Information Technology (IT) Management Policy (DOT 1351.39A)

Effective Date: 08-03-2017

The Department of Transportation (DOT) Information Technology Management Policy serves as the Department-wide authority for effective stewardship of information technology (IT).

The policy:

• Defines IT management principles for DOT at all organizational levels;
• Creates a mechanism for how DOT carries out IT management responsibilities established in law and public policy;
• Prioritizes Departmental communication and planning for IT management activities;
• Identifies IT management processes and their alignment with other Departmental processes; and
• Establishes standards and responsibilities for DOT leadership under the IT management stewardship principles.

The requirements of this policy, when enacted, create a foundation for the Departmental IT Management Program.

DOT’s IT Management Policy goes beyond governance to align existing governance activities, information systems, and guidance into a streamlined set of tools to improve the evaluation, selection, prioritization, and implementation of IT investments and services. This policy prioritizes communication and oversight to engage DOT stakeholders throughout the IT investment lifecycle. To supplement and improve existing requirements for IT selection and oversight, Congress passed the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) in December 2014 to advance how government agencies approach the acquisition and management of IT systems.