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The U.S. Department of Labor is putting in the work to modernize our IT systems to better serve America’s workforce, but with limited government resources, we are taking a fresh approach to funding. Enter the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF), a unique federal investment model. Think venture capital, but for government innovation!

We began our TMF journey in 2018 and now have six projects in our portfolio, totaling $81 million. Follow along to learn about each one.

Labor Certificate Processing Modernization

Saving American farmers and businesses time, money, and effort: The U.S. Department of Labor used a $3.5 million Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) to develop the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system and digitize the temporary labor certification process by:

  • Auto-populating previous filing data and removing duplicate form collections
  • Shortening the application process by two business days per labor certification request
  • Replacing a lengthy and expensive printed certificate with a one-page e-certificate
  • Securely sharing labor certification data real-time across relevant federal agencies

Data Modernization

Data-driven decision-making: The U.S. Department of Labor is using a $9.6 million Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) investment to:

  • Enable the department’s Enterprise Data Platform (EDP) for cloud-based enterprise data management and data governance to improve data quality and increase efficiency
  • Standardize legacy address entries in departmental systems in support of the “Workforce Empowerment Executive Order,” minimizing the need to fix or delete incorrect address data for end users who rely on this accurate information
  • Provide open data sharing via a user-friendly application programming interface (API) data portal for the public and for inter-agency data sharing
  • Enable advanced analytics across the enterprise for risk-based inspections of work safety and wage violations

PERM Labor Certification Modernization

Faster approvals, more security, less paperwork: The U.S. Department of Labor is digitizing the Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM), just as we did with temporary labor certifications.

The $7.2 million Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) investment supports:

  • Modernized filing for American employers to sponsor skilled foreign workers
  • Streamlined case review with in-application access to adjudication tools and correspondence
  • Enhanced security on labor certifications and federal agency data sharing to combat fraud and abuse
  • Integrated and scalable technology platform across immigration programs to create a seamless customer experience

Data and Application Security Modernization

Sophisticated cybersecurity to protect economic data and worker info: The U.S. Department of Labor is using a $15.2 million Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) investment to deploy a cutting-edge zero trust solution featuring:

  • Improved verification: Every user must be verified before gaining access to sensitive data
  • Cloud-based security framework: Users will be protected regardless of work location
  • Better user experience: A secure access service edge (SASE) solution will provide strong connectivity and consistent security

Retirement Savings Lost and Found

Matching millions to their unclaimed retirement benefits: The U.S. Department of Labor is using a $3.4 million Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) investment to create the “Retirement Savings Lost and Found.”

Once the new database goes online, workers and beneficiaries will be able to:

  • Use Login.gov credentials to search if they have any “lost” retirement savings or benefits waiting for them to claim
  • Obtain clear information on who to contact to claim lost funds and how navigate the process securely and seamlessly
  • Connect with Benefit Advisors for support in locating “lost” retirement savings or benefits

Integrated Federal Employee Compensation System

Streamlining support for sick or injured federal workers: The U.S. Department of Labor received a $42 million Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) to create a cutting-edge claims system.

Benefits include:

  • Faster claims processing to determine compensation benefits, leading to more timely treatment and improved outcomes for a quicker potential return to work
  • Enhanced cybersecurity protection of sensitive data, including federal employee health records
  • Improved user experience through automation and modernization
  • Advanced technical capabilities designed to integrate with the department’s additional workers compensation systems in the future