Technology Modernization Fund Announces Targeted Investments to Improve Security At NASA, Department Of Labor

NASA: Accelerating network cybersecurity and performance improvements in benefit to agency missions 

NASA operates with a sizable workforce spread across its centers and facilities, comprising over 18,000 civil servants and 66,000 contractors. NASA’s IT infrastructure enables the agency to collaborate with international space agencies and researchers worldwide. However, the infrastructure currently faces significant security threats due to the value of its data, making it a prime target for hackers and other entities.

To counter these threats, TMF will invest $5,872,492 into NASA, accelerating key initiatives aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and operational efficiency. Specific initiatives include automating network management, modernizing legacy infrastructure, standardizing network configurations across all NASA locations, and collecting additional telemetry data to align with federal cybersecurity mandates.

“NASA’s IT infrastructure plays a critical role in every aspect of NASA’s mission, from enabling collaboration to controlling spacecraft to processing scientific data. Therefore, protecting and effectively evolving NASA’s information technology infrastructure remains a top Agency priority,” said Jeff Seaton, NASA CIO. “This TMF funding will help the Agency to accelerate critical cybersecurity and operational upgrades two years earlier than originally planned.”

Department of Labor: Streamlining support for injured workers 

The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) is undertaking a significant modernization effort to replace the outdated Integrated Federal Employee Compensation System (iFECS). This initiative aims to revolutionize services and benefits for injured and ill workers, making processes faster, more efficient, and less prone to cybersecurity, operational, and financial risk. 

Currently, iFECS serves a vast number of workers and processes a substantial volume of new cases annually. However, its aging infrastructure and complex workflows contribute to delays, hindering effective case management.

TMF has allocated $42 million to support this endeavor and aims to overhaul iFECS by transitioning to a modern, cloud-based architecture and leveraging automation technologies. This shift promises to reduce claim adjudication times, enhance customer interactions, and bolster data security, particularly crucial given the sensitive nature of federal employee health records and annual claims.