Information Technology

Defense Information Systems Agency Can Improve Investment Planning and Management Controls Gao ID: GAO-02-50 March 15, 2002

The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) provides the military with computing, telecommunications, and acquisition services on a cost reimbursable basis. In fiscal year 2001, DISA's service reimbursements totaled $2.5 billion. DISA also runs joint warfighting and related mission support command, control, and communications systems funded by direct appropriations, which in fiscal year 2001 were $1 billion. In March 2001, DISA issued a 500 Day Action Plan for Supporting DoD Decision Superiority. The plan contains 140 ongoing or planned actions involving the investment of resources. In developing the plan, DISA appropriately focused on understanding and satisfying customer concerns and needs. DISA did not, however, adequately address other elements of effective plan development, such as ensuring that planned investments were cost-effective. Although the agency did not establish baseline commitments in developing its action plan, DISA has since established some, but not all, baselines and is beginning to monitor progress against these commitments. DISA's 500 Day Action Plan is part of management actions to improve mission performance. These actions address some, but not all, of the institutional management controls that can help an agency effectively adjust to shifts in strategic direction. These controls include strategic planning, information technology (IT) human capital management, organizational structure management, enterprise architecture management, IT investment management, customer relations management, and knowledge management. Some of these management controls are in their more formative stage, while others have progressed much farther. Until each control is fully functioning, DISA will be challenged in its strategic direction and in maximizing its performance and accountability.

Recommendations

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