USDA Information Management: Proposal to Strengthen Authority of the Chief Information Officer,
Abstract
This document discusses the challenges USDA has faced in managing the more than $1 billion it spends annually on information technology (IT) investments, as well as recent IT reform legislation that established the Chief Information Officer (CIO) position in federal agencies. It also summarizes the bill's provisions, designed to clarify and enhance the do's authority at USDA, and briefly convey our views on these provisions. The influence of USDA on millions of Americans makes it essential that the department plan and manage its information technology wisely. USDA'S size and complexity, however, make this far from simple. It has a diverse portfolio of over 200 federal programs throughout the nation and the world. The department delivers about $80 billion in programs, at a cost in federal outlays of an estimated $54 billion. The fourth largest federal agency, USDA employs over 100,000 individuals in 31 agencies and departmental offices having multiple and sometimes disparate missions. Its responsibilities range from forests and timber to food assistance for the needy and the safety of meat and poultry products for human consumption.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 03, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA339153
Entities
People
- Joel C. Willemssen
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office