The Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) requires Federal agency heads to ensure that their respective chief information officers (CIOs) have a significant role in information technology (IT) decisions, including annual and multi-year planning, programming, budgeting, execution, reporting, management, governance, and oversight functions. The Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) annual information technology capital planning guidance directs Federal CIOs (excluding the military departments) on how to implement the law.

The guidance outlines CIO responsibilities and authorities under FITARA and directs them to: (1) approve their agency’s IT budget requests, (2) certify that IT investments adequately implement incremental development, and (3) ensure that all requested IT positions meet ongoing requirements.

As OMB is finalizing the guidance on how to address the requirements of the new law, federal leaders can begin with these three steps:

1. Establish an agency-level “FITARA board” – Senior leadership of the department/agency should immediately establish a “FITARA board,” responsible for addressing the FITARA requirements and reporting to both the department/agency head as well as oversight bodies such as OMB and Congress. Chaired by the CIO, the board membership should include the chief financial officer (CFO), chief acquisition officer (CAO), and chief management officer (CMO).

2. Define scope of IT – The CIO should review the current scope of department/agency IT investments and application of IT spending under under OMB Circular A-11. FITARA defines a much broader scope for IT resources, in comparison to the Circular and the Clinger-Cohen Act. As a result of this expanded perspective, the CIO may be required to update the current definition and scope of IT resources in the  department/agency.

3. Evaluate current governance processes – Current governance processes for IT budget, acquisition, and program management are likely “siloed” and fragmented in most agencies.

In depth-review of these processes, to identify the gaps in addressing FITARA requirements, will help the CIOs implement integrated governance processes that are based on the principles of transparency, risk management, and accountability.

These steps are initial recommendations for how agencies and departments can begin to address some of the FITARA requirements. In the days and months to come, a comprehensive implementation plan will be needed to effectively address FITARA and achieve the goals of improved management and oversight of IT resources.

OMB has published proposed guidance to implement FITARA and is seeking feedback from the general public. Vist https://whitehouse.github.io/fitara/.