Audit of the Project Management Accountability System Implementation

At the request of the Chief Information Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of PMAS planning and implementation. VA has a history of problems managing its information technology (IT) development projects. On June 19, 2009, VA launched the Project Management Accountability System (PMAS) to improve its IT development success rate. We found the Office of Information and Technology (OIT) has made progress establishing PMAS. It published a PMAS Guide, developed a prototype system for monitoring project status, and used the oversight approach to better meet incremental deliverable due dates for all active IT development projects. However, OIT created and instituted the PMAS concept without a roadmap, adequate leadership, and staffing to effectively implement and manage this new methodology. If such foundational elements are not fully implemented, the discipline and accountability needed for effective management and oversight of IT development projects will not be instilled. We recommended the development of an implementation plan and assignment of adequate leadership and the staff needed to fully execute PMAS. We also recommended controls be established to ensure data reliability, verify project compliance, and track costs to strengthen PMAS oversight. Finally, we recommended detailed guidance be provided on using PMAS to ensure IT project success.