Program updates
Reports
Resources for future applications
Agencies applying for grants in the future will need to submit a Project Pitch Deck. This webpage will be updated regularly, so please return for the latest information. If you have questions about this program, please contact improgram@watech.wa.gov.
- Pitch Deck Template (new version published September 2024)
- ITIB Criteria with Rating Descriptions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Tips for a successful project.
- Tips for preparing a project proposal.
December 2024 Update
The IT Investment Board completed their evaluation of eighteen (18) project proposals submitted by agencies for a chance to receive some of the $532,000 dollars remaining in the IM fund.
The board will recommend funding seven agency projects at the December 10 Technology Services Board (TSB) meeting. Projects approved by the TSB must implement before June 30, 2025, and grant dollars must be utilized in FY25. If TSB approves all seven projects, this will commit the full fund balance of $3 million dollars for FY2025.
In early November 2024, WaTech held a legislative briefing on the Innovation and Modernization Program with presentations from three of the FY2024 projects including Washington State Patrol (WSP), The ARTS Commission and the Eastern Washington State Historical Society (EWSHS). The agencies shared their experiences with the IM Program and demonstrated the technology solutions implemented with IM grant dollars. The legislative briefing was attended by committee staff from both House and Senate and provided an update on the first year of the IM Program.
FY2025 Proposals
The IM Program has received 37 proposals from 17 agencies for a total of $8.3 million dollars. Upon TSB approval, the IM Program will have awarded a total of $3 million dollars to 17 projects representing 13 agencies.
The IM Program has demonstrated success funding short-term, low cost and high impact projects and are planning for continued funding the 2025-2027 biennium. WaTech has submitted a decision package for the 2025-2027 biennium requesting $4.76 million per fiscal year ($9.5 million for the biennium). To learn more about FY2024 project outcomes, read the report published by WaTech to the Washington state Legislature on the first year of the IM Program.
About
In 2023 the state Legislature created an Innovation and Modernization Fund (IMF) at WaTech that allows state agencies to address emergent legacy-systems issues or adopt innovative technology to meet a critical business need.
The 2023-25 biennial budget appropriated $3 million for the IMF, of which $1.5 million was available for fiscal year 2024. Within the first five months of availability of funding for this program, WaTech received 34 proposals totaling $6.6 million in requests. Twelve requests were approved and all funds for FY24 have been awarded.
The IM Program provides administrative review of agency proposals, establishes criteria and evaluates proposals, collaborates with state agencies to develop proposals for funds access, and provides project oversight of TSB-approved projects.