The federal revolving Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) could get an injection of $9 billion, and get it quickly, if some lawmakers have their way.  Although the fund has struggled to get sufficient funds to modernize outdated IT systems, including funding in the next COVID relief package, as key House Democrats have requested, would change all of that overnight.  TMF projects have been hailed as critical to improving specific systems where they have been allowed to work.  Agencies must present a business case proposal to a review board.  If the review board approves the project, the agency gets a certain amount of funds from the TMF account that it must pay back as the benefits from the modernization action begin to show savings. There is board oversight throughout.  The revolving fund structure is intended to allow many agencies to use the fund for qualified projects.  One key impediment has been the reluctance of Congress, particularly the Senate, to fully fund the account, despite an established track record of success.  “We must begin to address IT investments now, or we will continue down the same path as before unable to deliver critical services to the public at a time when our country needs it the most…” read a portion of the letter signed by six House Democrats, including Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., Chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Gerry Connolly, D-Va., Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Government Operations.  Contractors were excited about working with customer agencies on TMF projects when the fund was originally created.  Some have had good experiences.  Overall, however, the $150 million in the current fund has prevented meaningful larger projects from using this process to upgrade critical systems.  Contractor interest will undoubtedly be rekindled should the $9 billion request be enacted.  Current plans show that a COVID relief bill could move as soon as next week under expedited Senate procedures.  Interested contractors should watch this space.