Federal Information Technology

AI & Technology Federal Workforce Democracy & Governance

In simple terms

This executive order establishes a comprehensive framework for improving federal information technology management, creating agency Chief Information Officers (CIOs), and forming three interagency bodies: the CIO Council, Government Information Technology Services Board, and Information Technology Resources Board. It mandates strategic IT investment reviews, performance measurement, and coordinated governmentwide infrastructure development.

Federal Register Open PDF 61 FR 37657

Record & deadlines

Jul 16, 1996Signed
Signed by the President
Jul 19, 1996FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 61 FR 37657
Federal Register PDF
Jul 16, 1999
OMB evaluation of management structure effectiveness

Key directives

Agency heads shall select CIOs with necessary experience and skills
Agency heads shall establish mission-based performance measures for IT investments
Agency heads shall structure major IT investments into manageable, narrow-scope projects
CIO Council shall develop recommendations for federal IT management policy and standards
Services Board shall develop shared governmentwide information infrastructure services
Resources Board shall provide independent assessments of major information systems
OMB Director shall evaluate effectiveness of management structure after 3 years
GSA Administrator shall continue managing FTS2000 program and coordinate follow-on
Secretary of Commerce shall carry out standards responsibilities under Computer Security Act
Secretary of State shall lead international liaison on information resources management

Who is ordered

What to expect

Immediate

CIO Council established
Government Information Technology Services Board established
Information Technology Resources Board established
Agency heads directed to select CIOs

Near term (90d)

OMB to provide implementation guidance
Agencies to begin restructuring IT investment processes
Initial board member selections by OMB

Long term

OMB evaluation of management structure after 3 years
Ongoing interagency coordination and standards development
Multi-year IT workforce development

Risks & tensions

Vague implementation timeline for CIO establishment and board operationalization may delay effectiveness
Coordination burden across 28+ agencies risks bureaucratic inefficiency
Exclusion of national security systems from full applicability may create interoperability gaps
Judicial review disclaimer (Section 12) limits enforceability of directives
Dependent on subsequent OMB guidance for concrete implementation standards