Subscribe by RSS
DOI Law Enforcement Reporting Investment
Accelerating Deployment of a Law Enforcement Reporting System at the Department of the Interior through TechStat
Executive Summary
TechStat is an evidence-based accountability review of an Information Technology (IT) investment that results in concrete actions to address weaknesses. It presents an opportunity to turn troubled programs around and to terminate failing programs sooner. As a result of the TechStat review of the Incident Management, Analysis and Reporting System (IMARS) investment, the Department of Interior (DoI) determined that it needed to develop a process to improve the performance and accountability of IT investments. The DoI iStat review process was implemented in order to bring rigor and thoroughness to DoI’s investment management functions and to provide a comprehensive Departmental review of potentially troubled IT investments. The DoI iStat process is modeled after the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) TechStat review process and should be a consideration for Federal IT leaders as a process for measuring project, program and investment performance. IT reform is a critical part of the President’s Accountable Government Initiative.
Prior to the TechStat review, the IMARS project was unfocused, lacked structured customer-facing deliverables and user confidence, and had minimal Department -level senior management oversight. The TechStat review was the key contributor to the path of success for the IMARS investment making it agile and oriented to structured and frequent customer-facing deliverables with appropriate senior management oversight and governance. As a result of the TechStat, investment oversight of the IMARS was transferred from the Agency level to the Departmental level, and with this newly established focus, an accelerated deployment schedule was developed generating increased customer confidence. Also investment cost avoidances were realized as a non-performing contractor was terminated, and the leadership at DoI increased commitment, ensuring that governance and oversight is an active part of the investment assessment and review process.
