1990 Census: Status of Questionnaire Follow-Up Efforts

GAO discussed the status of the 1990 decennial census, particularly the Census Bureau's nonresponse follow-up operation. GAO found that: (1) incomplete cost and progress reporting was hampering the Bureau's efforts to monitor and manage its operations; (2) the Bureau did not have sufficient field staff; and (3) follow-up efforts were lagging in many district offices, seriously impairing progress. GAO also found that major improvements implemented by the Bureau have put the census back on schedule by: (1) addressing problems with its management information system; (2) increasing pay rates for enumerators and field staff; and (3) expanding the incentive pay program nationwide. GAO believes that the Bureau needs to continue follow-up efforts as expeditiously as possible in order to meet deadlines and complete the post-enumeration survey, which should begin as offices finish nonresponse work.