Source: United States General Services Administration
April 19, 2022
Latest investment will support the streamlining of Login.gov and identity verification services for Veterans
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) announced its first investment in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This American Rescue Plan (ARP)-funded investment will modernize the sign-in experience at VA.gov and MyHealth.VA.gov, allowing eligible Veterans to digitally access benefits and services more reliably, equitably and securely.
Using TMF funding and support, this project will take three steps towards the implementation of a single modern, inclusive and easy-to-use sign-in service at VA. It will support the seamless transition of existing users to Login.gov, create an in-person identity verification option for Veterans unable to sign up online, and initiate a pilot to use physical security keys for multi-factor authentication, improving accessibility, equity and security.
“Our nation has a sacred obligation to care for our Veterans and their families, and this investment will help the VA deliver on that commitment,” said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan. “By offering a single sign-in solution and giving Veterans an in-person identity verification option, we will make it easier and more secure for them to access the services they deserve.”
“We want Veterans to easily and securely access the care and benefits they’ve earned, and implementing Login.gov creates a trusted government credential to do that,” said United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough. “As Veterans transition to civilian life, Login.gov lets them safely access many government benefits and services online and in-person. The Technology Modernization Fund’s support continues our digital transformation, and allows us to enhance and accelerate the development and seamless delivery of services to Veterans.”
Login.gov provides a single account to securely access online government services and is already used by agencies including the U.S. Small Business Administration and programs such as USAJobs. Complementing the recent enterprise-wide implementation of Login.gov on VA.gov, Veterans will be able to easily access services across multiple agencies with their VA sign-in credentials.
This investment aligns with the administration’s priority to deliver an excellent, equitable, secure customer experience for the American public. It also addresses directives in the recent Customer Experience (CX) Executive Order, which aims to improve Veterans’ access to healthcare and other services by integrating Login.gov into VA’s customer-facing digital products and eliminating outdated, duplicative sign-in options.
“For many years our Veterans have had to use multiple user names and passwords to access their benefits online leading to a frustrating and fractured experience for the people who have given their all in service to our country,” said TMF Board Chair and Federal CIO Clare Martorana. “This TMF investment will enable our Veterans to access their digital benefits and services in a simple, seamless, and secure way while making it easier for the VA workforce to serve them.”
At $10.5 million, this project is funded by the ARP, which provided the TMF with $1 billion to address urgent technology modernization challenges and bolster cybersecurity across the federal government. Previous TMF investments have improved citizen data protections, strengthened cybersecurity across government, saved taxpayer dollars, and advanced public-facing digital services.
Funds for TMF projects are distributed incrementally and are tied to performance targets and delivery milestones which are assessed quarterly by the TMF Board. The program management office at GSA also provides hands-on technical support to project teams throughout the project lifecycle to ensure successful execution.
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About the TMF: The Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) is an innovative funding vehicle that gives agencies additional ways to deliver services to the American public more quickly, provide better security for sensitive systems and data, and use taxpayer dollars more efficiently.
The TMF is overseen by the Technology Modernization Board, which is composed of government IT leaders representing proven expertise in technology, transformation, and operations. To date, the TMF has announced investments totaling over $400 million. These investments have supported projects ranging from providing a single secure login experience for government websites to digitizing temporary worker visa programs and modernizing systems that support crop inspection and certification. The TMF has received $175 million through the annual budget process and $1 billion through the American Rescue Plan to fund modernization projects to date. For more information, visit tmf.cio.gov and follow us at @TMF_gsa.
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver value and savings in real estate, acquisition, technology, and other mission-support services across government, in support of the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.