preliminary observations in Comptroller General of the United States report on Department whistleblower retaliation. Sec. 306. Modification to responsibilities and authorities of Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection. TITLE IV—Improving security, oversight, accountability, and management of Department of Veterans Affairs Sec. 401. Plan to consolidate and centralize security operations of Department of Veterans Affairs to improve management, clarify accountability, and strengthen effectiveness. Sec. 402. Report on enterprise risk management efforts of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 403. Modification of reporting requirement for Secretary of Veterans Affairs annual report on implementation of recommendations of Comptroller General of the United States pertaining to Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 404. Annual Hatch Act training program at Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 405. Independent study regarding management structures of Department of Veterans Affairs. I Accountability and adverse actions 101. Establishment of system and standards for accountability and adverse actions Subchapter I of chapter 7 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 729. Accountability and adverse action system and standards (a) System and standards Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, and Development Act of 2023 , the Secretary shall establish a system and standards for accountability and adverse action preparation and proposal (hereafter referred to as standards ). (b) Requirements In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (1) determine distinct steps and processes whereby any adverse action is investigated, prepared, and proposed for an employee of the Department