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Agencies Need To Involve Chief Information Officers In Reviewing Billions Of

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Published in INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Agencies Need To Involve Chief Information Officers In Reviewing Billions Of Dollars In Acquisitions (GAO DOC)

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By John Doe

The federal government spends billions of dollars on information technology (IT) every year. In fiscal year 2019, the government spent $81 billion on IT, a 5% increase over the previous year. This spending is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as agencies increasingly rely on IT to carry out their missions.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Agencies Need to Involve Chief Information Officers in Reviewing Billions of Dollars in Acquisitions (GAO - DOC)

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Much of this IT spending is directed towards large-scale IT projects. In recent years, the government has launched a number of major IT initiatives, such as the modernization of the Department of Veterans Affairs' electronic health records system and the development of a new financial management system for the Department of Defense. These projects are often complex and expensive, and they can take years to complete.

Given the large sums of money involved, it is critical that agencies have a sound process for reviewing and approving IT projects. This process should involve a variety of stakeholders, including CIOs, who are responsible for overseeing the agency's IT investments.

Involving CIOs in the review process has a number of benefits. First, CIOs have a deep understanding of the agency's IT needs and priorities. They can help to ensure that IT projects are aligned with the agency's mission and goals.

Second, CIOs have the expertise to assess the technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness of IT projects. They can help to identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Third, CIOs can help to build consensus among stakeholders on the need for IT projects and the best way to implement them. They can help to resolve conflicts and ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page.

Despite the benefits, many agencies do not involve CIOs in the review process for IT projects. This is often due to a lack of understanding of the role of CIOs or a belief that CIOs are too busy to participate.

However, agencies that do involve CIOs in the review process are more likely to have successful IT projects. By involving CIOs, agencies can improve the quality of their IT investments and make better use of their resources.

Here are some tips for agencies on how to involve CIOs in the review process:

Establish a clear process for reviewing IT projects, and make sure that CIOs are involved at all stages of the process.
Provide CIOs with the necessary information to make informed decisions about IT projects, including the project scope, budget, and schedule.
Encourage CIOs to provide input on the technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness of IT projects.
Resolve conflicts and build consensus among stakeholders on the need for IT projects and the best way to implement them.
Monitor IT projects closely and make sure that they are aligned with the agency's mission and goals.

By following these tips, agencies can improve the quality of their IT investments and make better use of their resources.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Agencies Need to Involve Chief Information Officers in Reviewing Billions of Dollars in Acquisitions (GAO - DOC)

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