1990 Census

Status of Questionnaire Follow-Up Efforts Gao ID: T-GGD-90-52 July 2, 1990

GAO discussed the status of the 1990 decennial census, particularly the Census Bureau's nonresponse follow-up operation. GAO found that: (1) incomplete cost and progress reporting was hampering the Bureau's efforts to monitor and manage its operations; (2) the Bureau did not have sufficient field staff; and (3) follow-up efforts were lagging in many district offices, seriously impairing progress. GAO also found that major improvements implemented by the Bureau have put the census back on schedule by: (1) addressing problems with its management information system; (2) increasing pay rates for enumerators and field staff; and (3) expanding the incentive pay program nationwide. GAO believes that the Bureau needs to continue follow-up efforts as expeditiously as possible in order to meet deadlines and complete the post-enumeration survey, which should begin as offices finish nonresponse work.



The Justia Government Accountability Office site republishes public reports retrieved from the U.S. GAO These reports should not be considered official, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Justia.