We have all seen first-hand the ability of information technology (IT) to transform our world. The interconnectedness of cloud computing, open data, social collaboration and  mobile devices has changed the way we share information, changed the way we use and view technology, and has forever changed Americans’ expectations. To meet these expectations, the Federal government must fundamentally change our approach to buying and using IT.

Earlier today, we released the President’s Fiscal Year 2014 (FY14) Budget, which includes $82 billion for IT, a 2.1% increase from FY 2012 and a flat, 0.78% compound annual growth rate since 2009. The FY14 budget will ensure continued progress towards our three priority goals of improving services for the American people, increasing the return on our investment in Federal IT, and advancing our nation’s cybersecurity. We must use information technology to innovate, deliver, and protect.

Our work in the innovation space in FY 2014 will allow the Federal Government to provide mobile applications to keep Americans safe while traveling abroad, allow veterans to access and quickly receive mental health screenings, and open thousands of new data sets on automotive and railroad safety in accessible ways so that the public and entrepreneurs can use this information in new ways. The Federal Government must innovate to deliver new capabilities to the essential work that is done across the country.

With information technology at the core of nearly everything the Federal Government does, we must use IT as a strategic asset and drive cost savings to pay for new and emerging technologies that can fundamentally improve the way government does business and delivers services to the American people. We recently issued new guidance to help agencies better manage their investment in IT and drive low-value spending into more innovative efforts. This initiative—known as PortfolioStat—focuses on improving agency portfolio management to better deliver what we purchase and build. Through the inaugural PortfolioStat process, agencies have already realized nearly $300 million in spending reductions through the first half of FY 2013.

As always, cybersecurity remains one of the highest priorities for the Administration and we continue to transform how we protect the Nation’s critical information assets. Investments in the FY14 include funding to secure our Federal networks, strengthen our cybersecurity workforce, and implement continuous monitoring capabilities.

The President’s 2014 Budget supports strategic investments in information technology to build a 21st century government, while driving innovation and protecting our national assets.

(By Steven VanRoekel, U.S. Chief Information Officer)