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SAMOSA

Introduction to the SAMOSA Act: What Government Agencies Need to Know

By Adam McIlwain
October 3, 2024

The Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets (SAMOSA) Act is a proposed federal law requiring government agencies to manage, track, and optimize their software assets. The SAMOSA Act introduces new requirements for software procurement, visibility, accountability, and cost management, aiming to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and ensure stronger oversight of software usage within federal agencies.

With the SAMOSA Act set to become law soon, now is the time for agencies to understand its impact and start preparing to meet its strict standards for tracking, reporting, and auditing software use.

At SIE Consulting Group, we specialize in helping federal agencies navigate complex regulatory landscapes and optimize their software procurement and management strategies. With our extensive experience working with agencies like the GSA, Treasury, NASA, HHS, DHS, and OMB, we are uniquely positioned to guide you through the challenges of SAMOSA compliance, ensuring your agency is well-prepared to meet these new requirements.

What is the SAMOSA Act?

The SAMOSA Act aims to improve the visibility, accountability, and oversight of software asset management (SAM) practices in federal agencies. It builds on existing regulations, such as the Making Electronic Government Accountable By Yielding Tangible Efficiencies (MEGABYTE) Act of 2016, by setting new standards for process improvement, software procurement, inventory tracking, and compliance auditing. The bill’s goal is to ensure that agencies optimize their software usage, reduce costs, and maintain transparency around software entitlements.

Key aspects of the SAMOSA Act include:

  • Software Inventory Integrity: Agencies must maintain an accurate and comprehensive inventory of all software assets, ensuring visibility into contracts, entitlements, and usage.
  • Enterprise Licensing: The SAMOSA Act encourages agencies to consolidate their software licenses and adopt enterprise license agreements to reduce redundancy and cut costs.
  • Accountability and Reporting: Agencies must provide detailed reports on software usage, costs, and contract compliance, ensuring they are meeting the standards set by the law.
The three key aspects of SAMOSA are: 1. Software Inventory Integrity: Maintain an accurate inventory of software assets with full visibility into contracts and usage. 2. Enterprise Licensing: Consolidate licenses and adopt enterprise agreements to reduce redundancy and costs. 3. Accountability & Reporting: Provide detailed reports on software usage, costs, and compliance to meet legal standards.

How Will the SAMOSA Act Impact Federal Agencies?

The SAMOSA Act introduces several changes that directly affect how agencies manage their software portfolios. These include:

  1. Comprehensive Software Assessments:
    Within one year of the SAMOSA Act's passage, agencies are required to conduct a comprehensive assessment of their software inventories and entitlements. This assessment will involve reviewing existing software licenses, contracts, and usage patterns to identify gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities for cost savings. The assessments must include detailed information about software costs, usage restrictions, and any redundant or unused software.
  2. Enhanced Software Governance:
    Agencies will be expected to maintain greater oversight of their software entitlements and license management practices. This includes ensuring that software licenses are being used efficiently and that agencies are adhering to the terms of their contracts. The SAMOSA Act also mandates the improvement of software interoperability across agencies, reducing duplication and enhancing collaboration.
  3. Audit Readiness and Reporting:
    The SAMOSA Act introduces strict auditing requirements, meaning agencies must keep accurate records of software usage, contracts, and expenditures. The act mandates that agencies submit their comprehensive software assessments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the General Services Administration (GSA), and other oversight bodies, making compliance a top priority for federal IT departments.
  4. Cost Management and Optimization:
    The SAMOSA Act prioritizes cost-savings and risk-avoidance measures by encouraging the consolidation of software licenses and enterprise-wide agreements. Agencies will be required to identify and eliminate software that is underused or redundant, ultimately driving more efficient software spending. The act also supports the adoption of open-source software, where applicable, to further reduce costs.

Why the SAMOSA Act Matters to Your Agency

Agencies that are proactive in aligning with the SAMOSA Act's requirements will gain several immediate benefits:

  • Cost Savings: By consolidating licenses and eliminating underutilized software, agencies can significantly reduce their IT expenditures.
  • Improved Efficiency: Centralized software tracking and reporting will help agencies make more informed procurement decisions, ensuring they invest in software that meets their needs without creating unnecessary waste.
  • Audit Preparedness: The SAMOSA Act's emphasis on detailed reporting will ensure agencies are always prepared for software audits, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.

What Can Agencies Do Now?

While the SAMOSA Act has yet to become law, agencies should begin preparing now to ensure a smooth transition to compliance. Here are a few steps to take:

  1. Conduct a Software Inventory Audit: Start by reviewing your agency’s current software assets and entitlements. Identify unused or redundant software that can be eliminated to reduce costs.
  2. Evaluate Procurement Processes: Assess how your agency acquires software and whether there are opportunities to consolidate licenses or move to enterprise agreements.
  3. Implement Centralized Software Management Practices: Establish systems for tracking software usage across your agency in real time. Centralized reporting will be critical to meeting the SAMOSA Act's visibility and accountability requirements.
  4. Partner with SAM Experts: Navigating the SAMOSA Act's complexities will require expertise in software asset management. Partnering with a trusted SAM consultant, like SIE Consulting Group, will ensure your agency is prepared for compliance from day one.
What Can Agencies Do Now? Start preparing for SAMOSA compliance with these key steps: Software Inventory Audit: Review current assets, identify unused software, and cut costs. Evaluate Procurement: Consolidate licenses and consider enterprise agreements. Centralized Management: Implement real-time tracking and reporting systems. Partner with SAM Experts: Work with trusted consultants like SIE Consulting Group for seamless compliance.

How SIE Consulting Group Can Help

At SIE Consulting Group, we specialize in helping federal agencies optimize their software asset management and procurement strategies. With a proven track record of supporting agencies like GSA, OMB, DHS, and others we are uniquely positioned to help your agency prepare for SAMOSA compliance. Our expertise in SAM, combined with our tool-agnostic approach, ensures we can tailor solutions to your agency’s unique needs.

We evaluate your current SAM practices, identify gaps, and provide a roadmap to compliance.

We offer tools that enable real-time tracking and reporting of your software assets, ensuring you are always prepared for audits.

We help agencies reduce software spending by identifying underutilized licenses and optimizing procurement strategies.

Position Your Agency For Success

The SAMOSA Act represents a significant shift in how federal agencies will be required to manage their software assets. By taking steps to prepare now, agencies can avoid last-minute compliance issues and position themselves for long-term success.

If you’re looking for expert guidance on the SAMOSA Act and SAM optimization, contact SIE Consulting Group today to learn how we can help your agency navigate these changes with confidence.