In support of USSOCOM, we collect and document the initial set of financial data requirements by appropriation that serve as the baseline for future requirements. Determining the relationship between USSOCOM’s data requirements and the data structures and processing of data is a critical element for any system to meet USSOCOM’s requirements, and is an ongoing effort. The current listing of data requirements demands frequent assessment to determine if changes are mandated to meet follow-on financial reporting requirements. We maintain and update, as necessary, the financial data requirements.

USSOCOM annually provides to DFAS the accounting codes that will be used in the individual DFAS accounting systems to track USSOCOM’s funds through the execution process. USSOCOM relies on input from the various Service-oriented DFAS accounting systems, and it is sometimes a “force fit” to implement these codes in the different systems. We assist personnel in developing accounting codes for each of the appropriations (O&M, Procurement, RDT&E, MILCON, and Defense Emergency Response Fund), which USSOCOM currently receives, and investigated ways to improve the implementation of these codes.

Approach/Solution – We analyzed the data structures of the initial Army, Navy and Air Force data feeds. Based on the reporting data requirements, we worked to develop input and output data structures to support the processing of the raw accounting data to SFC that supports USSOCOM reporting requirements. We have a thorough understanding of the accounting code structures used by USSOCOM and the Service-unique data elements of the legacy systems. We developed and maintain crosswalk tables, which were required to convert the original data into meaningful data for Special Operations Forces (SOF) users.

We also developed an initial Functional Description (FD) for the unclassified USSOCOM Financial Information System (FIS) that serves as the baseline for changes. Due to the changing environment and system maturity of the users, the FD is reviewed, updated, and coordinated on an as-needed basis. In monitoring the performance of the USSOCOM FIS and document performance deficiencies, we considered data availability, query response time, and accuracy of information. The requirements contained in the FD serve as the basis for system testing. We further developed testing scenarios and scripts that adequately test the functionality as implemented to ensure it meets USSOCOM’s requirements.

The implementation of an accounting system that meets USSOCOM classified accounting data needs begins with a thorough understanding of the requirements and current processes. As such, we conducted requirement and process surveys and prepared a functional description to capture this information. We also prepared an initial assessment of the Navy’s accounting process as it relates to unclassified USSOCOM funds. Using this initial assessment, we reviewed listings of Navy activities that execute SOF classified funds and updated these as necessary, including points of contact and addresses. We produced flowcharts indicating the process used by a particular Navy activity to develop and maintain classified accounting codes related to the execution of SOF classified funds.

Results and Benefits – Through our financial support, new streamlined methodologies for integrating service financial input to USSOCOM have been established. Tracking financial performance relative to annually changing baselines has become a routine process yielding accurate financial reporting products that satisfy both classified and unclassified USSOCOM needs.

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