A panel of federal CIO’s (DHS, Treasury, Small Business and more) was unanimous this week in saying that they focus most of their time and resources in areas where their agency’s progress is measured and reported upon.  If, for example, FITARA guidelines are a key measurement focus, the CIO’s focus their time on ensuring that IT assets are acquired and managed appropriately and as centrally as possible.  Is your agency in disaster management?  If so, being able to work remotely, do the job, and staying out of the headlines is critical.  This is key information for contractors.  If you want to know where spending will take place, see what report cards your target agency cares about.  One other item was also very clear from the panel discussion:  Senior level officials, including CIO’s, are involved exclusively in strategic-level programs and planning.  Unless your potential project has an enterprise-wide scope, you may be better off seeking other appropriate contacts at your target agency.