On December 8, 2009, the Administration issued the Open Government Directive to hardwire the values of transparency, participation and collaboration into the DNA of the Federal government.

WHITEHOUSE: How "Open Gov" Datasets Affect Parents and Consumers

Stemming from the Obama administration's Open Government Initiative and the America COMPETES Act, which together strongly encourage and provide specific guidance on the use of competitions and challenges in the Federal Government, there has been significant momentum in the use of incentive prizes in the public sector in the past two years.

WHITEHOUSE: Unleashing Innovation & Deepening Democracy Through Prizes | The White House

Since taking office, President Obama has made clear that his Administration is committed to Open Government that the Nation is made stronger by making the Federal Government accountable to citizens and by giving those citizens opportunities to participate in their government.

WHITEHOUSE: Our Top Stories