Watchdog calls on Social Security Administration to improve agile software development
The Inspector General of the Social Security Administration last week published an audit probing the agency’s agile software development projects.
In its report, the watchdog identified improvements SSA should make to its development methodology including implementation of additional quality assurance controls.
“We identified opportunities for SSA to improve its decision making, gain efficiencies, and better position staff for success using the Agile development methodology,” wrote Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General of the Social Security Administration.
“We made 12 recommendations to revise Agency guidance, policies, and procedures; leverage strategic-level portfolio planning capabilities; create standardized reports to be used for all Agile projects; and institute a program of executive-level Agile coaching,” Ennis added in the audit report.
The IG’s suggestions are intended to ensure that SSA reaps the benefits from agile development, including the production of higher quality software at a lower cost.
The former CIO of the General Services Administration told FedScoop last year that the federal government should prioritize agile methodologies not only in software development but in IT procurement, finance, budgeting and hiring as well.
