Design Review Transformation Project

What happened in August? 

In August, the project team continued steady progress on Release 2.0 by advancing development, refining future‑state design elements, and incorporating Executive Sponsor direction into the solution. The Sponsor provided guidance on Release 2.0 criteria expectations, and the team began updating design materials and configuration to align with this direction. 

Communications and readiness activities also advanced for upcoming Release 2.0. Website content, guidance materials, and future‑state documentation continued to mature as the team refined process workflows and agency resources. Weekly Sponsor syncs remained a central part of shaping the operating model and ensuring alignment with long‑term transformation goals. 

Why this matters 

The work completed in August continues to strengthen the foundation for the future‑state Technology Review operating model. By incorporating updated executive sponsor guidance and refining future‑state design elements, the project is advancing toward a unified review process that is clearer, more consistent, and easier for agencies to navigate. These efforts support WaTech’s long‑term vision of a streamlined, customer‑centered technology review experience that integrates architecture, privacy, security, and AI considerations into one coordinated workflow. As Release 2.0 planning progresses, these updates help ensure agencies will benefit from improved guidance, modernized workflows, and a more predictable review process aligned with the future‑state vision. 

What’s next 

In September, the project will continue preparing for Release 2.0 by: 

• Finalizing updates related to Release 2.0 criteria. 

• Advancing development and configuration work supporting the unified review model. 

• Continuing refinement of communications and readiness materials for agencies and internal partners. 

• Updating website content to reflect the evolving future‑state design and Review 2.0 expectations. 

• Supporting ongoing Sponsor engagement focused on design alignment and future‑state operating readiness. 

• A transition of Project Management from Anna Persha, who has left WaTech, to Louis Bugenig.

How to stay informed 

Sign up to receive updates on the DRT project via GovDelivery. 

Design Review Transformation Project | WaTech (Opens in new window)

Project Overview

The Design Review Transformation project modernizes how WaTech and state agencies work together on technology design reviews. The project replaces fragmented processes with a single, customer centered service that supports faster, more predictable decisions.

Key changes:

Unified intake and workflow
All new SaaS design review requests for supported use cases will come through a single ServiceNow entry point. This will reduce confusion, increase visibility, and provide a consistent experience.

Agency Performed Reviews (APR)
Agencies will take on more responsibility for low and medium complexity reviews, with WaTech in an advisory and partner role. This approach reduces the number of full WaTech led reviews and shortens review times.

Technology areas included in review
The design review process covers key domains to support safe, secure, and effective solutions:

• Security
• Architecture
• Privacy
• AI

Data-driven oversight and improvement
The project will collect structured data on submissions, cycle times, and outcomes. Dashboards will track performance, including review timelines, percentage of Agency Performed Reviews, backlog, and satisfaction scores.

Cultural shift from gatekeeper to partner
The new model encourages shared ownership. WaTech provides patterns, templates, training, and advisory support so agencies can feel prepared and confident in their own reviews.

Overall, DRT supports agencies by making design reviews clearer, faster, and more aligned to mission outcomes, while still meeting enterprise policy, security, and risk management needs.

Goals and Vision

Vision

Create a simple, unified, and transparent design review experience that helps agencies move faster, meet requirements, and deliver secure, effective technology solutions. Strengthen trust and collaboration between WaTech and agencies by shifting from a gatekeeping model to a customer centered partnership.

Goals

• Provide agencies with clear, consistent guidance that supports confident self-service through Agency Performed Reviews.
• Reduce the number of full WaTech reviews by 50 to 75 percent for supported SaaS use cases.
• Improve review cycle times through unified intake, automated workflow, and streamlined handoffs.
• Strengthen decision quality through coordinated review across Security, Architecture, Privacy, and AI.
• Increase satisfaction for agencies submitting design reviews.
• Deliver dashboards that track cycle time, backlog, APR percentages, and other key performance indicators.
• Support adoption through training, communication, and advisory services.

These goals align with the project charter and guide every major decision as the project moves through each release.

Timeline

The project is using a phased approach so WaTech and agencies can learn from pilots and expand with confidence.

Discovery and Reset (2024 – mid 2025)

• Gathered feedback from agencies on pain points and improvement ideas
• Documented current processes and issues
• Paused work during internal transitions
• Relaunched with a new project team, updated charter, and guiding principles

Release 1 – Q1-Q2 2026 - Focus: Low complexity SaaS use case (limited pilot audience)

• Configure and test ServiceNow intake and workflow
• Validate roles and process steps across Security, Architecture, Privacy, and AI
• Conduct training and support for pilot agencies
• Share early findings, including benefits and issues to address

Release 2 – Q2-Q3 2026 - Focus: Expanded SaaS Use Cases 1 and 2

• Extend ServiceNow based process to a broader set of agencies
• Refine Agency Performed Review criteria and guidance
• Deliver broader training and updated support materials
• Begin regular dashboard reporting on key performance indicators

Post Release 2 – Q3 2026 and beyond - Focus: Full model and continuous improvement

• Plan future releases for high complexity solutions and additional hosting models
• Advance audit workflows and potential integrations with other tools
• Use performance data and feedback to refine policies, guidance, and training
• Maintain regular communication on improvements, successes, and upcoming changes

This page will update as the project moves through each phase and more details become available for agencies and stakeholders.

Related Links

• Guiding principles
• Monthly Progress Reports Archive
• Project brief (PDF) Updated April 2026