Our ethics framework

Fundamentally committed to making a meaningful impact.

Our ethics framework: The way we do our work and why.

Innovative Approaches

We are strong advocates of the transformative potential of government technology initiatives. Gornium ethics framework guides us in ensuring that our work has a positive and purposeful impact, structured around two key components.

The first checklist defines the nature and rationale behind our projects, while the second emphasizes our methodologies and their underlying principles. Our project selections are driven by alignment with our impact goals, or by the potential for our operational methods to benefit our clients.

Through our ethics framework, we define the purpose of each project from the outset and maintain our focus on the intended impact we aim to achieve.

The Gornium Business Development team considers contracts that align with at least one of our eight core values and do not conflict with our "what we won't do" guidelines.

The distinction may not always be entirely clear. Therefore, we view our ethics checklists as dynamic documents, continuously evolving through refinement and clarification to serve as effective evaluation tools.

Cultures Driven by People

Sustainable Growth

Open Doors

At Gornium, we go beyond developing technology; we drive cultural and systemic transformation. By focusing on the broader purpose behind our projects, we adopt an iterative methodology to address the real problem(s) effectively. Working across diverse disciplines and practices, we break down silos and foster collaboration among diverse groups toward a shared mission.

What we won't do

We avoid prescribing universal best practices and prioritize flexibility in our approach. Our decisions are informed by facts rather than assumptions or past methods, and we are unafraid to pivot when necessary to address the core problem effectively.

Our scope extends beyond technical solutions. We actively pursue transformation projects that can bring about positive change, regardless of whether they involve technical elements.

Our work is centered around people. We believe that inclusive collaboration leads to better solutions, so we prioritize building teams that mirror the diversity of the communities they serve. Adopting a unified team approach in all our endeavors, we foster environments where we work alongside partners and customers toward shared goals. Together, we can achieve enduring positive change.

What we won't do

We reject authoritarianism and steer clear of self-importance or condescension in our approach. However, we also assert our principles when necessary

We approach challenging discussions with honesty, transparency, and empathy, collaborating with customers and teammates to achieve optimal solutions for all involved.

Technology serves as a powerful equalizer, and we leverage it to drive impact by empowering those who join us on our journey. Our distinctive platform enables us to actively welcome individuals into government and tech arenas who have historically been underrepresented. We approach this responsibility with sincerity, striving to expand opportunities for diverse groups and communities through our initiatives.

What we won't do

We avoid projects that hinder our efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity by perpetuating harmful norms.

Our community initiatives are integral to our core business and not segregated from it. Instead, we seek to advance these efforts within our contracts, advocating for increased representation and inclusivity whenever possible.

Ensuring the sustainability of our business model is a responsibility we uphold for our team at Gornium. We pursue projects that align with our strategic objectives, whether they involve breaking through the small business barrier, advancing to the programmatic level with clients, expanding into new agencies, or pursuing other growth avenues. By targeting work that supports our team and fosters sustainable business growth aligned with our impact goals, we strive to meet our evolving needs effectively.

What we won't do

We avoid pursuing work that conflicts with our core values, but we may pursue contracts for strategic business purposes.

While we occasionally accept projects aligned with our beliefs even if they incur a financial loss for Gornium, we prioritize avoiding work that would endanger the sustainability of our business.

Our ethics framework: What work we do and why.

Human Life

We prioritize the value of human life universally. Similar to a physician's duty to treat patients regardless of behavior, our software is designed to uphold life. While we may not endorse certain causes or affiliations, every individual's life is significant.
Within defense and security initiatives, we support projects aimed at ensuring service members' safety, enhancing logistics, reducing costs, improving efficiency, and advancing culture and technology.

What we won't do

Developing operationally offensive tools that directly contribute to loss of life or lethal actions.

Does this project jeopardize lives?

Questions to ask

Can this project potentially save lives?

Does this project reduce government expenditure?

Will this project foster a positive government culture?

Efficient Government

We aim to optimize government operations for maximum efficiency and to enhance the quality of life for everyone.

Declining projects if they pose risks of fraud or abuse.

Questions to ask

Refusing to support projects that involve unnecessary billing or overstaffing.

What we won't do

Will this project improve quality of life?

Does this project enhance government efficiency?

Does this project pose risks of fraud or abuse?

Is this project appropriately staffed?

Quality Living

Our goal is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare, education, immigration, and social services for all individuals.

What we won't do

Declining projects solely benefiting a client's financial interests without broader community benefits.

Refusing to endorse tools facilitating family separation or immigrant deportation.

Questions to ask

Will this project improve services for everyone?

Does this project benefit the broader community?

Does this project contribute to family disruption?

Does this project facilitate immigrant deportation?

Social Justice

Our aim is to foster universal equity, ensuring equal rights and opportunities regardless of background, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

What we won't do

Rejecting interpretations of others' needs without direct engagement with affected communities.

Refusing to support projects that favor one group over another. We assess partisan or politically-affiliated projects through an equity lens to align with our values.

Questions to ask

Will this project promote equity in our communities?

Does this project enable direct engagement with affected communities to understand their needs?

Does this project prioritize one group's benefit over another's?

Do the goals of this project conflict with our core beliefs?

Have We Convinced You Yet?