Development & Integration Capabilities
As efficiency heightens across government, agencies require scalable secure software solutions to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and enhance user experiences for better mission outcomes. Our nation’s warfighters, intelligence analysts, and federal professionals require modern tools that increase effectiveness – both in costs and performance.
OST accelerates agency access to mission-critical capabilities by focusing on rapid product selection and streamlined implementation of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solutions. We eliminate the need for lengthy software development cycles by integrating proven, modular tools that are secure, compliant, and designed with the user in mind. Our approach emphasizes efficient configuration, targeted user training, and proactive change management—ensuring agencies can quickly adopt new technologies, overcome implementation challenges, and realize value from day one.
Software Solutions that Empower
- Software Engineering – Leveraging full life cycle integrated development environment tools, structured and unstructured data manipulation platforms, and recognized architectural best practices.
- SecDevOps – Employing practices and tools that increase the ability to deliver applications and services at high velocity through the streamlining and automation of systems build process, unit and integration testing, static and dynamic security testing, target environment configuration, and deployment.
- Agile5 Methodology – Unlocking the power of OST’s unique Agile5 framework, an adaptation of Scaled Agile principles fused with Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) level 5 practices, predictive analytics, and high-maturity process metrics. Agile5 reduces defect density and saves 40% on O&M costs.
- COTS Integration and Customization – Designing and implementing IT solutions based on adaption of COTS/GOTS software packages and limit or minimize custom development.
- Cloud-Native Development – Reducing custom coding and long-term maintenance costs to optimize the use of IT budgets.
Building Tomorrow’s Solutions Today
At OST, integration is at the core of every development effort. We seamlessly embed tools like OKTA and SonarQube into our processes to ensure that security, compliance, and resilience are integrated from the outset—not treated as afterthoughts. Our Agile5 methodology brings together predictive analytics, mature process metrics, and sprint-based planning to enable fully integrated, secure, and scalable solutions aligned with evolving mission demands. Through a vendor-agnostic, risk-based decision-making framework, we integrate the most effective mix of COTS, GOTS, and open-source technologies, maximizing flexibility and minimizing vendor lock-in. Our use of AI-driven automation and analytics integrates stakeholder feedback early and often, accelerating development cycles and time to market. By integrating Agile5, SecDevOps, and modular architectures across the lifecycle, OST delivers cohesive, cost-effective, and future-ready systems that support mission success.
CASE STUDY:
Project Spotlight: Maryland's Total Human-services Integrated Network (MD THINK)
Challenge
The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) faced a significant operational challenge where programs were managed through a patchwork of isolated legacy systems that lacked integration. This fragmentation hindered data sharing, delayed case processing, and made it difficult for caseworkers to get a holistic view of Marylanders needs, ultimately affecting the quality and efficiency of service delivery and access to vital programs.
Solution
OST worked with the State to address the technical complexity of consolidating these disparate systems into a unified platform. The project required a broad range of specialized skills to tackle the unprecedented scale and scope of this initiative, which was critical to the success of the federally funded $200 million program. In collaboration with the State, our team implemented core modules of the MD THINK platform, as well as:
- Led Agile release trains in a multi-contractor environment under the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), aligning cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact solutions
- Managed the full Agile lifecycle from planning, documenting, and testing user stories—to drive velocity, control costs, and track performance metrics
- Integrated and deployed a secure, cloud-based application, while modernizing asset management systems to protect sensitive human services data
- Trained caseworkers statewide, improving adoption and ensuring effective use of the application across the organization
- Delivered a user-friendly, secure platform that enhanced access to shared information, achieved key project milestones, and transitioned seamlessly to operations and maintenance
Outcome
With OST’s support, the Maryland Total Human-services Integrated Network (MD THINK) is now a cutting-edge, cloud-based platform designed to revolutionize the way state agencies manage and share data. By centralizing information in one accessible location, MD THINK enhanced customer services, streamlined data-sharing processes, and reduced IT operational costs across Maryland’s agencies, ensuring its success in meeting the ambitious goals of improving service delivery for the state’s vulnerable populations.