MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR BUDGET AND PROGRAMS / CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) supports the President's priority on improving financial management and closely integrating budget and performance information.  As the President has stated, doing so will strengthen program management and investment decisions.  As a result, Federal agencies will be more accountable and have a citizen-centered, results-oriented government for the American people.  

DOT is addressing the ties between program outputs, performance outcomes, and individual and organizational accountability for performance.  The Department's performance goals and measures focus on core transportation missions, and fully reflect the Secretary's transportation strategic goals of safety, security, mobility, environmental stewardship, global connectivity, and organizational excellence.  DOT's financial performance is a key element of overall program performance.

Consistent with Secretary Mineta's commitment to accountability and results, our FY 2003 Performance and Accountability Report ties the Departmental accruals and outlays to DOT's strategic performance areas.

In FY 2003, DOT's financial management focus was on upgrading our accounting system, achieving clean audit opinions on our consolidated financial statements, and effectively leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency.  The Department has numerous accomplishments that have further strengthened our financial management environment.  Some examples are:    

• Implementing Delphi.  All of our Operating Administrations are now using our new, integrated financial management system called Delphi, with the Federal Aviation Administration having converted in October 2003.  Delphi is the first Department-wide system in the Federal government based on a single commercial accounting system and is the core of our efforts to upgrade and streamline financial management activities.
• Implementing the Federal Personnel and Payroll System (FPPS).  DOT is migrating to the Department of the Interior's Federal Personnel and Payroll System (FPPS) that will result in improvements to human resource operational practices. 

This report illustrates the Department's recent achievements and future plans in the area of financial and performance management.  We are committed to achieving a "green" on each of the President's Management Agenda areas.  We will continue to build on our accomplishments to provide the Nation with a safe and efficient transportation system.