- Two TMF proposal calls focus on permitting and AI
- Project submissions close July 24
- Explore AI and federal modernization priorities at the 2026 FedCiv Summit
The Technology Modernization Fund has launched two calls for proposals, inviting federal agencies to seek funding for projects that advance permitting technology modernization and the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence.
As civilian agencies continue advancing modernization initiatives, federal leaders and industry executives will gather at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 FedCiv Summit on Oct. 29 to discuss AI, cloud and compute infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprisewide programs and other priorities shaping the future of government. Book your spot now!
TMF said initial project proposals submitted by July 24 may be considered for selection and announcement by Sept. 30.
The funding opportunity aligns with two priority areas: Speeding and Scaling 21st-Century Permitting and Advancing American AI in Agencies. While the calls highlight those focus areas, the fund said agencies may also submit proposals addressing other modernization priorities.
What Does the Permitting Technology Proposal Call Cover?
TMF is seeking high-impact, shovel-ready projects that help agencies implement their permitting technology action plans in support of the president’s memorandum on updating permitting technology. Proposal reviews will be coordinated by the Council on Environmental Quality, the Office of Management and Budget and the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council.
TMF said funding may support projects such as:
- Data modernization to improve interoperability and information sharing
- Modular core systems and legacy system integration or modernization
- Middleware to improve workflow productivity across agencies
- Front-end tools that strengthen case management, transparency and permitting timelines
The fund said it is particularly interested in proposals that complement existing permitting investments while accelerating implementation.
What Projects Is TMF Seeking for Federal AI Adoption?
The second solicitation seeks projects that accelerate agency adoption and implementation of current and emerging AI capabilities. Proposed efforts may prepare agency data and infrastructure for AI, pilot new AI applications or deploy secure AI tools at enterprise scale.
TMF grouped eligible proposals into three tracks:
- Prepare: Build AI-ready data, infrastructure and translation layers
- Pilot: Test emerging AI tools and governance approaches using federal-scale use cases
- Produce: Deploy and scale generative AI capabilities across agency operations
According to the fund, competitive proposals should also incorporate modern development practices, leverage existing federal AI resources and establish governance that promotes both innovation and security.
What Did TMF’s Jessie Posilkin Say About the Call for Proposals?
In a LinkedIn post published Thursday, TMF Acting Executive Director Jessie Posilkin said the fund is being “explicit” about supporting two priorities: permitting modernization and the “fast and responsible adoption of generative AI.” She said the initiative builds on TMF investments in cloud, security and automation while helping agencies address emerging modernization needs.
Posilkin also highlighted the limited timeframe for the initiative, writing, “This call is moving fast, partly out of necessity. We have a very narrow window between now and September 30, when our authorization to make new investments ends (absent congressional action, of course…). With more time, we could do even more — but we’ll meet as much of the agency need as we can, while we can.”
