Jul 26, 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is using simple, secure, and seamless digital services to support achievement of USDA’s diverse mission areas. By partnering with the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF), USDA is modernizing the tools and technology that deliver essential services to the American public. Over $80.6 million in TMF investments is helping transform the way our Department does business, protects data, and ultimately executes our mission. This summer is an ideal opportunity to highlight the impact TMF funds have made in three of those projects here at USDA.
Delivering a Customer-Centric Experience
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Specialty Crops Inspection Division supports inspection and certification of billions of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables. While the AMS Specialty Crops Division has relied on manual, paper-based processes and legacy IT systems, an $8 million in TMF investment starting in 2020 funded the Specialty Crops Integrated Operating Network (SCION) to standardize billing processes as well as digitize the provision of some audit services.
Enhancing USDA’s Cybersecurity
USDA’s vital functions generate large volumes of sensitive data and information that need safeguarding from advanced and persistent cyberattacks. A TMF investment of $4.4 million has helped secure USDA’s sensitive information and shared services since 2022. These funds enabled USDA to move toward a zero trust architecture and deploy security tools to protect public-facing websites used to access information and services on farm loans, food safety inspections, nutrition assistance, and more.
Modernizing USDA’s Networks
A $64 million TMF investment beginning in 2022 accelerated USDA’s transformation to a state-of-the-art network, giving USDA employees better access to data and improving the delivery for every USDA mission. The USDA Network Modernization initiative (USDANet) is delivering a wide range of benefits to USDA, from enhancing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s (SNAP) fraud prevention capabilities to providing real-time data that improves the Forest Service’s ability to manage wildfires.
Tools and Technology for USDA’s Future
Thanks to TMF’s largest investment to date at USDA, USDANet is already yielding a 35% cost reduction for activated sites, enabling agency partners to access the services they need. TMF’s partnership will also help USDA continue to streamline service delivery, improve customer experience, and enhance protection of sensitive data from cyberattacks. These essential investments in modern information technology and tools are empowering USDA to manage costs, personnel, and mission performance more effectively now and for the future.