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October 25, 1996 M-97-02 MEMORANDUM FOR HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
The Information Technology Management Reform Act (ITMRA) of 1995 (40 USC 1401 et. seg.) directs the Office of Management and Budget to establish clear and concise direction regarding investments in major information systems, and to enforce that direction through the budget process. Accordingly, the decision criteria set out below are established with respect to the evaluation of major information system investments proposed for funding in the FY 1998 President's budget.
The most effective long-term investment strategy is guided by a multiyear plan. The plan is a roadmap for getting from "where we are today. to "where we want to be" -- achieving the strategic mission goals of the organization in the framework of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). Thus the first four decision criteria relate specifically to capital planning. The fifth criterion establishes the critical link between planning and implementation -- information architecture -- which aligns technology with mission goals. Under the ITMRA, the Chief Information Officer is responsible for that architecture. The last three criteria establish risk management principles to assure a high level of confidence that the proposed investment will succeed. Policy
Investments in major information systems proposed for funding in the President's budget should:
1. support core/priority mission functions that need to be performed by the Federal government;
As a general presumption, OMB will recommend new or continued funding only for those major system investments that satisfy these criteria. Funding for those systems will be recommended on a phased basis. (For more information on phases, see the discussion of "economically and programmatically separable" modules, in OMB Circular A11, Part 3, "Planning, Budgeting and Acquisition of Fixed Assets," July 1996.)
A "major information system" is a system that requires special management attention because of its importance to an agency mission; its high development operating, or maintenance costs; or its significant role in the administration of agency programs, finances, property, or other resources. Large infrastructure investments (e.g., major purchases of personal computers or local area network improvements) should also be evaluated against these criteria.
OMB recognizes that many agencies are in the middle of ongoing projects initiated prior to enactment of the ITMRA, and may not be able immediately to satisfy the criteria. For those systems that do not satisfy the criteria, OMB will consider requests to use FY 1997 and 1998 funds to support the redesign of work processes, the evaluation of investment alternatives, the development of information architectures, and the use and evaluation of prototypes. Action Requested
The policies in this memorandum apply to all agencies. The 28 major agencies listed in Section 3 of Executive Order No. 13011, "Federal Information Technology," should provide, by November 12, 1996, a statement listing the major information systems investments for which new or continued funding is requested in the agency's FY 1998 budget, and an evaluation of the extent to which each investment satisfies the decision criteria. For national security systems as defined in Section 10 of the Executive order, only the list need be provided. OMB will work with the agencies to ensure that national security systems satisfy the criteria to the extent practicable.
Because OMB considers this information essential to agencies' long-term success, OMB will use this information both in preparing the FY 1998 President's budget and, in conjunction with cost, schedule, and performance data, as apportionments are made. Agencies are encouraged to work with their OMB representative to arrive at a mutually satisfactory process, format, and timetable for providing the requested information. |