In the News

Today, the House passed the Senate companion to bipartisan legislation authored by Congressmen Todd Young (R-IN) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA) that will reform federal program management performance standards. The legislation passed with a vote of 404 – 11. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA)and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) coauthored the companion legislation in the United States Senate.

 “From my experience in the private sector, I know firsthand that without a clear mission, measureable benchmarks and the empowerment of program managers, federal projects can, unfortunately, expand beyond their original scope, run behind schedule and over budget,” said Congressman Connolly. “Our legislation strengthens project management policy throughout the federal government by requiring consistent project standards and guidelines for program management, demanding accountability at OMB and in federal agencies to capture and implement lessons learned, and requiring clear identification of skills and competencies necessary for effective program management professionals.”

“During my time in the Marine Corps, I saw firsthand the mismanagement that is prevalent throughout far too many defense programs and projects,” said Congressman Young. “This problem pervades all government agencies, with projects often coming in over budget and past deadline. For the first time, our reform legislation will implement government-wide performance standards derived from the private-sector to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce waste, and ensure projects conclude on time and on budget.  The potential cost savings from these reforms are large, and I’m grateful to my Democratic colleague, Congressman Connolly, as well as Senators Ernst and Heitkamp for their leadership in helping get this legislation across the finish line.”

The legislation will reform federal program management policy by:

• Creating a formal job series and career path for program managers in the federal government.
• Developing a standards-based program management policy across the federal government.
• Recognizing the essential role of executive sponsorship and engagement by designating a senior executive in federal agencies to be responsible for program management policy and strategy.
• Sharing knowledge of successful approaches to program management through an interagency council on program management.