The path to better program management: a road still less traveled

Source Domain: www.nextgov.com

The Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) High-Risk List, first initiated in 1990, identifies federal programs susceptible to fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, or those in need of transformation. Its latest update from February 2025 features 38 problem areas primarily clustering around human resources, technology, and project/program management. Despite the introduction of the Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act (PMIAA) in 2016 aimed at enhancing government program management standards, the federal government still faces significant challenges in managing large systems and initiatives. Recent initiatives include a cross-agency plan to recruit 250 project managers. However, there is a critical need to focus on recruiting experienced program managers, as managing programs demands more advanced skills than individual projects. Strong alignment between program managers and other leadership such as acquisition executives and Chief Information Officers, coupled with a consistent measurement system and rapid support mechanisms, can significantly enhance management effectiveness and increase the likelihood of successful program delivery.

Key Points:
– The GAO’s High-Risk List primarily identifies vulnerabilities centered around human resources, technology, and project/program management.
– The Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act of 2016 aimed to tackle these issues but progress remains sluggish.
– Recruiting skilled program managers, aligning them with key executive leaders, establishing robust measurement systems, and having response protocols for faltering initiatives are critical for successful program management.
– Despite current efforts, the government needs improved program management to meet current challenges involving new technologies like AI and cybersecurity threats.