The cloud efforts of over 20 agencies received a grade of D or F in the latest FITARA report card issued by Rep. Gerry Connelly (D-VA) last week.  Many, like GSA, are usually considered to be among those making substantial cloud advancements.  While there is usually a need for improvement in any report card (we are no exception), it’s fair to ask how cloud progress is being measured when those with good programs receive poor grades.  Contractors may want to engage their customers in discussions on this topic, especially when, as Bloomberg Government points out, total federal agency spending on cloud solutions reached $16 billion in  FY’23, a 163% surge over the past five years.  Other agency shortcomings in the FITARA report card include failures to transition telecommunications solutions to GSA’s nowhere near new EIS contract.  Fourteen agencies received an F for their efforts on that front, even though GSA continues to insist that transitioning is mandatory and that they will, someday, cut off older legacy contracts.  HHS, State, and Transportation received the lowest overall grade of D on the report card.  These three agencies may present good opportunities for IT contractors as they need to upgrade not only cloud capabilities, but cybersecurity and key IT infrastructure.  The Department of Defense, meanwhile, improved from a grade of C to B and was the only agency to get a higher grade for its cloud efforts.  The US Agency of International Development (USAID) was the only agency to receive an overall grade of A.  IT contractors should take the time to read through the latest FITARA results and plan to focus their messages to agencies accordingly.  Agency CIO’s and other senior leaders do pay attention the progress they make on meeting FITARA benchmarks.  The information is there.  Make sure you make good use of it.