The notion that open source software automatically means saving money is just off the mark. The default option should be open choice and competition to see what fits best, and what is most cost effective overall.
The idea that the government/public will "own" open source software is silly. In fact, no one would own it. The best policy is to keep software procurement open and competitive, without mandates for one type of software or another. That way, the software can be selected that best fits the particular needs in terms of privacy, security, service, use, compatibility, and cost. By the way, open source does not necessarily mean that total costs will be lower for the taxpayers.
Without a doubt, technology moves fast. Government intrusions, interference, and/or mandates will only gum things up, restraining investment, competition, innovation and choice.
The best technology policy for the federal government – indeed, any government – is to look at the wide array of choices in the marketplace, and select the option that is most efficient and cost effective. Let choice and competition reign. Let entrepreneurial firms compete, and let the taxpayers benefit accordingly. Government mandates -- including open source mandates -- only limit choices, thereby limiting competition and potential benefits.