Digital Technology Associates

"Business development and government relations in the Federal marketplace involve a continuing and dynamic process that includes advocacy, education, collaboration and political participation."  Bob Tapella

Robert C. Tapella

Managing Director

After eight years at the United States Government Printing Office, the final three as Public Printer of the United States and Chief Executive Officer, Robert C. Tapella resigned his commission at the request of the White House to allow the President to make a recess appointment. Tapella is currently advising Fortune 500 companies, the City of New York, and the U.S. Congress on managed print services and other technology investments as well as collaborating on a business ethics book.

During Tapella’s tenure and under his leadership, GPO created new markets to expand GPO’s 2002 business revenues from $675 million (with a $24 million net operating loss) to revenues of over $1 billion and over $90 million in retained earnings – delivering seven consecutive years of positive results. GPO funded environmental sustainability programs, invested in a new plant and new equipment, and most importantly, invested in training and re-training GPO employees to embrace the technological opportunities of the 21st century. These investments, particularly the investment in human capital, restored GPO to its role of innovator in American printing and publishing. 

GPO developed the joint venture GPOExpressSM with FedEx OfficeSM for digital printing services at 1,800 nationwide locations and reduced prices to customers by up to 80% over retail rates.

In partnership with the Department of State, GPO designed, developed and produced an electronic passport to ensure interoperability between visa waiver nations. GPO then leveraged existing technology and capabilities to create secure Federal credentials for the Trusted Traveler program – to expedite travel processing at U.S. borders, without sacrificing security.

GPO entered a partnership with Google to offer the public, for the first time, Federal government titles in an e-book format. And in collaboration with libraries across America, GPO developed and launched GPO’s Federal Digital System to allow enhanced searchable digital access and authentication of Federal publications.

Prior to GPO, Tapella served as a professional staff member in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his tenure Tapella supervised the Office of Member Services for the Committee on House Oversight where he advised members of Congress in interpreting and applying the rules and regulations governing the operation of their congressional office; served as Chief of Staff to a Member; and developed a strategic plan for the Clerk of the House to re-engineer the information technology infrastructures within the legislative process. Tapella was the District Representative for Congressman Bill Thomas, who later chaired the House Ways and Means Committee. He managed the Congressman’s interaction with political and public groups in local and state politics.

Tapella also has an extensive background in graphic arts. At the age of 12, he learned the art of calligraphy, illumination and bookbinding. Two years later Tapella became a freelance designer with The New Scribes in San Jose, California. During his teen years, he worked in the area of menu design, production and first encountered a printing press. During the 1980’s and 1990’s, Tapella built successful design, print brokering, direct mail, corporate communications and strategic planning businesses.

A California native, Tapella is an alumnus of the American Council of Young Political Leaders and an alumnus of Leadership Sunnyvale’s Class of 1995. He is a 1991 graduate of California Polytechnic State University, one of the country’s leading schools in printing and graphic communications.  In 2008 Tapella received the Honored Alumni Award – the highest honor bestowed upon Cal Poly alumni by the University’s Alumni Association.