	Background

The decennial census is the nation’s largest, most complex survey. 2010 Comprehensive Project Plan with Updated Cost Information Still Not Firm

Careful planning and monitoring are key to successfully managing a  complex undertaking such as the decennial census. However, in June 2006  before this subcommittee, we testified that the Bureau’s $11.3 billion life- cycle cost estimate for the 2010 Census lacked timely and complete  supporting data. In our view, revising cost  estimates with the most current information allows the Bureau to better  manage the cost of the census and make necessary resource trade-offs. 2008 Dress Rehearsal Experience Points to Further Testing of Software for LUCA Operations

During the address canvassing phase of the 2008 Dress Rehearsal, the  Bureau tested a prototype of the handheld computers that it intends to use  for 2010. Automating operations allows the  Bureau to reduce the cost of operations; thus, it is critical that the risks  surrounding the use of the handheld devices be closely monitored and  effectively managed to ensure their success. Given the  lateness in the testing cycle, the Bureau now runs the risk that if problems  do emerge, little time will be left to develop, test, and incorporate  refinements to the handheld devices before 2010. However, the Bureau did not test its  computer-based training software in the Dress Rehearsal. The  automation of key census processes involves an extensive reliance on  contractors. Consequently, contract oversight and management become a  key challenge to a successful census. The importance of testing is particularly important, since systems and  functionality planned for the 2010 Census will not be available for the 2008  Dress Rehearsal. In addition, the project  office did not identify any risks associated with using the handheld mobile  computing devices. Bureau Is Designing Decennial Activities in the Geographic Area Affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, but Needs to Finalize Plans and Related Milestones

As part of our evaluation of the Bureau’s LUCA Dress Rehearsal, we  visited the localities along the Gulf Coast to assess the effect that  Hurricanes Katrina and Rita might have on decennial activities in these  geographic areas, and we found that the damage and devastation of these  hurricanes will likely affect the Bureau’s LUCA program and possibly  other operations. The Bureau has begun to take steps toward addressing  these issues by developing proposed actions. However, the Bureau has not  yet finalized plans and milestones related to changes in actions for  modifying address canvassing or subsequent operations in hurricane- affected areas. The Bureau’s plans for how it may adjust address canvassing operations in  the Gulf Coast region can also have implications for subsequent  operations. 2000 Census: Lessons Learned for Planning a More Cost-Effective 2010  Census.
Why GAO Did This Study

The decennial census is a Constitutionally-mandated activity that produces critical data used to apportion congressional seats, redraw congressional districts, and allocate billions of dollars in federal assistance. The Census Bureau (Bureau) estimates the 2010 Census will cost $11.3 billion, making it the most expensive in the nation's history after adjusting for inflation. This testimony, based primarily on GAO's issued reports and preliminary observations from our ongoing work, discusses the extent to which the Bureau has (1) developed a comprehensive project plan with the most current cost data; (2) incorporated lessons learned from Dress Rehearsal activities; (3) managed automation and technology for the reengineered census; and (4) planned for an accurate census in areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

What GAO Found

The Bureau is conducting its Dress Rehearsal of the 2010 Census, the last opportunity it will have to test its design under census-like conditions. Given the importance of a successful enumeration and the complexities of enumerating a hard-to-count population in a more technology-dependent census, our message remains that the risks associated with the decennial must be closely monitored, evaluated, and managed. GAO found that the Bureau is developing but has not yet completed a comprehensive project plan that includes milestones, itemized costs, and measurable goals, nor has it updated the 2010 life-cycle cost estimate to reflect current information from testing. Having a comprehensive project plan and updated cost information will allow the Bureau to manage the operations and cost of the decennial census. Moreover, GAO observed technical problems with the handheld computing devices used in the Dress Rehearsal by field staff for address canvassing (in which the Bureau verifies addresses). If the device does not function as expected or needed, little time will be left for the Bureau to take corrective action. In addition, during the LUCA Dress Rehearsal, the Bureau did not fully test software tools intended to reduce burden on participants. Also, the Bureau's level of reliance on automation and technology for the 2010 Census, at an estimated cost of $3 billion, makes effective contractor oversight (of cost, schedule, and technical performance) and risk management activities imperative. Finally, in the Gulf Coast Region, the condition of the changing housing stock is likely to present additional challenges for the address canvassing operation and subsequent operations. However, the Bureau has not finalized plans for modifying the address canvassing operation or subsequent operations in the Gulf Coast region.