Legal Services Corporation:
Benefits and Costs of Proposed Information System Improvements Not Clear
HRD-88-5: Published: Mar 8, 1988. Publicly Released: Apr 7, 1988.
Additional Materials:
- Full Report:
Contact:
(202) 512-7225
contact@gao.gov
Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
youngc1@gao.gov
In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Legal Services Corporation's (LSC) efforts to improve its management information system for evaluating grantee performance, to determine: (1) whether LSC adequately designed and developed the system; (2) whether LSC could realize the identified benefits; and (3) why system cost estimates varied.
GAO found that the proposed improvements could provide valuable information for monitoring grantee performance. GAO also found that the LSC design and development did not: (1) support the need for detailed timekeeping requirements; (2) identify and document the benefits of implementing its requirements; (3) explain how timekeeping and functional-reporting information would improve its ability to monitor grantee performance; and (4) ensure that grantees would use the information to better manage their programs. In addition, GAO found that: (1) LSC estimates varied from those of the Project Advisory Group because of variations in estimates for processing records; and (2) neither estimate was based on analytical techniques with detailed support.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Status: Closed - Implemented
Comments: LSC earlier efforts were designed to develop an automated legal system that would address the areas of time-keeping, functional accounting, and case service reports. Development of this all inclusive system proved to be beyond their capacity and finances, and efforts to implement the full system have been dropped. LSC is currently discussing creating a timekeeping system only.
Recommendation: The President, LSC, in conjunction with grantees, should determine what information LSC and grantees need to better monitor and manage grantee programs.
Agency Affected: Legal Services Corporation
Status: Closed - Implemented
Comments: LSC earlier efforts were designed to develop an automated legal system that would address the areas of time-keeping, functional accounting, and case service reports. Development of this all-inclusive system proved to be beyond their capacity and finances, and efforts to implement the full system have been dropped. LSC is currently discussing creating a timekeeping system only.
Recommendation: The President, LSC, in conjunction with grantees, should establish objectives and functions for its management information system.
Agency Affected: Legal Services Corporation
Status: Closed - Implemented
Comments: LSC issued an internal report which estimated the costs between $2 and $18 million based on a contractor's analysis. LSC plans no further cost benefit analysis, but included in its taskforce report a justification for developing the system.
Recommendation: The President, LSC, in conjunction with grantees, should use systematic analytical techniques to assess the costs of such a system.
Agency Affected: Legal Services Corporation
Status: Closed - Implemented
Comments: LSC earlier efforts were designed to develop an automated legal system that would address the areas of time-keeping, functional accounting, and case service reports. Development of this all-inclusive system proved to be beyond their capacity and finances, and efforts to implement the full system have been dropped. LSC is currently discussing creating a timekeeping system only.
Recommendation: The President, LSC, in conjunction with grantees, should prepare a plan for an orderly design, development, and implementation process.
Agency Affected: Legal Services Corporation
Explore the full database of GAO's Open Recommendations
»
Explore the full database of GAO's Open Recommendations
Sep 26, 2018
Native American Youth:
Information on Involvement in Justice Systems and Grant Programs to Help Address Juvenile DelinquencyGAO-18-697T: Published: Sep 26, 2018. Publicly Released: Sep 26, 2018.
Sep 5, 2018
-
Law Enforcement:
Few Individuals Denied Firearms Purchases Are Prosecuted and ATF Should Assess Use of Warning Notices in Lieu of ProsecutionsGAO-18-440: Published: Sep 5, 2018. Publicly Released: Sep 5, 2018. -
Native American Youth:
Involvement in Justice Systems and Information on Grants to Help Address Juvenile DelinquencyGAO-18-591: Published: Sep 5, 2018. Publicly Released: Sep 5, 2018.
Jul 18, 2018
-
DNA Evidence:
Preliminary Observations on DOJ's DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Grant ProgramGAO-18-651T: Published: Jul 18, 2018. Publicly Released: Jul 18, 2018.
Jul 16, 2018
-
Office of Special Counsel:
Actions Needed to Improve Processing of Prohibited Personnel Practice and Whistleblower Disclosure CasesGAO-18-400: Published: Jun 14, 2018. Publicly Released: Jul 16, 2018.
Jun 27, 2018
-
U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
Progress and Challenges in Recruiting, Hiring, and Retaining Law Enforcement PersonnelGAO-18-487: Published: Jun 27, 2018. Publicly Released: Jun 27, 2018.
May 31, 2018
-
Federal Judiciary:
The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Should Ensure Financial Disclosure Redaction Reports Are Submitted to Congress AnnuallyGAO-18-406: Published: May 31, 2018. Publicly Released: May 31, 2018.
May 17, 2018
-
Illicit Opioids:
Office of National Drug Control Policy and Other Agencies Need to Better Assess Strategic EffortsGAO-18-569T: Published: May 17, 2018. Publicly Released: May 17, 2018.
Apr 18, 2018
-
Immigration Courts:
Observations on Restructuring Options and Actions Needed to Address Long-Standing Management ChallengesGAO-18-469T: Published: Apr 18, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 18, 2018.
Apr 12, 2018
-
Illicit Opioids:
While Greater Attention Given to Combating Synthetic Opioids, Agencies Need to Better Assess their EffortsGAO-18-205: Published: Mar 29, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 12, 2018.
Looking for more? Browse all our products here
Explore our Key Issues on Justice and Law Enforcement
Explore our other Key Issues here
