ITVMO Newsletter Fiscal Year 2023

ITVMO Newsletter Q4 FY2023

Call for Customer Feedback on the ITVMO Annual Performance

Annually, the governmentwide ITVMO compiles and submits an annual summary of its performance. The report addresses information covering accomplishments of the fiscal year and its operational plan for the following fiscal year. Review the FY 2023 ITVMO Annual Assessment and then tell us how we are doing by completing the annual survey.

The ITVMO is part of the broader governmentwide IT Category Management Framework, as such is responsible for the implementation of its strategic plan. Annually initiatives are defined and planned with critical targets to be met.

“With the information and resources provided by the govwide ITVMO, the Defense Media Activity was able to move forward faster on the acquisition of technical services and accelerate our work….your help and work accelerated our ability to get to a decision point faster.”
-- Satisfied agency buyer

The ITVMO is accelerating and capitalizing the impact of federal IT acquisitions on top OEMs and select vendors by increasing agency IT buyer knowledge and ability; to capitalize govwide resources and overcome budget/contract constraints.

• Published 8 new OEM tools and resources
• Closed out 2 OEM assessments
• Awarded 581 CLPs through 7 learning events
• Chartered 2 interagency working groups
• Engaged in 17 gov wide and industry event

The governmentwide advisor is solving top software OEM/vendor challenges by focusing on vendor relationship management to standardize requirements, improve interoperability, and mitigate market-wide risks.

• Launched 2 new OEM service offerings
• Shaped 5 agency pilots with Contract Review Service
• Identified 22 MSFT terms for govwide addendum
• Published 2 added OEM resource features on MAX
• Conducted OEM panel on AI and modernization

And through its broader community of practice is designing and employing services and solutions for agency IT Buyers by building a knowledge base repository of vendor intelligence to inform govwide acquisition strategies for better value solutions.

• Received and closed 75 service tickets
• Prepared annual Federal Data Health Assessment
• Met with 5 agencies on data health
• Authored annual Leading Edge Technology Report
• Published 85 new IT acquisition resource cards

Innovating Government Acquisitions through Emerging Technology

In the new calendar year, the Govwide IT Vendor Management Office in partnership with GSA’s Office of Innovation and ATARC will be hosting an event focused on the impact of emerging technologies on IT procurement and acquisition professionals. This half-day event, held at GSA’s headquarters in DC aims to bring together members of government and industry to discuss the increasing prevalence of emerging technology, promote awareness of its potential, challenges, and impacts and gain practical knowledge of best practices and innovative use cases.

Expect to hear government leaders discuss the current and future landscape of emerging technologies and their potential to catalyze transformational changes in government processes. Additionally, agency personnel with hands-on experience harnessing some of these technologies will delve into real-world examples of how AI and emerging technologies have been integrated into government acquisitions, candidly sharing their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in adopting AI and emerging tech solutions within their respective agencies. The discussion will provide valuable insights into navigating potential hurdles and pitfalls while highlighting best practices and effective strategies.

Pre-Register here

Launch of a new face for ITVMO.gsa.gov

The ITVMO is thrilled to announce our new and improved website (itvmo.gsa.gov). Currently in beta, the new website includes improved user-friendly navigation with a refreshed interface. We encourage you to explore the new website and provide any feedback you may have via the feedback link in the top banner.

One of the primary functions of the ITVMO is as a ‘one-stop-shop’ to be a resource library that compiles the best thinking and information on IT acquisitions from across government -- our website is that resource.

The ITVMO is responsible for developing, curating, and marketing IT acquisition intelligence. The ITVMO will serve as content curators to find, organize, and share relevant and valuable content from various sources. The ITVMO uses content curation to establish and sustain its authority as a trusted advisor and advocate for agency IT buyers.

ITVMO's approach to web and content management is essential for the success of the program. The organization will maintain and continuously improve the ITVMO knowledge repository and market through multiple content data systems and communication channels.

Key features that enhance the user experience and uphold ITVMO’s responsibility as content curators include:

1. Intuitive Navigation: Finding what you need has never been easier. Our revamped menu and improved search functionality ensure you can locate information swiftly.
2. Responsive Design: Whether you're browsing on a desktop, tablet, or mobile device, our website adapts seamlessly to provide the best user experience.
3. Rich Content: Explore our extensive library of articles, guides, resources, and more. We've curated content to address your interests and answer your questions.
4. Interactive Features: Engage with us through integrated forms OR contribute!. We're here to connect with you and are hopeful you will share your best thinking with us!
5. Upcoming Events: Stay in the loop about webinars, workshops, and special events. Register directly from our website.
6. Blog and News Section: Stay informed about industry trends, ITVMO updates, and insightful articles written by our experts.
7. Enhanced Service Catalog: Discover our latest offerings, and how we can help you make support faster, smarter IT buying decisions.

To stay updated on the latest news, events, and special offers follow us on our LinkedIn channel.

FinOps Acquisition Best Practices

Managing and controlling expenses related to cloud services is crucial, especially since they are becoming a significant part of organization's budgets in today's digital landscape. FinOps, short for Financial Operations, is a set of practices and principles aimed at optimizing the costs associated with cloud computing. By implementing FinOps, organizations aim to strike a balance between enabling innovation through cloud services and controlling costs to ensure efficient resource utilization.

The IT Cloud Acquisitions Working Group has developed expertise, along with numerous resources and tools to help organizations navigate this space.

• FinOps Best Practices - Understand the operational model and effective management of unused or underutilized resources.
• FinOps Optimization through discounts - Learn about savings available from vendor savings plans, reserved instances and consolidated billing.
• FinOps ForeCast Planner - Leverage a useful forecasting tool, that with 6 months of data can forecast spend out 24 months and show savings plan discount coverage.
• FinOps Assessment - Evaluate your cloud cost management maturity against the standard FinOps domains. This utility provides both a current state and future state assessment.
• FinOps Cloud Cost Reporting Template - To better understand trends, leverage this tool that can read multiple months of Azure billing data and generate spend trend reports.

To learn more, register for the upcoming FinOps Roadshow and hear Laura Szakmary, TBM Program Manager at Government-wide Policy and Bill Kasenchar FinOps and TBM SME, discuss the work the IT Acquisition Working Group continues to do in collaboration with IT Buyers COP.

Innovating Government Acquisitions through Emerging Technology

In the new calendar year, the Govwide IT Vendor Management Office in partnership with GSA’s Office of Innovation and ATARC will be hosting an event focused on the impact of emerging technologies on IT procurement and acquisition professionals. This half-day event, held at GSA’s headquarters in DC aims to bring together members of government and industry to discuss the increasing prevalence of emerging technology, promote awareness of its potential, challenges, and impacts and gain practical knowledge of best practices and innovative use cases.

Expect to hear government leaders discuss the current and future landscape of emerging technologies and their potential to catalyze transformational changes in government processes. Additionally, agency personnel with hands-on experience harnessing some of these technologies will delve into real-world examples of how AI and emerging technologies have been integrated into government acquisitions, candidly sharing their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in adopting AI and emerging tech solutions within their respective agencies. The discussion will provide valuable insights into navigating potential hurdles and pitfalls while highlighting best practices and effective strategies.

Pre-Register here

Launch of a new face for ITVMO.gsa.gov

The ITVMO is thrilled to announce our new and improved website (itvmo.gsa.gov). Currently in beta, the new website includes improved user-friendly navigation with a refreshed interface. We encourage you to explore the new website and provide any feedback you may have via the feedback link in the top banner.

One of the primary functions of the ITVMO is as a ‘one-stop-shop’ to be a resource library that compiles the best thinking and information on IT acquisitions from across government -- our website is that resource.

The ITVMO is responsible for developing, curating, and marketing IT acquisition intelligence. The ITVMO will serve as content curators to find, organize, and share relevant and valuable content from various sources. The ITVMO uses content curation to establish and sustain its authority as a trusted advisor and advocate for agency IT buyers.

ITVMO's approach to web and content management is essential for the success of the program. The organization will maintain and continuously improve the ITVMO knowledge repository and market through multiple content data systems and communication channels.

Key features that enhance the user experience and uphold ITVMO’s responsibility as content curators include:

1. Intuitive Navigation: Finding what you need has never been easier. Our revamped menu and improved search functionality ensure you can locate information swiftly.
2. Responsive Design: Whether you're browsing on a desktop, tablet, or mobile device, our website adapts seamlessly to provide the best user experience.
3. Rich Content: Explore our extensive library of articles, guides, resources, and more. We've curated content to address your interests and answer your questions.
4. Interactive Features: Engage with us through integrated forms OR contribute!. We're here to connect with you and are hopeful you will share your best thinking with us!
5. Upcoming Events: Stay in the loop about webinars, workshops, and special events. Register directly from our website.
6. Blog and News Section: Stay informed about industry trends, ITVMO updates, and insightful articles written by our experts.
7. Enhanced Service Catalog: Discover our latest offerings, and how we can help you make support faster, smarter IT buying decisions.

To stay updated on the latest news, events, and special offers follow us on our LinkedIn channel.

FinOps Acquisition Best Practices

Managing and controlling expenses related to cloud services is crucial, especially since they are becoming a significant part of organization's budgets in today's digital landscape. FinOps, short for Financial Operations, is a set of practices and principles aimed at optimizing the costs associated with cloud computing. By implementing FinOps, organizations aim to strike a balance between enabling innovation through cloud services and controlling costs to ensure efficient resource utilization.

The IT Cloud Acquisitions Working Group has developed expertise, along with numerous resources and tools to help organizations navigate this space.

• FinOps Best Practices - Understand the operational model and effective management of unused or underutilized resources.
• FinOps Optimization through discounts - Learn about savings available from vendor savings plans, reserved instances and consolidated billing.
• FinOps ForeCast Planner - Leverage a useful forecasting tool, that with 6 months of data can forecast spend out 24 months and show savings plan discount coverage.
• FinOps Assessment - Evaluate your cloud cost management maturity against the standard FinOps domains. This utility provides both a current state and future state assessment.
• FinOps Cloud Cost Reporting Template - To better understand trends, leverage this tool that can read multiple months of Azure billing data and generate spend trend reports.

To learn more, register for the upcoming FinOps Roadshow and hear Laura Szakmary, TBM Program Manager at Government-wide Policy and Bill Kasenchar FinOps and TBM SME, discuss the work the IT Acquisition Working Group continues to do in collaboration with IT Buyers COP.

Meet the ITVMO Team: Introducing: Warren J. Blankenship

Before this, he held several leadership roles at GSA, including Deputy Director of Contract Operations (FAS/MAS IT), Deputy Director of the Program Office (FAS/MAS IT), Director of the Office of Scientific and Equipment Division (FAS), and Senior Procurement Analyst, where he played a crucial role in formulating and executing Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rules for GSA's Office of Government-wide Policy (OGP) and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP). This gave him the unique experience and expertise in procurement and policy to take on the Deputy IT Government-wide Category Manager role. Today, he leads various projects, including monitoring key performance indicators like spend under management, cost avoidance, and small business utilization.

Mr. Blankenship earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and a Master of Arts in Public Communication from the American University. In 2023, he was honored with the FED 100 Award and completed OPM's Executive Leadership Program, Leadership for a Democratic Society. Outside of work, he’s a devoted fan of the Washington Commanders and Nationals, enjoys comedy sitcoms and movies, and considers himself a music connoisseur and enthusiast. For more on the ITVMO visit ITVMO.gsa.gov or email us itbcop@gsa.gov.

ITVMO Newsletter Q3 FY2023

ITVMO Annual Summit -- Leveraging Category Management for IT Procurement

Participants will have opportunities to engage with government and industry leaders during engaging talks, panel discussions and Q&A sessions. Summit attendees will learn about evolving IT acquisition priorities and opportunities, as well as resources designed to support agency buyers and small businesses looking to participate in the government IT market. 4 Continuous Learning Points (CLP) will be awarded to eligible attendees.

Agency Showcase: Uses Cases for AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and revolutionizing the way agencies will operate in the future. As agencies strive to enhance their efficiency, effectiveness, and decision-making processes, AI is emerging as a powerful tool in their arsenal. This article details some compelling use cases for AI and explore how it can benefit your agency.

Are you an AI vendor supporting an agency procurement process? An AI buyer leveraging this emerging tech to enhance your acquisition efforts? Do you have additional AI use cases for the federal government? Join our working group and engage and connect with the IT Buyers community to help us learn more about this emerging technology. Email us at ITBCOP@gsa.gov, subject: AI Use Cases.

• Intelligent Automation: AI-powered automation can streamline repetitive tasks and free up valuable human resources. From automating data entry and document processing to managing routine inquiries and customer support, intelligent automation can significantly improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Agencies can leverage AI to augment their workforce and enable employees to focus on more complex and strategic activities.

• Data Analytics and Insights: With the abundance of data available to agencies, extracting meaningful insights can be a daunting task. AI techniques such as predictive analytics and machine learning enable agencies to analyze vast amounts of structured and unstructured data, uncover hidden patterns, and gain actionable intelligence. This empowers decision-makers to make data-driven choices, enhance policy formulation, and optimize service delivery.Direct engagements with OEMs.

• Natural Language Processing: AI's natural language processing capabilities can transform how agencies interact with their stakeholders. Chatbots and virtual assistants equipped with AI algorithms can handle routine inquiries, provide personalized recommendations, and deliver 24/7 support. By leveraging AI, agencies can enhance stakeholder experiences, reduce response times, and improve service delivery.

• Cybersecurity and Threat Detection: AI plays a crucial role in combating cyber threats and securing sensitive information. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of network data to identify anomalies, detect potential breaches, and proactively respond to security incidents. AI-powered cybersecurity solutions are essential for safeguarding critical systems, protecting data integrity, and staying one step ahead of sophisticated cyber threats.

The governmentwide ITVMO believes in fostering a collaborative ecosystem for knowledge sharing and innovation. If your agency is utilizing AI technologies or considering AI procurements, we invite you to share your experiences, insights, and use cases with us. By doing so, you can contribute to a collective understanding of AI's impact, challenges, and successes within the government space. Let's work together to accelerate AI adoption and drive positive outcomes for agencies and stakeholders alike.

Whether you work for an agency or in industry you can express your interest and join the conversation. To do so please fill out the AI Working Group Interest form. Together, we can shape the future of AI adoption in the government sector and harness its transformative power for the benefit of vendors and agencies alike.

AI has the potential to revolutionize government agencies, enabling them to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently. By embracing AI technologies, agencies can automate repetitive tasks, make data-driven decisions, enhance vendor services, and bolster cybersecurity measures. We encourage agencies to explore the various AI use cases discussed in this article and share their experiences with us.

New ITVMO Team Members: Introducing: Mrs. Kyra Stewart

Mrs. Stewart’s favorite part of being the Program manager for the ITVMO is working with phenomenal IT and acquisition experts and leveraging her program and process improvement experience to strengthen the IT buying across government. In her free time, she is an avid audio book listener, big Stephen King fan, and a self prescribed horror movie junkie. She is a proud fourth generation Washingtonian who still resides in the District with her family.

Mrs. Stewart has been an integral part of the ITVMO’s success, helping to oversee its many initiatives. Mrs. Kyra Stewart is spearheading the efforts for the first Annual ITVMO Summit. She is excited to be in partnership with ACT-IAC to host the Summit, allowing industry and agencies to come together, share experiences and best practices, and gain access to resources that support their participation in the government's IT marketplace. She is looking forward to showcasing resources to support small business, IT Best-in-Class Contract Solutions, and key Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). She also assisted in the creation of, and currently leads, the ITVMO’s IT Buyers Community of Practice (CoP). The IT Buyers CoP is a government only entity that meets quarterly to convene agency stakeholders and discuss hot topics such as zero trust, emerging technology, and cyber security. To join the IT Buyers CoP please send an email to itbcop@gsa.gov.

ITVMO Newsletter Q2 FY2023

ITVMO Annual Summit -- Coming This Summer!

The ITVMO will be hosting an in-person annual summit mid-Summer to convene both industry and government with the goal of Leveraging IT category management for small business, emerging technologies, and Best-in-Class solutions to meet Agency missions.

There will be opportunities to engage with agency and industry leaders, hear from a variety of panelists, and user case success stories.

Announcing New Emerging Tech / Artificial Intelligence Working Group

The ITVMO’s IT Buyers COP in collaboration with the GSA Office of Innovation is chartering a working group with the goal of identifying governmentwide and agency specific standards for using emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) to revolutionize the federal procurement process.

Today, agency IT buyers are getting locked into multi-year, broad scope contracts before fully understanding the procured emerging technology’s (e.g., AI) solution capability, use, or operability standards.

The new working group will pull agency use cases and best practices to inform strategies and encourage cross-agency collaboration. The effort seeks domain expertise from agency practitioners and industry leaders to develop guidance and tools that will support agency buyers in their procurement and use of emerging technology. The end goal is to drive business efficiencies at the agency and governmentwide scale.

Join the April IT Buyers CoP to hear more on emerging technology trends and the use of AI in the federal government. The April CoP will also formally announce the working group and call for participants.

A Strong Start to Fiscal Year 2023

The ITVMO in collaboration with the Governmentwide IT Category is preparing for the upcoming mid-year reviews with the Category Management Leadership Council and OMB. As the program takes a look back on the past 6 months, the organization is starting to ramp up for a big close to the fiscal year.

Already this fiscal year, the ITVMO has provided 287 continuing learning points to agency practitioners for participation in events like the IT Buyers End of Year Meeting on IT BIC Solutions. The program has also collaborated with ServiceNow to host a 6-part

Webinar Series that is now published on Connect.gov. In addition, the ITVMO.gsa.gov Resource Library has more than doubled in size with 52 new cards added over the past two quarters. As a one-stop shop for IT acquisition intelligence, the website is critical to brokering access to inhouse created and partner developed resources across the federal IT marketplace.

Meet the ITVMO Team: Introducing: Mr. John Radziszewski

John Radziszewski has influenced and led initiatives that leverage the benefits of category management to implement acquisition strategies around new software policy and reporting. As the director of the ITVMO, he oversees the strategy, business, and operations and serves as the senior most IT expert and authoritative technical consultant. The ITVMO serves as a trusted independent advisor and advocate to help agencies buy common IT goods and services in compliance with procurement laws. As a one stop shop, the ITVMO leverages governmentwide IT procurement data, conducts market research, and develops shared agency acquisition knowledge to support agencies in procurement decisions.

In FY2021, Mr. Radziszewski developed the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Vendor Management Offering to increase knowledge on top OEMs by working collaboratively with vendors and agency buyers to understand and solve common challenges. To date, the ITVMO has completed assessments on Oracle, Mircorost, AWS, and Adobe.

This year, Mr. Radziszewski is forming an internal team of domain experts in IT asset management, pricing, legal, and contract management to launch a new ITVMO offering, Contract Review as a Service. This service will be available to agency buyers for consultation on new contract documentation, review of existing agreements and contract data (e.g., enterprise licensing agreements; statement of works; audit strategies), and comparative analysis on like contracts across government and industry. The team is already working with a few select agencies as a pilot of this offering looking at MSFT and Oracle

Mr. Radziszewski holds a Master of Science degree in Information Systems Management, George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology, Wentworth Institute of Technology.

For more on the ITVMO visit ITVMO.gsa.gov or email us at ITVMO@gsa.gov and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.