Codice
Empowering Government Agencies With Cutting-Edge Technologies

From its humble beginnings as a single-person company to its current status as a leading tech solution provider, Codice has continually helped government agencies keep up with technological advancements and modernization. Codice facilitates migration from legacy-based systems to modern cloud-based technologies, builds new efficient and dynamic software applications, helps with system integration, and eases database warehousing. For these services and many more, government agencies turn to Codice first for their technology needs.

In an interview with CIO Applications, Codice CEO Dash Kiridena and CIO Jayanth Kumar, share insights on how their solutions are helping government agencies across the USA shed their legacy-tech dependence and adopt the tech novelties.

Could you share Codice’s inception story? Then comment on how the journey has progressed.

Dash - I spent nearly a decade working with the District of Columbia as Director of Medicaid Recovery for the DC schools, which helped me understand the importance of technology in government services. Technology or modernization services’ success or failure profoundly impacts the services agencies can deliver to their constituents.

Drawing insights from my previous work experience, I started the company in 2009. Initially, it was a single-person company and had a different name: Health IT 2 Business Solutions. As the principal and a small business owner, in the company’s formative years, you, the owner, are responsible for all operations. It was a difficult stage, but we turned the corner in 2010 with the fortunate advent of Obamacare. New healthcare insurance and Medicaid service opportunities emerged that would eventually help us grow as a small business. Working closely with the District of Columbia on their Medicaid administration projects, we established a solid foundation and long-term foothold as specialists in consulting and managing healthcare administration operations. Working with Medicaid technology issues assisted us in strengthening our tech skillsets.

Jay - Today, having rebranded ourselves as Codice, we have diversified into digital payment processing, data analytics, cloud services, Blockchain, ML and AI based Apps and Application development, Serverless Architectures, Microservices, and a focus on environmental tech services, tech consulting, and more. We now work in product development and have created a digital cost-reporting product called CelerKost. CelerKost is primarily used by state government agencies to manage claims submission by Medicaid and healthcare providers. Currently, 90% of our clients are from the local government. The journey so far has taught us how to best position our services and solutions to generate value for government clients within their price range.

What are the biggest challenges you encounter when helping government organizations?

Dash- Many government agencies are still dependent on legacy systems which come with hefty maintenance costs and process inefficiencies. Many of these critical systems are being modernized. Our biggest challenge pertains to government organizations who lack the dynamism and the drive to align with future technological advancements. We work with those who do see the future benefits of smarter technology and transformation. We work with these leaders who wish to make government services the best they can be.

Jay - Several misconceptions persist among our clients. Most believe that transitioning to newer technologies will result in downsizing and will require extensive effort and time to get employees up to speed with the new systems.

We strive to educate our clients and gain trust teaching them that modernization does not result in fewer jobs but does create more manageable and efficient processes. Sometimes, government entities understand the need for modernization, but lack a mechanism to execute it. Codice will collaborate with that government agency to create the appropriate tech modernization system for them.

Please shed some light on how Codice's offerings are uniquely positioned to address these challenges.

Jay - As a service company, we are equipped with all relevant skill sets and certifications. Predominantly, we develop web applications for governments. We are proficient in many technologies, such as Dot Net, Java, React, Angular, AWS, Azure, MS-SQL, Tableau, MongoDB, Python, Mainframes, and QuickBase. Thus, we can work with a wide array of systems in many industries. For instance, we are helping modernize a 26-year-old UI system for the Department of Employment. It was a complete metamorphosis from a mainframe COBOL with a legacy SQL server into a 2019 SQL server with a .NET-based front-end system. Our other offerings include evaluating cybersecurity competency against external phishing threats and verifying if it complies with NIST, HIPAA, and FedRAMP regulations.

Moreover, as an APN Partner, we help government agencies migrate into cloud ecosystems like AWS and Microsoft Azure. Codice can scale and spin servers within AWS clouds while adhering to HIPAA and NIST regulations. We also partner with a prominent Cloud Contact Center as a service (CCaaS) provider, Genesys Technologies, to offer seamless IVR and CCaaS implementations.

On top of that, our in-house products for financial tech services like CodicePay, have been implemented across several government agencies processing social security supplemental payments and government public inspection services.

How does Codice differentiate itself from other competitors in these areas?

Dash- We differentiate ourselves in several ways. First and foremost, Codice’s senior management team bring to the table more than 80 years of combined industry and government experience, particularly with government agencies. We hold extensive subject matter expertise which enables us to educate our clients of the need for new tech adoption. Second, we have been able to create trust among our clients. Trust takes years to build and is dependent on how we have delivered in the past. Third, we tailor solutions and products to suit each client’s unique specifications.

Jay- Codice has a 98% track record in completing projects within the designated time and quote, unless the client’s requirements change. We also have a dedicated support team to ease post-installation issues. We always address calls for assistance and clarification.

Please share an instance where your unique capabilities helped solve clients' challenges.

Dash- Codice has catered to the needs of many government agencies. Recently, we implemented an efficient digital payment-processing solution for the Department of Disability Services (DDS) and the Department of Consumer Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Previously, it took them about 25 to 28 days to process checks and mail them to medical providers and inspectors. We implemented a digital solution that processes payments within three days. This was a massive decrease in processing time and was much appreciated by our clients and our client’s clients!

Jay - In another project, we are collaborating with a leading sensor manufacturer to run a pilot version of parking sensors for the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). We put these sensors in specific DC locations, particularly in street parking meters. We will capture data on people's payment habits, usage timings, and whether the cars were from in-state or out-of-state. We are building a financial model for the DDOT by leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). With this data, our clients will be able to significantly increase accountability and transparency in public parking and make more informed decisions regarding utilization and revenue recovery.

What does the future look like for Codice?

Dash - We are focused on developing and productizing environmentally conscious and sustainable solutions. We also prioritize employee well-being in all our endeavors. We strongly believe digital solutions are connected to these objectives. Looking forward, we have developed a global-first digital provider-centric cost-reporting system, and are planning on launching it on the AWS marketplace. We are also venturing into several new domains like our pilot programs. At Codice, we constantly focus on how transformative new tech solutions can empower the government to better serve its citizens.