DHS looks for ways to cut costs

DHS looks for ways to cut costs

Napolitiano

   Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano on Friday launched a major review of department spending and procurement activities to improve efficiency and save millions of dollars.
   The reform effort will center on acquisition, asset and real property management; employee vetting and credentialing; hiring; and information technology.
   Cost cutting will include elimination of non-mission critical travel and acquiring enterprise licenses for commonly used software instead of having individual agencies procure the off-the-shelf products.
   ‘I am committed to creating a new culture of efficiency at the Department of Homeland Security, and the efficiency review will allow us to cut costs while streamlining operations and decision-making. Over time, this will make DHS a leaner, smarter agency better equipped to protect our nation,’ Napolitano said.
   Simple changes in business processes, such as eliminating the printing of all documents that can be sent electronically or posted online and consolidating subscriptions of professional publications to lower costs and avoid duplication, will begin within 30 to 60 days, while longer-term, systemic changes will begin in 90 to 120 days.
   Long-term plans include improving energy efficiency at work sites, consolidation of employee training and orientation sessions, and an assessment of all employees and contractors to make sure all positions meet department needs.
   A DHS review team is studying previous efficiency efforts and collecting suggestions from employees as it develops ways to improve operations.
   As governor of Arizona, Napolitano oversaw a similar program that resulted in savings and cost avoidance of more than $1 billion.