The Government Accountability Office has recommended the National Nuclear Security Administration develop new standards for program management functions and a training program for program managers.
GAO said Monday it found a lack of policies for responsibility assignment, authority delegation and required competence for program managers, as well as a lack of training programs.
The government watchdog noted that federal internal control standards cover principles related to functions of program managers and the Project Management Institute’s program management standard is the generally accepted practice for most programs.
These standards require organizations to develop program plans, understand stakeholder demands and establish processes to oversee program management.
Internal control standards also call on management to train staff in the ways of both program and project management.
“In the absence of a training program for program managers, NNSA may have difficulty developing and maintaining a cadre of professional, effective and capable program managers,” GAO said.
“Addressing these gaps would help NNSA better achieve its critical missions and goals, and better maintain a cadre of professional, effective program managers,” GAO added.
