The inclusion of $1 billion in funding for the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) in the recent American Rescue Plan (ARP) was an historic and groundbreaking moment. Allocation of these funds signals that long overdue investments in modern commercial capabilities across the Federal government to support COVID-19 recovery efforts can now be explored in earnest. In addition to immediate needs around COVID-19 the TMF allocation also opens avenues to embark on IT transformation and modernization efforts across legacy government systems.

Alliance for Digital Innovation (ADI) has led a multi-association effort, along with The Alliance for Commercial Technology in Government, Better Identity Coalition, Center for Procurement Advocacy (CPA), CompTIA, Cybersecurity Coalition, Digital Services Coalition, Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), Internet Association, and Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA)  to ensure maximum effectiveness of this once-in-a-lifetime investment.

With a common mission of improved national security and modernization – a mission that is aligned to Congress’ objectives for the TMF – this coalition of associations penned a joint letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the General Services Administration (GSA), and the ‎TMF Board, laying out four key recommendations:

1. Project Selection: An expansive approach to project selection and consideration of proposals from large and small agencies would encourage agencies to seek out TMF support to address critical immediate needs. This would allow agencies to more quickly enter the TMF pipeline, gain access to necessary resources, and more rapidly develop solutions to emerging situations.
2. Repayment: Using authority granted by the Modernizing Government Technology Act (MGT Act) the OMB Director can simplify and update the TMF repayment scheme. This will increase the likelihood that TMF can invest in critical, multi-agency solutions and enact long-range projects that require stable funding and may take years to demonstrate impact.
3. TMF Project Management Office: The influx of funding and corresponding uptick in projects will demand additional support from the GSA Program Management Office (PMO) that supports the TMF Board. Providing OMB technical, security, program management, and acquisition specialists will aid not only in the vetting of proposals but also in the successful implementation of them.
4. Transparency and Industry Engagement: Discussing use cases with industry will enable OMB, GSA, and the TMF board to work collaboratively to deal with the constantly evolving threat landscape. Engaging with industry will open opportunities to benefit from the rich diversity of technology platforms and solution paths available to achieve the TMF mission.

Improvement of the execution of the TMF will help drive urgent IT modernization and security efforts across government. The coalition of associations is ready to support OMB, GSA, and the TMF board as they secure a 21st  century digital government through TMF-funded projects.

Click here for the full multi-association letter.

For more information, please contact Robin Applebaum

See who’s talking about the TMF letter in the media:

• Federal News Network – $1B for TMF: A ‘Put Up or Shut Up Moment’ for Tougher Federal IT Fixes
• Better Identity Coalition – Multiassociation Letter to OMB and GSA on TMF Implementation
• MeriTalk – Tech Groups Push TMF Repay Changes to Speed New Spending
• FCW – Industry Groups Call for TMF Reforms Following Funding Boost
• FedScoop – Tech Industry Requests TMF Process Updates to Fast-Track COVID-19 and SolarWinds Recovery Projects