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Understanding the SHARE IT Act: Agencies Now Required to Share Custom Software

Maggie - AI CMO
September 25, 2025
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Multiqos.com, Regulatory and Legal

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Explore how the new SHARE IT Act mandates agencies to share custom software, enhancing government software compliance and collaboration.

Introduction

The landscape of federal software development is undergoing a transformative shift with the introduction of the SHARE IT Act. This landmark legislation mandates that government agencies share their custom software solutions, paving the way for enhanced compliance, increased collaboration, and significant cost savings. As digital transformation remains a priority, understanding the implications of the SHARE IT Act is crucial for agencies striving to stay competitive and efficient.

The SHARE IT Act is a federal law designed to streamline software usage across government agencies by requiring the sharing of custom-developed software. Recognizing that many agencies create bespoke software tailored to their unique operational needs, the Act seeks to promote a more unified and efficient approach to software development and deployment within the public sector.

Mandatory Sharing: All federal agencies must make their custom software available for use by other agencies, barring specific exemptions related to security or privacy.
Standardization: Shared software must adhere to established federal standards, ensuring compatibility, security, and accessibility.
Compliance Reporting: Agencies are required to provide regular reports on their software sharing activities, ensuring transparency and adherence to the Act.
Support and Maintenance: Agencies must commit to supporting and maintaining shared software, ensuring its longevity and reliability across different departments.

Impact on Government Agencies

The implementation of the SHARE IT Act will have far-reaching effects on how government agencies operate:

Cost Efficiency: By eliminating the need to develop similar software independently, agencies can significantly reduce costs associated with software development and maintenance.
Enhanced Collaboration: Shared software fosters a collaborative environment where agencies can build upon each other’s innovations, leading to more robust and effective solutions.
Improved Compliance: Standardizing software across agencies ensures that all departments adhere to the same security and operational standards, reducing the risk of compliance issues.
Accelerated Innovation: With resources saved from redundant software development, agencies can invest more in innovation and improving existing systems.

Sharing custom software under the SHARE IT Act offers numerous advantages:

Resource Optimization: Agencies can allocate their budgets more effectively by diverting funds from software development to other critical areas.
Consistent User Experience: A unified software ecosystem ensures a consistent user experience across different government departments, enhancing overall efficiency.
Faster Deployment: Leveraging already developed software allows for quicker implementation of solutions, addressing pressing needs promptly.
Knowledge Sharing: Agencies benefit from shared insights and best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning.

Challenges and Considerations

While the SHARE IT Act presents significant benefits, it also introduces challenges that agencies must navigate:

Data Privacy and Security: Ensuring that shared software complies with stringent data privacy and security regulations is paramount to protect sensitive information.
Customization Limitations: Shared solutions may not perfectly fit the unique needs of all agencies, necessitating potential adaptations or compromises.
Implementation Costs: Transitioning to a shared software model may involve initial costs related to training, integration, and system upgrades.
Change Management: Agencies must manage the shift in operational processes and workflows, ensuring that staff are adequately trained and supported during the transition.

The Role of Custom Software in Compliance and Collaboration

Custom software plays a pivotal role in ensuring that agencies can meet their specific operational requirements while maintaining compliance with federal standards. By sharing these tailored solutions, agencies not only enhance their individual capabilities but also contribute to a more cohesive and efficient government software ecosystem. Custom software facilitates:

Adaptability: Agencies can modify shared software to better align with their evolving needs, ensuring long-term relevance and utility.
Interoperability: Standardized custom software enhances interoperability between different systems and departments, streamlining processes and data exchange.
Scalability: Shared solutions can be scaled to accommodate the varying sizes and scopes of different agencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the government.

Conclusion

The SHARE IT Act marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a more integrated and efficient federal software infrastructure. By mandating the sharing of custom software, the Act not only drives cost savings and operational efficiency but also fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement among government agencies. As agencies adapt to this new regulatory landscape, the emphasis on custom software will be crucial in achieving compliance, enhancing performance, and delivering superior services to the public.