December 14, 2005

Management Challenges at the Department of Energy

The Department of Energy (Department) is a multi-faceted agency that encompasses a broad range of national security, scientific, and environmental activities. To accomplish its mission, the Department receives an annual appropriation of approximately $24 billion, employs approximately 120,000 Federal and contractor personnel and manages assets valued at more than $128 billion, including a complex of national laboratories. As required by the Reports Consolidation Act of 2000, the Office of Inspector General has identified what it considers to be the most significant management and performance challenges facing the Department. This effort, which is completed on an annual basis, reflects new work performed by the Office of Inspector General and assesses the agency's progress in addressing previously identified challenges, as well as emerging issues facing the Department.