The next contribution is based on a Center report by David H. Schanzer and Joe Eyerman, Improving Strategic Risk Management at the Department of Homeland Security. It explores how the federal government can enhance its capability to use strategic risk management in safeguarding the nation. It focuses on strategic risk management—the process by which decisions are informed by an analysis of risk. Risk management can be applied at several levels: tactical, operational, and strategic.

Chris Mihm is the Managing Director for Strategic Issues at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). He leads GAO's work on governance and government-wide management reforms to support the transition to a more results-oriented and accountable federal government. Strategic Issues addresses such topics as strategic planning and performance management, budgeting and the Nation's long-term fiscal outlook, human capital management and civil service reform, intergovernmental issues, federal tax policy and administration, and the census.

To date, telemedicine has largely been seen as futuristic. Well, the future is here. Advances in sensor technology, wireless networks, mobile monitoring devices, and telecommunications have all made it possible to address the increasingly dire shortage of healthcare professionals in rural areas. There are approximately 60 million Americans living in rural or frontier areas, and the average age of physicians practicing in these areas is over 55 years. In fact, in over one-quarter of the counties in the United States, there are no practicing physicians.

This report includes two papers describing how the federal government can increase its capability to undertake strategic risk management in safeguarding the nation. In recent years, the government has devoted increased attention to the use of strategic risk management. The challenge now facing government is to begin to link strategic risk management to resource allocation.

Under the leadership of National Academy Fellow Don Kettl and National Academy President Jennifer Dorn, the National Academy of Public Administration convened a roundtable of government leaders, business leaders, researchers and other experts to discuss governance issues related to the government's response to the financial crisis. Seven strategic questions related to governance emerged from the discussion held earlier this year, which was moderated by Don Kettl.

Jonathan Walters' report chronicles the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) efforts to realign and centralize its information technology activities. Describing it as an "ambitious, audacious and arduous crusade," Walters makes it very clear that this is still very much a work in progress. There are significant hurdles ahead and certain significant adjustments will no doubt need to be made for this ambitious undertaking to be ultimately implemented and sustained by the VA.

The Department of Defense launched an ambitious effort to transform its vast network of back office mission support systems in 2001. It has since invested large amounts of funding in the effort. What progress has been achieved to date? What has been its impact? This report provides answers and insights into these questions as it assesses the progress of this effort.

There has been a longstanding recognition that the federal government does not have enough employees with the requisite skills to meet every agency need. Agencies obtain real advantages in employing contractors that can offer specialized skills to handle short-term requirements. Moreover, using a competitive selection process helps to bring both efficiency and innovation to address government needs.

Management Article