integrated new features into the existing Rails platform, including shared session tracking across applications
- Developed a user-friendly interface to streamline workflows for evaluators across multiple government agencies
- Implemented automated testing and security tools for accessibility compliance
- Delivered the full project over a 12-month contract, meeting all milestones and scope requirements on time and within budget
When the U.S. government needed to expand access to its crowdsourcing platform, Challenge.gov, SmartLogic was the natural choice. Having built the original version of Challenge.gov years earlier, SmartLogic was sought out to return as their custom software development partner for additional work building a new evaluation module that allows judges to securely log in, review, and score submissions.
Meeting Complex Government Needs with Seamless Integration
SmartLogic was subcontracted by Kaptivate, a strategic consultancy that blends innovation with strategic insight to help organizations thrive in a changing digital world. SmartLogic operated like an embedded partner, providing expert technical support while remaining communicative and self-contained.
“We’ve never had to chase them down. They’re sharp, responsive, and easy to collaborate with,” said Jenn Stein, VP, Innovation & Workforce Strategies at Kaptivate. “What really stands out is how well they match our drive—sharing the same passion for meaningful work and delivering real results for our clients.”
The Work: Building a Secure Evaluation Module
The goal: Simplify and organize the evaluation process in a secure, scalable way. To meet these needs, SmartLogic developed a comprehensive module that met both federal security and accessibility requirements while supporting an expanding roster of agency users.
The platform has a user-friendly interface that allows users to review, score, and comment on submissions. The backend architecture had to seamlessly integrate with the existing Challenge.gov platform. For secure login, we set up a system that utilizes a single login from login.gov with third-party authentication and a shared session tracking mechanism across both applications.
Security was of the utmost importance. To protect from vulnerabilities and outdated dependencies, we added automated dependency updates. With all necessary protections in place, we developed a scalable solution for use across government agencies.
Commitment Beyond Code
SmartLogic’s value extended well beyond code, especially when the stakes were high and the timelines were tight. We adapted quickly to changing requirements, maintained clear communication, and consistently showed up as reliable collaborators.
"We basically had the Dan bat signal," said Jenn, referencing SmartLogic's longtime Director of Engineering Dan Ivovich. "Even before we had a contract in place, he was helping our devs troubleshoot a painful proxy issue. That level of commitment is rare."
Outcomes: Expanded Access, Streamlined Workflows
The evaluation module was built with a focus on securing user data and supporting adoption by a broad range of federal agencies. By integrating secure evaluation tools directly into Challenge.gov, agencies gain more control over their workflows and reduce reliance on disconnected or ad hoc tools.
For Kaptivate, working with SmartLogic proved to be a low-stress, high-impact engagement. SmartLogic delivered the evaluation module over the course of a 12-month contract, meeting all key milestones and stakeholder requirements within the project’s original scope and timeline.
Tech Stack
- Language and framework: Ruby 3.2 on Rails 7.2
- Stimulus.js for building interactive elements
- Axe for a11y accessibility testing
- Github Projects for Agile sprint/ticket tracking
- CircleCI for CI/CD pipeline
- Dependabot for automated dependency and security checks
- Login.gov with shared session tracking
Looking Ahead
With a new foundation in place, SmartLogic and Kaptivate continue to explore ways to collaborate, complete projects, and build lasting, flexible infrastructure that supports better outcomes for public-facing government programs.