DoD outlines role of the deputy chief management officer

The Defense Department last week detailed the functions of the deputy chief management officer.

The directive outlines 10 areas the deputy will focus on assisting the chief management officer, who is the deputy secretary of defense.

The deputy CMO will suggest methodologies and measurement criteria to better synchronize, integrate and coordinate DoD's business operations; develop and maintain the DoD Strategic Management Plan; and advise on performance goals and measures and assessing progress against those goals.

DoD's directive also says the deputy will be the Capability Portfolio Manager for the Corporate Management and Support Portfolio; oversee the functions of the Performance Improvement Officer and ensure that business transformation policies and programs are designed and managed to improve performance standards, economy and efficiency and that the Defense Business Transformation Agency pays close attention to DoD's requirements.

DoD for a long time had rejected the idea that it needs a chief management officer despite Congress and the Government Accountability Office calling for one.

DoD finally relented in September 2007 by naming Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England the CMO.

For more information: Deputy Chief Management Officer (DCMO) of the Department of Defense Directive (pdf)