Technology Modernization Fund issues its largest award yet

The Technology Modernization Fund issued $20.7 million in funding to the General Services Administration, despite a dwindling cash supply and reluctance from Congress to grant the fund additional appropriations.

The GSA NewPay project aims to be a cloud-based pay and personnel management system to be offered as a service for other federal agencies.

“Since my confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate, I’ve highlighted reducing duplication and adopting shared services as two of my top priorities for leading GSA. The TMF Board’s investment in GSA’s NewPay program will benefit our customer agencies and the workforce across the federal government by supporting the administration’s focus on replacing legacy technology with modern solutions," GSA Administrator Emily Murphy told Federal Times in a statement.

“The adoption of commercial payroll capabilities will enable the government to function more efficiently and effectively,” said Office of Management and Budget Deputy Director for Management Margaret Weichert in a news release.

“This project clearly aligns to the President’s Management Agenda, particularly around our efforts to modernize technology and expedite toward shared services.”

GSA awarded the original 10-year, $2.5 billion contract for NewPay to two industry teams in September 2018, and the additional funding infusion from TMF will be used to accelerate the project, according to the news release.

“As the last proposal accepted in 2018, the Board believes the NewPay proposal is a critical step forward to transform an antiquated technical and operational process,” said Federal CIO Suzette Kent. “The TMF was created to invest in modern commercial solutions and drive faster adoption of shared services. We are pleased to support a project that will accelerate the journey to make available modern payroll services for all agencies and drive efficiency across government.”

With this most recent award, the TMF has $11 million remaining to fund and boost federal IT projects.

In Other News

US, UK issue sanctions on Iran over drone and missile attack on Israel

Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control targeted 16 people and two entities in Iran that produce engines that power drones used in the April 13 attack.

Ask Reg: Once I retire, do I get more money for unused sick leave?

Leave payout in your annuities can give your retirement check a boost.

Senate tosses impeachment case against Homeland Security Sec. Mayorkas

Senators voted separately to dismiss the two articles of impeachment, arguing that they were unconstitutional.

Pentagon presses Congress for Ukraine funding, citing dire situation

Pentagon leaders told Congress that Ukraine and Israel both desperately need weapons being held up by a failure to pass a funding package.

House to hold separate votes on Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan aid

The chamber will hold three separate votes on Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan aid bills that mirror legislation the Senate has already passed.

Exclusive: OPM cracks down on who’s eligible for federal health benefits

Administering a health care program with more than 8 million total members is one of the biggest jobs OPM does.

Opinion

The sanctions against China will continue until morale improves

The Biden administration, which for years demanded everyday Americans move toward renewable energy, is now criticizing China for providing them options.

Internet subsidy used by millions of vets, troops set to expire in May

A federal program that helps troops and veterans pay for home internet access will run out of funding next month without congressional action.

Ask Reg: I’ve maxed out my GS pay. Do I still get annual pay raises?

A reader asks whether topping out at their current pay scale bars them from receiving federal pay raises and locality adjustments.

OPM director Ahuja to step down as government human capital chief

She is the longest serving OPM director in more than a decade.

Load More