Defense Logistics Agency senior leaders learned Feb. 8 about new mandates of the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-123, which defines management’s responsibilities for enterprise risk management and internal control.
"Executing internal controls is really not an independent task, but a renewed approach to doing business. It's bigger than the audit,” said DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Darrell Williams.
The event broadened leaders’ understanding of internal controls and processes as well as legal requirements. Leaders also learned to assess risks and develop internal control procedures to address those risks.
Navy Rear Adm. Deborah Haven, who heads DLA’s Audit Task Force, said it’s important that leaders take an active role in internal control.
“An enhanced internal control program is fundamental to ensuring the agency provides the best support for the warfighter,” she said.
DLA’s proactive approach to risk management includes standing up a comprehensive and integrated Enterprise Risk Management and Management Internal Control Program.
“Effective, efficient and sustainable internal controls are the genesis of mission accomplishment,” said Kelleye Elmore, Internal Control Program coordinator. “It is imperative that we take a holistic approach to identify our risks and apply sound internal controls.”
Internal controls provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that DLA’s objectives will be achieved, Williams added. They’re also backed by a series of actions rather than a single event.
“Internal control is a recognized key component of the operational processes that management uses to guide operations,” Williams said. “In this sense, internal control is built into DLA as a part of the organizational structure to help us achieve our objectives of premier warfighter support.”