Sec. 517. Assessments relating to information technology and software systems
502 words·~2 min read·
/bill/117/hr/8367/rh/section-517·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
It is the sense of Congress that— the intelligence community continues to rely heavily on legacy information technology systems and software; transitioning these systems as appropriate to modern software as a service, cloud-based, and open-source systems is a priority; in many instances, there are no incentives to make such a transition due to the cost, complexity, administrative hurdles, and user adoption challenges with any such transition; and therefore, it is imperative for the intelligence community to create incentives to ensure that its systems evolve with industry and remain competitive with foreign adversaries of the United States.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the heads of the elements of the intelligence community, shall complete an assessment of the information technology and software systems of each element of the intelligence community, to review whether such systems integrate new and emerging technology and, as appropriate, make recommendations to decommission or replace outdated systems. Such assessment shall include, with respect to each such system, an evaluation of the following:
The usability of the system. Whether the system is the most up-to-date version of the system available. The compatibility of the system with new and emerging technology. The costs and benefits of using an alternative system in lieu of the system, including the financial cost of transitioning to such an alternative system and any technical or administrative barriers to such transition. Such other matters as may be determined appropriate by the Director. Not later than 60 days after the date on which the head of an element of the intelligence community enters into, renews, or extends a contract for the acquisition of an information technology or software system, the Director of National Intelligence shall conduct an assessment of such system in accordance with paragraph (1), including by evaluating each of the matters specified in subparagraphs
(A)through
(E)of such paragraph, with respect to such system. The Director shall issue to the heads of the elements of the intelligence community guidance to— incentivize each such head to adopt and integrate new and emerging technology within information technology and software systems of the element and to decommission and replace outdated systems, including through potential funding enhancements; and incentivize, and hold accountable, personnel of the intelligence community with respect to the integration of new and emerging technology within such systems, including through the provision of appropriate training programs and evaluations. Not later than 60 days after the date on which the Director completes the assessment under subsection (b)(1), the Director shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report containing the results of such assessment. Not later than 60 days after the date on which the Director issues the guidance under subsection (c), the Director shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a copy of such guidance. In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— the congressional intelligence committees; and the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate.