The Coast Guard is putting out a Service-wide call for innovators, coders, and creative problem-solvers to join the Deck Plate Developer Team — a growing network of members using low-code tools like PowerApps, Power Automate, Power BI, and SharePoint to streamline operations from the bottom up.
We have a growing community of Coasties building solutions to real problems using the tools we already have. This is about enabling the field with better systems — faster — and empowering our own people to build them.
One current focus area is a targeted initiative to modernize how E-Invitations are created and managed across the Coast Guard. This project offers an excellent opportunity to sharpen your technical skills, build professional visibility, and directly impact how the service communicates and connects. Outstanding contributions may gain visibility with senior leadership and could even result in formal recognition for innovation and service improvement.
The Deck Plate Developer Team was established and is managed by ESD-APP at C5ISC, and it's evolving into a Service-wide movement. We’re actively building a team of freelance developers with low-code expertise who are ready to take on projects that modernize outdated processes, reduce administrative burdens, and improve mission readiness.
Important note: Participation in Deck Plate efforts is voluntary, must not interfere with primary responsibilities, and requires supervisor approval before starting.
Who we’re looking for
Active-duty and reserve Coast Guard members as well as GS/Wage Grade civilians with experience or interest in:
- PowerApps (Canvas or Model-Driven)
- Power Automate
- SharePoint (custom lists, permissions, user experiences)
- Power BI (dashboards, reporting, data visualization)
You don’t need to be a professional developer — just someone who’s curious, motivated, and wants to make a difference. From E-2s to O-6s, from IT shops to admin offices, Deck Plate Developers come from all backgrounds.
What you’ll do
- Build and deploy micro-apps to solve real Coast Guard problems
- Contribute to current projects like the E-Invitation modernization effort
- Collaborate across units to share lessons and templates
- Add to an internal library of low-code solutions – the Global Application Store (GAS)
- Support Coast Guard units with user-driven tools that improve workflows
What’s next
If you're interested in the E-Invitation effort or want to be part of the growing Deck Plate Developer community, email C5ISC-DeckPlateDevs@uscg.mil with the subject line: Deck Plate Developer Interest. Include a short summary of your skills, goals, or even a problem you're hoping to solve.
This is more than just app building—it’s about shaping the future of how the Coast Guard works. We’re not waiting on perfect systems. We’re building better ones together.
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