Last summer, the Department of Veterans Affairs temporarily halted 45 of its most problematic computer projects that were either behind schedule or over budget. Over the past six months, the VA has taken actions on these projects which saved $54 million.
The VA restarted 32 of the projects, stopped 12, and continued the review of one.
"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."
After seeing such success, the VA has decided that all its IT projects will now be managed under its program management and accountability system (PMAS).
Introduced by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki in June 2009, PMAS requires IT projects – many of which have a focus on healthcare – to deliver new functionality within six months and keeps projects tied to established milestones. VA is using PMAS and other management techniques to reform its IT management practices and provide better value, efficiency and effectiveness for taxpayers' dollars, said officials.
"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 Shinseki.
Officials said 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 clearinghouse of information that allows 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."