Telecommunications: Agencies Need Better Controls to Achieve Significant Savings on Mobile Devices and Services
Abstract
According to the most recent OMB estimate, the federal government spends about $1.2 billion annually on about 1.5 million mobile devices and associated services. OMB has identified the potential for achieving efficiencies and reducing spending on mobile technology. GAO was asked to study management of federal mobile devices. This reports objectives were to (1) determine the extent to which federal agenciesdeveloped and maintained inventories of mobile devices and wireless services, (2) determine the extent to which agencies established procedures for monitoring and controlling spending on these devices and services, and (3) describe agencies mobile service rates. For the 15 agencies having the highest reported annual telecommunications spending, GAO compared their inventories and procedures with federal guidance, and identified service rates reported to OMB. For each agency that delegated responsibilities to components, GAO assessed two components inventories and procedures. GAO also interviewed agency and OMB officials. To better control mobile device spending, GAO recommends that the 15 agencies take actions to improve their inventories and control processes and that OMB measure and report progress in achieving mobile cost savings. OMB and 14 agencies generally agreed with the recommendations or had no comment. One agency, the Department of Defense, partially agreed, but GAO maintains actions are still needed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 21, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1167582
Entities
People
- Carol R. Cha
- Cheryl Dottermusch
- Claudia Fletcher
- Denis Danilin
- Franklin Jackson
- James R. Sweetman
- Lee Mccracken
- Umesh Thakkar
- Virginia Chanley
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office