Demystifying The Technology Modernization Fund

The Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) was enacted as part of the Modernizing Government Technology Act of 2017, with a goal of better securing sensitive Federal systems and data while utilizing taxpayer dollars as efficiently as possible. Earlier this year, the American Rescue Plan Act added $1 Billion dollars to the program. These funds can help agencies (Civilian, DoD, and the Intelligence Community) modernize systems, expand cybersecurity initiatives, and develop cross-governmental services.

To help agencies understand how to access and leverage TMF resources, Palo Alto Networks has gathered a panel of individuals from the TMF Board, private sector, and current/former Executive agency officials to address your questions directly. You will leave the panel discussion with a better understanding of all TMF program aspects, including the broader impact of the recent Executive Order on Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity, the latest and best information on the process for applying for TMF funds, what projects are eligible, what the review process entails, repayment considerations, and more.

At Palo Alto Networks, we understand that traditional cybersecurity approaches are insufficient to address the scale and magnitude of today's sophisticated cyberattacks. Agencies are often understaffed and under-resourced, making it difficult to keep up and increasing the probability of disruption from cybersecurity incidents through culnerable legacy systems.

Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger said, "If you can't see a network, you can't defend a network, and federal networks' cybersecurity need investment and more of an integrated approach to detect and block such threats." The executive branch has decided to combat these threats more aggressively through a series of executive orders and directives backed with resources such as the TMF. These resources will enable agencies to be more effective in their solutioning, positioning, and planning to combat threats.