The bipartisan Strengthening Agency Management And Oversight Of Software Assets (SAMOSA) Act, which passed the House in December, is now being championed by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, in the Senate. The bill aims to bring the federal government's computer systems into the 21st century and potentially save taxpayers $750 million annually by consolidating federal agencies' cloud computing software licenses.
The SAMOSA Act requires every government agency's Chief Information Officer to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the software used within the agency within 18 months. This assessment includes taking inventory of current software, identifying contracts and their expiration dates, and listing additional fees or costs related to the software, including cloud services fees.
Industry groups, including the Coalition for Fair Software Licensing, support the SAMOSA Act, emphasizing the importance of modernizing federal IT infrastructure, ensuring fair software licensing practices, and saving money for taxpayers.
Sen. Ernst highlighted the need for increased competition in software procurement, citing a study that revealed significant contracts awarded to major software companies without meaningful competition. The bill aims to address this issue and promote cost-effective acquisition strategies.
Furthermore, Ernst's efforts to streamline government spending extend beyond the SAMOSA Act. She has proposed various cost-saving measures, including consolidating agencies' cloud computing software licenses, which could result in substantial annual savings.
The SAMOSA Act also addresses the modernization of critical federal IT legacy systems, identified by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, that are outdated and costly to maintain. By tackling these legacy systems and promoting efficient software procurement practices, the bill aims to enhance government efficiency and reduce wasteful spending.
