As the Biden administration approaches its final days, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has released a detailed impact report on federal technology initiatives. The report highlights significant progress in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, modernization efforts, and digital service delivery over the past four years. This comprehensive analysis underscores the administration’s commitment to enhancing the technological infrastructure of the United States government.
Leadership and Continuity Amid Transition
Clare Martorana, the federal Chief Information Officer (CIO), expressed confidence in the ongoing efforts to advance federal technology, even as the administration transitions to President-elect Donald Trump. “Technology is nonpartisan,” Martorana stated in an interview with Nextgov/FCW. “We have a lot of technical debt in government. We’ve been focused on making sure that we’re buying down that debt where we can, that we are implementing services that meet the expectations and needs of the American public. And I don’t think that’s going to go away because the constituents that are complaining to their members on the Hill are the customers of these systems.”
Martorana emphasized that bipartisan support for federal IT initiatives has not only persisted but is expected to accelerate under the new administration. This bipartisan approach has been a cornerstone of federal IT modernization efforts, ensuring that technological advancements continue regardless of political changes.
Key Highlights from the OMB Tech Impact Report
The OMB report provides an extensive overview of the administration’s achievements and ongoing projects in the technology sector. Key areas of focus include:
Artificial Intelligence: Building a Foundation for the Future
The Biden administration has placed a significant emphasis on AI, recognizing its potential to transform various aspects of government operations and public services. The report highlights foundational work such as compliance plans, strengthened public inventories of government AI use cases, and comprehensive AI training programs for federal employees.
- AI Compliance Plans: Ensuring that AI systems adhere to ethical standards and regulatory requirements.
- Public Inventories: Creating detailed records of AI applications across government agencies to enhance transparency and accountability.
- Training Programs: Equipping federal employees with the necessary skills to effectively implement and manage AI technologies.
Cybersecurity Enhancements: Fortifying National Defense
Cybersecurity remains a top priority, with the administration touting significant advancements in securing federal software, deploying multi-factor authentication, enhancing encryption protocols, and improving investigative capabilities. These efforts were particularly crucial in the aftermath of the 2020 SolarWinds cyberattack, which exposed vulnerabilities in federal IT systems.
- Software Security: Implementing advanced security measures to protect federal software from cyber threats.
- Multi-Factor Authentication: Requiring multiple forms of verification to access sensitive government systems.
- Encryption Enhancements: Strengthening encryption protocols to safeguard data integrity and privacy.
- Investigative Capabilities: Enhancing the ability to detect and respond to cyber incidents swiftly and effectively.
Technology Modernization: Streamlining Government Services
The report highlights the modernization of FedRAMP, the standardized security assessment and authorization program for cloud computing services in the government. Additionally, the Technology Modernization Fund has been a pivotal element, having invested over $1 billion in 69 projects across 34 agencies. This fund, initially established during the Trump administration, received significant investments from the Biden administration through the American Rescue Plan Act of early 2021.
| Modernization Area | Key Achievements |
|---|---|
| FedRAMP Modernization | Streamlined security assessments for cloud services |
| Technology Modernization Fund | $1 billion invested in 69 projects across 34 agencies |
| Digital Service Delivery | Enhanced customer experience through digital initiatives |
Martorana praised the fund as a successful bipartisan effort, stating, “The fund is a really great story of a vehicle that was designed over multiple administrations that’s delivering real impact, efficiency, productivity, and it’s driving success at a rate we don’t see through normal appropriations.”
Digital Service Delivery: Enhancing User Experience
Improving digital service delivery has been a major focus, with initiatives aimed at prioritizing customer experience (CX) on the President’s Management Agenda. The administration has integrated digital experience into federal policies and standards, ensuring that government services are user-friendly and meet the evolving needs of the American public.
- Customer Experience Executive Order: Directing federal agencies to prioritize user-centric service design.
- Digital Experience Team: Establishing dedicated teams to oversee and enhance digital service initiatives.
- Integration into Policies: Embedding digital experience considerations into broader federal policies and standards.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the notable achievements, the report acknowledges ongoing challenges in the realm of federal technology. One of the primary concerns is the accumulation of technical debt, which refers to the costs associated with maintaining outdated systems and technologies. The administration has made strides in addressing this issue, but continued effort is necessary to fully modernize federal IT infrastructure.
Addressing Technical Debt
Technical debt hampers the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations. The administration has focused on:
- System Upgrades: Replacing legacy systems with modern, scalable technologies.
- Process Optimization: Streamlining workflows to reduce redundancies and improve service delivery.
- Funding Allocation: Prioritizing investments that directly address critical areas of technical debt.
Preparing for the Next Administration
As the Biden administration winds down, the report emphasizes the importance of ensuring a smooth transition of federal technology initiatives to the incoming administration. Martorana highlighted the need for continued collaboration and knowledge transfer to maintain the momentum of ongoing projects.
Bipartisan Support and Sustainability
Martorana underscored the bipartisan nature of federal technology initiatives, asserting that these efforts are nonpartisan and essential for the effective functioning of government services. The administration’s focus on sustainability and long-term impact ensures that technological advancements are maintained and built upon by future administrations.
Statements on Bipartisanship
“We have maintained momentum by standing up a digital experience team dedicated to digital service delivery, prioritizing CX on the President’s Management Agenda and integrating digital experience into Federal policies and standards,” Martorana stated. This commitment to bipartisan cooperation is crucial for the enduring success of federal technology programs.
Recommendations for the Incoming Administration
Looking forward, Martorana offered advice to the incoming Trump administration, emphasizing data-driven decision-making and continued engagement with current leaders in federal IT.
- Data-First Approach: Base decisions on comprehensive data analysis to ensure informed policy-making.
- Engage with Leaders: Collaborate with existing federal technology leaders to maintain continuity and leverage institutional knowledge.
- Focus on Impact: Prioritize initiatives that drive lasting improvements in federal IT systems and services.
Martorana concluded, “I think it’s really essential that they take the opportunity to actually meet with leaders who are here now, have been here previously and focus on areas where they can drive impact that will be lasting.”
The Road Ahead: Sustaining Technological Progress
As the administration transitions, the OMB’s impact report serves as a testament to the significant progress made in federal technology over the past four years. The sustained focus on AI, cybersecurity, modernization, and digital service delivery positions the United States to continue advancing its technological capabilities and improving government services for citizens.
Looking Forward
- AI Integration: Further integration of AI into federal operations to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
- Cybersecurity Strengthening: Ongoing efforts to protect federal systems from evolving cyber threats.
- Modernization Efforts: Continued investment in modernizing outdated IT infrastructure to support current and future needs.
- Enhanced Digital Services: Expanding digital service delivery initiatives to improve accessibility and user experience for all Americans.
The foundation laid by the Biden administration’s technological initiatives sets the stage for future advancements, ensuring that the federal government remains at the forefront of innovation and efficiency.
