How to participate in a federal challenge

What is a challenge? 

Challenges are a way for government agencies to ask the public for help solving problems. Individuals or teams can submit ideas or solutions, and the strongest entries win prizes. Also called prize competitions or contests, challenges encourage more people to help find solutions.

Since 2010, the U.S. government has run over 1,600 prize competitions. Even before 2010, competitions helped develop major efforts like: 

• Early ship navigation methods
• Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight
• Designs for the U.S. Capitol and White House
• Self-driving vehicles

Challenges cover many topics. For example, they have looked at how to: 

• Provide safe, nutritious food for long space missions
• Support caregivers using artificial intelligence
• Better measure nutrients in water

Some challenges need specific skills, while others are open to anyone with ideas.

Federal agencies can run these competitions because of laws passed in 2010 and updated in 2017 that support innovation and public participation.

Who can participate?

The rules for joining and submitting solutions can be different for each challenge. For example, past participants have included:

• Hobbyists
• Scientists
• Small business owners
• Researchers

Some are only for certain groups, like high school students, while others are open to anyone. 

Always check the rules for each challenge to make sure you are allowed to participate.

Types of challenges

Any federal agency or program can run a challenge, so they can cover any topic. Each challenge usually fits into one or more categories based on what participants are asked to do. It is best to choose a challenge that matches your interests and skills.

Here are the main types of challenges:

• Data and analysis: Focus on working with data, creating charts or visuals, or building algorithms.
• Creative design: Ask for designs, videos, graphics, or other creative work.
• Business plan: Look for ideas on new businesses, services, or ways to grow a solution.
• Idea: Focus on coming up with new ideas or approaches to a problem.
• Science: Involve scientific research, experiments, or discoveries.
• Software : Ask you to build apps, tools, or digital services.
• Technology and hardware: Involve creating new technology or physical devices.

Best practices

Taking part in a federal government challenge for the first time can feel overwhelming. Once you find one you are interested in, read all the details carefully. Make sure you understand:

• Deadlines: When does it start and end? Are there different stages?
• Submission: What do you need to turn in? Is it an idea, or do you need to build and show something?
• Prizes: What can you win? Is it money, something else, or both? Is it one prize or smaller rewards along the way? Are there different prize categories?
• Support: What help or resources are available to you?
• Format: How does the challenge take place? Is it online, in person, or a mix? Will you be presenting head-to-head against others or at different times?

Find support

There is a lot to consider. Most challenges offer information sessions and provide contact information for points of contact. Reach out to them if you have any questions about how to participate.