A legacy of innovation in federal communications and engagement

For more than a decade, Granicus has served as a dedicated partner to federal agencies, pioneering the digital communications that connect government with millions of people. Our history is more than a timeline; it is a verifiable track record of innovation, security, and an unwavering focus on the public sector. We understand the unique challenges that federal agencies face because we have been there, helping to solve them for years.

We’ve been helping federal agencies segment, personalize, and automate communications for more than a decade. That’s our legacy. Today, we’re building on that legacy with our federal partners to lead the future of government communications and engagement.

This post explores the deep-rooted history Granicus has in the federal space and looks forward to a future powered by advanced data insights and AI.

A legacy of innovation

Long before “digital transformation” became a buzzword, Granicus was on the ground with federal agencies, implementing what were then revolutionary communication strategies. We pioneered the use of automation, personalization, and segmentation in the public sector. This wasn’t a new feature set we added to an existing commercial product; it was the core of our govDelivery platform, built from the ground up to meet the unique needs of government. Our 25 years of exclusive service to the public sector have given us an unparalleled depth of expertise.

While others are just now adapting their tools for government use, we’ve spent years refining our strategies, helping more than 400 federal organizations connect with more than 360 million citizens. Our experience means we don’t just offer a platform; we provide proven best practices drawn from more than 7,000 government customers worldwide.

Unwavering commitment to security and compliance

For federal agencies, security isn’t optional — it’s paramount. A single breach can have catastrophic consequences. That’s why our commitment to security and regulatory compliance is at the heart of everything we do. A robust and well-documented legacy is a decisive factor for agencies in mitigating risk and ensuring compliance.

Our solutions are designed to meet the strictest government standards. We hold a FedRAMP JAB Provisional-ATO dating back to 2015, which demonstrates a long-standing commitment to continuous monitoring and security. Our platforms comply with a host of critical mandates, including:

• FAR and GSAM reporting mandates
• Section 508/WCAG accessibility standards
• NIST 800-53
• CJIS
• HIPAA attestation
• PCI-DSS

This focus on compliance streamlines the authority-to-operate (ATO) process, allowing for quicker and lower-risk deployments.

Speedy implementation and deployment

Government timelines are often urgent. Whether responding to a national crisis or rolling out a new program, agencies need technology that can be deployed quickly and efficiently. Granicus excels in this area. Our lightweight, proven, and easy-to-use SaaS solutions are designed for rapid implementation.

Because our platforms are FedRAMP authorized and available through established procurement vehicles like GSA’s IT Schedule 70 and NASA SEWP, agencies can bypass the lengthy and costly process of building homegrown systems. This allows for a speedy ATO process, enabling agencies to get vital communication tools into the hands of their teams without delay.

A team of dedicated public sector experts

Technology is only as effective as the people who stand behind it. At Granicus, our team comprises professionals who have dedicated their careers to the public sector. We are former government employees, policy experts, and communication specialists who speak your language and understand your mission and challenges, from navigating complex procurement processes to communicating with diverse constituencies.

This specialized focus means our team doesn’t just support a product; they partner with agencies to develop strategies that drive user behavior, reduce the cost of citizen interactions, and deliver higher satisfaction rates.

Our sole focus is on government. We do not divide our attention between commercial and public sectors. This singular dedication allows us to build solutions tailored specifically to the needs of agencies and the citizens they serve. We understand the intricacies of the federal procurement process, the non-negotiable security requirements, and the ultimate goal of public service. When you partner with Granicus, you gain access to a team that is as invested in your mission’s success as you are.

Success stories that speak volumes

Our legacy is defined by the tangible results we’ve helped federal agencies achieve.

• U.S. Census Bureau: During the 2020 Census, Granicus played a pivotal role in the quick shift to a digital-first count. By leveraging our govDelivery network and messaging strategies from the Granicus Experience Group (GXG), the bureau delivered more than 48 million emails, contributing to a 99.7% completion rate — up from 74% in 2010.
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): For more than a decade, Granicus has partnered with the VA to transform the veteran experience. The agency launched the Veterans Experience Office (VEO) in 2015, accelerating a move from paper-based to digital communications. Using our enterprise platform, the VA grew its subscriber list to more than 20 million, enabling personalized, segmented messaging for critical programs like the PACT Act and the Solid Start transition assistance program. This digital-first approach was key to raising veteran trust in the VA to a record high of 80.4%.

These are just two examples among many. From the EPA to the USDA, we have a long history of helping agencies connect with millions of people, improve engagement, and achieve their mission goals.

The future: GXI and AI-powered insights

While we are proud of our legacy, our eyes are firmly set on the future. The next evolution in government communication is here, and it’s powered by data and artificial intelligence (AI). Our Government Experience Cloud (GXC) platform already processes tens of billions of digital interactions each year, providing a wealth of data about effective government services and communications.

Now, with Granicus Experience Insights (GXI) Enterprise, we are unlocking the full potential of that data. GXI is a government operations intelligence platform that uses AI-driven analytics to unify constituent data from multiple sources. It provides program leaders with real-time dashboards and a natural language query capability to understand what their audiences need and how to best reach them.

With GXI, agencies can:

• Tailor outreach for higher engagement by understanding audience segments.
• Optimize digital journeys to increase user success.
• Track program impact against key performance indicators.
• Minimize fraud and waste by leveraging AI and machine learning.

This is the future of government communications: data-driven, hyper-personalized, and more effective than ever before.