Good afternoon everyone.  When we met two weeks ago to begin our oversight of how VA intends to implement the new GI Bill, there was considerable discussion about whether VA should develop the new information technology system in-house or hire a contractor for development and possibly some clerical support.

I believe that is not the right question.  Rather, we should be discussing the following:

First, does VA have sufficient numbers of the right people on staff who are qualified to manage the development program and with the technical qualifications needed to develop the necessary computer code.  VA says they do not.

Second, what are the critical milestones and what are the critical functions and requirements that must be met to proceed to the next development milestone?  In other words, how will VA define success along the way?

Third, what are the key functions or performance parameters of the new IT system and what are the limitations of the current system that make it unable to implement chapter 33?

Fourth, if neither the contractor or in-house staff are able to complete development to meet the August 09 implementation date, what are VA’s fallback plans to compensate for incomplete or failure?

And fifth, what happens when VA pushes the ON- button and digital Armageddon causes all the lights to go out at 810 Vermont and the White House?

Any IT systems engineer or program manager will tell you that basic program management principles apply to any project regardless of who is doing the development so I would note that these questions apply whether VA develops the system in-house or through a contractor.  I would also note that even if VA developed the system in-house, it is highly likely support contractors would be used.

As I said last week, there is ample history of IT development failure by both in-house staff and contractors.  I would also remind our witnesses that the only agenda here today is how to meet the needs of veterans.  As former VA Administrator General Omar Bradley said, “We are dealing with veterans, not procedures -- with their problems, not ours.”

Finally, the question remains regarding VA’s plans for the existing work force.  They have stated before that no one will lose their VA job.  I hope to hear more details about that today.

I yield back.