Sunlight Foundation Gets Obama-Coburn Watchdog Database Done by OMB Watch

Hey, looks like a major watchdog database, USASpending.gov was launched today, inspired by Senators Obama and Coburn, done by OMBWatch and funded by Sunlight Foundation.

CORRECTION: FedSpending.org was the original database Sunlight funded...which was built by OMBWatch, and then OMB essentially hired OMBWatch to build USASpending.gov based on what OMBWatch had already done.my mistake!

The story is told by the Washington Post here but the inside story is told by Micah Sifry who's involved with Sunlight:

Sunlight funded OMBWatch to build FedSpending.org (the first searchable database of all govt contracts and grants), for $325K.

They built it. Then the Obama-Coburn bill was passed (with help from a cross-partisan coalition of bloggers, who smoked out the Senator who had put a secret hold on the bill) mandating that the OMB build its own official database, for $15 million.

OMB Watch offered to help OMB get the job done...even though the watchdog group and the government agency are usually major adversaries.

As the attached story in the Washington Post explains, after some hesitation, OMB's director decided to work with OMBWatch, and they licensed the software from OMBWatch for $600K. The new site, USASpending.gov, launched today, two weeks ahead of schedule.

Disclosure: I'm involved with Sunlight, but can take no credit for anything.

Comments

[RichardReiss]

USASpending.gov is fascinating and powerful. I propose all 10th graders should study the current year budget in their curriculum, in a class on government, and as a requirement for graduation. It wouldn't have been practical till now; the site makes it easy. That might have a good effect on democracy, on students and on politicians alike.

[cloudy]

It's kind of curious that there wasn't ALREADY this sort of database. I suppose that's because the Democrats haven't controlled Congress since Jan 95. But still, there should have been one by then.

I wonder what kind of databases in the health field have still not been pursued nationally by the govt....

[edzeppelin]

I was told by a "Sensible" person that Obama is nothing but hot air? Isn't he supposed to be an empty suit with no accomplishments? I was also told that nothing good can come from working across the isle....

wrong, wrong, and wrong

Thank you Obama!

Also - I was lead to believe by very "Concerned" and "Sensible" people that Obama is a Muslim plant!?!??! But then I read that he is a Son of the American Revolution! Whats with the "sensible concerns"?

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2007/12/obamas-family-t.html

[SeanGardner]

I remember when Obama and Coburn intorduced this bill, and I remember when it was singed by Bush. Its a triumph for sure.

And its further proof that Barack Obama will be elected president.