VA Expands Evaluation of Technology Projects

Management and Accountability System Found Effective

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23  /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that all information technology (IT) projects at the Department will now be managed under its program management and accountability system (PMAS).

"We will end projects that don't work, streamline those that do, and focus on the responsibility we have for achieving maximum value for our Veterans," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

First announced by Secretary Shinseki in June 2009, the system requires IT projects to deliver new functionality within six months and keeps projects tied to established milestones.  VA is using PMAS and other rigorous management techniques to reform its IT management practices and provide better value, efficiency, and effectiveness for taxpayers' dollars.

VA announced the temporary halt of 45 of its most problematic computer projects last summer so they could be fixed.  During the next six months, VA restarted 32 of these projects, stopped 12, and continued the review of one.  These actions resulted in cost avoidance of $54 million for VA during fiscal year 2010.

"While we have stopped the 12 projects, the real saving is in the increased probability of success for the projects we changed and restarted," said Roger W. Baker, VA's Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology.  "Holding each project accountable for regularly delivering value is key to getting the most out of our IT budget.  While much work remains to be done, PMAS has shown what can be achieved by forcing measured demonstrations of performance."  

PMAS, in conjunction with the analytical tools available through the IT Dashboard, will ensure early identification and correction of problematic IT projects.  The Internet-based IT Dashboard, launched in June 2009, is a one-stop clearinghouse of information, allowing the American people to track federal information technology initiatives and hold the government accountable for progress and results.

"Better accountability and focus on results lead to better services for our Veterans and better value for the American taxpayer," said Federal Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra. "Investing in what works is about continuing projects that are effective and making tough choices when projects, however well intentioned, are broken and failing.  We owe it to the American people to make sure their dollars are being spent wisely."

SOURCE U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs