Department of Energy DOE Lacks an Effective Strategy for Addressing Recommendations From Past Laboratory Advisory Groups.
Abstract
We are pleased to testify on the Department of Energy's (DOE) management of its national laboratories. In the past, we have reported on how improved management is needed if DOE and the laboratories are to successfully meet new mission responsibilities. This statement is based on our report to the full committee. The objectives of our report were to identify the recommendations by various advisory groups for addressing management weaknesses at DOE and the laboratories and evaluate how DOE and its laboratories have responded to these recommendations. In summary, Mr. Chairman, we reported that for nearly 20 years, many advisory groups have found that while DOE'S national laboratories do impressive research and development, they are unfocused, are micromanaged by DOE, and do not function as an integrated national research and development system. These groups have made dozens of recommendations ranging from improving strategic planning to streamlining DOE'S internal processes, and some have also suggested major organizational changes in the way the laboratories are directed. While DOE has made some progress-principally by reducing paperwork burdens on its laboratories-most of its actions in response to past advisory groups are still under way or have unclear outcomes. DOE cannot show how fts actions have resulted or may result in fundamental change because they lack the objectives, performance measures, and milestones needed to effectively track progress and account for results. We believe that without a strategy for ensuring that reforms actually take place, DOE will make limited progress in achieving meaningful reforms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 23, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA354314
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office