VA self-reports that it performs well and is accountable, then wins award for leadership in federal accountability.

by Larry Scott, VA Watchdog dot Org

I'm not sure whether it's time to laugh or cry.

The VA has won an award for leadership in federal accountability.

This is kind of like making Charles Manson the poster boy for Mental Health Month.

The VA issued their 2008 Performance and Accountability Report and self-reported openness and accountability.

Then, the Mercatus Center at George Mason University read the VA's report and gave them an award.

Is there something wrong with this logic?  You better believe it.

Do you want to know how accountable the VA is?  Just read the long list of reports from the Government Accountability Office (GAO).  Read the devastating reports from the VA's Office of Inspector General (VAOIG).

Then, stop and think about the flawed concept of self-reporting.

When the VA thought there might be a problem with contaminated endoscopic equipment, they asked the hospitals to self-report on the procedures to clean the devices.  Everyone reported:  No problems.  Then, a couple of months later, the Miami VA facility discovered their self-report was in error.  Currently, 11 veterans who underwent endoscopic procedures at Miami have tested positive for viral infections.

Think this self-reporting concept would work in the real world?  Imagine telling your boss, "I just told you I did a good job, therefore I did a good job." 

VA's self-congratulatory press release is below:

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VA Recognized for Leadership in Federal Accountability

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) 2008 Performance and Accountability Report ranked second amongst the largest federal agencies according to a report issued by the Mercatus Center of George Mason University. This independent research organization evaluates and ranks federal agency reports on how transparently they report their successes and failures, how well they document the tangible public benefits they produce, and whether they demonstrate that their leadership uses performance information to devise strategies for making program improvements.

The Government Accountability Project at the Mercatus Center in Arlington, Va., examined the federal agencies for its 10th Annual Performance Report Scorecard, ranking VA second highest behind the Labor Department for quality of disclosure in its annual performance and accountability reports. VA’s report was also recognized as the government’s best in the leadership category.

“These reports play a vital role in ensuring that federal agencies carry out their responsibility to inform the American public about how their tax dollars are used, the results we achieve, and the areas that require improvement,” said VA Chief of Staff John Gingrich in remarks at the Mercatus Center awards ceremony yesterday.

"VA has made noteworthy progress developing, implementing, and using performance measures that are directly linked to the department's strategic goals and objectives," he added. "As we transform, we will re-examine ways to measure our success and report our results to Veterans, our stakeholders, and the American public."

The awards marked the 10th consecutive year that VA has been recognized by the Mercatus Center as one of the federal government’s leaders in performance reporting.

VA's Fiscal Year 2008 Performance and Accountability Report is available at http://www.va.gov/budget/report/2008/index.htm . The Mercatus Center's full report analyzing the 24 federal agencies' reporting can be viewed at http://www.mercatus.org .

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KEYWORDS: veterans' benefits, VA, Department of Veterans' Affairs, accountability, Mercatus Center