Navy official says flawed technology could drive workers away

If the development and fielding of the massive Navy Marine Corps Intranet project unfolds poorly, personnel required to use the new system could become dissatisfied and leave the federal workforce, a senior Navy official said last week.

Many top information technology officials in the Navy met last week in New Orleans with an array of industry leaders to discuss the fate and direction of the NMCI program, which has been plagued by delays and glitches since it was launched. The program, which is aimed at implementing a secure network connecting all Navy and Marine Corps personnel, could end up costing more than $8 billion.

NMCI's lead contractor, EDS, initially agreed to invest a large amount of money up front and wait until a significant number of users are connected to the network for its financial payoff. The substantial delays, however, have forced EDS to shoulder an unexpected cost burden. The contractor's officials said they would not comment on their financial situation until the company's quarterly financial report is released July 28.

Some senior Defense officials have sharply criticized the system. Lt. Gen. Edward Hanlon, the commanding general of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, said current flaws in NMCI are "unacceptable." He said progress on the project has been "rocky and problematic."

Rear Adm. Anthony Lengerich, a senior official at the Naval Sea Systems Command, told the audience of military and industry officials in New Orleans that extensive technical difficulties could sap the enthusiasm of the service's workforce. He cautioned that Navy officials could see an exodus of civilian and military personnel if NMCI is not implemented more efficiently.

"How do I keep my people enthused about being in a government workforce?" he asked. "It's hard when they come into work and the system is down."

Lengerich said the delivery of the new network-and the dismantling of old systems-is causing dissatisfaction.

"It's hard when they don't get the [NMCI-compatible computer] on their desk on the day we say we are going to deliver it," he said.

Lengerich said, however, that a well-run NMCI network could be a great asset to keep morale up.

"That's what I want out of it," Lengerich said. "I want them to be proud to be a part of the government workforce."