Sen. Carper Applauds Administration’s Launch Of “IT Dashboard”

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) applauded the Obama Administration’s launch of the new and improved "IT Dashboard." As Chairman of the Senate subcommittee on Government Information, Sen. Carper was a guiding force in the overhaul and implementation of this project.

The IT Dashboard is a new, one-stop clearinghouse of information that allows anyone with a web browser to track federal IT initiatives and hold the government accountable for progress and results. A part of USASpending.gov, the dashboard allows users to see what IT projects are working and on-schedule as well as those that are not, offer alternative approaches, and provide direct feedback to the chief information officers at federal agencies – in effect, keeping tabs on the people who are responsible for taxpayer dollars for technology.

Experts from Federal agencies, Congress, independent oversight organizations, and the private sector contributed to the IT Dashboard’s construction. Over 400 federal employees joined the Administration’s daily open house sessions for a hands-on opportunity to try the Dashboard, check their data, and suggest improvements. 

"In our cars, a properly functioning dashboard is critical to anyone who wants to drive safely without running out of gas, speeding unintentionally or overheating their engine," said. Sen. Carper. "Without this information, it’s likely that mistakes can be made along the way and problems will arise. I’m sure none of us want to be stuck on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere without gas. That’s why I commend the Administration for improving their vitally important "IT Dashboard" to easily show the American people how their tax dollars are being spent on key investments for our country. The IT Dashboard will also help us in Congress see what projects are experiencing hiccups so we can make sure the problems are fixed before they spiral out of control. And for those investments that continue to have good money thrown after bad, the IT Dashboard should help us target them like a laser so we can pull the plug."