Improved Financial Performance: Discipline Pays Off

Everyone at VISTA was gratified by the positive reaction to our inaugural issue of Managing Change last month. Everyone was so receptive that we’ve made the decision to increase the frequency of the publication. Starting with this issue, Managing Change will be monthly – filled with information to help you make better, more financially sound decisions.

Interestingly, improving financial or mission performance is the real object of nearly every current regulatory initiative – especially those that are part of the President’s Management Agenda. Really take the time to understand how your real property assets tie in with your organization’s mission.

Recently, I took part in a seminar called “Top Financial Performance: Real Property in the Era of Full Accountability.” (For a wrap-up of that seminar, visit the What You Should Know section of this newsletter.) I was asked to provide VISTA’s experience in the Asset Management Plan (AMP) process of Executive Order 13327.

A story came to mind about two government Departments – one that worked quickly to be first in complying with a regulatory guideline, and another that drew out the process a while longer to ensure a more complete accounting of their assets. The latter Department now knows exactly how and where their money is being spent in real property, and what value they’re getting from that money. The former is still trying to make up for mistakes they’ve made along the way.

It’s simple, really. Compliance requires re-thinking your work – a paradigm shift. You don’t get extra points for being first. There’s always enough time to do it right. And remember, it’s a continuing process – it’s always possible to get downgraded again.

With disciplined work, the same effort you put into your AMP can help you achieve compliance with other regulations and legislation:

• OMB Circular A-123 – Demonstrating internal controls for financial accountability (For more information on this, visit the VISTA Success section of this newsletter)
• Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 – Ensuring a physical security infrastructure as free from vulnerabilities as possible
• OMB Enterprise Architecture Framework – Understanding how your business processes, stakeholders and facilities influence how your enterprise IT architecture ought to be configured

So take your time, be thorough. It will pay off in the end. And please take the time to read this issue of Managing Change. We think it will make a difference in your work.



David Baxa
President and CEO
VISTA Technology Services, Inc.