Management of the Department's Data Centers at Contractor Sites
October 30, 2008
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October 30, 2008
Management of the Department's Data Centers at Contractor Sites
Audit Report- The Department of Energy (Department) and its facility contractors maintain numerous data centers across the complex that varies in both size and complexity. These centers, which house data and voice hardware and software, and a variety of network equipment, typically require specialized security, power, and cooling capabilities. Thc centers provide common information technology (IT) services in support of the Department's most critical functions, including scientific research and national security activities. The cost to acquire data center space and the hardware, software and services necessary to sustain operations are signiticant - amounting to about $33 1 million in Fiscal Year 2007. Recent reviews by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) have identified a number of areas in which the Department could improve the efficiency of its vast IT efforts. For example, a series of reports revealed that significant operating savings were available by aggregating demand for IT goods and services. A number of Federal and private sector organizations have also realized meaningful savings by consolidating data centers, centralizing delivery of common services, and employing more efficient network and computing technologies. Based on these findings, we initiated this audit to determine whether the Department had effectively managed its data centers at contractor sites.
Topic: Management and Administration