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ADP Systems: SSA's Modernization Efforts Need Redirection

IMTEC-87-16 Published: Apr 10, 1987. Publicly Released: Apr 30, 1987.
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Highlights

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.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
Congress should consider limiting SSA future automatic data processing (ADP) appropriations to the maintenance and operation of its current systems and only those critical modernization and improvement initiatives identified in its revised Systems Modernization Plan. These limitations should remain in effect until SSA has demonstrated its ability to complete software redesign, has determined its system configuration requirements, and has had its revised plan reviewed by appropriate committees of Congress.
Closed – Not Implemented
This recommendation is being assessed by GAO under a current review of SSA modernization activities.

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Health and Human Services The Secretary of Health and Human Services should require the Commissioner of Social Security to redirect SSA systems modernization activities, while completing its long-range operational plan. In redirecting its modernization effort, SSA should revise its Systems Modernization Plan to: (1) define and prioritize system deficiencies; and (2) identify methods for correcting these deficiencies.
Closed – Not Implemented
This recommendation is being assessed by GAO under a current review of SSA modernization activities.
Department of Health and Human Services The Secretary of Health and Human Services should require the Commissioner of Social Security to redirect SSA systems modernization activities, while completing its long-range operational plan. In redirecting its modernization effort, SSA should, on the basis of this revised plan, reduce the scope of the modernization effort to address the most critical system deficiencies, emphasizing software redesign. SSA should use this focused effort to demonstrate its ability to complete software redesign and to determine requirements for the total hardware and software configuration.
Closed – Not Implemented
This recommendation is being assessed by GAO under a current review of SSA modernization activities.
Department of Health and Human Services The Secretary of Health and Human Services should require the Commissioner of Social Security to redirect SSA systems modernization activities, while completing its long-range operational plan. In redirecting its modernization effort, SSA should complete sufficient detailed documentation of the existing systems to support software redesign.
Closed – Not Implemented
This recommendation is being assessed by GAO under a current review of SSA modernization activities.
Department of Health and Human Services The Secretary of Health and Human Services should require the Commissioner of Social Security to redirect SSA systems modernization activities, while completing its long-range operational plan. In redirecting its modernization effort, SSA should adjust hardware procurement plans to reflect the actual needs of the agency based on the modernization effort's reduced scope.
Closed – Implemented
As part of its ongoing revisions to the modernization program, SSA adjusted its hardware procurement plans by cancelling one large computer acquisition and delaying the acquisition of optional terminals and data communications equipment.

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Topics

IT acquisitionsSoftware verification and validationMechanizationReductions in forceStrategic information systems planningSystems conversionsTelecommunicationsSystems designData automationData communications