Progress and Challenges in Modernizing DHS’ IT Systems and Infrastructure

The DHS Chief Information Officer (CIO), and most component CIOs, conducted strategic planning activities to help prioritize legacy IT systems or infrastructure for modernization to better accomplish mission goals. The DHS 2019–2023 IT strategic plan included two distinct department-wide IT modernization initiatives: to adopt cloudbased computing and to consolidate data centers. However, not all components have complied with or fully embraced these efforts due to a lack of standard guidance and funding. Without consistent implementation of these efforts, DHS components remain hindered in their ability to provide personnel with more enhanced, up-to date technology.