Using broad standards, the scorecards in the  president’s budget grade agencies’ performance regarding five  governmentwide initiatives, which are:  strategic management of human capital,  competitive sourcing,  improved financial performance,  expanded electronic government, and  budget and performance integration. Central to effectively addressing the federal government’s management  problems is recognition that the five governmentwide initiatives cannot be  addressed in an isolated or piecemeal fashion separate from the other  major management challenges and high-risk areas facing federal agencies. The President’s Management Agenda focuses on important challenges for  the federal government. Conclusions

In summary, Mr. Chairman, serious and disciplined efforts are needed to  improve the management and performance of federal agencies. Highlighting attention through the President’s Management Agenda and the  Executive Branch Management Scorecards are steps in the right direction.
What GAO Found

Federal agencies need to work with other governmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector, both domestically and internationally, to achieve results. By focusing on accountable, results-oriented management, the federal government can use this network to deliver economical, efficient, and effective programs and services to the American people. The administration's plan to use the Executive Branch Management Scorecard to highlight agencies' progress in achieving management and performance improvements outlined in the President's Management Agenda is a promising first step. However, many of the challenges facing the federal government are long-standing and complex and will require sustained attention. Using broad standards, the scorecards in the president's budget grade agencies on the following five governmentwide initiatives: (1) strategic management of human capital, (2) competitive sourcing, (3) improved financial performance, (4) expanded electronic government, and (5) budget and performance integration. These initiatives cannot be addressed in an isolated or piecemeal fashion separate from other management challenges and high-risk areas.