With October 1st approaching, government IT leaders face their most critical quarter. Poor ITAM execution during this period doesn't just waste taxpayer dollars—it can create audit findings that may impact your agency's standing in the new fiscal year.

Launch comprehensive discovery across all IT assets including shadow IT, contractor-managed systems, and distributed locations. Focus on assets purchased in the last 18 months that may not be properly cataloged. Many agencies discover significantly more assets than their databases show during discovery sweeps.

Match actual software installations against purchased licenses, paying special attention to enterprise agreements with auto-renewal clauses. Document any license shortfalls or overages before they become expensive surprises during vendor audits.

Ensure all IT assets meet baseline security requirements and document approved deviations. With increasing cybersecurity threats, FISMA compliance documentation must be current and defensible.

The final quarter often brings "use it or lose it" pressure, but smart agencies invest strategically. Consider infrastructure upgrades that support long-term modernization goals rather than purchasing equipment that will sit unused.

Create comprehensive records now—not when auditors arrive. Document procurement justifications, deployment decisions, and security approvals. Comprehensive documentation helps agencies better respond to audit inquiries.

The next 90 days determine your agency's ITAM success for all of FY 2026. Don't navigate this critical period alone.

Get your agency audit-ready with a comprehensive ITAM review. Schedule your no-cost assessment with The SIE Group and ensure strong performance through fiscal year transition.