March-20168GOVERNMENT CIO OUTLOOKapid technology development and shrinking resources present the federal government with great challenges, but also great opportunities. To deliver world-class digital services to the American people in this ever-changing environment, the Department of Homeland Security's Offices of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) and Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO)work together with the private sector to improve federal information technology.Effective IT management requires a close partnership between the CIO and CPO communities. This collaborative relationship helps ensure that appropriate prioritization and attention in the programming and budgeting process. In 2014, Congress supported these aims by passing the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA). This Act provides federal CIOs with additional authorities and tools to shape their agency's IT budgets. FITARA creates a clear line of responsibility, authority, and accountability over IT investment and management decisions within each federal agency, and gives CIOs increased flexibility by empowering them to make prudent business decisions that support their agency's unique needs.As part of Secretary Jeh Johnson's Unity of Effort initiative, DHS is leveraging the valuable CIO-CPO partnership to improve how we manage IT investments. Together with FITARA, this effort seeks to promote open, reciprocal, and effective communication between DHS and our industry partners to fulfill our agency's wide-ranging missions: prevent terrorism and enhance security, secure and manage our borders, enforce and administer our immigration laws; safeguard and secure cyberspace, and strengthen national preparedness and resilience.Why Do This Now?Custom solutions designed for a singular purpose or multiple, ROIN MYPINION``Moving to the cloud allows for flexible acquisitions resourcing, but also requires common contracting and services platforms in order to be successfulLuke McCormackbetween Federal IT, Luke McCormack, CIO and Soraya Correa, Chief Procurement Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityByStrengthening theRelationshipProcurement and Industry
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