President Obama requested $78.9 billion in fiscal year 2013 funding for federal information technology, down 0.7 percent from fiscal 2012 funds, Computerworld reports.
Federal Chief Information Officer Steven VanRoekel said in a press conference the 2013 budget request represents the government’s effort to do more with less.
VanRoekel said budget priorities include improving cybersecurity, e-government efforts and return on the government’s information technology investments.
VanRoekel also said the government must focus “maniacally” on reducing waste and duplication, according to ComputerWorld.
The IT budget includes $202 million in funds to continue a government-wide threat monitoring program, run by the Department of Homeland Security.
The Departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury and Veterans Affairs received increases in their IT budgets, according to ComputerWorld.
HHS received a $179 million increase, with some funds going toward improving IT systems at healthcare facilities.
VanRoekel said the Treasury is receiving $358.7 million more, with some funds going toward developing technology to help citizens file their taxes.
The VA received $216.1 million more, with some funds going toward a joint Pentagon-VA effort to provide veterans with electronic health records.
VanRoekel said he plans to launch or expand three programs in the coming months that will provide outside IT experts to agencies and projects needing help, according to ComputerWorld.
