FEMA Not Prepared

FEMA's existing information technology systems do not support disaster response activities effectively. That, in a critical report from Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General. The report also says that the Federal Emergency Management Agency's CIO "does not have an adequate understanding" of existing information technology resources and needs throughout the agency. As a result, says the IG, "systems are not integrated, do not meet user requirements, and do not provide the information technology capabilities agency personnel and its external partners need to carry out disaster response and recovery operations in a timely or effective manner." The OIG listed six recommendations, including developing a comprehensive IT strategic plan, establishing an agency-wide IT budget planning process, and putting together a consolidated modernization approach for FEMA's mission-critical systems.