WASHINGTON — Delays, cost overruns and inefficiencies have plagued the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), according to a new report published Thursday by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
The GAO says the VA needs to strengthen its information technology management to better serve veterans and protect taxpayers.
"Over the past two years, the VA has obligated over $21 billion for a range of IT products, systems and services. Unfortunately, the department's management of its IT modernization efforts continue to be high-risk," said Carol Harris, GAO IT and Cybersecurity Director.
The VA has historically faced challenges when it comes to the department's efforts to modernize its IT systems, raising questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of the VA's operation as well as its ability to deliver "intended outcomes needed to help advance the department's mission," the GAO report stated.
Still, the VA insists it's on the right track.
"While we've made much progress, much work remains to be done. And the ongoing support of Congress will be essential in advancing this transformation," said Kurt DelBene, VA Chief Information Officer.
But members of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization said during a hearing Thursday they are concerned.
"This strategy simply has not worked well," said Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Montana). "All six of the VA's multi-billion IT projects have either stumbled badly or collapsed altogether. Not only have these systems blown past their schedules and budgets, but they're also struggling to live up to their users' expectations."
The GAO makes 20 recommendations in the report. The VA agreed with all of them but has not implemented any of them.