Billionaire investor Mark Cuban made waves over the weekend with a surprising offer of support for recently laid-off federal workers in the tech sector. Cuban took to the social network Bluesky to encourage displaced engineers and designers from the government’s General Services Administration (GSA) technology unit, 18F, to come together and start a consulting company. His message resonated with many, suggesting that these talented individuals could capitalize on their expertise and potentially work with the government as contractors on their own terms. Cuban’s proposal came in the wake of a significant shake-up at 18F, where approximately 70 employees were let go in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The GSA’s decision to cut ties with the 18F unit is part of a broader directive to reduce the federal workforce and trim spending, driven by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This move is not the first time 18F has faced layoffs, as a similar situation unfolded in February when probationary staffers were dismissed. The recent layoffs, which blindsided employees with emails late on Friday night, are seen as part of a larger effort to streamline government operations and cut costs.
In the aftermath of these layoffs, Cuban’s offer of support raises an intriguing possibility: could these displaced government workers pave the way for a new era of civic tech innovation? As DOGE continues to restructure government agencies, there is growing speculation about the potential impact on the workforce and the future of public sector technology. Even Musk himself has acknowledged the challenges and unintended consequences of rapid changes, such as the brief disruption in Ebola prevention efforts by USAID.
The question now is whether former government employees like those from 18F will seize the opportunity to create their own startups and potentially reshape the landscape of civic tech. Cuban’s vision of these individuals forming their own consulting companies and selling their expertise back to the government represents a unique twist in the ongoing efforts to downsize the public sector. With the right support and resources, these entrepreneurs could establish thriving businesses that bridge the gap between government needs and private sector innovation.
As discussions around the future of civic tech continue to unfold, Cuban’s offer of investment and assistance could be a game-changer for those looking to chart a new path in the wake of government layoffs. By empowering these talented individuals to leverage their skills and expertise in a more entrepreneurial setting, Cuban is not only offering a lifeline but also opening up new possibilities for collaboration and innovation in the public sector. Whether his vision of a consulting company like “18FU” comes to fruition remains to be seen, but the potential for a fresh approach to government tech is certainly on the horizon.
