FAQ - For Public

Background:

The IT Dashboard provides the public with an online window into the details of Federal information technology (IT) investments and provides users with the ability to track the progress of investments over time. The IT Dashboard displays data received from federal agencies' reports to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), including general information on over 7,000 Federal IT investments and detailed data for over 800 of those investments that agencies classify as "major." The performance data used to track the 800 major IT investments is based on milestones contained in agency reports to OMB called "Capital Asset Plans", commonly referred to as "Exhibit 300s." Federal Agency Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are responsible for evaluating and updating select data on a monthly basis, which is accomplished through interfaces provided on the IT Dashboard website.

Definitions of Terms and Content

1. What is an "Exhibit 53"?

The Exhibit 53 is a report that provides budget estimates on all IT investments for individual agencies and identifies those that are major investments, which require an Exhibit 300 (see Question 2). By completing an Exhibit 53, an agency meets the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 requirements to provide a full and accurate accounting of IT investments for the agency. OMB uses the Exhibit 53 to create an overall Federal IT Investment Portfolio that published annually as part of the President's Budget. More information about the Exhibit 53 can be found on the OMB Website at OMB Circular (PDF - 211 KB).

2. What is an "Exhibit 300"?

OMB uses Capital Asset Plans, referred to as Exhibit 300s, to make decisions about budgetary resources consistent with the Administration's program priorities, and qualitative assessments about whether the agency's IT management processes are consistent with OMB policy and guidance. This report is submitted by agencies annually as part of the Presidential Budget process.