We’ll guide you every step of the way.

The call for Initial Project Proposals (IPP) for the TMF Fall 2024 Cohort is open until October 28, 2024. Please complete Step #1 of our process to get started with our team. The next TMF cohort submission window will open in January 2025.

 

  1. Pre-submission: Review our selection criteria and submit an Expression of Interest

     

    Before you draft an Initial Project Proposal (IPP)

    Review our selection criteria. Then fill out our Expression of Interest form or email us with your project idea. We'll get back to you and help you decide if we’re a good fit and give feedback on your project and its approach as you begin drafting your IPP.

    After you share your project idea in our Expression of Interest form

    We'll review the following information:

    • The problem you want to solve
    • How your project will impact your federal agency, customers, or the public
    • The staff that will help implement your project idea
    • Your total project cost and the amount you’re requesting
    • Any circumstances that may prevent you from making full repayment
      Note: Please specify at least 50% repayment in your proposal.

    If needed, we’ll help strengthen your proposal so that it better communicates your project’s impact and urgency. Please follow your agency's standards and procedures as well as the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) cost estimating and assessment guidelines.

    Check out GAO's Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide

    Note: If your project involves multiple federal agencies, please work with them to prepare your proposal.

    Get the IPP templates

     

  2. Submit a formal IPP

     

    The call for IPPs for the TMF Fall 2024 Cohort is open until October 28, 2024. Please submit an expression of interest to get started with the TMF team. The next TMF cohort submission window will open in January 2025.

    To submit your formal IPP, please email it to tmf@gsa.gov and ombtmf@omb.eop.gov. We'll review it alongside the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer (OFCIO) and Resource Management Office (RMO).

    After your IPP is reviewed, we’ll summarize it and provide our recommendation to the Board. They’ll discuss it based on established criteria and vote on whether to advance it to the next stage during an upcoming Board meeting.

    Review our selection criteria

    After our Board reviews your IPP

    We’ll send you a written memo with the Board’s decision within a week. It may include requests to clarify your proposal or make other changes.

    If your IPP doesn't advance to the next stage, you may use the feedback from the Board's decision to submit a stronger proposal.

     

  3. Submit a Full Project Proposal (FPP)

     

    If the Board advances your IPP, you'll collaborate with the TMF PMO to develop the FPP. The FPP is a more detailed version of your proposal that includes your project and financial plans, project milestones, and a funding schedule.

    OMB will also review your FPP before it’s evaluated by our Board.

    Get the FPP templates
    Learn more about OMB's review

    After OMB reviews your proposal

    You’ll need to present your project details to our Board. We’ll help you get ready by hosting dry runs of your presentation and practice Q&A sessions.

    Our Board will vote on whether to recommend investment in your project.

    After our Board reviews your FPP

    We’ll send you a written memo with the Board’s decision within a week. It may include requests to clarify your proposal or make other changes.

    If your FPP isn't funded, we recommend using the feedback from the Board's decision to submit a stronger proposal.

     

  4. Final clearances: Interagency agreement (written agreement), Congressional notifications, and public announcements

     

    If your FPP is recommended for investment, we’ll draft a written agreement between you, the General Services Administration (GSA), and the Board. It includes recommendations, specific requirements, and milestones to initiate fund transfers.

    Your OMB RMO will review the written agreement draft before your agency's leadership or delegated authority signs the agreement.

    Note: You can’t start on the TMF-funded areas of your project until a written agreement is in place and the initial funds have been transferred.

    Learn more about our written agreements

    We’ll also work with you to collect the information necessary for the Congressional notification and public announcement. GSA, OMB, and your agency’s communications and Congressional affairs contacts will be involved in this process to ensure all parties agree on language.

     

  5. Work on your project, provide regular updates, and make repayments

     

    Technical experts from the GSA and other federal agencies will provide hands-on support to your team and troubleshoot issues as you complete your project.

    We’ll touch base with you every month and help you prepare quarterly reports to the Board. The Board will provide feedback, consider requested changes to your project scope, and approve fund transfers as your team completes milestones outlined in your written agreement.

    You’ll start making repayments within a year of your initial fund transfer. You can’t repay using TMF funds.

    Learn more about repayment

For any questions about our process, you can email us at tmf@gsa.gov.

If you’re ready to share your project idea, fill out our Expression of Interest form. We’ll get back to you within a week.

Fill out our Expression of Interest form