What a 'whole of government' approach means for cybersecurity

Federal funding assistance to state and local governments has prompted these entities to collaborate on how the funding should be divided. These funding conversations have led to a “whole-of-state” approach on combatting cybersecurity attacks.

While the whole-of-state approach is focused on cybersecurity for now, it is very likely to be applied to multiple technologies in the coming years. Vendors should prepare for the coming shift by ensuring their IT solutions are positioned accordingly.

Whole-of state cybersecurity grants

What new funding opportunities are leading to a whole-of-state model of resource-sharing in cybersecurity? Let’s consider some examples.

• The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), a part of the American Rescue Plan, delivers $350 billion to state, local, and tribal governments across the country to support their response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency. 
• Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, Congress established the State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act, which established the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, appropriating $1 billion to be awarded during a four-year period.
• The Department of Commerce also has a number of grant programs to support state and local governments' technology initiatives. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) provides grants to expand broadband access and digital infrastructure in underserved areas. 
• Proposed federal legislation dubbed the Smart Cities and Communities Act, introduced in 2021, proposes funding for smart city initiatives and the development of innovative technologies in local communities. If enacted, this proposal could provide additional funding opportunities for state and local governments to invest in technology projects. 

Several states already are actively using the whole-of-state model for cybersecurity, based on information shared at SLED events. These states and agencies include:

• NASCIO
• Texas DIR
• Maryland Department of Information Technology
• Florida
• California
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• Arizona.

Prepare for the future of technology funding

Although the whole-of-state model is currently framed around cybersecurity, this approach is likely to lead a “whole-of-state” approach for all IT technologies. Funding for local and educational government technology projects will also change, with state budgets allocating funding to more projects for local and educational entities.

Consequently, vendors now working with state governments will need to frame their offerings increasingly as partner solutions that not only support state agencies, but also their local and education counterparts.

Benjamin Harris is SLED Market intelligence analyst for immixGroup, the public sector business of Arrow Electronics. immixGroup delivers mission-driven results through innovative technology solutions for public sector IT. Find out more about immixGroup’s SLED contract vehicles here.