Department of Agriculture Needs Leadership in Managing Its Information Resources

In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the effectiveness of the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) computer and information system resources. It also evaluated the USDA automatic data processing (ADP) organization and structure, management functions, and security activities.

Although many problems have been identified in the USDA management and use of information resources, little has been done to solve these problems. The current ADP office acts more as a coordinator and advisory office than as the manager of critical information resources. It does not have the required authority to ensure effective and efficient management and use of information resources. Nor does it have authority over agency in-house development efforts. In enacting the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, Congress mandated that each agency appoint a single senior official with the authority and responsibility for ensuring effective and efficient information resources management. If effectively implemented, the Act should materially improve the USDA information resources management. Development, conversion, and maintenance of applications software is ineffective because generally accepted management practices are not followed. Frequently, agencies do not prepare requirements analyses, cost/benefit studies, or comprehensive plans. Nor are full-time project managers with authority, responsibility, and accountability always assigned to software projects. Users of four USDA computer centers are dissatisfied with availability, accessibility, and response times. Too little emphasis has been placed on ADP security. Lack of a comprehensive planning process has resulted in inefficient and ineffective use of information resources that has contributed to huge cost overruns for six large software projects.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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