The U.S. Census Bureau’s Innovation and Operational Efficiency (IOE) program exemplifies operational excellence. Begun in 2010 by former Census Bureau Director Robert Groves, the program has resulted in nearly $46 million in combined savings and cost avoidance to U.S. taxpayers. The idea behind IOE is to leverage employee creativity and innovation toward cost savings and operational efficiency. As of 2016, the Census Bureau has funded 106 projects based on over 2,100 submissions.