S. 1956: Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act

The Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act aims to enhance the management and oversight of software assets within federal agencies. Below are the key components of the bill:

Software Inventory Update and Assessment

1. Each federal agency is required to conduct a comprehensive assessment of its software within 18 months of the bill's enactment. This includes:
• A complete inventory of all software—both currently in use and that which has been paid for but not used—in addition to contracts and agreements related to this software.
• A detailed analysis of the software's interoperability and management practices.
• Identification of software entitlements, which include licenses and any restrictions on usage.
2. Agencies may contract external support for the assessment but must maintain operational independence for this process.

Software Modernization Planning

1. Based on the assessment, each agency must develop a modernization plan, which should include:
• Strategies for consolidating software entitlements to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Criteria for adopting cost-effective acquisition strategies, including potentially moving towards enterprise licensing.
• Control measures preventing individual agencies or components from acquiring software without oversight from Chief Information Officers.
2. Plans must address any deficiencies found in the software management practices during the assessment and incorporate training for agency staff on software resource management.

Consultation and Reporting

1. Agencies are required to submit their assessment reports and modernization plans to relevant oversight bodies, including the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and Congressional committees.
2. The bill also mandates the Director, in coordination with various councils, to establish standardized definitions and criteria to assist agencies in plan development.

Government Accountability Office (GAO) Report

1. Within three years, the GAO will assess and report on trends and practices in agency software management, compliance with the new measures, and the effectiveness of contract support restrictions.

Funding and Implementation

1. The bill does not authorize any additional funds to implement the measures it outlines, meaning agencies will need to manage within their existing budgets.

Relevant Companies