H.R. 2417: Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act

The bill titled the "Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act" focuses on improving how government agencies manage their software assets. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what the bill entails:

Scope of the Bill

This legislation requires various government agencies to enhance the visibility, accountability, and management of their software resources. It aims to ensure efficient use of software across federal agencies, reducing unnecessary costs and improving performance.

Comprehensive Assessment Requirements

Within 18 months of the bill’s enactment, each agency's Chief Information Officer (CIO) must conduct a comprehensive assessment of:

• The current software inventory, including software entitlements, contracts, and agreements.
• A detailed account of software used or deployed within the agency.
• Information about any additional costs associated with software deployment.
• The interoperability of the software used across the agency.
• A list of software entitlements categorized by cost and type.
• The accuracy of prior software asset management practices.

Planning for Software Modernization

Agencies are required to develop plans based on their assessments that include:

• Strategies for consolidating software entitlements.
• Cost-effective acquisition strategies to reduce excess licenses and improve agency performance.
• Criteria for how smaller segments of the agency can acquire software.

Contractual Support

Agencies can enter contracts to assist with the assessment. The bill prohibits any conflicts of interest for contractors working on these assessments. Contractors must maintain operational independence from the agency’s software management.

Submissions and Reporting

Upon completing the comprehensive assessment, agencies must report their findings to various stakeholders, including the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Administrator of General Services, and relevant congressional committees. This report should occur within 30 days of the assessment’s completion.

Coordination Across Agencies

The bill also mandates coordination among various councils related to information, procurement, data, and financial officers to harmonize practices and criteria across government agencies.

Government Accountability Office (GAO) Report

Three years after the bill’s enactment, the GAO will need to report on the overall trends in government software management, comparisons between agencies, and compliance with the new regulations.

Funding**

No additional funding is being authorized for implementing this legislation, which means agencies must find existing resources to comply with its requirements.

Relevant Companies

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