Agile Software Development
Iterative delivery of custom applications with users involved throughout.
Capability
Software Development
Agile and DevSecOps development, legacy modernization, web portals, low-code platforms, and application support.
Overview
Agencies need software that works for residents and staff, meets accessibility law, and can be maintained for a decade. HQT's developers have built and modernized applications across web, mobile, and integration layers, and we bring modern practices such as automated testing, continuous delivery, and security scanning to public-sector projects.
We are pragmatic about build versus buy. Where a commercial or low-code platform fits, we configure and extend it. Where custom software is warranted, we build it cleanly and hand over the code, the pipelines, and the documentation.
Where we help
- Agile software development for internal and public-facing applications
- DevSecOps pipelines with security scanning built in
- Modernizing legacy applications and databases
- Web portals, online services, and APIs
- Low-code platforms such as Microsoft Power Platform, ServiceNow, and Salesforce
- Accessibility remediation to WCAG and ADA requirements
- Application operations and maintenance
How we approach it
Short iterations, working software early, and real users in the loop. Every project has a definition of done that includes tests, accessibility checks, security scans, and documentation.
Services
DevSecOps & Delivery Pipelines
Automated build, test, security scanning, and deployment for agency software.
Legacy Application Modernization
Moving aging applications and databases to supportable platforms without losing what works.
Web Portals & Online Services
Resident-facing services that are accessible, mobile-friendly, and easy to maintain.
APIs & Systems Integration
Connecting agency systems so data moves without re-keying.
Low-Code Platforms
Power Platform, ServiceNow, and Salesforce solutions for workflows that do not need custom code.
Accessibility Remediation
Bringing websites, applications, and documents into conformance with WCAG and ADA requirements.
Application Support & Maintenance
Ongoing support, updates, and enhancements for applications an agency depends on.
Software Development by agency type
- Software Development for Cities and TownsResident-facing services, staff tools, and integrations between the platforms a city already owns.
- Software Development for County GovernmentsModernizing case management, integrating departmental systems, and building the tools commercial platforms leave out.
- Software Development for State AgenciesAgile and DevSecOps delivery on large state programs, directly and as a subcontractor.
- Software Development for Transit and TransportationRider-facing services, open data feeds, and integration between operational and business systems.
- Software Development for Water, Power, and Public UtilitiesPortals, integrations, and legacy modernization around utility billing, metering, and asset systems, with a firm boundary at control systems.
- Software Development for Public Safety AgenciesModernizing in-house applications, building public-facing services, and delivering releases for agencies that never go offline.
- Software Development for School Districts and CollegesIntegration, portals, and legacy modernization for districts and colleges, built around student privacy, accessibility, and the academic calendar.
- Software Development for Special Districts and Joint Powers AuthoritiesSmall, supportable applications, integrations, and accessible public services for districts and authorities that have no developers on staff.
- Software Development for Companies Selling to GovernmentAccessibility, security, and integration work on commercial software products that have to clear state and local government procurement review.
Frequently asked questions
Do you build custom software or configure commercial products?
Both. We recommend a commercial or low-code product when one fits the agency's process, and we build custom software when the process is distinct or when public-facing quality, accessibility, and integration needs exceed what a product offers. The recommendation comes from the requirements, not from what we would prefer to build.
Who owns the source code?
The agency does. Code is delivered into the agency's own repository with build pipelines, tests, and documentation, so that agency staff or another vendor can maintain it.
How do you handle accessibility?
Every interface is built and tested to WCAG 2.1 Level AA, including screen reader testing of primary workflows, and we deliver conformance documentation with each release.
Can agile development work with a fixed-price contract?
Yes. We scope releases as fixed-price increments with defined outcomes and acceptance criteria. The agency has budget certainty per release, and the team has room to adapt details within it.
What happens after launch?
We offer support agreements with defined service levels, regular dependency and security updates, and a managed backlog for small enhancements, priced as a fixed monthly fee that fits an annual budget.