Role

The Office of Budget (OB) is the focal point in all phases of the budget process.  The office serves as coordinator, examiner, mediator, advisor, and advocate.  OB makes strategic and policy recommendations to the Secretary, and maintains communications with program officials to ensure budget requests are technically accurate and performance-based.  OB also reviews proposed legislation for accurate cost/savings calculations.

Responsibilities

The Office of Budget supports the agency's mission by:

• Serving as the primary liaison with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and congressional committees to defend and promote VA’s program plans and budget estimates.
• Reviewing the expenditure of funds to maintain fiduciary responsibility to the American taxpayer.
• Ensuring funds are spent in compliance with the law, guidance and directives from OMB and Congress, as well as Departmental policies and plans.
• Using performance measurements as a tool in both management and budget decisions, consistent with the Government Performance and Results Act and sound business practices.
• Working directly with program offices to develop performance measures and monitor progress towards stated goals.
• Producing the Department’s statutorily required Performance and Accountability Report and Annual Performance Plan.
• Managing the Program Assessment Rating Tool process.
• Leading VA efforts to implement the performance improvement initiative of the President’s Management Agenda; the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget is VA’s Performance Improvement Officer.