In a digital age where speed and efficiency are paramount, the public sector has not been left behind. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) partnered with NexGen Technologies, Inc. to revolutionize the way permits are processed through the Recreation and Permit Tracking Online Reporting (RAPTOR) system. This collaboration marks a pivotal shift from cumbersome paper-based methods to a streamlined, agile-based digital solution.
Understanding the Vision and Delivering Precision
For over five years, NexGen has worked closely with BLM stakeholders to distill complex business requirements into a clear product vision. This deep engagement has afforded NexGen a nuanced understanding of the domain and the specific needs of its users—both public and internal. Launched in 2020, RAPTOR supports the application and issuance of Special Recreation Permits (SRPs) and was later expanded to include Paleontological and scientific research permits. This system is not just a tool but a mission-critical asset that upholds BLM’s goal to
Sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Designed for Extensibility and Integration
One of NexGen's guiding principles in developing RAPTOR was creating a system that could grow and adapt without upheaval. This foresight led to the design of an extensible architecture that seamlessly accommodates new types of permits. The system's open data standards and RESTful API layer facilitate smooth data exchanges with other BLM systems. Furthermore, NexGen integrated a Geographical Information System (GIS) to bolster geospatial decision-making capabilities, ensuring that RAPTOR is not only a permitting tool but also a comprehensive decision support system.
Agile Development at its Core
At the heart of RAPTOR's development process is NexGen's commitment to Agile methodologies, specifically the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). This approach enabled the team to meet multifaceted project goals across different phases, including enhancements like JBPM workflow integration for post-permit issuance monitoring, cost recovery, and handling protests and appeals. These agile practices ensured that the project remained adaptable, with frequent iterations and continuous feedback loops integral to the process.
System Architecture: A Blend of Innovation and Reliability
RAPTOR’s system architecture is a testament to NexGen’s innovative spirit combined with a commitment to reliability. Featuring a dynamic Angular-based frontend and robust Business Process Management (BPM) capabilities via jBPM, the architecture supports vast enterprise services through RESTful APIs. It incorporates a scalable open-source document repository (Jackrabbit), a high-performance search and indexing service (Lucene), and a rapid object persistence framework (MyBatis). This architectural design ensures that RAPTOR is not only flexible but also scalable, capable of meeting evolving needs and integrating smoothly with authorized external systems.
Looking Ahead
As RAPTOR continues to evolve, it stands as a prime example of how agile methodologies can transform government operations. NexGen remains dedicated to enhancing RAPTOR’s capabilities, supporting the BLM’s mission, and providing exemplary service to the public. This project underscores the potential of agile development to streamline government processes, making them more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of today’s citizens and tomorrow's challenges.
About NexGen:
NexGen Technologies (NexGen) provides the people, processes, and solutions that help make innovative IT transformation possible across your systems and applications.
We specialize in delivering top-tier IT support services, specifically tailored for the unique needs of the federal government. Our dedicated team combines cutting-edge technology with deep industry expertise to ensure your projects meet the highest standards of quality and security.
For more information, please contact NexGen at info@nexgeninc.com or (720) 377-1800.
