Pentagon business council unveils four initiatives

The Defense Department's Business Initiative Council announced four new information technology initiatives on Tuesday designed to enhance processes for corporate operations, logistics and readiness and acquisition management.

The department will review policies governing cell phone reimbursement in order to provide a flat payment for official use of phones by employees. It also plans to streamline requirements for independent readiness assessments of critical technologies, and permit officials from each service to decide if assessments are warranted.

Defense also will identify reporting requirements for elimination, and it will streamline the information technology disposal process by clarifying business rules and eliminating duplication.

The business council was established in June 2001 by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to to improve Defense's business operations and save money. Pete Aldridge, undersecretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, presides over the council.

The council includes officers involved in finance and personnel. Effective April 1, lead duties will be transferred from the Air Force to the Army.