American Rescue Plan Gives ‘Critical’ $1B to Tech Modernization

The General Services Administration has received $1 billion for the Technology Modernization Fund from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan that President Biden signed into law last week.

The TMF, which GSA manages, gives civilian agencies the ability to invest in IT modernization projects. GSA said in a public release that it would use the $1 billion to help improve the federal government’s cybersecurity posture and adopt improved IT tools and infrastructure.

Out of the $1 billion, more specifically, GSA received $650 million for cybersecurity investments and $350 for other modernization activities, which GSA noted have been two areas that have received heightened need and attention during the COVID-19 pandemic.

GSA also received $150 million for its Federal Citizen Services Fund, which looks to enhance agencies’ abilities to operate digitally. Combined with the TMF, GSA noted the importance of the funding and the work the agency will do with it.

“Near-term efforts will secure our systems while longer-term initiatives will enable mission delivery, transform the federal technology workforce, improve the citizen experience, and bring small business innovation into government,” GSA said.

“The American Rescue Plan … includes critical resources to strengthen the technology infrastructure that the American people rely on,” GSA Acting Administrator Katy Kale added. “GSA is committed to working with partner agencies to maximize the impact of this important investment in our nation’s technology infrastructure.”

The TMF funding fluctuated in funding support in the American Rescue Plan in recent weeks, Rep. Gerry Connolly told GovernmentCIO Media & Research at an event last month.

“Despite urgent congressional action to provide unprecedented levels of economic assistance, those in need have had their misery exacerbated by a broken IT infrastructure that has prevented them from receiving timely support,” Connolly said in a statement afterr the House signed the bill last Wednesday. “This $1 billion investment will enable federal agencies to better respond to the coronavirus pandemic and future national emergencies, as well as meet the urgent economic needs of American families.”