VanRoekel lists priorities for 2012

The federal government should aspire to promote a prosperous future for the nation through the strategic use of federal IT by driving efficiency across government, spurring innovation, protecting and defending U.S. resources and more effectively bringing services to citizens, according to Federal CIO Steven VanRoekel.

VanRoekel sounded a familiar refrain, stressing the need to “do more with less” at a breakfast organized by the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association's Bethesda chapter, held Feb. 24.

The government also needs to focus on meeting the needs of the changing world. With that comes the prevalence of social media and the mobile revolution, both of which are transforming how the government is delivering its services to citizens, VanRoekel said.

Despite tighter budgets and cutbacks in the past three years, the nation has innovated more than in the last decade, VanRoekel said, and there are many ways to do more with less. TechStat reviews, data center consolidation and FedRamp can help maximizing return on investment on federal IT, as well as using IT as a strategic asset.

Other high-priority areas for 2012 include:
 
Shared First: Launch government wide portfolio reviews and implement contract vehicles for cloud and commodity IT services.

Future First: Issue guidance to support modular approaches in acquisition and development.

Return on investment: Accelerate Office of Management and Budget-led TechStat reviews and expand the TechStat model to the bureau level.

People:  Recruit skilled personnel through the presidential Tech Fellows Program and establish new standards for the IT Program Manager career track.

Cyber: Invest $769 million to support operations in the national cybersecurity division at the Homeland Security Department and continue Cyberstat reviews.