The FBI has implemented a number of best practices for the case management system it is developing, Sentinel, and looks to be avoiding mistakes it made developing the scrapped virtual case file system, but it is still not where it needs to be, GAO has said.
It said there is a risk that contractor-provided program management support will not be performed effectively and efficiently and it questioned whether the bureau could produce reliable estimates of Sentinel schedules and costs.
Risks also exist relative to having a reliable basis for informed decisions about Sentinel’s investment options because bureau policies, procedures, and tools that form the basis for Sentinel schedule and cost estimates do not reflect important best practices, according to GAO-07-912.
Further, it said cost estimates the FBI has developed for Sentinel reflect those limitations, meaning the bureau, DoJ leadership and Congress lack reasonable assurance that they have a reliable cost basis on which to decide among competing investment options and measure Sentinel’s progress.
