Information Technology: Leveraging Best Practices and Reform Initiatives Can Help Defense Manage Major Investments.

摘要

The federal government reportedly plans to spend at least $82 billion on Information Technology (IT) in fiscal year 2014. Of that, Defense plans to spend over $39 billion -- $5.5 billion on classified systems, $9 billion on acquisitions, and $25 billion on operations and maintenance. Given the scale of such planned outlays and the criticality of many of these systems to the security and defense of the nation, it is important that these Defense investments are acquired on time and within budget and that they deliver expected benefits. GAO has previously reported and testified that federal IT projects too frequently fail and incur cost overruns and schedule slippages while contributing little to mission-related outcomes. Further, GAO has highlighted several examples of Defense investments that have not delivered results within planned cost and schedule estimates. Numerous best practices and administration initiatives are available for agencies that can help them improve the oversight and management of IT acquisitions. GAO is testifying today on how best practices and IT reform initiatives can help Defense better manage major acquisitions and legacy investments. GAO has previously made numerous recommendations to OMB and federal agencies, including Defense, on key aspects of IT acquisition management, as well as the oversight and management of these investments. Defense generally agreed but has not fully implemented these recommendations.