Despite a plethora of legislation, executive mandates, and other policy guidance to modernize aging federal IT infrastructure, agencies still need access to dedicated IT funding channels with more money and an overarching IT strategy to help guide them in how they fund IT initiatives.

Federal IT Modernization Needs a Strategy and More Money

Congress should fund a government blockchain pilot projects program to accelerate the technology’s deployment, thereby creating more opportunities for automation and digitalization throughout the economy.

To Do: Fund a Government Blockchain Pilot Program

Reflection on the history of e-government, its current state, and how it can be improved over the next ten years.

The E-Gov Act at 10: A Discussion of the Past, Present and Future of Federal E-Government

The Lewis Latimer Plan for Digital Equity and Inclusion is the product of a collaboration commissioned by the National Urban League. ITIF contributed analysis and recommendations to make government more effective in using digital tools to deliver public services to low-income and communities of color.

The Lewis Latimer Plan for Digital Equity and Inclusion, Chapter 12: General Government Services

To maximize the impact of the program, the TMF should assist eligible agencies by improving transparency in the approval process, establishing more explicit criteria for which projects meet more forgiving repayment schedules, encourage agencies to partner with the private sector on proposals, and direct agency Chief Information Officers (CIOs) to submit at least one proposal by the end of the year.

Fix the Technology Modernization Fund to Overcome Obstacles in Funding Critical IT Initiatives

Congress should accelerate the adoption of mobile payment technology by standardizing banking regulations, encouraging new services through fintech regulatory sandboxes, and facilitating mobile payment options for such government services as transit. 

To Do: Accelerate Adoption of Mobile Payments

Congress should reform broadband subsidies to address the remaining causes of the digital divide: affordability and digital literacy.

To Do: Reform Broadband Subsidies

Congress should require all government agencies to implement contactless biometrics wherever feasible to reduce the potential spread of infections during a pandemic.

To Do: Make Agencies Use Contactless Biometrics

Daniel Castro explains in StateTech how state and local administrators can improve their agency’s Internet presence and, in turn, citizen services.

To Do: Establish an E-government Modernization Fund

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Editors’ Recommendations

Digital Policy for Physical Distancing: 28 Stimulus Proposals That Will Pay Long-Term Dividends

Related

Federal IT Modernization Needs a Strategy and More Money

To Do: Fund a Government Blockchain Pilot Program

The E-Gov Act at 10: A Discussion of the Past, Present and Future of Federal E-Government