Blockchain Standards for Government Acquisitions

Governments worldwide are turning to blockchain to solve pressing public sector challenges. The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is actively exploring blockchain applications to enhance efficiency and transparency. Additionally, the newly confirmed Secretary of the U.S. Health & Human Services Administration previously pledged to put government budgets on the blockchain during his presidential campaign. These initiatives highlight the growing interest in blockchain at the highest levels of government.

Despite this momentum, one major obstacle to widespread government adoption is the lack of industry standards. Government procurement officials need a reliable way to differentiate proven blockchain solutions from over-hyped, ineffective projects. To address this challenge, the Government Blockchain Association (GBA) developed the Blockchain Maturity Model (BMM). This structured, transparent, and verifiable framework helps governments confidently identify blockchain solutions that meet rigorous industry standards, ensuring credibility and trust.

Governments are already integrating the BMM into their procurement processes. Riverside County, California, for example, used the BMM as a selection criterion when awarding a contract for an Interagency Authentication Platform Service. Similarly, another government entity is preparing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for verifiable digital credential systems and is incorporating the BMM into its selection process.

But it’s not just government contractors benefiting from the BMM. A county government recently requested a BMM assessment of one of its blockchain solutions and discovered that their vendor had been storing sensitive government data on a single server instead of the promised blockchain. This finding underscored the critical role of the BMM in ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in government blockchain implementations.

The BMM’s impact extends globally. The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) Apiary has launched an initiative encouraging Indian startups to adopt the BMM. This initiative aims to make Indian startups more competitive on the global stage, boosting software service exports and bringing international revenue into India.

Beyond India and the United States, the BMM is gaining traction worldwide. The GBA actively promotes BMM-rated solutions through its extensive international network, including a relationships with organizations like the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (UN IGF). This global exposure enhances the visibility and reputation of BMM-rated companies, opening doors to new business opportunities across borders.

Adopting the BMM framework is a strategic decision for any organization looking to validate its blockchain solutions, enhance credibility, and access new opportunities. A BMM rating establishes companies as industry leaders, equipping them to meet the needs of government and enterprise clients while securing high-profile projects worldwide. To learn more about the Blockchain Maturity Model and how it can elevate your blockchain solutions, visit https://gbaglobal.org/blockchain-maturity-model or contact BMM@GBAglobal.org.