A promising candidate for the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) is a project that aligns with specific objectives, aiming to deliver immediate and substantial value.
Proposal outline
The proposed outline offers a detailed description of the product, Proof of Concept (POC), or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with a clear focus on enhancing governmental operations. The narrative should highlight the following:
- The expected impact and benefits.
- A concise timeline for development and implementation.
- An ‘Overview’ of the budget estimate or resource requirements, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the initiative.
Use the selection criteria below to help you when developing your proposal.
Accelerated project delivery
This guideline emphasizes pursuing initiatives within a 6 to 12 month project delivery timeline and:
- This directive prioritizes projects demonstrating swift feasibility and implementation.
- It emphasizes the need for well-structured proposals that outline clear pathways towards completion.
Small-scale, low-risk projects
This guideline highlights the TMF’s focus on fostering efficiency through:
- Small-scale, low-risk project cost capped at $5M ($1-2M is ideal).
- Emphasizing cost-effectiveness and manageable risk.
- Presenting impactful outcomes without future financial commitments from TMF.
Self-sustainability directive
This guideline emphasizes self-sustainability for:
- Projects seeking TMF funding, ensuring they don’t rely on continuous TMF funding for Maintenance & Operations (M&O).
- Projects meeting this criterion demonstrate a clear plan for self-sufficiency, outlining strategies for post-implementation sustainability without ongoing reliance on TMF funds.
Project leadership
This guideline underscores the necessity for:
- Internal capacity within the department to manage proposed projects effectively.
- Prioritizing proposals backed by a capable team composition (e.g., IT Project Manager, Business Analyst, etc.) emphasizing commitment from both business and IT leadership.
Public-centric innovation
This guideline underscores the necessity for:
- Business problems with a direct impact to benefit Californians.
- Proposals recommending solutions that:
- Benefit the government stakeholders.
- Have scalability or leveraged by other departments.
Mission-driven precision
This guideline focuses on the necessity for:
- Proposals that articulates clear, concrete, and mission-driven goals that extend beyond mere modernization.
- An emphasis on projects that modernize systems and contribute to the overarching mission.
- Ensuring a purpose-driven and impactful application for TMF funding.