Many information systems that support government services need to be both trusted and interoperable. Interoperable systems are ones in which several systems based in different organizations work smoothly together. Trusted systems have built-in security and authentication features that allow their users to assume a high level of safety and integrity. Such systems must deal effectively with several difficult issues that emanate directly from the complex and dynamic environment of public programs. First, system development methodologies are needed that deal well with the scope and diversity of users, customers, and stakeholders that are involved in government information systems. Second, research is needed to understand the potential for, and the limits of, integration across technological, organizational, and political dimensions. Third, because most government services are expected to be available in consistent form in every community, systems must operate with equal quality on both very large and very small scales.

• What institutions, laws, and policies are needed to support interoperable government systems?
• How should the costs of interoperable systems be distributed among the participating organizations?
• What is the role of government in the development of standards?
• What tools and approaches work best for smaller governments and agencies?
• What are the technical, legal, policy, and management issues surrounding authentication in the public sector?