Feds need the tech sector, too

The $787 billion economic stimulus plan, signed into law by President Obama, offers opportunities for many business sectors including tech companies that will be tapped by the federal government to turn a myriad of projects into reality. "Fortunately for technology contractors, information technologies are integral to any modernization of public facilities--including schools and mass transit systems," Chris Dixon, manager of state and local industry analysis at market research firm Input, told Washington Technology.

There will be opportunities for private contractors to plug into federal IT infrastructure projects to make them better or build them from scratch with IT dollars. While the federal government is looking for "shovel-ready" projects--that means roads and bridges--they are also seeking ways to ratchet up technology for health care and electronic health records as well as broadband across the country. There are other opportunities, as well. For example, the legislation has designated $10 billion for consolidating NASA's IT infrastructure program.

In all, experts estimate there will be $100 billion in technology spending over the next five years, much of it directed by federal agencies. And while the Feds will be in the driver's seat, the tech sector will be in the front seat, too, making sure these projects come to fruition.

For more on the impact of the stimulus plan:
- check out this Washington Technology article
- also see this article for more on Feds and tech sector

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