About OMB Watch

All three types of pilots — applications of technologies, information hubs, and demonstrations
of coordination tools — as well as existing case examples of uses of technologies
in the public policy context, should be summarized and widely distributed within the
sector. Such reports will help nonprofits better understand some applications of newer
technologies.
Implementation of Pilots
OMB Watch, among others, will seek resources from foundations to implement a series
of pilots. OMB Watch will focus on applications of technologies pilots and demonstrations
of the coordination tools. Three points should be understood about the applications of
technologies pilots that OMB Watch will undertake:
❐ OMB Watch will implement the agenda for the pilots — in terms of content, format,
or context — that is set by the state and local nonprofits. OMB Watch primarily will
facilitate and coordinate, as appropriate. Part of the facilitation that we will provide
will be through the Technology Working Group (discussed above);
❐ While testing the technologies is important, the process of building collaborations
within the sector, of learning appropriate uses of technologies in public policy matters,
and of learning the interrelation of physical communities and online (or virtual)
communities is as important, if not more so; and
❐ Resources will be provided to the lead organization(s) to help implement the pilots.
With pilot projects focused on application of the technology, OMB Watch expects a
negotiation phase to identify leadership roles (who will take the lead and negotiation of
contractual relationships with OMB Watch), a planning phase involving a variety of nonprofit
organizations (to promote coordination and collaboration), an implementation phase,
and an evaluation phase. Discussion of the pilots, possibly even selection of them, will be
done in concert with the Technology Working Group, which is described above.
The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) will play a leadership role in proposing and
implementing the information hubs. To the extent that OMB Watch can help in coordinating
activities or providing technical assistance, it will. At this time, MCN is focused on
coordinating and sharing databases about nonprofit organizations.
OMB Watch will also seek resources to test different approaches to implementing the
coordination tools described in this chapter. As with the above pilots, OMB Watch will work
closely with the Working Group in developing these demonstrations.
IV. Moving Towards Next Steps
The NPA planning experience was very enlightening for OMB Watch. The interest, rapid
widespread dissemination of the NPA concept, and intensity of response are indications
that NPA hit a nerve. Yet despite the overwhelming desire for improving communications
linkages within the sector it was very difficult to define the initiative and move forward in its
totality.
Large initiatives that attempt to change existing ways of working, like NPA, raise both
hopes and fears. The fears can create what seem to be insurmountable barriers. Four that
arose during the NPA planning process include:
OMB Watch — May 1997
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