Spotlight on ARRA: An Economic Stimulus Update

As the federal government quickly works to distribute funds via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, much still remains unclear about how agencies and departments will appropriate funding, while simultaneously achieving transparency and regulatory compliance.

Economic stimulus package appropriations total $787.2 billion, with key funding initiatives to support technology, science and research, infrastructure improvements, education, energy, healthcare and training. Spending provisions within ARRA require agencies to have projects under way within 120 days of enactment, dramatically shortening the typical two year business development timeline.

Read more about ARRA and the impact the Economic Stimulus will have on federal initiatives...


State and Local Government Gains

With an estimated $50 billion in stimulus funding that will flow directly to state and local governments, there is significant potential for technology-related spending, although industry observers maintain there's work to be done as states and localities prepare to efficiently and transparently allocate funds for new initiatives.

Early funding initiatives related to transportation and education are already having a direct impact on state and local government budgets, according to Deniece Peterson, principal analyst for INPUT in Reston, Va. “As monies are doled out for transportation improvements, for example, that in turn, frees other state and local funding for technology-related initiatives,” she explained.

Learn what State and Local governments gain from the Economic Stimulus Package...