Policymakers and program managers are continually seeking ways to improve accountability in achieving an entity's mission. A key factor in improving accountability in achieving an entity's mission is to implement an effective internal control system. An effective internal control system helps an entity adapt to shifting environments, evolving demands, changing risks, and new priorities. As programs change and entities strive to improve operational processes and implement new technology, management continually evaluates its internal control system so that it is effective and updated when necessary. Section 3512 (c) and (d) of Title 31 of the United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA)) requires the Comptroller General to issue standards for internal control in the federal government.

AIMD-95-20 Department of State IRM: Strategic Approach Needed to Better Support Agency Mission and Business Needs

This report evaluates the Department of State's information resources management (IRM) program and ongoing improvement efforts. We conducted our review using our May 1994 executive guide on the best practices of leading public and private organizations as a framework. This report complements our August 1994 report on State's financial management systems planning.

"The Bureau of Information Resource Management (IRM), headed by the Chief Information Officer (CIO), who holds the rank of an Assistant Secretary, serves as the "home bureau" for Foreign Service Information Technology (IT) employees. Although many of the Foreign Service IT positions in the department are held by other bureaus, IRM sought a competency study encompassing all Foreign Service IT professionals in the department. This study seeks to determine whether these professionals have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet the department's current and future information management needs, as well as to develop actionable, data-driven strategies to improve how IRM recruits, trains, and develops, and retains members of the Foreign Service IT workforce"--Page iii.