Federal Agency Compliance with the Clinger-Cohen Act

Publication

Federal Agency Compliance with the Clinger-Cohen Act

Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs

Abstract

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Senator Fred Thompson, initiated an investigation into federal agencies’ compliance with the Clinger-Cohen Act, as part of its oversight of information technology procurement and management. This investigation, which included reviews conducted by the General Accounting Office (GAO), assessed agencies’ adherence to the Act’s mandates, including the establishment of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and the implementation of capital planning and investment controls. The investigation revealed challenges such as high turnover among CIOs, lack of compliance with capital investment and planning measures, and inconsistent application of modular contracting for IT investments. Recommendations include clarifying roles and authorities among CIOs, enhancing compliance mechanisms, empowering CIOs with appropriate authority, improving communication channels for project progress, enhancing workforce skills, and developing comprehensive IT management plans.