GSA Blog

TMF Board spearheads federal technology evolution

The Technology Modernization Fund represents a paradigm shift in how the federal government funds IT projects. Established under the  Modernizing Government Technology Act, the TMF is administered by GSA according to guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget. The TMF gives agencies financial flexibility to undertake critical modernization efforts and allows for repayment over time. This approach enables more agile technology investment, equipping agencies with the knowledge and tools to strategically procure and deploy technology products and services for the American public.

Steering this transformative effort is the Technology Modernization Board, a cadre of distinguished leaders at the helm of federal technology advancement. By getting agencies the knowledge and tools to strategically procure and deploy technology products and services, the TMF supports GSA’s strategic priority of enhancing governmentwide technological capabilities.

“Through our joint efforts with TMF, we’re seeing a ripple effect of positive change across the government,” said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan. “We’re seeing agencies become more agile in their operations, more secure in their systems, and more responsive to the needs of the people we serve.”

The role of the TMF Board

The TMF Board evaluates the project proposals that federal agencies submit, determines funding allocations, and provides strategic guidance throughout an agency’s modernization journey. The board’s work also helps the TMF Program Management Office better monitor project progress, which helps agencies navigate challenges during implementation, and ensures  proposals align with the Board’s strategic vision.

“As the President stated in his budget, ‘Technology serves as the foundation of the federal government’s ability to deliver on its mission.’ We have critical missions across government and we must move faster to accelerate digital transformation. The TMF has demonstrated its value as a funding model of choice – one that should only get stronger,” said Clare Martorana, Federal CIO and TMF Board Chair. “TMF investments are enabling agencies to deploy technology that is secure by design and secure by default, eliminate paper processes, and reduce burden for customers and the federal workforce. Agencies receiving TMF investments are demonstrating that they can deliver exceptional government experiences for the public.”

The board represents diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This diversity includes board members who represent agencies of different sizes, scopes, and mission areas. They bring together a wealth of expertise in information technology, cybersecurity, procurement, and financial management.

Recently, the board welcomed three members who bring fresh perspectives and valuable experience to the team’s decision-making process:

• Pritha Mehra brings expertise in large-scale digital transformations and innovative solutions for complex logistical challenges, demonstrated through the U.S. Postal Service’s rapid COVID test delivery program.
• Katherine Sickbert offers valuable insights into how operations and technology teams intersect, with her extensive experience in cloud transformation and AI enablement across multiple agencies.
• Matt Montaño leads a major website overhaul for the National Park Service, and brings knowledge in understanding the intersection between strong customer experience/public-facing work and cybersecurity.

These new people complement our existing members’ skills, creating a diverse governance team. Together, they ensure TMF investments deliver maximum value to government agencies and the American public.

The current seven-member TMF Board includes:

• Clare Martorana (Chair) - Federal Chief Information Officer, Office of Management and Budget
• David Shive - Chief Information Officer, General Services Administration
• Sheena Burrell - Chief Information Officer, National Archives and Records Administration
• Chris Butera - Senior Technical Director for Cybersecurity Division, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security
• Pritha Mehra - CIO and Executive Vice President, U.S. Postal Service
• Katherine Sickbert - Associate Director for Technology Strategy and Delivery, Monetary Affairs Division, Federal Reserve Board
• Harrison Smith - Acquisition Innovation Advocate, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Also, the following alternate board members provide added insight and stand in as voting members when needed:

• Michael Duffy - Acting Federal Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Management and Budget
• Shelly Hartsook - Acting Associate Director for Cybersecurity Division, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security
• Drew Myklegard - Deputy Federal Chief Information Officer, Office of Management and Budget
• Patrick Newbold - Agency Deputy Chief Information Officer, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• Matt Montaño - Associate Chief Information Officer, National Park Service
• Laura Stanton - Assistant Commissioner, Office of Information Technology Category, Federal Acquisition Service, General Services Administration

As federal agencies continue to embrace this unique opportunity for digital transformation, the TMF Board and PMO remain committed to meeting the challenges of tomorrow. Each funded project and modernized system brings us a step closer to realizing a federal government that operates with greater efficiency, security, and responsiveness to the diverse needs of the American people.

To learn more about the TMF, please visit the TMF website or email tmf@gsa.gov.