Pentagon talks up BMMP

"Status of the Department of Defense's Business Management Modernization Program"

Defense Department officials sent a report to the Senate Armed Services Committee last month highlighting the achievements of the military’s Business Management Modernization Program (BMMP), a multiyear, multibillion-dollar initiative to improve DOD's core management systems, including those that handle financial, travel and inventory management.

"We believe the work forms a foundation of information required to define quickly and implement transformative DOD-wide business capabilities on a rapid schedule," wrote Michael Wynne, undersecretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, in "Status of the Department of Defense’s Business Management Modernization Program."

In the 13-page annual report dated March 15, Wynne cited six accomplishments to date under BMMP. Officials have:

• Increased visibility and understanding of DOD business systems.

• Created data standards and strategies.

• Identified requirements for financial compliance.

• Developed a business enterprise architecture.

• Developed the foundation for a business mission area transition plan.

• Improved control of information technology spending.

In the report, Wynne wrote that Pentagon officials remain committed to deploying business enterprise capabilities and achieving clean audits and disciplined program management. He cited 19 goals they need to reach this year to ensure enhanced warfighter support systems, including updating the business enterprise architecture and establishing an acquisition strategy for the department’s enterprise IT systems.

During a hearing in July, lawmakers discussed ways to fix BMMP, suggesting that DOD officials take tough actions such as demoting employees or freezing pay raises as part of an effort to get the three-year program on track.

A Government Accountability Office report, issued in conjunction with the hearing, criticized DOD officials’ wasteful spending and poor oversight of their business systems.