Page 33 - FCW, June/July 2021

SETTING UP AGENCIES FOR IT SUCCESS
Here are four key ways to enhance the impact of theTechnology Modernization Fund
BY DAN CHENOK AND MARGIE GRAVES
In May, the Office of Management and Budget issued new guidance regarding priorities and processes for agencies to submit proposals for the Technology Modernization Fund that support the goals of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP). The guidance provides important insights on how TMF can be leveraged to address mission objectives.
TMF’s allocation of $1 billion under ARP links technology investment to the broad set of modernization needs in agencies, with the OMB guidance focused on four critical areas that also connect with other key funding priorities in ARP:
• Modernizing high-priority systems. The goal is to reinforce investments in high-value assets that are critical to agency missions and address numerous ARP priorities.
• Cybersecurity. ARP provides $650 million to the Department of Homeland Security for cyber priorities.
• Public-facing digital services. ARP provides $150
million to the General Services Administration for citizen- facing technology.
• Cross-government collaboration/scalable services. ARP provides $200 million to the U.S. Digital Service for systems modernization.
The OMB guidance also addresses the statutory requirement for repayment of TMF funds within five
years in response to numerous requests for flexibility in repayment so that more agencies will tap into the funds. To address these concerns, the TMF Board is requesting proposals from agencies for full, partial or minimal payback of TMF funds. Moreover, OMB is moving at a rapid pace
to review investment candidates and field promising practices. In the new guidance, the TMF Board said proposals submitted by June 2 would receive expedited consideration, and it will continue to evaluate proposals on a rolling basis thereafter.
June/July 2021 FCW.COM 31