Homeland Security Department CIO Discusses New Cash Source for IT Upgrades

Eric Hysen, the Department of Homeland Security’s chief information officer, has shared plans to use unobligated cash reserves for information technology modernization projects. He told Federal News Network that money from the nonrecurring expenses fund would be split evenly on technology and facility upgrades.

According to Hysen, DHS is preparing to issue a solicitation for the first tranche of IT projects sometime in 2023. He explained that the department is seeking projects that either deal with cybersecurity issues in legacy systems, deliver quality-of-life improvements to employees or improve customer experience.

Hysen added that proposals will be assessed by the DHS’ CIO council, Federal News Network reported Friday.

Responding to inquiries from Sen. Maggie Hassan at a recent hearing, Hysen said he expects the NEF to grow as funds expire every year and that it will become a long-term source of modernization funding.

Hassan is a proponent of IT system upgrades across the federal government. She recently introduced a bill that would require agencies to take steps toward transitioning away from legacy systems.

DHS is one of several agencies that did not answer a status update request Hassan sent in 2020 regarding modernization efforts.