Elizabeth Cain, the executive director of the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF), estimated that there are “about a dozen” projects in the fund’s pipeline, and that new awards are around the corner.
“I would say we’ve got about a dozen [projects] that are in various stages in our pipeline,” said Cain during a Nextgov webinar on Wednesday.
She noted that TMF has two phases of review, with a lighter, two-page application to begin and, with TMF board approval of the first submission, a full project proposal with “a narrative template and financial template … as well as an in-person pitch to our board.” Cain said that there are projects in both phases looking for approval. “We’ve got a busy fall,” she said.
Cain also commented on the timeline of future TMF awards. “I would say, to be in the near term but not too near term. I wish I had a more exact answer for you,” she responded, when asked about the timing of new awards. When asked if she expected new approvals by the end of the year, Cain responded, “fingers crossed.”
Cain also mentioned that TMF had not seen any projects involving data center consolidation or 5G proposals, but that the fund welcomed them. “The board is very interested in projects that use emerging technology. So far, we have not seen any proposals that leverage 5G, but if you’ve got an idea, send it in. We’ll take a look at it.”