Decennial Census: Pretests Could Be Used More Effectively in Census Planning
GGD-87-24BR
Published: Jan 08, 1987. Publicly Released: Jan 13, 1987.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO assisted Congress in its oversight of the Census Bureau's 1990 decennial census planning efforts by monitoring the Bureau's 1986 pretest in Los Angeles, California, and Meridian, Mississippi.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Commerce | The Secretary of Commerce should require the Director, Bureau of the Census, to improve planning and decisionmaking for the 1990 census and future decennials by: (1) obtaining cost and productivity data from the Bureau's tests to accurately and completely measure test results; (2) integrating planning and test results to ensure the completion of test evaluations before scheduled decision dates; and (3) beginning earlier planning and testing for future decennials to maximize the benefits of exploring new technology. |
Closed – Implemented
The Bureau is collecting cost and productivity data from the 1987 and 1988 test censuses. It has made the major methodological decisions for the 1990 census. The Bureau is working on its plans for the 2000 census by formulating its experimental program for the 1990 census and it has established a special planning group for future censuses.
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Topics
Agency reportsCensusSoftware verification and validationInformation systemsPlanningPopulation statisticsProgram managementProjectionsTestingPostal service