Use of Computers by Firms Providing Architect-Engineer Services to Federal Agencies

GAO examined the problems experienced by firms using computer aids on Federal design projects. As part of the planning effort for this review, GAO made a survey of 800 firms providing architectural and engineering services to Federal agencies to obtain sufficient data to use in planning the scope and depth of the review and to identify firms which experienced problems relating to computer use on Federal projects. The survey results should be of interest to Federal agencies, the architect-engineer community, and others. The results of the survey provide some insight into (1) how computer methods are used in the design process, (2) how computer services are provided, (3) why computers are used, and (4) which applications are currently being used and which applications firms are planning to use.