More steps needed in e-government, Putnam says

The job of connecting citizens and businesses with the federal government isn't done once federal portals, such as www.regulations.gov and www.recreation.gov, are up and running. Those meant to benefit from e-government projects must know about them, or the initiatives won't be a success, Rep. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) said today.

Putnam, chairman of the House Government Reform subcommittee on technology, information policy, intergovernmental relations and the census, spoke Tuesday at FOSE, the information technology trade show serving the government marketplace.

"We've done half the job," Putnam said. "We haven't done a particularly good job of marketing things. Getting them up and online is only the beginning."

E-government, or promoting cross-agency IT projects that improve service to citizens, business and government efficiency, is a pillar of President Bush's President's Management Agenda.

The management agenda also covers human capital, or better work-force planning; competitive sourcing, or subjecting more federal work to public-private competition; financial performance, or improving the accuracy and timeliness of federal financial reports; and budget and performance integration, or linking program performance to federal funding.

While the war in Iraq and the faltering economy may have overshadowed the agenda, Putnam said "those of us [in Congress] whose jurisdiction falls under ? that's what we should wake up in the morning and think about. We will do our part to apply oversight and pressure in our corner of the world."

Putnam said his subcommittee is likely to put forward new cybersecurity legislation in the 108th Congress. He said there are gaps in the legislative and administrative framework for encouraging people ? in both the public and private sectors ? to improve their organizations' cybersecurity.

FOSE, the first trade show in the new Washington Convention Center, is produced by Post Newsweek Tech Media, publisher of Washington Technology. The show continues through Thursday.