4.9: No Fear Zone
Foster a “No Fear Zone” Environment for Bringing Forth Potential Problems. Other Information:
To help overcome industry reluctance to provide early indications of potential problems, OMB should pilot TechStat reviews
with the prime contractor, but only on the condition that there be a candid exchange in which the contractor brought forward
concerns and suggestions for mitigation or improvement. As one Government interviewee stated, “Mistakes need to be sought
out earlier and presented; we need to get away from punishing for mistakes.” The discussions in TechStat are private, which
provides a "safe zone" for bringing up issues. However, OMB should make it clear that if new problems are raised during TechStat
discussions by an agency (or a contractor, if our recommendation is acted on), OMB will first work collegially with the agency
to solve those problems, before taking any corrective or other negative action. As a general rule, this initial period could
last six months, but this could be shortened or lengthened based on circumstances so long the new period is transparent to
the key stakeholders.
Indicator(s):
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