Problems With Commerce's Worldwide Commercial Information Management System

Gao ID: T-NSIAD-90-6 November 1, 1989

GAO discussed the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service's (US&FCS) Commercial Information Management System (CIMS). GAO noted that CIMS: (1) development funds were inadequate; (2) hardware deficiencies limited the US&FCS staff's file access; (3) software design deficiencies and complexities hindered immediate responses to customers' requests; (4) software development was suspended because Commerce's Inspector General objected to CIMS program office contracting procedures; (5) foreign posts experienced faulty communication links with the US&FCS domestic central database; (6) information quality was questionable, since CIMS personnel were not systematically or consistently updating client files; (7) market research database was insufficient to meet clients' varied requests; (8) field staff adequacy was questionable; (9) completion in 1990 would require an estimated $13.5 million, and CIMS would require an estimated $9 million to $11 million in future support funds; and (10) was expected to expand its capabilities under new legislation. GAO also found that the International Trade Administration suspended CIMS development pending a CIMS viability determination and an examination of other database options.

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.

Director: Allan I. Mendelowitz Team: General Accounting Office: National Security and International Affairs Division Phone: (202) 275-4812


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