Coast Guard: Strategic Focus Needed to Improve Information Resources Management
IMTEC-90-32
Published: Apr 24, 1990. Publicly Released: Apr 24, 1990.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Coast Guard's: (1) management of major automated systems; and (2) development of information resource management (IRM) policies and procedures.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Transportation | The Secretary of Transportation should direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to clarify the role and authority of the senior IRM official and restructure the way in which the Coast Guard is managing the modernization of its information systems. The restructuring should include a clear statement of the Coast Guard's needs and the ways in which information technology can serve those needs, a strategic IRM plan that supports this view, and comprehensive policies, standards, and procedures to guide implementation. |
Closed – Implemented
In response to the report, the Coast Guard has issued directives that: (1) prescribe specific responsibilities for the senior IRM official; and (2) specify IRM policies and procedures, including oversight of all automated systems projects by the IRM office prior to submission for budget consideration. A multi-year strategic IRM planning process has begun.
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| United States Coast Guard | The Commandant of the Coast Guard should consider creating a centralized IRM steering committee comprised of the Coast Guard's top management to provide direction for IRM strategic planning, policy, and procedures. This committee could be supported by an IRM advisory committee made up of program and project managers, technical staff, and system end-users to make policy recommendations and develop procedures and recommendations on operational standards. |
Closed – Implemented
The Coast Guard did not agree that top level management was absent from IRM planning, guidance, and direction. However, it has taken steps in line with this recommendation that will ensure an orderly process for managing the Coast Guard's modernization efforts, including IRM training and education for all senior level managers and regularly scheduled information management conferences.
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Topics
Electronic data processingCentralizationData transmissionInformation resources managementInformation systemsStrategic planningSystems managementMilitary forcesInformation technologyInformation resources