DOD's Reengineered Travel System Efforts

GAO discussed the Department of Defense's (DOD) reengineered travel system, focusing on: (1) a previously sanctioned pilot test of an Air Force automated travel system; (2) whether the Corps of Engineers electronic signature system can generate signatures that can be used at other sites; (3) whether disbursing officers should review and retain paper copies of travel documents; and (4) the Fortezza security system's ability to generate electronic signatures. GAO noted that: (1) in order for DOD to begin implementing system enhancements to its travel system, it should expand its pilot test for one more year; (2) the Corps of Engineers can establish a paperless travel system, as long as it can verify electronic signatures as it does handwritten signatures; (3) disbursing officer's should retain official records pertaining to travel authorizations and vouchers, and travelers should retain only those records supporting his or her claims; and (4) it is unable to determine whether adequate data integrity can be maintained at 7 additional DOD sites, since these sites' computer systems are not designed to interface with Fortezza and cannot use its security devices.