Federal Government's Use of International Data Corporation's Subscription Services

Gao ID: PLRD-82-118 August 30, 1982

In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the federal government's procurement of automated data processing (ADP) information subscriptions from the International Data Corporation (IDC). The review addressed a constituent's complaint that the government is paying too much for the IDC subscriptions and receiving few benefits.

The IDC subscriptions provide unlimited telephone inquiry service, access to several extensive information databases, and customized research reports. The three types of subscriptions account for 95 percent of all the IDC services used by the government. GAO found that the government pays less for IDC subscriptions than commercial customers pay and that government users were satisfied with IDC benefits and services. GAO also found that agencies generally do not consolidate or centrally control the purchase of ADP information services or match users' needs with the most cost-beneficial subscription. As a result, IDC subscription users are unaware of the types and number of ADP information subscriptions available within their agencies. Agencies have not prepared cost-benefit analyses to determine the number or types of subscriptions that they require. GAO believes that better management and control over the purchases of IDC subscription services will substantially reduce costs to the government.

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: Robert M. Gilroy Team: General Accounting Office: Procurement, Logistics, and Readiness Division Phone: (202) 275-4268


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