All GovQA Reviews

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Krystle

Government Administration, 201-500 employees

Used daily for less than 6 months

Review Source: Capterra
This review was submitted organically. No incentive was offered

OVERALL RATING:

5

EASE OF USE

4

VALUE FOR MONEY

5

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

5

FUNCTIONALITY

5

Reviewed February 2021

Glad We Made the Switch!

I can't even begin to state how excited our organization is to have made the switch from another public records request software platform to GovQA. The implementation has been a breeze and even, dare I say, enjoyable! I was nervous to undertake the project of transferring software platforms but the team at GovQA run a smooth-oiled machine and made the process easy and stress free. They kept us on track and helped us meet out deadline of going live and were always willing to customize the software to our needs. Additionally, their response time for inquiries and requests from us were prompt and they listened to our needs. I would recommend them to everyone!

PROS

I love the customizable fields that tailor to our needs in terms of reporting and I love the ability to assign subrequests and track just about anything that needs to be tracked.

CONS

I wish the admin portal interface had a sleeker, more modern look - much like the look of the new attachments page. But otherwise, the software is great!

Reasons for switching to GovQA

Next Request was a great starting point since prior to them our organization didn't have public records request software - only a clunky database, which was a nightmare! And we did enjoy the look and ease of using Next Request, in particular, the Admin side of; adding staff, creating message templates, tags, exemption reasons. That part was slightly easier to do with Next Request but not enough to stay with them. What made us switch was their inability or unwillingness to customize their software for our reporting needs. Customer Service was poor - their response time was slow and the response was typically, "Sorry, the software can't perform the task you are requesting at this time," without following up with, "We will work on a fix." It left us feeling like we were supposed to conform to their needs and not the other way around. Key things that GovQA offers that we didn't receive at Next Request: the ability to see what the requester or staff member sees (Impersonate feature), delete a request made in error, change the close date manually if it was made in error originally, keep an exemption log required for JLARC reporting (they did have exemptions attached to redacted documents but not the ability to create an annual log of all requests and exemptions), and make time tracking a requirement prior to a "task" or "subrequest" being closed.

Vendor Response

We are glad you made the switch too! We strive to make the implementation process enjoyable - it's the GovQA Way! We're happy you appreciate the configurable fields, subrequests, and versatile tracking in GovQA. It's our goal to make GovQA bend to our customers - not the other way around. We're also pleased you like the look of the new attachments page. It's the result of deep-dive focus groups we completed last year - and an example of the exciting face-lifts and usability improvements that we are busy implementing in our product and tech departments now. With our large staff of 100+ full time employees, GovQA has the manpower and agility to respond to customer questions and requests in a timely manner. We also stay on top of legislation, as you pointed out, making sure our software aligns with relevant new legislation, exemptions, and reporting needs. We are so happy to have you as a GovQA customer and look forward to serving you for many years to come!

Replied February 2021

Kelvin

Government Administration, 501-1,000 employees

Used daily for more than 2 years

Review Source: Capterra
This review was submitted organically. No incentive was offered

OVERALL RATING:

4

EASE OF USE

4

VALUE FOR MONEY

5

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

5

FUNCTIONALITY

4

Reviewed June 2020

Great Software Solution for Code Compliance

The use of this SaaS and utilizing laptops in the field has greatly increased productivity. It has also allowed us to reduce the use of paper since these records are readily available electronically within the SaaS. Overall, we are very happy with GovQA.

PROS

Setup was not as difficult as expected User-friendly interface Robust Reporting Programmers on staff (not outsourced) Ease of use Uses color codes for tasks based on due dates Able to use it for other applications not necessarily intended for the Code module Mapping Reporting Easily customizable to obtain the desired information

CONS

Unable to change due dates on more than one case at a time Unable to change the case type once saved

Reason for choosing GovQA

It appeared all three software solutions would have worked for us. GovQA was cheaper than the other two, so pricing was the deciding factor, all else being equal, based upon demonstrations and reviews.

Reasons for switching to GovQA

Reporting features were lacking and no programmers on staff (outsourced), so changes took a long time.

Vendor Response

Thank you for your review, Kelvin! We agree that field laptops paired with cloud-based GovQA for is a powerful combo for code compliance! GovQA is pleased to play a part in the reduction of paper in government. We are happy to hear that you had a good setup experience! The configurable color-coded icons that communicate the status of requests at-a-glance were designed to make it easier to stay in compliance with due dates. We're glad to hear they are helping make your job a little easier! We are proud to be able say that our large staff of programmers are full time GovQA employees working out of our Woodridge office. This is important for several reasons including accessibility to our customers, fast turn around when assistance or changes are needed, and maximum security. We hope you continue to enjoy the configurability of GovQA and have alerted our product team to your request for bulk updating and improved edit-ability of your due dates.

Replied February 2021

BRAD

Accounting, 201-500 employees

Used less than 12 months

Review Source: Capterra
This reviewer was invited by us to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive as a thank you.

OVERALL RATING:

3

EASE OF USE

2

VALUE FOR MONEY

1

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

2

FUNCTIONALITY

3

Reviewed August 2018

Never fully got going

PROS

The demo version seems great and a good asset.

CONS

We signed up for Govqa for permitting and after a year and a lot of money and time it was never fully working, could be in part because we did not have the resources available to them to get it going but the sales team undersold how much work it was.

Vendor Response

We are very sorry to hear that your implementation experience was less than ideal. Since your review, we have made numerous changes to our sales and implementation procedures and staffing to improve change management for our new customers. Because GovQA configures our software to you...and not the other way around; we do request input from the customer team to get everything set up to meet your specific needs. While other software companies leave you to set things up on your own (which we have heard is frustrating for users); GovQA takes the time to understand your unique process so we can propose best practices and setup configurations to streamline change management for our customers. I am sorry we failed to properly communicate the change management process to you and your team. If you are still struggling, please do reach out to customer support and someone will assist you asap.

Replied February 2021

Agnes

Law Enforcement, 1,001-5,000 employees

Used daily for more than 2 years

Review Source: Capterra
This review was submitted organically. No incentive was offered

OVERALL RATING:

5

EASE OF USE

5

VALUE FOR MONEY

5

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

5

FUNCTIONALITY

5

Reviewed March 2021

GovQA Review

Good morning: I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN]. She represents your company very well by providing great customer service. She is always willing, and eager, to help me with anything that we need. [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN] knows the GOVQA product lines inside and out. I have had to call her on many occasions requesting rush statistic, reports, or help with GovQA. No matter how early, or how late it is when I call her, she is always willing to go the extra mile. [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN] wonderful personality make her a great representative for GOVQA and simply a joy to work with on any of our requests. On one occasion, I reached out to [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN] for some statistics for my Chief and I feel - she quite literally dropped everything else to help me. Phenomenal customer service! On another occasion, I need to find out if we had EVER received a request from [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN]. She found all three. These are just a few examples of [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN] responsiveness. I wanted to make you aware of [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN] spectacular customer service. I hope that you will speak to her personally to let her know how much, I and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, value her professional support and great customer service.

PROS

Easy to use and we always get great help from [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN].

CONS

Sometimes it runs very slow. We have called in the trouble

Jamilah

Public Relations and Communications, 1,001-5,000 employees

Used daily for less than 2 years

Review Source: Capterra
This review was submitted organically. No incentive was offered

OVERALL RATING:

5

EASE OF USE

5

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

5

FUNCTIONALITY

4

Reviewed January 2021

Very easy to use

PROS

This product is very easy to use. The staff at GovQA are always available to assist with integrating the system to meet your company needs.

CONS

We currently use a separate system to do redactions. I know GovQA is working to add this feature, so it will be nice to complete everything using one system.

Vendor Response

GovQA does, in fact, have very powerful integrated redaction! Additionally, we are the only public records platform that also offers integrated video and audio redaction as well. Our redaction tools are fully integrated with our platform and deliver an unbroken, defensible audit trail. With GovQA you DO NOT have to use a separate system to do redactions! Our in-tool redaction can redact SSNs, Emails, and phone numbers automatically - plus you can perform text search, custom pattern matching and "redact-similar" functions; add and apply legal redaction reasons; auto-generate exemption logs, and save markup versions. Our "Oops Protection" feature prevents premature or accidental release of records; and, once a file has been redacted, prevents the original from being released. I'm sorry you received bad information - Please request a redaction demo so we can show you just how powerful our integrated redaction tools are!

Replied February 2021

Helen

Government Administration, 1,001-5,000 employees

Used daily for more than 2 years

Review Source: Capterra
This reviewer was invited by the software vendor to submit an honest review.

OVERALL RATING:

5

EASE OF USE

5

VALUE FOR MONEY

5

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

5

FUNCTIONALITY

5

Reviewed March 2021

Review by DWRs PRA Coordinator

PROS

This software is very easy to use and work with. Uploading records, tagging records, or even creating zipfiles is a breeze. Working with the multiple staff required to work on a PRA is simple. The notes allow clear communication between myself and division PRA contacts and our Legal Office. Even the reports are simple to create and understand. Most of all the user screen isn't so busy with colored boxes that is gets confusing.

CONS

I really haven't found anything I haven't liked other than not being able to remove users who never used the system before they left the department. I can only turn their access off. This uses up the amount of people we are allowed to have using it.

Reason for choosing GovQA

Mainly the security platform and how easy the system was to navigate and use for everyone involved.

Taresa

Utilities, 51-200 employees

Used daily for more than 2 years

Review Source: Capterra
This review was submitted organically. No incentive was offered

OVERALL RATING:

4

EASE OF USE

3

VALUE FOR MONEY

4

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

5

FUNCTIONALITY

4

Reviewed May 2021

One of the best systems out there for managing Public Records Requests

I implemented GovQA in 2015 where I worked at the time. I switched jobs in 2019 and went through a second implementation with GovQA because it is that valuable of a tool. The support staff are very responsive, knowledgeable and work very hard to make this a great system.

PROS

Once the system is set up, it is pretty seamless in it's use for Admin. It is a great tool for managing volumes of requests and is easy to keep track of due dates and progress on a request. I also like the customization available.

CONS

The settings and reporting can be cumbersome and difficult.

Reason for choosing GovQA

Initially it was because it was one of the only products out there that really manages Public Disclosure for government agencies. The second implementation was because I had used the system and liked what it could do.

Amy

Government Administration, 501-1,000 employees

Used daily for more than 2 years

Review Source: Capterra
This review was submitted organically. No incentive was offered

OVERALL RATING:

5

EASE OF USE

5

VALUE FOR MONEY

5

FUNCTIONALITY

5

Reviewed May 2021

Easy for the customer and employees

Great experience with their customer service and tech support. We were using an Excel spreadsheet and doing everything manually before we purchased. GovQA has allowed us to streamline our system, invoice and receipt payments quickly, follow up on request and have an exact timeline of the request from start to finish.

PROS

Ease of use by the public was a big factor in choosing this program. Also, the ease of use for the employees. We have over 20 departments that use the system and it was important for us to have a simple, straightforward and quick program to respond to FOIA requests.

CONS

It took a long time to set up the system, but once set up it runs very well.

Lydia

Public Safety, 51-200 employees

Used daily for more than 2 years

Review Source: Capterra
This review was submitted organically. No incentive was offered

OVERALL RATING:

4

EASE OF USE

3

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

5

FUNCTIONALITY

4

Reviewed October 2021

Review from regular user perspective with high-volume requests

PROS

I like that it is a records management system that can be shared across the entire City for open records requests with accessibility by all those with granted rights and permissions. Customer service with GovQA is extremely responsive and helpful.

CONS

Searching capability for previous requests open/closed is still limited; a separate tracking method is used parallel to GovQA for more accurate searching/maintenance/ease of access for all requests received.

Gayla

Education Management, 201-500 employees

Used weekly for less than 12 months

Review Source: Capterra
This review was submitted organically. No incentive was offered

OVERALL RATING:

4

EASE OF USE

4

VALUE FOR MONEY

4

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

5

FUNCTIONALITY

4

Reviewed May 2022

GovQA Spring 2022 Review

Extremely positive. Great customer service on the phone and user guide is well written.

PROS

Tracks all activities and documents for fulfilment of most public records requests for the college from my individual experience.

CONS

Have not encountered any thus far. It handles the majority of what I assist our Public Records Officer with fairly well.

Kelly

Government Administration, 1,001-5,000 employees

Used daily for more than 2 years

Review Source: Capterra
This review was submitted organically. No incentive was offered

OVERALL RATING:

5

EASE OF USE

4

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

5

FUNCTIONALITY

5

Reviewed October 2021

Job's Easier with GovQA

PROS

This software is user-friendly. It is easy to learn and understand. There are still some parts I have not ventured to use/learn (mainly in Attachments), but when it's time to learn, it is easily implemented.

CONS

I think the least I like are the colored dots. It is very hard to distinguish between the brown (if that is the color) and the red. Most everything else I had issue with, GovQA customer service has assisted in getting it changed, i.e., a 5-day reminder for my 15-day letter to the AG.

Jennifer

Law Enforcement, 1,001-5,000 employees

Used daily for less than 12 months

Review Source: Capterra
This review was submitted organically. No incentive was offered

OVERALL RATING:

5

EASE OF USE

5

VALUE FOR MONEY

5

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

2

FUNCTIONALITY

5

Reviewed May 2021

GOVQA Review

Good. Easy. Organized.

PROS

The accessibility of it. It is very easy to use.

CONS

That it won't allow a standard signature, therefore I have to type four lines of signature for every single request response. I called customer support, who said they would fix and get back, never did.

Elanna

Government Administration, 201-500 employees

Used daily for less than 12 months

Review Source: Capterra
This review was submitted organically. No incentive was offered

OVERALL RATING:

5

EASE OF USE

5

VALUE FOR MONEY

5

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

5

FUNCTIONALITY

5

Reviewed May 2022

Great Product

Awesome

PROS

The use and customer service are top notch.

CONS

I like everything about this software and recommend to everyone that inquires.

Reason for choosing GovQA

Presentation of the product and customer service.

Elliott

Government Administration, 501-1,000 employees

Used monthly for less than 12 months

Review Source: Capterra
This review was submitted organically. No incentive was offered

OVERALL RATING:

2

EASE OF USE

1

FUNCTIONALITY

1

Reviewed August 2023

GovQA - Slow, poorly laid out, and generally awful

I'm just an end user, and it's awful.

PROS

I don't like to use GovQA. It's terrible and slow.

CONS

GovQA is incredibly slow. It takes several seconds each time you click. When reviewing documents for release, it takes several clicks to tag each document.GovQA is poorly designed. Rather than being able to view a document and categorize it simultaneously, you have to back out of the viewer, then click to categorize. Each step takes several seconds, so small tasks take incredibly long.

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