FECOCIO (Federal Election Commission Office Of The Chief Information Officer)

What is FECOCIO (Federal Election Commission Office Of The Chief Information Officer)?

The Federal Election Commission Office of the Chief Information Officer (FECOCIO) is the central authority within the FEC responsible for all aspects of information technology (IT). This includes planning, developing, implementing, and managing the FEC's IT resources to support its mission of enforcing campaign finance laws. For government contractors, understanding the FECOCIO's role is crucial for navigating procurement opportunities and ensuring compliance with IT-related contract requirements.

Definition

The FECOCIO is led by the Chief Information Officer (CIO), who is responsible for developing and executing the FEC's IT strategic plan. This involves ensuring the agency's IT systems are secure, efficient, and effective in supporting the FEC's regulatory and enforcement activities. The FECOCIO oversees a wide range of IT functions, including cybersecurity, data management, network infrastructure, software development, and IT procurement. Its work is governed by federal IT regulations, security standards, and the Clinger-Cohen Act, and often requires collaboration with other government agencies and private-sector contractors. Contractors working with the FEC must understand these regulations and standards to deliver IT solutions that meet the agency's needs and comply with all applicable requirements.

Key Points

• IT Strategy and Governance: The FECOCIO develops and implements the FEC's IT strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the agency's overall mission and goals.
• Cybersecurity: Maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture is a top priority, requiring contractors to adhere to stringent security protocols and comply with federal cybersecurity standards.
• Data Management: The FECOCIO is responsible for managing the FEC's vast amount of data related to campaign finance, requiring contractors to have expertise in data governance, storage, and security.
• Procurement Oversight: The FECOCIO plays a key role in IT procurement decisions, influencing the types of technologies and services the FEC acquires through contracts.

Practical Examples

1. Cybersecurity Enhancement Project: A contractor is hired to implement a new intrusion detection system to enhance the FEC's cybersecurity posture, requiring compliance with NIST cybersecurity frameworks and continuous monitoring of system vulnerabilities.
2. Data Modernization Initiative: A contractor helps migrate the FEC's legacy database to a cloud-based platform, ensuring data integrity, security, and accessibility, while adhering to federal data management regulations.
3. Website Redesign and Modernization: A contractor modernizes the FEC's website to improve user experience and accessibility, ensuring compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards and implementing modern web technologies.