FTS2001: Improving the Revenue Estimation Process
AIMD-00-147R
Published: May 08, 2000. Publicly Released: May 08, 2000.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the General Services Administration's (GSA) revenue estimation process for its Federal Technology Service (FTS) 2001 long-distance telecommunications services program.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| General Services Administration | The Administrator, GSA, should formalize and strengthen the revenue estimating process to improve consistency and reduce errors by: (1) using the most current traffic and forecast data in future revenue estimates; (2) establishing quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy of revenue estimate derivations; and (3) clearly documenting the reasons for changes in forecast data. |
Closed – Implemented
GSA obtains FTS2001 forecasting and revenue estimating services from Mitretek Systems. GSA issued a task order to Mitretek Systems to implement the recommendations contained in GAO's report. Mitretek developed a Web-based tool that allows GSA and other agencies to forecast traffic and costs of telecommunications on FTS contracts. The tool can use the most current traffic and forecast data. It incorporates quality control procedures by reducing possibilities for human errors and includes an audit trail for all changes. This trail will allow GSA to determine reasons for changes in forecast data. The tool was delivered to GSA in the beginning of 2002.
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Topics
Data collectionData integrityFuture budget projectionsInternal controlsTelecommunications industryFederal telecommunications systemTelecommunicationsRevenue estimatesEconomic forecastsQuality control