Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act

H.R. 2417 would require federal agencies to conduct comprehensive assessments of their software assets and management practices. The bill aims to improve visibility and accountability in how government agencies purchase, use, and manage software licenses and contracts. Currently, agencies often lack complete information about what software they have purchased or deployed, which can lead to wasteful spending and inefficient operations.

If enacted, the bill would require agencies to submit detailed plans to the Office of Management and Budget and Congress outlining their software management strategies. The Director of OMB would be required to develop a government-wide strategy for software modernization based on information from these agency plans. The legislation would also direct the Comptroller General to conduct audits and provide recommendations on how federal procurement policies could be improved to reduce software costs and increase interoperability across agencies.

The bill is currently under consideration by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Supporters argue it could save taxpayer dollars by reducing redundant software purchases and improving how federal agencies manage their technology investments.