Audit of VHA’s Management Control Structures for Veterans Integrated Service Network Offices

We conducted this audit to determine if VHA’s VISN office management controls and fiscal operations promoted the proper stewardship of VA funds and compliance with VA policies. We found VHA lacked the management controls needed to oversee and evaluate the effectiveness of VISN staff and organizational structures. The VISN offices’ autonomy allowed for unchecked lapses in office growth, the performance management system, and the evaluation of fundamental staffing data. This resulted in unjustified organizational structures and staffing levels, ineffective oversight and stewardship of VA funds, and significant differences in management and operations between each of the VISN offices. We recommended VHA strengthen the VISN offices’ system for performance management and implement controls over organizational structures and staffing. The Under Secretary for Health agreed with our findings and recommendations and provided appropriate action plans.