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When: Tuesday & Wednesday, February 11 + 12 from 9:00am - 4:00pm ET both days

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During this two-day course, LACE will cover the foundations and principles of Agility. What is Agile? Learn more about Scrum, Kanban, and how the core principles of Agile are applied to digital product development.

By attending this course, you will gain an understanding of:

  • Agile Values and Principles,
  • Social Contracts,
  • Key Agile Roles,
  • Scrum Overview,
  • Visualizing Work,
  • Writing User Stories,
  • Estimation and Planning Techniques as well as SAFe foundations.

Who is this training for?

  • For those interested in the learning about the history and basics of Agility.
  • This is an Introductory course.
QNOD News!

We are excited to announce that the QualityNet Operations Dashboard (QNOD) is now accessible to the public!

Did you know there is a way to check the functional statuses of certain services via QualityNet Operation Dashboard (QNOD)?

What is the QualityNet Operations Dashboard (QNOD)?
The QualityNet Operations Dashboard (QNOD) offers a comprehensive overview of the status  of the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality (CCSQ) ecosystem. By aggregating data from multiple reporting sources, QNOD centralizes the delivery of critical insights into the availability of each CCSQ service. 

Key Features 
QNOD provides real-time transparency on service outages and delays in one centralized location! 

If you experience issues while performing work tasks in a CCSQ-supported service (e.g., EQRS*, DARRT*, HQR*), you can use QNOD to check for any service disruptions and as a resource for communicating with CCSQ Support Central.

*A full list of services can be found here


How Does QNOD Work?
QNOD integrates data from multiple reporting sources to provide a comprehensive view of system health and service availability across all CCSQ services. The platform aggregates and displays status metrics for each service, offering an at-a-glance understanding of operational status.

To explore the dashboard, visit https://qnod.cms.gov.

For additional information, check out the What is QNOD? page on QualityNet Confluence.

When: Wednesday & Thursday, January 22 + 23 from 10:00am - 3:00pm ET both days

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Human-Centered Design (HCD) is the process we use to understand the people for whom we are writing policies and creating programs and services for at CMS. The successful practice of HCD means we are meeting the mission of CMS: "to ensure that the voices and needs of the populations we represent are present as the agency is developing, implementing, and evaluating its programs and policies." HCD is part of ISG's mission, but it can be applied to any type of work at CCSQ, including products, services, and even policy. 

Attendees will have an introductory understanding of HCD and some basic HCD methods/activities that can be applied to their role at CCSQ.

  • Speaking the same language as contractors to improve oversight.
  • Provides immediate, actionable tips​ and improves team collaboration and ideation.

Who is this training for?

  • For those new, experienced, or in a leadership role. This course is for everyone.
  • This is an Introductory course.


Register now for upcoming training offerings from the Lean-Agile (LACE) and the Human-Centered Design (HCD CoE) Centers of Excellence.

books Human-Centered Design 101

Gain an introductory understanding of HCD and some basic HCD methods/activities that can be applied to your role at CCSQ. Facilitated by the HCD CoE. Human-Centered Design 101 is part of the Foundational Learning Path.

Who is this training for?

  • For those new, experienced, or in a leadership role. This course is for everyone.
  • This is an Introductory course.

January 22 + 23, 2025; 10:00am – 3:00pm ET both days

star Register Here


books Social Contracts

Gain an understanding of how critical team and program agreements are for team and program success. Facilitated by the LACE. 

Who is this training for?

  • For anyone who works with teams and/or is part of a program.
  • This is an introductory course.

January 28, 2025; 1:00pm – 3:00pm ET

star Register Here


books Agility Foundations 2.0

Gain an understanding of Scrum, Kanban, and how the core principles of Agile are applied to digital product development. Facilitated by the LACE. Agility Foundations 2.0 is part of the Foundational Learning Path

Who is this training for?

  • For those interested in the learning about the history and basics of Agility.
  • This is an Introductory course.

February 11 + 12, 2025; 9:00am – 4:00pm ET both days

star Register Here


books Leading SAFe

Gain an introductory understanding of the foundations of SAFe, the principles and practices to confidently drive your Lean-Agile transformation. Facilitated by the LACE. 

Who is this training for?

  • For those new to Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) principles and practices.
  • This is an Introductory course.

February 25 + 26, 2025; 9:00am – 5:00pm ET both days

star Register Here


books UX & Agile for Software Development

Gain an understanding of how teams can thoughtfully integrate design and development needs, share responsibility, and achieve a balanced approach to delivery. Facilitated by the HCD CoE & the LACE.  

Who is this training for?

  • This training targets information technology workers supporting software development initiatives.
  • This is an Intermediate course.

Are there any pre-requisites for taking this class?

March 26, 2025; 1:00pm – 4:00pm ET

star Register Here

When: Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET

Join us for the Lean-Agile Center of Excellence Community Event, 'The Neuroscience of Change.' Our Guest Speaker, Grace Trepte, an industry expert in the Neuroscience field, will explore this engaging topic.  

How can neuroscience help organizations adapt to change and build a resilient culture of continuous improvement?

We will explore:

  • How our brain works
  • Why change is so hard
  • How neuroscience can be leveraged to make change stick

laptop computer  Register on Zoom and find other details on the LACE Community page  

There’s a new resource to support your QualityNet Shared Service Training needs. Whether it's creating a page in Confluence, drafting a dynamic table in LucidSpark or developing a bot using RPA, QualityNet University is here for you! QualityNet University is your one-stop-shop for all your QualityNet training needs.   Visit the University today!



Collaborate with the Technology Transformation Services (TTS) Public Benefits Studio

When: Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET

Join us for an introductory and interactive conversation with Emily Herrick – Service Designer with the Technology Transformation Services (TTS) Public Benefits Studio, a technology accelerator inside the federal government who builds shared technology solutions for government agencies. As part of the General Services Administration, this team is positioned to work between and across social safety net programs to make it easier and cheaper for administering agencies with the same challenges to use the same technology tools.

The Public Benefits Studio will introduce their recently launched shared service, Notify.gov, a bulk text-notifications service currently available to agencies who wish to reach people where they are at. Attend to learn about how other government agencies are currently using Notify.gov to send timely and succinct text message reminders to their audiences.

The team will also share about two additional product concepts they are exploring for feedback from experts, like you, to help validate if there is a potential market within the benefits space for:

  • A document submission solution that transforms mobile-first image capture into machine readable outputs to make it easier for applicants to digitally submit documents to processing staff.
  • A cross-enrollment verification tool to help eligibility staff expedite application processes when proof of Medicaid enrollment means an individual is automatically eligible for another program.

What you will learn: 

  • Understand the TTS Public Benefits Studio mission & benefits
  • Understand the new shared service technology solution Notify.gov
  • Understand the pipeline of new technology product concepts
  • Contribute interactive feedback on new future products / services

star This event is highly suited for information technologists, product owners, program/portfolio owners, business owners, policy staff, researchers, UX designers, content strategists of all levels of experience — from beginners to experts.


Zoom Info 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1610304518?pwd=Q0NvcjJxVzAyakVpVzU1R01Gd2pyQT09

Meeting ID: 161 030 4518

Passcode: 130756

HCD 101: An Introduction to Human-Centered Design 

Human-Centered Design (HCD) is the process we use to understand the people for whom we are writing policies and creating programs and services for at CMS. The successful practice of HCD means we are meeting the mission of CMS: "to ensure that the voices and needs of the populations we represent are present as the agency is developing, implementing, and evaluating its programs and policies."

Attendees will have an introductory understanding of HCD and some basic HCD methods/activities that can be applied to their role at CCSQ.

  • Speaking the same language as contractors to improve oversight.
  • Provides immediate, actionable tips​ and improves team collaboration and ideation.

When: Tuesday & Wednesday, November 19 + 20 from 10:00am - 3:00pm EST.
Learn more and Register on Zoom laptop computer 


CCSQ’s 6th Annual World Usability Day, a global celebration examining ways in which we can work together to create solutions and connect our work to the big problems of the world, is today!

We have an exciting line-up of engaging speakers and diverse topics about systems that provide healthcare in all its many forms, you will not want to miss anything! 

Do you have a busy day, or an upcoming deadline? We get it. That is why the Zoom event is an open-house format with sessions throughout the day and breaks in between sessions.

Schedule-at-a-Glance 

  • 8:30 AM –  8:35 AM ET | Welcome & Overview from the Human-Centered Design Center of Excellence Team
  • 8:35 AM – 8:45 AM ET | Welcome Address from CMS 
  • 8:45 AM – 9:30 AM ET | Keynote Presentation: Policy Design for System Health: Moving from Service Design to Systemic Design through Policy (details)
  • 9:45 AM  – 10:00 AM ET | Morning Plenary Session: Designing from an Emerging Future: Levels of Listening (details)
  • 10:30 AM –  11:00 AM ET | The Health and Human Services Customer Experience Initiative (details)
  • 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM ET | Accessible Plain Language: Weaving Language, Experience, & Accessibility (details)
  • 12:45 AM ET – 1:30 PM ET | Afternoon Plenary Session: Virtual Reality: Leveraging Innovative Technologies to Increase Empathy and Improve the Patient Experience (details)
  • 1:45 PM – 2:15 PM ET | Building Panels to Improve Customer Experience (details)
  • 2:25 PM –  2:55 PM ET | Fireside Chat: Human-Centered Design and Government Space (details)
  • 3:05 - 3:50 PM ET | The Magic Matrix: How a “Matrix” HCD Model Can Drive Human-Centered Design Strategy on Highly Technical Programs (details)
  • 3:50 - 4:00PM ET |  Closing Remarks


Click here to Join on Zoom

Meeting ID: 161 262 0417 | Passcode: 505472

Join us for World Usability Day: Designing for a Better World - No Registration Required!

CMS' Center for Clinical Standards and Quality (CCSQ) Information Systems Group (ISG) will host a virtual event to explore this year's World Usability Day theme, Designing for a Better World. We will examine ways in which we can work together to create solutions and connect our work to the big problems of the world. 

We will welcome a variety of guest speakers to help us explore the theme and learn about a variety of related topics through presentations, interactive sessions, case studies, and a panel discussion. 

We encourage attendees to join us for the entire CCSQ event; however, the event will feature an open-house format on Zoom so you can join the sessions that align with your interests and schedule.

Check out our event site to learn about CCSQ World Usability Day, including the guest speakers, the full schedule, FAQ, and more. 

spiral calendar Add the event invitation to your calendar: CCSQ World Usability Day 2024 - Designing for a Better World.ics
ZOOM INFO
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1612620417?pwd=n1dGdrLCHRQolS1alIrvRFUHAixzWg.1
Meeting ID: 161 262 0417
Passcode: 505472

Register now for upcoming training offerings from the Lean-Agile (LACE) and the Human-Centered Design (HCD CoE) Centers of Excellence.

  • Powerful Product Demos - November 5, 2024
    • Who is this training for?
      • Release Train (ART) members, Agile Coaches, Team Leaders, Portfolio Managers, Program and Product Managers.
      • This is an Introductory course.
  • Defining Minimum Viable Product (MVP) - November 13, 2024
    • Who is this training for?
      • Solutions Management Teams, Product Management, and Product Owners.
      • This is an Intermediate course.
  • Human-Centered Design 101 - November 19 + 20, 2024
    • Who is this training for?
      • For those new, experienced, or in a leadership role. This course is for everyone.
      • This is an Introductory course.
  • Leading SAFe - November 19 + 20, 2024
    • Who is this training for?
      • For those new to Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) principles and practices.
      • This is an Introductory course.

Learn more about the Centers of Excellence: CCSQ Centers of Excellence HCD_logo_NEW  

Conveying value and keeping customers engaged during a product demo can be challenging. Consider the following:

  • How can presenters create engagement?
  • How can you help non-technical users understand the value of backend interface work? 
  • How can you provide the required context quickly and effectively for occasional attendees?

During this two-hour course, we will answer these questions, and more. Attend to learn tips, tricks, and techniques to create a relevant, engaging and powerful demonstration of your team's work, and why it matters.

Who is this training for?

  • Release Train (ART) members, Agile Coaches, Team Leaders, Portfolio Managers, Program and Product Managers.
  • This is an Introductory course.

When: Tuesday, November 5; 1:00pm - 3:00pm ET

Register for the course on Zoom! laptop computer 


On Thursday, September 26, the CCSQ HCD Community of Practice asked Service Center and Quality Payment Program (QPP) teams to share impactful case studies about the CCSQ Generic Clearance for the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). Attendees received actionable resources, templates, and support services to assist their teams in maximizing the benefits of the PRA clearance.

Our Panelists:

  • Anne McDermott – ADO HCD Lead at Service Center, CCSQ 
  • Kiel McLaughlin – CX Researcher Lead at QPP, CCSQ 

Click here to access session materials now.

The session recording and resources are now available for viewing in case you missed the session, or just want to watch it again.

Please let us know what you thought about this session and the Community of Practice by filling out our survey form.

Accelerating HCD Research with CCSQ's Generic Clearance for PRA: Process Overview & Case Studies 

Join us for a community event centered on the CCSQ Generic Clearance for the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), a critical tool that streamlines the approval process of consumer research initiatives. The PRA is an essential yet complex aspect of government consumer research. With the recent renewal of CCSQ’s Generic Clearance, now extended to July 2027, we aim to overview the process and learn from the experiences of teams who have leveraged this coverage.  

The HCD Center of Excellence will provide an overview of the process of utilizing the coverage. The Service Center and Quality Payment Program (QPP) teams will share impactful case studies, followed by a panel discussion. Attendees will receive actionable resources, templates, and support services to assist their teams in maximizing the benefits of the PRA clearance. 

Presenters / Panelists 

  • Anne McDermott – ADO HCD Lead at Service Center, CCSQ 
  • Kiel McLaughlin – CX Researcher Lead at QPP, CCSQ 

This event is best suited for researchers, product owners, leaders, policy staff, development teams of all levels of experience levels—from beginners to experts. No registration is required!

Zoom Info

Join Zoom Meeting

https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1611396449?pwd=STBIQzZJL1cwK2NMeGF2dGI4QXRJdz09

Meeting ID: 161 139 6449

Passcode: 585100


Business Value Demystified

Join us for Business Value Demystified, a course designed to help define and assess business value effectively within the government context.

During this two-hour course, we will dive deeper into the benefits of clear objectives, empower teams to make informed decisions and provide tools for assessing business value for your PI objectives

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise and drive meaningful contributions to the organizational goal!

Class Date and Time:

September 24, 2024; 10:00am – 12:00pm ET

Register for the course on Zoom! laptop computer