Government waste and inefficiency are buzzwords trending today. But the issues government organizations face related to waste and inefficiency are especially prevalent when it comes to software procurement. Agencies often overspend on redundant licenses, get locked into restrictive agreements, or struggle to manage their software assets effectively. That’s where the SAMOSA Act comes in. The SAMOSA Act is the latest attempt by congress to regulate and consolidate how agencies buy and manage software.
Recently reintroduced by lawmakers, the Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets (SAMOSA) Act is designed to improve how federal agencies buy, manage, and use software. It’s intent is to cut unnecessary costs, increase efficiency, and strengthen cybersecurity.
The recent efforts of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) shows a commitment to a similar mission: reducing wasteful government spending and streamlining operations. The goals of these two initiatives are closely aligned, making the SAMOSA Act a key tool in helping DOGE fulfill its mission.
So how do DOGE and SAMOSA fit together, and what does this mean for federal agencies? Let’s break it down.
What Is the SAMOSA Act and Why Does It Matter?
The SAMOSA Act is a bipartisan effort to bring better oversight and smarter management to how federal agencies handle their software purchases. The idea is simple:
- Agencies will audit their software inventories to identify redundant or unnecessary licenses.
- They’ll be encouraged to consolidate software contracts to save money.
Why is this important? Because software is one of the biggest IT expenses for the federal government. Without clear oversight, agencies often overpay, underuse, or duplicate software purchases. The SAMOSA Act is intent on fixing these issues.
A previous version of the bill had strong support, but like many proposed reforms, it stalled. With its reintroduction, lawmakers are signaling that software asset management is a top priority for making government more efficient. However, one major challenge that agencies may face—even if the SAMOSA Act is passed—is the budget to comply.
This is not an unfamiliar hurdle. Similar initiatives like M-16-12 and the MEGABYTE Act were both considered successful by some, yet agencies still struggled with funding necessary changes. The key difference this time? Agencies that take proactive steps to align with SAMOSA could realize significant long-term savings, making a strong case for investing now rather than waiting for budget allocations that may never come.
How This Supports DOGE’s Mission
DOGE was created with one goal in mind: making the government run more like a well-managed business. That means reducing unnecessary costs, cutting red tape, and improving operational efficiency. The SAMOSA Act fits right into this vision by tackling one of the biggest sources of government waste—software spending.
Here’s how these two efforts align:
- Cutting Costs – By consolidating software licenses and negotiating better contracts, agencies can save millions, which directly supports DOGE’s cost-cutting goals.
- Boosting Cybersecurity – Mismanaged software assets can leave agencies vulnerable to cyber threats. The SAMOSA Act helps tighten security by improving visibility and control over software usage.
- Improving Operational Efficiency – Training agency staff on smart software procurement means fewer bad deals and more strategic decision-making, which aligns with DOGE’s goal of reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Steps Agencies Should Take Now
When the SAMOSA Act moves forward, federal agencies will need to prepare for these changes. Here are some steps they can take right now:
- Audit Existing Software – Take stock of what’s currently in use, where there’s overlap, and what’s underutilized.
- Explore Enterprise Licensing – Instead of scattered software purchases, agencies should look at bundling software needs into enterprise agreements to get better pricing and flexibility.
- Train Procurement Teams – A well-trained team can negotiate smarter contracts, ensuring that agencies aren’t overpaying or getting locked into restrictive deals.
- Engage with DOGE – Agencies should work with DOGE to align their software management strategies with broader government efficiency initiatives.
Why This Matters
The SAMOSA Act and DOGE share a common goal: making the government more cost-effective, efficient, and tech-savvy.
By eliminating software waste, improving contract negotiations, and enhancing cybersecurity, the SAMOSA Act can help transform how agencies handle their IT spending.
With federal software spending in the billions, even small improvements can mean huge savings for taxpayers and an agency better able to meet its mission objectives. The challenge now is making sure agencies take action before inefficiencies pile up again.
How SIE Can Help Your Agency Prepare for the SAMOSA Act
With the reintroduction of the SAMOSA Act, federal agencies need to take action now to avoid software waste, improve procurement efficiency, and strengthen compliance. But navigating software asset management (SAM) is complex—and that’s where SIE comes in.
As a trusted partner to federal agencies, we have helped organizations save over $50 million in software costs in just the last few years. We currently manage $500 million annually in government software spending. Our team of IT Asset Management experts provides:
- Comprehensive Software Audits – Identify unused or redundant licenses, optimize contracts, and eliminate waste.
- SAMOSA Readiness Assessments – Ensure your agency is prepared for the new compliance and reporting requirements.
- Contract Negotiation Support – Leverage our expertise to secure the best possible pricing and terms with software vendors.
- Training & Advisory Services – Equip your procurement and IT teams with the knowledge to manage software assets more effectively.
Don’t wait until compliance deadlines force your agency to scramble. Be proactive and get ahead of SAMOSA today.
Schedule a no-cost evaluation with our team now to assess your agency’s software management strategy and start saving immediately.