Forest Service's Region 5 Should Consider Less Costly Ways To Meet Word and Data Processing Needs
CED-81-15
Published: Oct 23, 1980. Publicly Released: Oct 31, 1980.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed the procurement of word processing equipment carried out during 1979 by the Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Region. At the time, the regional office and 10 of the region's national forest offices leased advanced word processing capability for 2 years. Another four national forest offices leased equipment with only word processing capability. The advanced equipment was acquired to develop a regional network integrating communications with the equipment's word and data processing capabilities to support mission requirements. The annual rental and maintenance costs for the leased equipment are about $1.4 million.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture | The Secretary of Agriculture should direct the Forest Service to conduct an economic analysis of alternatives available to Region 5 that could meet its requirements at a cost lower than its present leasing arrangement. |
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Department of Agriculture | The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture should direct the Forest Service to conduct a postinstallation review to measure the cost effectiveness of the Pacific Southwest Region systems, including both word and data processing capabilities, after 6 months of operation. |
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
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IT acquisitionsCost controlCost effectiveness analysisEconomic analysisEquipment leasesFederal procurement policyMaintenance costsOffice equipmentRental equipmentTelecommunications equipmentWord processingWord processing equipment