Vivek Kundra gets a "B" in recent study
A new study gives Vivek Kundra a “B” grade for leadership and shows that Feds support his initiatives – but raises questions about OMB’s implementation timing, funding, and conflicting mandates., according to the “Over to You, Mr. VanRoekel… A Federal IT Referendum on Change Study,” which is based on a survey of Federal IT professionals at the MeriTalk Innovation Nation conference on August 23,
While the majority of Federal IT professionals (71 percent) believe Vivek Kundra made a significant impact while in office and credit his vision as his greatest strength, the study reveals that top challenges under Kundra included lack of funding to fulfill mandates (59 percent), conflicting mandates (44 percent), and unrealistic goals/mandates (41 percent). When asked to vote on the three most important priorities for the new Federal CIO, Steven VanRoekel, respondents say:
- Reduce the number of mandates and deconflict (60 percent)
- Reassess goals/timelines to make success attainable (53 percent)
- Listen to feedback/counsel from IT operators (46 percent)
Cloud First a good idea, but adoption slow
According to the study, 92 percent of Feds believe cloud is a good idea for Federal IT, but just 29 percent are following the administration’s mandated “Cloud First” policy. And, almost half (42 percent), say they are adopting a “wait-and-see” approach related to cloud. Respondents cite numerous challenges including security issues (64 percent), cultural issues (36 percent), and budget constraints (36 percent), as barriers to cloud computing.
Almost all Feds (95 percent) also vote for data center consolidation, although the majority (70 percent) say Federal agencies will not be able to eliminate the mandated 800 data centers by 2015.
Respondents do anticipate realizing savings from their data center consolidation efforts, with most (74 percent) estimating the Federal government can save at least $75 million overall. Respondents acknowledge, however, that investment is needed – 85 percent say Feds will not realize data center savings without new investment.
When it comes to cyber security, respondents unanimously agree threats have increased in the last year (100 percent say yes). Feds say the most important priorities for cyber security going forward are: securing Federal networks (68 percent), critical infrastructure protection (56 percent), and privacy protection (36 percent).
Funding to meet priorties short
However, Feds say funding to meet these priorities is, on average, 41 percent short. Further, Feds are unclear who owns cyber security, highlighting a leadership vacuum.
“Vivek’s tenure at OMB was like a bottle of champagne – seems like a great idea, exciting start, but the plan’s unclear, and the next morning you wake up with the same problems and a sore head,” said Steve O’Keeffe, founder, MeriTalk. “We’re hoping that Mr. VanRoekel listens to Fed IT operators and provides a more sober, practical path – that will deliver tangible bottom-line improvements.”
The “Over to You, Mr. VanRoekel… A Federal IT Referendum on Change Study,” To download the full study, please visit www.meritalk.com/OverToYou.
TechAmerica Foundation announced today the winners for the 
