Public Law 101-576, the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990, November 15, 1990, as amended by Public Law 103-356, the Federal Financial Management Act of 1994, October 13, 1994, requires DoD and other Government agencies to prepare annual audited financial statements. Although not required by the Federal Financial Management Act, DoD believes that progress in achieving a favorable audit opinion to the DoD Agency-wide financial statements can be achieved if selected Defense agencies prepare annual stand-alone financial statements audited by certified public accounting firms. Therefore, in FY 2000, DoD required nine Defense agencies to prepare stand-alone financial statements. Of the nine Defense agencies, five had military personnel costs that were not recognized in the required financial statements.

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.