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Cartwright plan would improve software purchasing protocols

Citizens' Voice

Washington, November 22, 2022

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8, Moosic introduced the Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act, bipartisan legislation to increase oversight of federal government software purchases and reduce wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars.

Each year, the federal government spends billions of taxpayer dollars on software purchases, renewals, and license modifications. Limited assessments of existing software assets, combined with the way vendors sell software, often results in federal agencies making duplicative purchases. Without increased agency oversight and governance, software vendors profit at the expense of American taxpayers.

The legislation, which is co-sponsored by several lawmakers including U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9, Jackson Twp., requires federal agencies to conduct an independent, comprehensive assessment of their current software assets and restructure their operations to reduce unnecessary costs

“Without in-depth assessments of how agencies buy and use software, vendors often have the upper hand in transactions with federal agencies,” Cartwright said. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will streamline software procurement practices governmentwide to the benefit of American taxpayers.”

Read more here.