[SPIKE] [Resources & Support] Research alternative search methods to replace 'bespoke' search features in VA.gov products

[FranECross]

Description

Currently, Resources & Support search feature is custom and very limited in what is returned (only searches titles, not content).

This spike is to take a holistic look at the various products in VA.gov that have a search feature and create a white paper listing and outlining:

• Products which have a search feature
• What search engine/code/? is used for that feature
• Do any features share code or use the same search feature; what API if any is being used
• Each search features limitations
• Options for updating to a different search engine/feature/API e.g. Elasticsearch, Solr, MeiliSearch, etc., keeping in mind that we want not only titles but body of content searched and results returned.
• High level estimates for each option
• Is there additional cost associated with any of the options

Information to Consider

• More content will be added to Resources & Support, which is one of the drivers to improving its search feature by returning more content (title/body of content included in searches), as well as speed and accuracy.

User story

AS A Veteran, their caregiver, family member or survivor using the various search features across VA.gov
I WANT to have accurate, fast search results when I search for information or forms
SO THAT I can achieve my research and needs faster and with a minimum of frustration and angst.

Engineering notes / background

Acceptance criteria

• create a white paper listing and outlining:
• Products which have a search feature
• What search engine/code/? is used for that feature
• Do any features share code or use the same search feature; what API if any is being used
• Each search features limitations
• Options for updating to a different search engine/feature/API e.g. Elasticsearch, Solr, MeiliSearch, etc. keeping in mind that we want not only titles but body of content searched and results returned.
• High level estimates for each option
• High level estimates for each option
• Is there additional cost associated with any of the options

[mnorthuis]

Both Search.gov and AI should be considered as potential services.