DOD Business Systems Modernization Governance Mechanisms for Implementing Management Controls Need to Be Improved

Citation
DOD Business Systems Modernization Governance Mechanisms for Implementing Management Controls Need to Be Improved (GAO-12-685) (June 1, 2012) (full-text).

Overview
For decades, the Department of Defense (DoD) has been challenged in modernizing its business systems. Since 1995, the GAO has designated DoD's business systems modernization program as high risk, and it continues to do so today. To assist in addressing DoD's business system modernization challenges, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 requires the department to take certain actions prior to obligating funds for covered systems. It also requires DoD to annually report to the congressional defense committees on these actions and for GAO to review each annual report. In response, GAO performed its annual review of DoD's actions to comply with the Act and related federal guidance.

The GAO recommends that the Secretary of Defense take steps to strengthen the department's mechanisms for governing its business systems modernization activities.