4: Finances, Operations, Information Technology and Dissemination

Normalizing the Commission’s financial and operational controls, and modernizing its information technology management and dissemination

Other Information:

The Commission is committed not only to serving as the nation’s conscience on civil rights matters, but also as a model of management excellence, integrity, efficiency, and accountability. During the 1990s, the public had reason to lack confidence in the Commission's financial and managerial operations. Today, the Commission is resolved to continue its aggressive schedule of administrative reforms and continues to normalize its financial and operational controls, and to modernize its information technology management and dissemination. Appendix C summarizes the extensive reforms that have been enacted. 1. How the Goal Will Be Accomplished The Commission will accomplish this goal by • Adhering to integrated budgeting, planning, and performance management. • Achieving sound financial management, demonstrating financial accountability, and streamlining and/or reorganizing the Commission’s structure to efficiently execute its mission and make efficient use of its appropriations. • Continuing to implement adopted GAO and OPM recommendations. • Modernizing the agency’s information technology infrastructure and improving IT management to enhance program efficiency. The Commission has addressed all adopted GAO recommendations. Additionally, the Commission will fully comply with OMB A-11 guidance for integrated budgeting and will undergo a financial audit for each fiscal year as required by law. To modernize information technology and management, the Commission will seek to create a web site similar to Firstgov.com. This endeavor will assist in achieving several objectives, including partnering with other agencies, serving as a civil rights clearinghouse and streamlining the dissemination of public information. Moreover, the agency will comply with applicable federal information management laws and regulations. Meeting these obligations and taking advantage of advances in technology will provide us with a unique opportunity to do more with fewer resources. The integration of the SACs in the 2009 national conference will be the culmination of a process whereby SACs will be solicited for input in the Commission’s annual project planning. The Commission will also be utilizing the Regional Offices to collaborate between the national office and the SACs on annual projects. The operation of the SACs will also be reviewed to maximize participation and productivity in an era of diminished resources. The Commission recognizes that accomplishing its mission requires flexibility and creativity. To that end, it is vital that the Commission review its operational procedures to adjust to the appropriation which it receives. 2. How Results Will Be Measured Success will be evidenced by a number of indicators, including: • Implementing adopted GAO recommendations and sustaining compliance with applicable OPM requirements. • Fully comporting with OMB A-11 guidance for integrated budget by FY 2010. • Receiving an OMB PART Program Management assessment score of at least “moderately effective” by FY 2010. • Establish website similar to Firstgov.com by FY 2012. • Maintain a “clean” or unqualified financial audit status for each fiscal year beginning in FY 2008. • Conduct an assessment during FY 2008 of the effectiveness and efficiency of the Commission’s current administrative structure and, based on the results, develop during FY 2009 a plan of action for achieving increased agency effectiveness and efficiency.

Objective(s):

1: Budgeting, Planning, and Performance Management

2: Financial Management, Organizational Structure, and Efficiency

3: GAO and OPM Recommendations

4: Information Technology

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