http://www.oig.dot.gov/rss.jsp?subject=10 The 10 most recent releases on the U.S. DoT OIG web site related to Research & Development en-US webmaster@oig.dot.gov (OIG Webmaster) http://www.oig.dot.gov/images/dot.gif http://www.oig.dot.gov/rss.jsp?subject=10 http://www.oig.dot.gov/item.jsp?id=2440 On March 11, 2009, we issued our report on RITAs Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Joint Program Office (JPO). We assessed whether the JPO is effectively managing and overseeing the ITS program by (a) tracking project results and outcomes, (b) managing the ITS budget and overseeing contracts, and (c) providing direction and crossmodal coordination. While ITS initiatives have achieved DOTwide support, we found weaknesses in how the JPO measures project results, executes budget and contract procedures, and manages ITS research projects. Specifically, the JPO has not ensured that its contractors assessments of ITS projects have been useful, timely, or complete. In addition, contractors were producing costly, duplicative work. We also found the JPO was operating without documented budget procedures. As a result, ITS financial reports were not consistently reconciled in 2008, and nearly $20 million in unneeded funds was left on old contracts and agreements. Furthermore, we found the JPO lacked uniform project management standards and project benefitcost analyses; such procedures might have mitigated cost overruns and delays experienced by several ITS initiatives. Finally, we found that the JPO needs to address conflicts of interest, such as allowing the Volpe Center to both oversee and administer the Safe Trip21 project.Our recommendations to JPO focus on: (1) strengthening the ITS assessment program, (2) restructuring support contractor services, (3) documenting budget procedures, (4) coordinating with FHWA to deobligate nearly $20 million in unneeded funds on old contracts and agreements, and (5) strengthening project management by requiring uniform procedures and benefitcost analyses. We also recommend that RITA transfer oversight of the Safe Trip21 project from Volpe to the JPO to avoid conflicts of interest and to comply with DOT Order 2300.8. Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.oig.dot.gov/item.jsp?id=2440 http://www.oig.dot.gov/item.jsp?id=2235 The Office of Inspector General plans to audit the Intelligent Transportation Systems/Joint Program Office (ITS/JPO). Our audit objective is to assess whether the JPO is effectively overseeing the ITS program through its efforts to: (1) provide strategic direction and crossmodal program coordination; (2) manage the ITS research budget; and (3) monitor program status, results, and outcomes. Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.oig.dot.gov/item.jsp?id=2235 http://www.oig.dot.gov/item.jsp?id=2091 On August 1, we issued a final report on the review of Volpe Centers IT security and resource management. While Volpe has established adequate firewall security to protect its IT infrastructure from intrusion or unauthorized access from the Internet, its computers remained vulnerable to attacks by insidersemployees, contractor staff, etc. Also, Volpe did not test its capability to resume system operations at its designated recovery site. In case of disruptions, both Volpe and its customer systems might be affected. Finally, Volpe has made good progress in leveraging departmental resources for more efficient operations. We identified two additional opportunities that could enable Volpe to further reduce costs by using departmental resources. Volpe management has concurred with our conclusions and stated that the majority of the recommendations have already been either fully or partially addressed. It is developing comprehensive plans to implement all remaining recommendations. Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.oig.dot.gov/item.jsp?id=2091 http://www.oig.dot.gov/item.jsp?id=1938 Mon, 08 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.oig.dot.gov/item.jsp?id=1938