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Summary

President Barack Obama has expressed his intention to establish a federal chief technology officer (CTO). In campaign and presidential transition documents, the President identified several specific areas of responsibility for a CTO, including transparency of government operations, computer and network security (sometimes referred to as cybersecurity), identification and adoption of best technologies and practices by federal agencies, and interoperability of emergency communications technologies for first responders. In addition, some commentators have speculated on broader roles that a CTO might be asked to undertake. In particular, many have raised the question of whether a CTO might go beyond what might be considered traditional CTO responsibilities and also serve as the lead federal advocate for technology and innovation-related programs, policies, and investments. Neither the campaign nor transition documents provide details such as where a CTO would be located organizationally; whether a CTO would be a single position or supported by a staff, office, or agency; and how the duties and authorities of a CTO would be aligned and integrated with existing offices and agencies charged with similar responsibilities, such as the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Federal Communications Commission, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. A CTO is likely to face a variety of challenges in executing the mission envisioned by the President. Among the early challenges will be negotiating domains of responsibilities, formal and informal, within the White House (if that is where President Obama or Congress decides to establish a CTO) and with executive branch agencies that have overlapping missions. Some commentators have expressed concerns about the impact a CTO might have on existing offices and agencies with respect to the allocation and coordination of authorities and responsibilities. Others commentators have asserted that a high-level CTO could serve as an advocate for technological innovation and foster increased knowledge sharing among federal agencies to more effectively implement information technology solutions to meet disparate mission requirements. The President has not indicated whether he intends to establish a CTO position by executive order or other administrative process, or whether he will seek legislation. Congress may elect to provide a statutory foundation for a CTO, define the roles and authorities of a CTO, authorize and appropriate funds, provide for oversight, and address other aspects of the position.

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