Solution
Mobile App Development for Government
Build secure, accessible mobile applications that bring government services directly to citizens' phones.
Citizens increasingly expect to interact with government services from their mobile devices. Adapter builds government mobile applications that are secure, accessible, and designed to work for the full diversity of the American public.
Key Challenges
- FedRAMP and FIPS Security Requirements
- Section 508 Mobile Accessibility
- Device and Connectivity Diversity
Overview
Mobile App Development for Government
Mobile devices are now the primary way many Americans access the internet, and citizens increasingly expect to interact with government services the same way they interact with private sector apps. They want to check benefits status, submit permit applications, receive emergency alerts, and find government office locations from their phones. Yet government mobile app development faces constraints that commercial apps do not: FedRAMP authorization requirements, Section 508 accessibility mandates, support for older devices that lower-income populations disproportionately use, and the need to function in low-connectivity environments common in rural and underserved areas.
Adapter builds government mobile applications that meet all of these requirements without sacrificing usability. Our development process starts with inclusive user research that represents the demographic and geographic diversity of the agency's service population. We design for the lowest common denominator of device capability and connectivity, using progressive enhancement to provide richer experiences on more capable hardware. Every interface element is tested for accessibility compliance, including VoiceOver and TalkBack compatibility, dynamic type support, and minimum touch target sizes.
On the technical side, our government mobile apps are built for the security posture that federal systems require. This means deploying backend services on FedRAMP-authorized infrastructure, implementing FIPS 140-2 validated encryption for data at rest and in transit, and integrating with agency identity providers through PIV/CAC card authentication for internal-facing apps and Login.gov for citizen-facing apps. We architect for offline operation, caching essential data and queuing transactions for sync when connectivity returns, because reliable cellular coverage cannot be assumed across all service areas. Our apps also implement telemetry and analytics that comply with privacy requirements, giving agencies insight into adoption and usage patterns without collecting personally identifiable information.
What we deliver
Solutions
- 01
FedRAMP-Native Architecture
- 02
Inclusive Accessibility Testing
- 03
Progressive Enhancement Strategy
- 04
Federated Identity Integration
Industry Challenges
Problems we solve
FedRAMP and FIPS Security Requirements
Government mobile apps must use FedRAMP-authorized cloud services and FIPS 140-2 validated encryption, limiting technology choices and requiring specialized expertise.
Section 508 Mobile Accessibility
Mobile interfaces must support screen readers, dynamic type, sufficient touch targets, and high contrast modes to serve citizens with disabilities.
Device and Connectivity Diversity
Government apps must work on older, lower-cost devices and in areas with limited cellular connectivity, reaching populations that commercial apps often ignore.
Identity and Authentication Complexity
Government apps require integration with Login.gov, PIV/CAC authentication, or agency-specific identity systems that have unique technical requirements.
What We Build
Our approach
FedRAMP-Native Architecture
We deploy on FedRAMP-authorized platforms with FIPS-validated encryption, building security compliance into the architecture from the first sprint.
Inclusive Accessibility Testing
Every release undergoes automated and manual accessibility testing, including testing with assistive technology users who represent the diversity of the citizen population.
Progressive Enhancement Strategy
Core functionality works on lower-end devices with minimal connectivity. Enhanced features activate when device capability and bandwidth allow.
Federated Identity Integration
We integrate with Login.gov for citizen authentication and PIV/CAC systems for agency employee access, providing seamless authentication across user types.
Results
What you can expect
40% increase in digital service adoption
Accessible, well-designed mobile apps bring citizens who previously relied on in-person visits into the digital service channel.
100% Section 508 compliance across all releases
Continuous accessibility testing ensures every update maintains full compliance with federal accessibility standards.
ATO achieved 30% faster than typical timeline
Pre-aligned security architecture and compliance documentation accelerate the Authority to Operate process for new mobile applications.
FAQ
Common questions
Things clients typically ask about mobile apps in this industry.
Ready to get started?
Tell us about your project and we will scope an engagement that fits.