What is Technology Modernization Fund?
Security is of particular importance in the trading business. Here, in addition to money, it also concerns personal data. Consequently, it is essential for each investor and trader to feel safe. Today, we are going to talk about TMF. What is Technology Modernization Fund? Let’s dive in.
TMF – Technology Modernization Fund is a program. It receives funding from government agencies to pay for IT modernization projects. This was a vital component of the Government Technology Modernization Act, passed late 2017 during the Trump administration. According to this act, the purpose of the TMF is to use technology-related activities to improve information technology and strengthen cyber security in the federal government.
The TMF is one example of the U.S. government’s IT modernization efforts, which fall into a broad category of government information technology initiatives. Adapting emerging digital infrastructure and strengthening agencies’ IT systems is part of the government’s strategy. TMF focuses on delivering public services at a much lower cost, with greater efficiency. It also aims to address data breach vulnerabilities and cyber security issues.
In general, IT modernization can be costly. However, IT falls into the category of important updates that needs regular check-ups. Proactive handling of technologies gives governments more opportunities to adapt them.
TMF Processes
TMF funds are disbursed in a two-stage process. According to the Technology Modernization Board, agencies send proposals to the board in the first stage. During this phase, agencies must prove that the U.S. Congress has never denied funding for the project they are seeking money. In the second stage, the agencies whose proposals were approved by the board send detailed plans for using the money.
The fund received $175 million from the annual congressional budget. It also received significant funding, amounting to $1 billion. Overall, IT modernization should avoid data breaches and interruptions in government services. Specific programs are tailored to improve service quality, increase security, and reduce costs.
Government regulations apply to renewal attempts. The Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act was passed in 2014. The regulation’s requirement was the consolidation of data centers by federal agencies; The process started within the framework of programs such as the DCOI initiative.
The 24 participating government agencies said they closed 230 extra data centers, saving $1.1 billion over the past two years. Furthermore, the 2019 Federal Cloud Computing Strategy is one of the IT initiatives to accelerate the introduction of cloud technology among government agencies.
How does It work? – Example
The 2019 Government Accountability Office report highlights the U.S. Department of Education hereditary system; One of the ten most needed modernization. The design posed a high-security risk and used outdated programming. However, the department did not have a documented modernization plan, according to the report. The Technology Modernization Foundation said it would fund a zero-confidence architecture for the Department of Education by 2021.
The zero trust architecture is a security framework, highly adapted to the digital environment. It uses zero trust principles, meaning that user accounts are not based on asset ownership. Moreover, materials published by the U.S. General Services Administration said the project would improve data security for borrowers and students. This project was one of seven in a $311 million funding round. These were the first projects from the $1 billion American Rescue Plan.
TMF Mission
TMF seeks to modernize information technology by giving government agencies more flexibility in their projects by providing additional funding. Following the principles published by the Foundation will enable agencies to change and analyze technology to ensure that their services and mission are delivered to the American public efficiently and safely.
Cyber security has become a particularly pressing issue in the 21st century, especially in the face of pandemics. When world technologies are developing at lightning speed, it is essential to establish new defense mechanisms and the attention of a particular institution.
