This order provides policy, guidance, and procedures for the operation of the Defense Travel System (DTS), per reference (a) through (n). As directed by reference (a), DTA shall be the sole mechanism for travel administration within its capabilities.

In 1995, the DoD began an effort to implement a standard departmentwide travel system -- the Defense Travel System (DTS). This testimony focuses on the actions DoD has taken to: (1) implement previous recommendations regarding implementation of DTS and related travel policies; (2) phase out legacy travel systems and their associated costs; and (3) implement electronic travel voucher processing. To address these objectives, the auditor: (1) analyzed specific documentation, such as test documentation, travel policies, and budget data; and (2) interviewed appropriate DoD travel personnel. Charts and tables.

In 1995, the DoD began an effort to implement a standard departmentwide travel system, the Defense Travel System (DTS). This testimony focuses on prior reporting concerning: (1) the lack of quantitative metrics to measure the extent to which DTS is actually being used; (2) weaknesses with DTS¿s requirements mgmt. and system testing; and (3) two key assumptions related to the estimated cost savings in the Sept. 2003 DTS economic analysis were not reasonable. Also highlights actions that DoD could explore to help streamline its administrative travel processes such as using a commercial database to identify unused airline tickets. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.

The Department of Defense (DOD) has been working to develop and implement a standard end-to-end travel system for the last 10 years. Over the past several years numerous GAO reports and testimonies have highlighted problems with DOD's travel practices that resulted in wasteful spending of millions of dollars. In response, the department has noted that the Defense Travel System (DTS), in part, will help correct these problems. Because of the widespread congressional interest in DTS, GAO initiated the audit under the statutory authority of the Comptroller General of the United States. The objectives of the audit were to (1) determine if DOD effectively tested key DTS functionality, (2) ascertain if DTS will correct the weaknesses previously identified, (3) identify the challenges that remain, and (4) identify opportunities to streamline DOD's travel process.