Open Source Portal (OSP)

Description

The Open Source Portal (OSP) provides a centralized code-sharing and collaboration platform for the State of California. The portal enables government entities to easily reuse, contribute, and collaborate on open-source solutions. This service aligns with the State of California Open Source and Code Reuse Policy and reinforces CDT’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and innovation.

Highlights

Adoption of OSP platform will help the State of California:

Improve cost efficiency by adopting readily available software solutions.
Minimize risks associated with new software projects.
Improve quality of software applications by adopting best practices and modern technologies.
Support talent growth through collaboration, code sharing, and joint application development.
Share processes, procedures, practices, and documentation among State developers.
Improve the public experience with government programs.

Benefits

Participation in the OSP may help State agencies:

Stay compliant with the State of California Open Source and Code Reuse policy: Introduction – SAM 4984 / Requirements – SAM 4984.1 / Exceptions – SAM 4984.2.
Improve code quality.
Decrease the cost of software development.
Save taxpayers money.
Improve workforce motivation.
Promote technological advancement and make it easier to transition to new technologies and platforms.
Improve agency processes and procedures.

Included

Free access to shared open-source projects through OSP and GitHub.
Ability to share your projects with other State agencies and developer communities.
Powerful search capabilities.
Portal support provided by CDT Portal administrators.

Roles & Responsibilities

Role	CDT	Customer
Portal Administration and support	X
Support and consultations for Portal users	X
Prepare GitHub projects for sharing		X
Maintain shared GitHub projects		X
Vulnerability scanning and remediation		X
Promotion of the OSP	X	X
Organizing development community events	X	X

Request

The California Open Source Portal links to code solutions in GitHub repositories. If you do not have a GitHub organization for your agency, see our Guidance page for information on getting started.

Once you create your entity on GitHub, use the form at Share Code | California Open Source Portal to get in touch with us about your intent to share your code with others throughout the state.

We will contact you to discuss your repository preferences, such as hiding repositories.

FAQs

1. Why does the Open Source Portal exist?

The Open Source Portal was created to advance collaboration, innovation, and efficiency across the State of California’s technology landscape. This portal aligns with the State’s Digital Strategy, supporting the development of modern, effective digital services that benefit all Californians.

In particular, the Open Source Portal helps state entities comply with the Open Source and Code Reuse policy.

2. Is there a cost associated with participating in the Open Source Portal?

No. There is no cost to contribute or to access shared repositories. You only need to maintain your GitHub repositories.

3. Why should my state agency participate?

The Open Source Portal provides all state agencies with a secure and trusted place to find, share, and use technology solutions that have been tested and work.
By gathering trusted open-source tools in one place, we can avoid duplicating efforts, cut down on project expenses, and get digital services out faster. We can do this all while meeting security and compliance standards.
Instead of each department developing solutions from scratch, the portal helps us create something once and reuse it many times. That means faster innovation, more efficient use of taxpayer dollars, and a stronger, more consistent technology foundation across state government.

4. Is participation optional?

Participation in the Open Source Portal will ensure compliance with the Open Source and Code Reuse policy.

5. If another entity forks my repository, will the fork also appear in the Open Source Portal?

No. A forked repository does not automatically appear in the Open Source Portal. It will only appear if the organization that owns the fork explicitly chooses to share it in the Portal. That organization would need to deliberately share it.

6. Can I tell if another entity forks or downloads my repository?

Yes. You can tell who has forked your repository. This is public information provided by GitHub. You can also tell if your repository has been cloned (downloaded), and retrieve aggregate counts of cloning, but you cannot tell the identity of who has cloned it.