FirstGov.gov Now USA.gov

In January 2007, FirstGov.gov announced that it changed its name to USA.gov. The new USA.gov Web site explains how the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has responded to citizen's requests for information and help by changing to a name that is easier to understand and remember. The following is the announcement posted on the USA.gov Web site, formerly FirstGov.gov.

"We did it because you asked us to. Feedback from the public told us that we need a name that is easier to understand and remember. We pay attention to our visitors and here's what we know:

• Last year, more than 600,000 people typed "usa.gov" into their Web browser when searching for government information.
• In a 2006 telephone survey, 79 percent of respondents preferred the name USA.gov.
• USA.gov is intuitive -- it describes what our site is: the U.S. government online.
• We regularly get e-mail from the public telling us that they don't like the name "FirstGov" and that we should change it. Our colleagues tell us the same message.
• Spanish speakers responded positively to GobiernoUSA.govas the new name for the Spanish-language portal. This name gives assurance that the user is on a government site.

New features on USA.gov include "Visitors to the United States gateway" and "Online Personal Assistance."

"We know that about 25 percent of visitors to USA.gov come from outside the United States. This group includes people who wish to visit, study, or do business with the United States. There is a great deal of U.S. government information available for this audience, and the 'Visitors to the United States gateway' will make it easier for them to locate and use the information and services that they need."

USA.gov now features "Online Personal Assistance," dedicated to responding as quickly as possible to citizens' requests for information and help. In addition to calling toll-free 1 (800) FED-INFO or sending an e-mail, people can now get help through live web chat Monday through Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

There are about 5 million links to USA.gov, and anyone who clicks a link to FirstGov.gov will be automatically and seamlessly redirected to USA.gov. Read More