State Department IT budget grows in budget request
The Bush administration has asked for $890 million to support the department's information technology needs in fiscal 2007.
Reflecting the growth of electronic diplomacy, the Bush administration's fiscal 2007 budget proposal calls for a $45 million increase in the State Department’s information technology budget.
The budget request released today seeks $890 million, up from $845 million in fiscal 2006, for State’s IT efforts.
It includes money for a wide range of programs to modernize the department’s systems and develop connectivity worldwide.
The request includes:
- $287 million for centrally managing modernization, operations and maintenance of the department's office automation and support server infrastructure.
- $39.7 million for a user-driven solution that will enable employees to connect with others in the foreign affairs community worldwide.
- $14 million to replace the department's 20-year-old stand-alone logistics systems with modern technology and commercial products that support an integrated supply chain and re-engineered business processes.
- $10.5 million for a joint financial management system with the U.S. Agency for International Development.
- $3.4 million to redesign a database to manage allowances and benefits for all employees worldwide.
- $400,000 for a project to upgrade the secretary of State's worldwide mobile communications from a simple telegram system to a fully transportable computer network.
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