FBI Software

I recieved an email from a fellow blogger that was critical of SAICs role in the FBI software mess. In my original post i ignored their responsibility. While they now point to the flood of spec-changes forced on them, the OIG report does not indicate that they did much to fight those changes while the meter was running and the project fell behind schedule. So they deserve a good share of the blame.

i think that the major mistake was made by the senior leadership of the FBI and the Congress. Faced with a complex, daunting task they pinned their hopes on a simple solution-computers, templates, and some rudimentary training.

I’ve seen that mistake made repeatedly in the private sector. Executives think that computers and templates can replace strategy, doctrine, and education.

I've addressed this general problem many times here on this blog. Check out the following:

Waiting for our Clausewitz

Clausewitz (II)

Doctrine and Fad Surfing

Why corporate change is hard and failure almost inevitable

Military Education