Financial_JJ Management_NN1 Progress_NN1 and_CC Priorities_NN2 The_AT Office_NN1 of_IO Federal_JJ Financial_JJ Management_NN1 (_( OFFM_NP1 )_) within_II the_AT Office_NN1 of_IO Management_NN1 and_CC Budget_NN1 (_( OMB_NP1 )_) is_VBZ responsible_JJ for_IF the_AT Federal_JJ Government_NN1 's_GE financial_JJ management_NN1 policy_NN1 and_CC manages_VVZ government-wide_JJ financial_JJ management_NN1 priorities_NN2 ._. 
As_CSA required_VVN in_II the_AT Chief_JJ Financial_JJ Officers_NN2 Act_VV0 ,_, OMB_NP1 is_VBZ required_VVN to_TO provide_VVI an_AT1 annual_JJ report_NN1 on_II the_AT status_NN1 of_IO federal_JJ financial_JJ management_NN1 and_CC the_AT goals_NN2 for_IF improvement_NN1 ._. 
This_DD1 section_NN1 summarizes_VVZ recent_JJ progress_NN1 and_CC outlines_NN2 several_DA2 key_JJ initiatives_NN2 intended_VVD to_TO achieve_VVI improved_JJ results_NN2 moving_VVG forward_RL ._. 
Progress_NN1 To_II Date_NN1 Since_CS the_AT passage_NN1 of_IO the_AT Chief_JJ Financial_JJ Officers_NN2 Act_NN1 of_IO 1990_MC ,_, the_AT Federal_JJ financial_JJ community_NN1 has_VHZ made_VVN important_JJ strides_NN2 in_II instilling_VVG strong_JJ accounting_NN1 and_CC financial_JJ reporting_NN1 practices_NN2 ._. 
Over_II the_AT past_JJ 20_MC years_NNT2 ,_, an_AT1 increasing_JJ number_NN1 of_IO Federal_JJ agencies_NN2 have_VH0 initiated_VVN and_CC sustained_JJ disciplined_JJ and_CC consistent_JJ financial_JJ reporting_NN1 operations_NN2 ,_, implemented_VVN effective_JJ internal_JJ controls_NN2 around_II financial_JJ reporting_NN1 ,_, and_CC have_VH0 successfully_RR integrated_VVN transaction_NN1 processing_NN1 and_CC accounting_VVG records_NN2 ._. 
These_DD2 efforts_NN2 have_VH0 resulted_VVN in_II improved_JJ results_NN2 on_II financial_JJ statement_NN1 audits_NN2 ,_, with_IW 20_MC out_II21 of_II22 the_AT 24_MC major_JJ "_" CFO_NN1 Act_NN1 "_" agencies_NN2 achieving_VVG a_AT1 clean_JJ opinion_NN1 in_II FY_NP1 2009_MC ._. 
In_RR21 addition_RR22 ,_, the_AT number_NN1 of_IO auditor-identified_JJ material_NN1 weaknesses_NN2 stands_VVZ at_II 38_MC ,_, an_AT1 almost_RR 40%_NNU decline_NN1 from_II the_AT 61_MC material_JJ weaknesses_NN2 that_CST were_VBDR identified_VVN at_II the_AT start_NN1 of_IO this_DD1 past_JJ decade_NNT1 ._. 
A_AT1 significant_JJ accomplishment_NN1 in_II FY_NP1 2009_MC was_VBDZ the_AT successful_JJ deployment_NN1 of_IO financial_JJ management_NN1 solutions_NN2 to_TO meet_VVI the_AT emerging_JJ challenge_NN1 of_IO tracking_NN1 and_CC reporting_VVG on_II economic_JJ recovery_NN1 activities_NN2 ._. 
Troubled_JJ Asset_NN1 Relief_NN1 Program_NN1 (_( TARP_NP1 )_) ._. 
In_II its_APPGE first_MD full_JJ year_NNT1 of_IO operation_NN1 ,_, the_AT Office_NN1 of_IO Financial_JJ Stability_NN1 (_( OFS_NP2 )_) within_II the_AT Treasury_NN1 Department_NN1 successfully_RR stood_VVD up_RP the_AT necessary_JJ financial_JJ management_NN1 solutions_NN2 to_TO meet_VVI the_AT reporting_NN1 ,_, accounting_VVG ,_, and_CC internal_JJ control_NN1 challenges_NN2 of_IO the_AT complex_JJ TARP_NN1 program_NN1 ._. 
As_II a_AT1 result_NN1 ,_, OFS_NN2 achieved_VVN a_AT1 clean_JJ opinion_NN1 with_IW no_AT material_NN1 weaknesses_NN2 on_II its_APPGE first-ever_JJ prepared_JJ annual_JJ financial_JJ statements_NN2 ,_, providing_VVG an_AT1 important_JJ indicator_NN1 to_II the_AT public_NN1 that_CST TARP_NP1 dollars_NNU2 are_VBR being_VBG effectively_RR accounted_VVN for_IF and_CC reported_VVN ._. 
The_AT American_JJ Recovery_NN1 and_CC Reinvestment_NP1 Act_NN1 (_( ARRA_NP1 )_) ._. 
Within_II days_NNT2 of_IO ARRA_NP1 's_GE enactment_NN1 ,_, Federal_JJ agencies_NN2 began_VVD successfully_RR reporting_VVG weekly_JJ updates_NN2 on_II ARRA_NP1 spending_NN1 on_II Recovery.gov_NP1 ._. 
In_RR21 addition_RR22 ,_, the_AT Federal_JJ financial_JJ management_NN1 community_NN1 partnered_VVN with_IW the_AT Recovery_NN1 Accountability_NN1 and_CC Transparency_NN1 Board_NN1 and_CC other_JJ key_JJ stakeholders_NN2 to_TO deploy_VVI ,_, within_II the_AT few_DA2 short_JJ months_NNT2 ,_, a_AT1 nation-wide_JJ data_NN reporting_VVG system_NN1 to_TO collect_VVI and_CC report_NN1 quarterly_RR detailed_JJ information_NN1 on_II how_RRQ ARRA_NP1 dollars_NNU2 are_VBR being_VBG spent_VVN at_II the_AT local_JJ level_NN1 ._. 
Collecting_VVG ,_, reviewing_VVG ,_, and_CC publishing_VVG information_NN1 on_II more_DAR than_CSN 150,000_MC different_JJ awards_NN2 ,_, the_AT new_JJ data_NN collection_NN1 effort_NN1 follows_VVZ Federal_JJ dollars_NNU2 in_II greater_JJR depth_NN1 and_CC detail_NN1 than_CSN previously_RR achieved_VVN for_IF most_DAT Federal_JJ programs_NN2 ._. 
The_AT foundations_NN2 for_IF the_AT accomplishments_NN2 achieved_VVN over_II the_AT past_JJ 20_MC years_NNT2 are_VBR numerous_JJ ._. 
In_RR21 particular_RR22 ,_, and_CC as_CSA envisioned_VVN by_II OMB_NP1 Circular_NN1 A-123_MC ,_, Management_NN1 's_GE Responsibility_NN1 for_IF Internal_JJ Control_NN1 ,_, the_AT Federal_JJ financial_JJ management_NN1 community_NN1 approached_VVD these_DD2 reporting_VVG challenges_NN2 holistically_RR ,_, integrating_VVG both_RR programmatic_JJ and_CC financial_JJ management_NN1 disciplines_NN2 in_II building_VVG successful_JJ financial_JJ reporting_NN1 programs_NN2 ._. 
Given_VVN the_AT size_NN1 and_CC complexity_NN1 of_IO the_AT programs_NN2 and_CC transactions_NN2 involved_VVD ,_, these_DD2 results_NN2 would_VM not_XX have_VHI been_VBN possible_JJ without_IW the_AT advances_NN2 in_II Federal_JJ financial_JJ management_NN1 ._. 
Ongoing_JJ Challenges_NN2 Despite_II the_AT progress_NN1 identified_VVN above_RL ,_, critical_JJ gaps_NN2 in_II financial_JJ management_NN1 performance_NN1 remain_VV0 ._. 
Weaknesses_NN2 in_II basic_JJ financial_JJ management_NN1 practices_NN2 continue_VV0 to_TO prevent_VVI four_MC major_JJ agencies_NN2 ,_, and_CC the_AT Government_NN1 as_II a_AT1 whole_NN1 ,_, from_II achieving_VVG a_AT1 clean_JJ audit_NN1 opinion_NN1 ._. 
The_AT cost_NN1 of_IO maintaining_VVG effective_JJ financial_JJ operations_NN2 is_VBZ increasing_JJ ,_, driven_VVN largely_RR by_II the_AT growing_JJ and_CC unacceptably_RR high_JJ costs_NN2 agencies_NN2 are_VBR incurring_VVG to_TO modernize_VVI agency_NN1 financial_JJ systems_NN2 ._. 
While_CS Federal_JJ agencies_NN2 have_VH0 mobilized_VVN resources_NN2 to_TO meet_VVI the_AT new_JJ and_CC growing_JJ demand_NN1 for_IF real-time_JJ transparency_NN1 into_II where_RRQ recovery-related_JJ and_CC other_JJ Federal_JJ dollars_NNU2 are_VBR going_VVG ,_, more_DAR work_NN1 is_VBZ necessary_JJ to_TO sustain_VVI these_DD2 solutions_NN2 in_II a_AT1 cost-effective_JJ manner_NN1 over_II the_AT long_JJ term_NN1 ._. 
Federal_JJ agencies_NN2 made_VVD nearly_RR $100_NNU billion_NNO in_II improper_JJ payments_NN2 in_II FY_NP1 2009_MC and_CC continue_VV0 to_TO maintain_VVI thousands_NNO2 of_IO unneeded_JJ real_JJ property_NN1 assets_NN2 on_II their_APPGE books_NN2 ._. 
These_DD2 instances_NN2 of_IO Government_NN1 waste_NN1 compromise_VV0 the_AT integrity_NN1 of_IO Federal_JJ programs_NN2 ,_, lead_VV0 to_II damaging_JJ inefficiencies_NN2 ,_, and_CC erode_VV0 citizens_NN2 '_GE trust_NN1 in_II Government_NN1 ._. 
Improvement_NN1 Initiatives_NN2 It_PPH1 has_VHZ never_RR been_VBN more_RGR vital_JJ that_CST the_AT Government_NN1 's_GE financial_JJ managers_NN2 are_VBR performing_VVG at_II high_JJ levels_NN2 to_TO meet_VVI these_DD2 challenges_NN2 and_CC are_VBR maximizing_VVG the_AT return_NN1 on_II every_AT1 dollar_NNU1 invested_JJ in_II financial_JJ management_NN1 activities_NN2 ._. 
To_TO do_VDI so_RR ,_, three_MC areas_NN2 emerge_VV0 as_II the_AT optimal_JJ priority_NN1 areas_NN2 for_IF the_AT Federal_JJ financial_JJ management_NN1 community_NN1 :_: Eliminating_VVG Waste_NN1 --_NN1 Efforts_NN2 to_TO cut_VVI Government_NN1 waste_NN1 should_VM be_VBI prioritized_VVN through_II renewed_JJ focus_NN1 and_CC emphasis_NN1 on_II eliminating_VVG improper_JJ payments_NN2 ,_, removing_VVG unneeded_JJ real_JJ property_NN1 from_II the_AT Government_NN1 's_GE books_NN2 ,_, and_CC strengthening_VVG the_AT audit_NN1 framework_NN1 for_IF Federally-funded_JJ State_NN1 and_CC local_JJ activities_NN2 ._. 
Closing_VVG the_AT Efficiency_NN1 and_CC Technology_NN1 Gap_NN1 in_II Financial_JJ Operations_NN2 --_JJ Expensive_JJ and_CC long-term_JJ investments_NN2 in_II technology_NN1 solutions_NN2 to_TO support_VVI financial_JJ reporting_NN1 and_CC accounting_NN1 must_VM be_VBI reconsidered_VVN in_II31 favor_II32 of_II33 shorter-term_NN1 ,_, lower_JJR cost_NN1 ,_, and_CC easier_RRR to_TO manage_VVI solutions_NN2 that_CST meet_VV0 critical_JJ business_NN1 needs_NN2 ,_, drive_VV0 operational_JJ efficiency_NN1 ,_, and_CC leverage_NN1 shared_JJ service_NN1 solutions_NN2 ._. 
Promoting_VVG Accountability_NN1 and_CC Innovation_NN1 through_II Open_JJ Government_NN1 --_NN1 Efforts_NN2 should_VM be_VBI directed_VVN towards_II improving_VVG the_AT content_NN1 and_CC quality_NN1 of_IO currently_RR reported_VVN information_NN1 to_TO provide_VVI better_JJR value_NN1 to_II taxpayers_NN2 and_CC Government_NN1 decision-makers_NN2 ._. 
Further_RRR ,_, solutions_NN2 must_VM be_VBI developed_VVN and_CC deployed_VVN in_II partnerships_NN2 that_CST extend_VV0 beyond_II the_AT borders_NN2 of_IO the_AT Federal_JJ financial_JJ management_NN1 community_NN1 ,_, to_TO involve_VVI Federal_JJ and_CC State_VV0 stakeholders_NN2 ,_, and_CC most_RGT critically_RR ,_, members_NN2 of_IO the_AT public_NN1 ._. 
Eliminating_VVG Waste_NN1 Addressing_VVG Improper_JJ Payments_NN2 ._. 
The_AT Improper_JJ Payments_NN2 Information_NN1 Act_NN1 of_IO 2002_MC (_( IPIA_NP1 )_) created_VVD a_AT1 framework_NN1 for_IF assessing_VVG every_AT1 Federal_JJ program_NN1 and_CC dollar_NNU1 for_IF risk_NN1 of_IO improper_JJ payments_NN2 ,_, annually_RR measuring_VVG the_AT accuracy_NN1 of_IO payments_NN2 ,_, and_CC initiating_VVG improvements_NN2 to_TO ensure_VVI that_CST errors_NN2 are_VBR reduced_VVN and_CC eliminated_VVN ._. 
Based_VVN on_II information_NN1 submitted_VVN by_II agencies_NN2 in_II their_APPGE FY_NN1 2009_MC Performance_NN1 and_CC Accountability_NN1 Reports_NN2 ,_, the_AT Governmentwide_JJ error_NN1 rate_NN1 is_VBZ five_MC percent_NNU or_CC roughly_RR $100_NNU billion_NNO ._. 
This_DD1 is_VBZ the_AT highest_JJT amount_NN1 reported_VVN to_II date_NN1 ,_, in_RR21 part_RR22 due_II21 to_II22 better_JJR controls_NN2 to_TO identify_VVI and_CC report_VVI improper_JJ payments_NN2 ._. 
In_II response_NN1 ,_, the_AT President_NN1 issued_VVD Executive_JJ Order_NN1 13520_MC ,_, Reducing_VVG Improper_JJ Payments_NN2 ,_, to_TO boost_VVI transparency_NN1 of_IO these_DD2 errors_NN2 ,_, increase_VV0 agency_NN1 accountability_NN1 through_II the_AT designation_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 Senate-confirmed_JJ official_JJ responsible_JJ for_IF these_DD2 errors_NN2 ,_, and_CC create_VV0 incentives_NN2 for_IF compliance_NN1 for_IF contractors_NN2 and_CC State_NN1 and_CC Local_NN1 Government_NN1 partners_NN2 ._. 
Specifically_RR ,_, agencies_NN2 will_VM define_VVI and_CC publish_VVI new_JJ metrics_NN2 to_TO provide_VVI information_NN1 on_II root_NN1 causes_NN2 of_IO error_NN1 (_( e.g._REX ,_, Unemployment_NN1 Insurance_NN1 recipients_NN2 that_CST failed_VVD to_TO report_VVI that_CST they_PPHS2 returned_VVD to_II work_NN1 )_) and_CC whether_CSW corrective_JJ actions_NN2 to_TO reduce_VVI errors_NN2 are_VBR successful_JJ ._. 
Further_RRR ,_, we_PPIS2 are_VBR considering_VVG regulatory_JJ changes_NN2 that_CST could_VM allow_VVI States_NN2 that_CST meet_VV0 established_JJ reduction_NN1 targets_NN2 retain_VV0 a_AT1 portion_NN1 of_IO recovered_JJ improper_JJ payments_NN2 or_CC be_VBI subject_II21 to_II22 relaxed_JJ limits_NN2 on_II the_AT amount_NN1 of_IO Federal_JJ funds_NN2 that_CST can_VM be_VBI used_VVN to_TO cover_VVI the_AT State_NN1 's_GE administrative_JJ expenses_NN2 ._. 
Renewing_VVG Efforts_NN2 to_II Better_RRR Manage_VV0 Federal_JJ Real_JJ Property_NN1 ._. 
The_AT Administration_NN1 is_VBZ focused_VVN on_II improving_VVG the_AT management_NN1 of_IO real_JJ property_NN1 assets_NN2 ._. 
We_PPIS2 support_VV0 creating_VVG incentives_NN2 to_TO dispose_VVI of_IO unneeded_JJ Federal_JJ real_JJ property_NN1 ,_, including_II the_AT incentive_NN1 for_IF all_DB Federal_JJ agencies_NN2 to_TO retain_VVI net_JJ proceeds_NN2 from_II the_AT sale_NN1 of_IO excess_JJ property_NN1 ._. 
In_II31 addition_II32 to_II33 accelerating_VVG current_JJ effort_NN1 to_TO dispose_VVI of_IO the_AT approximate_JJ 15,000_MC surplus_JJ assets_NN2 on_II the_AT Federal_JJ inventory_NN1 ,_, new_JJ opportunities_NN2 to_TO make_VVI the_AT real_JJ property_NN1 inventory_NN1 more_RGR efficient_JJ are_VBR also_RR emerging_VVG ._. 
Under_II Executive_NN1 Order_NN1 13514_MC ,_, Federal_JJ Leadership_NN1 in_II Environmental_JJ ,_, Energy_NN1 ,_, and_CC Economic_JJ Performance_NN1 ,_, the_AT Federal_JJ Government_NN1 is_VBZ required_VVN to_TO set_VVI aggressive_JJ goals_NN2 to_II "_" green_NN1 "_" the_AT Government_NN1 and_CC make_VV0 it_PPH1 more_RRR energy_NN1 efficient_JJ ._. 
This_DD1 order_NN1 is_VBZ an_AT1 opportunity_NN1 to_TO go_VVI beyond_II "_" greening_VVG "_" Federal_JJ space_NN1 and_CC take_VV0 a_AT1 closer_JJR look_NN1 at_II opportunities_NN2 to_TO better_RRR optimize_VVI the_AT space_NN1 itself_PPX1 ._. 
Improving_JJ Grants_NN2 Management_NN1 ._. 
Each_DD1 year_NNT1 ,_, the_AT Federal_JJ Government_NN1 provides_VVZ over_RG $500_NNU billion_NNO in_II grants_NN2 to_II State_NN1 ,_, local_JJ and_CC tribal_JJ governments_NN2 ,_, colleges_NN2 and_CC universities_NN2 ,_, and_CC other_JJ non-profit_JJ organizations_NN2 --_NN1 roughly_RR one-sixth_MF of_IO the_AT Federal_JJ budget_NN1 ._. 
In_II 2009_MC ,_, the_AT American_JJ Recovery_NN1 and_CC Reinvestment_NP1 Act_NN1 (_( ARRA_NP1 )_) authorized_VVD an_AT1 additional_JJ $400_NNU billion_NNO in_II grants_NN2 to_II recipients_NN2 through_II new_JJ ARRA_NN1 programs_NN2 and_CC existing_JJ programs_NN2 ._. 
In_II 2009_MC ,_, OFFM_NP1 initiated_VVD a_AT1 pilot_NN1 project_NN1 for_IF an_AT1 early_JJ review_NN1 and_CC reporting_VVG on_II internal_JJ controls_NN2 for_IF major_JJ ARRA_NN1 programs_NN2 using_VVG the_AT Single_JJ Audit_NN1 process_NN1 ,_, as_CSA required_VVN under_II OMB_NP1 Circular_NN1 A-133_MC ._. 
This_DD1 process_NN1 ,_, along_II21 with_II22 other_JJ efforts_NN2 to_TO strengthen_VVI A-133_MC ,_, is_VBZ intended_VVN to_TO mitigate_VVI instances_NN2 of_IO fraud_NN1 ,_, waste_VV0 ,_, abuse_NN1 ,_, and_CC improper_JJ payments_NN2 in_II Federal_JJ grant_NN1 programs_NN2 ._. 
We_PPIS2 are_VBR also_RR committed_VVN to_II working_VVG with_IW the_AT grants_NN2 community_NN1 to_TO make_VVI the_AT grant_NN1 process_VVI efficient_JJ and_CC citizen-friendly_JJ through_II streamlining_VVG grant_NN1 applications_NN2 and_CC reports_NN2 and_CC modernizing_VVG the_AT grants_NN2 system_NN1 ,_, Grants.gov_NP1 ._. 
Closing_VVG the_AT Efficiency_NN1 and_CC Technology_NN1 Gap_NN1 in_II Financial_JJ Operations_NN2 Decreasing_VVG the_AT Cost_NN1 of_IO Financial_JJ System_NN1 Modernizations_NN2 ._. 
Complexity_NN1 and_CC inefficiency_NN1 in_II our_APPGE financial_JJ management_NN1 operations_NN2 has_VHZ led_VVN to_II an_AT1 increasingly_RR expensive_JJ environment_NN1 for_IF modernizing_VVG financial_JJ systems_NN2 ._. 
Also_RR ,_, once_RR deployed_VVN ,_, our_APPGE modern_JJ systems_NN2 do_VD0 not_XX consistently_RR meet_VVI our_APPGE business_NN1 needs_NN2 or_CC produce_VV0 the_AT right_JJ information_NN1 to_TO support_VVI decision-making_NN1 ._. 
By_II the_AT spring_NN1 of_IO 2010_MC ,_, OMB_NP1 will_VM issue_VVI new_JJ guidelines_NN2 and_CC strategies_NN2 for_IF approaching_VVG financial_JJ system_NN1 modernizations_NN2 ._. 
Implementing_VVG Common_JJ Solutions_NN2 for_IF Financial_JJ Management_NN1 Functions_NN2 :_: New_JJ capabilities_NN2 have_VH0 emerged_VVN to_TO automate_VVI and_CC centrally_RR implement_VVI financial_JJ management_NN1 activities_NN2 ._. 
For_REX21 example_REX22 ,_, through_II a_AT1 common_JJ electronic_JJ vendor_NN1 invoicing_NN1 solution_NN1 ,_, it_PPH1 is_VBZ possible_JJ to_TO input_VVI vendor_NN1 invoice_NN1 data_NN rather_II21 than_II22 manually_RR keying_VVG the_AT information_NN1 into_II a_AT1 financial_JJ system_NN1 ._. 
In_II the_AT spring_NN1 of_IO 2010_MC ,_, the_AT Treasury_NN1 Department_NN1 will_VM pilot_VVI the_AT capture_NN1 of_IO vendor_NN1 invoices_NN2 using_VVG a_AT1 central_JJ utility_NN1 that_CST all_DB agencies_NN2 could_VM eventually_RR access_VVI ._. 
This_DD1 utility_NN1 will_VM enable_VVI a_AT1 seamless_JJ flow_NN1 of_IO invoice_NN1 data_NN from_II entry_NN1 to_II payment_NN1 ._. 
The_AT electronic_JJ invoicing_JJ capability_NN1 will_VM improve_VVI data_NN quality_NN1 through_II automation_NN1 ,_, increase_VV0 efficiency_NN1 for_IF agencies_NN2 that_CST use_VV0 this_DD1 service_NN1 ,_, and_CC vendors_NN2 to_TO process_VVI invoices_NN2 ._. 
Beyond_II vendor_NN1 invoicing_NN1 ,_, the_AT Treasury_NN1 Department_NN1 is_VBZ exploring_VVG further_JJR opportunities_NN2 to_TO define_VVI common_JJ solutions_NN2 for_IF improved_JJ financial_JJ operations_NN2 ._. 
Promoting_VVG Accountability_NN1 and_CC Innovation_NN1 through_II Open_JJ Government_NN1 Improving_VVG Data_NN Quality_NN1 for_IF Federal_JJ Spending_NN1 Information_NN1 ._. 
Agencies_NN2 have_VH0 been_VBN reporting_VVG Federal_JJ spending_NN1 information_NN1 publicly_RR through_II the_AT government-wide_JJ website_NN1 --_NN1 USA_NP1 Spending.gov_NP1 --_NN1 since_II January_NPM1 2008_MC pursuant_II21 to_II22 the_AT Federal_JJ Funding_NN1 Accountability_NN1 and_CC Transparency_NN1 Act_NN1 ._. 
The_AT quality_NN1 of_IO the_AT Federal_JJ spending_NN1 information_NN1 varies_VVZ widely_RR and_CC has_VHZ resulted_VVN in_II some_DD data_NN being_VBG missing_JJ ,_, erroneous_JJ ,_, or_CC otherwise_RR reported_VVN untimely_JJ ._. 
In_II response_NN1 ,_, OMB_NP1 issued_VVD the_AT Open_JJ Government_NN1 Directive_NN1 (_( Memorandum-10-06_MC )_) in_II December_NPM1 2009_MC ,_, to_TO improve_VVI accountability_NN1 through_II the_AT designation_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 single_JJ official_NN1 within_II each_DD1 agency_NN1 responsible_JJ for_IF data_NN quality_NN1 ,_, and_CC the_AT requirement_NN1 to_TO implement_VVI an_AT1 internal_JJ control_NN1 environment_NN1 around_II Federal_JJ spending_NN1 information_NN1 ._. 
In_II February_NPM1 ,_, OMB_NP1 issued_VVD a_AT1 new_JJ framework_NN1 for_IF ensuring_VVG the_AT reliability_NN1 of_IO Federal_JJ spending_NN1 data_NN ._. 
This_DD1 framework_NN1 heavily_RR relies_VVZ on_II agencies_NN2 '_GE existing_JJ internal_JJ control_NN1 programs_NN2 as_CSA required_VVN under_II OMB_NP1 Circular_NN1 A-123_MC ._. 
Agencies_NN2 are_VBR required_VVN to_TO modify_VVI and_CC enhance_VVI internal_JJ controls_NN2 over_II Federal_JJ spending_NN1 data_NN to_TO meet_VVI the_AT changing_JJ environment_NN1 of_IO disseminating_VVG more_DAR information_NN1 to_II the_AT public_NN1 at_II a_AT1 quicker_JJR pace_NN1 ._. 
Partnering_VVG For_IF Solutions_NN2 ._. 
In_II FY_NP1 2010_MC ,_, OMB_NP1 was_VBDZ appropriated_VVN $37.5_NNU million_NNO to_TO establish_VVI the_AT Partnership_NN1 Fund_NN1 for_IF Program_NN1 Integrity_NN1 Innovation_NN1 ._. 
The_AT purpose_NN1 of_IO the_AT Partnership_NN1 Fund_NN1 is_VBZ to_TO improve_VVI service_NN1 delivery_NN1 ,_, payment_NN1 accuracy_NN1 ,_, and_CC administrative_JJ efficiency_NN1 ,_, while_CS reducing_VVG access_NN1 barriers_NN2 and_CC protecting_VVG beneficiaries_NN2 of_IO federal_JJ assistance_NN1 programs_NN2 administered_VVN by_II states_NN2 or_CC localities_NN2 ._. 
Strengthening_VVG the_AT Reporting_NN1 Model_NN1 ._. 
The_AT Federal_JJ Government_NN1 's_GE "_" reporting_NN1 model_NN1 "_" defines_VVZ the_AT information_NN1 that_CST is_VBZ included_VVN in_II federal_JJ entity_NN1 financial_JJ statements_NN2 and_CC other_JJ required_JJ supplemental_JJ information_NN1 and_CC the_AT scope_NN1 of_IO internal_JJ controls_NN2 related_VVN to_II financial_JJ reporting_NN1 ._. 
Inclusion_NN1 in_II the_AT financial_JJ statements_NN2 or_CC required_JJ supplemental_JJ information_NN1 also_RR affects_VVZ the_AT nature_NN1 and_CC extent_NN1 of_IO the_AT auditor_NN1 's_GE responsibilities_NN2 ._. 
The_AT overall_JJ goal_NN1 of_IO this_DD1 initiative_NN1 is_VBZ to_TO maintain_VVI public_JJ faith_NN1 and_CC confidence_NN1 in_II Federal_JJ financial_JJ management_NN1 by_II proposing_VVG improvements_NN2 to_II the_AT usefulness_NN1 of_IO financial_JJ reports_NN2 to_II decision_NN1 makers_NN2 and_CC the_AT public_NN1 and_CC strengthening_VVG audit_NN1 requirements_NN2 on_II areas_NN2 where_RRQ financial_JJ risks_NN2 are_VBR the_AT most_RGT significant_JJ ._. 
Particular_JJ emphasis_NN1 is_VBZ being_VBG placed_VVN on_II obtaining_VVG improved_JJ information_NN1 on_II the_AT cost_NN1 of_IO Government_NN1 activities_NN2 and_CC the_AT results_NN2 achieved_VVN ._. 
OMB_NP1 ,_, working_VVG with_IW the_AT CFO_NN1 Council_NN1 ,_, will_VM put_VVI forward_RL a_AT1 new_JJ ,_, proposed_JJ framework_NN1 for_IF financial_JJ reporting_NN1 by_II the_AT spring_NN1 of_IO 2010_MC ._. 
At_II that_DD1 time_NNT1 ,_, OFFM_NP1 will_VM initiate_VVI a_AT1 dialogue_NN1 with_IW interested_JJ stakeholders_NN2 to_TO validate_VVI and_CC refine_VVI proposals_NN2 to_TO improve_VVI the_AT reporting_NN1 model_NN1 ,_, and_CC propose_VVI an_AT1 implementation_NN1 plan_NN1 for_IF deploying_VVG the_AT new_JJ model_NN1 ._. 
The_AT sweeping_JJ challenges_NN2 we_PPIS2 face_VV0 in_II the_AT Government_NN1 today_RT require_VV0 our_APPGE financial_JJ managers_NN2 to_TO move_VVI beyond_II the_AT status_NN121 quo_NN122 and_CC to_TO generate_VVI a_AT1 higher_JJR return_NN1 on_II investment_NN1 for_IF our_APPGE financial_JJ management_NN1 activities_NN2 ._. 
The_AT steps_NN2 outlined_VVN above_RL leverage_NN1 the_AT tools_NN2 and_CC capacities_NN2 in_II place_NN1 today_RT ,_, but_CCB refocus_NN1 energies_NN2 on_II critical_JJ and_CC emerging_JJ priorities_NN2 --_NN1 cutting_VVG wasteful_JJ spending_NN1 ,_, improving_VVG the_AT efficiency_NN1 of_IO our_APPGE operations_NN2 and_CC information_NN1 technology_NN1 ,_, and_CC laying_VVG a_AT1 foundation_NN1 for_IF data_NN quality_NN1 and_CC collaboration_NN1 as_CSA we_PPIS2 enter_VV0 a_AT1 new_JJ era_NN1 of_IO transparency_NN1 and_CC open_JJ Government_NN1 ._. 
