ADP Systems

SSA's Modernization Efforts Need Redirection Gao ID: IMTEC-87-16 April 10, 1987

In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Systems Modernization Plan to: (1) determine if SSA should redirect or cancel it; and (2) assess SSA claims that automation improvements could reduce staff.

GAO found that: (1) although SSA has made some improvements in its acquisition of computer equipment and expansion of the data communications network, it has not met its objectives of modernizing its software and implementing an integrated database; (2) SSA modernized its systems without developing a long-range plan; (3) SSA failed to follow the established plan for technical strategies or adequately test system performance; (4) previous modernization attempts were unsuccessful because of inadequate planning and management of systems activities, as well as staffing deficiencies; (5) the current plan does not adequately address systems deficiencies or methods for correcting those deficiencies; and (6) the planned SSA staff reduction of over 5,000 positions was delayed, and the extent of reduction attributable to the automated effort is uncertain.

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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