Information Technology: Further Implementation of Recommendations Is Needed to Better Manage Acquisitions and Operations
Abstract
The federal government plans to invest almost $96 billion in IT in fiscal year 2018. Historically, these investments have too often failed, incurred cost overruns and schedule slippages, or contributed little to mission-related outcomes. In December 2014, Congress and the President enacted FITARA, aimed at improving covered agencies acquisitions of IT. Further, in February 2015, GAO added improving the management of IT acquisitions and operations across government to its high-risk list. This statement summarizes agencies progress in improving the management of IT acquisitions and operations. Among others, GAO summarized its published reports on (1) data center consolidation, (2) incremental software development practices, (3) IT acquisitions, (4) IT workforce, and (5) legacy IT. From fiscal years 2010 through 2015,GAO made about 800 recommendations to OMB and federal agencies to address shortcomings in IT acquisitions and operations. Among other recommendations, GAO made recommendations to improve the oversight and execution of the data center consolidation initiative, incremental development policies, the review and approval of IT acquisitions, implementation of key workforce planning activities, and aging federal IT systems. Most agencies agreed with GAOs recommendations. In addition, from fiscal year 2016 to present, GAO has made more than 200 new recommendations in this area. GAO will continue to monitor agencies implementation of these recommendations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 14, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1170508
Entities
People
- Chris Businsky
- David A. Powner
- Jessica Waselkow
- Kevin Walsh
- Meredith Raymond
- Rebecca Eyler
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office