As Tribal environmental programs incorporate more IT tools in their work, Tribes need to plan to cover longer-term software operations and maintenance costs, including license renewals and associated fees.
This project uses the E-Enterprise model, working with partners to compile, create, and share best practices and resources to help plan for and support these investments and long-term costs.
Tribes face difficulty in navigating software licensing processes and costs
Tribal environmental professionals use tools and technology to perform their work and support the implementation of environmental programs. Software is a necessity and an important component in modernizing and streamlining work. However, buying software is not a one-time purchase. Like most technology, software requires an upfront investment and has long-term expenses, including software license renewals, often referred to as operations and maintenance. Tribes can use federal grant dollars to support both up-front costs and software maintenance; however, these longer-term costs need to be incorporated into the grant work planning process.
Developed resources to help Tribes make sustainable software investments in alignment with federal grant processes
In October 2023, the team released a revised version of the Software Licensing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Tribal Environmental Professionals, a resource that addresses common issues or questions that Tribes experience when they are purchasing software. This document provides basic information such as terminology and definitions, information on using grants to support software needs, and approaches for reducing costs and finding training.
The team also developed a Software Procurement Roadmap, a resource that crosswalks the steps to procuring software against the steps of the grant lifecycle. This document is a resource for tribal environmental professionals who may need basic information about the software procurement process and how it aligns with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) grants process.
Continuing to support and learn
Continue to share the two available resources above, as well as other relevant findings, at tribal meetings, including Regional Tribal Operations Committee meetings and tribal conferences and trainings.
Shareable best practices empower tribal environmental professionals
E-Enterprise helps Tribes share and compile best practices and solutions. Tribes now have reliable and consistent guidance related to:
- Obtaining and supporting software
- Accessing low or no-cost software options
- Leveraging grants to support software purchases and longer-term costs, and
- Receiving software technical assistance and training from federal agencies and other organizations.
Tools you can use
Access the Software Licensing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Software Procurement Roadmap to guide your tribal software decisions
Key Contacts
Jessica Snyder
EPA Office of E-Enterprise, Office of the Chief Financial Officer
snyder.jessica@epa.gov
202-340-8395
