Defense Pilot Programs: DOD Needs to Improve Implementation Process for Pilot Programs

DOD did not concur with GAO's recommendation. It cited various high-level, agencywide initiatives that it has undertaken, and noted that Congress is aware of these initiatives. Since GAO's report was published, Congress enacted legislation authorizing DOD to revamp its human capital process. DOD established a new organization to implement and manage this new personnel system. Also, DOD has made the Business Initiative Council the forum for improving business operations. The council considers a variety of areas, including logistics/readiness, corporate operations, and acquisition management. While neither organization singles out the laboratories and test centers exclusively, they do provide a vehicle for improving human capital and business processes throughout DOD, which includes the laboratories and test centers. As a result, GAO is closing this recommendation.

DOD did not concur with this recommendation. It stated that it had already introduced new agencywide management processes to address human capital and business issues in general. At the time, GAO questioned the effectiveness of these processes. However, with the recent passage of the National Security Personnel System (November 2003), DOD now has authority to design and implement a more flexible personnel system. The new organization, headed by a PEO, has clear decision-making authority. It has also established an interactive web site for employee input. Similarly, the DOD Business Initiative Council also has clear authority to approve operational improvements; it too has a web site for employee input. The laboratories and test centers are covered by both programs. Finally, the new Defense Test Resource Management Center--mandated by Congress--has now been established to better manage test centers. As a result, GAO is closing this recommendation.

DOD did not concur with this recommendation. It stated that the recently created position of Undersecretary for Laboratories and Basic Science has oversight responsibility for all laboratory initiatives. It is also establishing a new Defense Test Resources Management Center, as directed by Congress, to oversee test centers. DOD did not explain how these organizations will fulfill this role. However, with the subsequent passage of the National Security Personnel System, DOD established a new organization, headed by a PEO, to manage the new personnel system. Similarly, the Business Initiative Council, chaired by the Under Secretary of Defense for AT&L, provides strong leadership to address business and operational problems cited in GAO's report. The laboratories and test centers are covered by both organizations. As a result, GAO is closing this recommendation.