Federalist began as an 18F project to cut the cost and time of launching public websites. It packaged static-site best practices into a simple service: write content in Git, auto-build on commit, and ship to a CDN with HTTPS and accessibility checks. That focus on speed, security, and accessibility informed today's cloud.gov Pages, the modern successor operated by GSA.

For a digital experience leader, the value is pragmatic:

• Reduced time-to-launch: Templates and continuous deployment remove build and release bottlenecks.
• Lower operational risk: Static delivery, automated scans, and inherited FedRAMP controls reduce attack surface and compliance work.
• Consistent quality: Section 508 support, USWDS-ready patterns, and version control improve accessibility and governance.
• Elastic reach: CDN distribution with autoscaling and DDoS protection handles traffic spikes without new infrastructure.

The upshot: teams publish fast, secure informational sites without maintaining servers, while keeping content, history, and approvals visible in Git-based workflows.

The platform's operating model is straightforward and proven for static and data-backed static sites.

• Authoring and change control: Content lives in a GitHub repository. Teams use pull requests for edits and approvals, which creates a clear audit trail. Non-technical editors can use simple web-based editing.
• Build and deploy: On merge, the service builds the site and publishes it within seconds. No command line or FTP is required.
• Security and compliance: Sites run on a FedRAMP-authorized platform (cloud.gov). HTTPS is automatic, monthly vulnerability and accessibility scans run by default, and documentation support is available for Authority to Use processes via the Pages ATU guide.
• Performance and reliability: Content is served through a CDN with autoscaling and DDoS protection. Caching and edge delivery provide fast page loads.
• Accessibility and design: Section 508 and federal website standards are first-class concerns, with USWDS-friendly workflows and guidance.
• Support and operations: An in-house help desk, office hours, and documentation reduce handoffs and keep teams moving.

These mechanics are optimized for public-facing informational sites, prototypes, documentation, and resource hubs where reliability, accessibility, and speed matter more than server-side complexity.

Use Federalist's model (now cloud.gov Pages) when you need:

• Rapid publishing without infrastructure: You prefer Git-based content governance and a managed build-and-host pipeline.
• Security and compliance guardrails: Inherited platform controls, HTTPS, CDN, and automated scans are table stakes.
• Accessibility by default: Section 508 alignment and USWDS patterns reduce retrofits and rework.

Consider alternatives if you require:

• Complex server-side logic or databases: Dynamic applications or custom backend services may point to a PaaS/IaaS or serverless stack.
• Vendor-specific CMS lock-in: If you need a proprietary WYSIWYG CMS, ensure it integrates cleanly with Git workflows or be ready to adapt processes.

Evaluation checklist:

• Content model fits static or static-plus-APIs.
• Teams are comfortable with Git-based reviews, or can adopt a simple editor tied to Git.
• Compliance needs align with inherited FedRAMP controls and the Pages ATU approach.
• Traffic profile benefits from CDN delivery and autoscaling.

Decision rule: if most content is read-heavy, public, and does not require custom backends, this platform minimizes time, cost, and risk while improving accessibility and performance.