Additional Large-Scale Computer System Not Needed by the Bureau of the Census

A review of the Bureau of the Census' management and use of automatic data processing resources concentrated on the Bureau's justification for a noncompetitive acquisition of an additional large-scale computer system at an estimated cost of over $13 million. The Bureau's study of its needs was inadequate and resulted in overstating certain workload requirements. Its projection of its capacity excluded weekend capacity and productivity increases and underestimated the improvement of current capacity through augmentation of the existing systems. GAO analysis of revised requirements versus existing capacity indicated that a noncompetitive acquisition of another large-scale computer system is unnecessary at this time. The Department of Commerce and the Bureau should study the Bureau's requirements, objectives, and management policies and actions needed to meet their needs through 1982 and properly plan and acquire the capabilities needed for the 1980s.