**GAO-08-79**                      Published: Oct 05, 2007. Publicly Released: Oct 05, 2007.                  

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## Highlights

Automation and information technology (IT) are expected to play a critical role in the 2010 decennial census. The Census Bureau plans to spend about $3 billion on automation and technology that are to improve the accuracy and efficiency of census collection, processing, and dissemination. The Bureau is holding what it refers to as a Dress Rehearsal, during which it plans to conduct operational testing that includes the decennial systems. In view of the importance of IT acquisitions to the upcoming census, GAO was asked to (1) determine the status and plans for four key IT acquisitions, including schedule and cost, and (2) assess whether the Bureau is adequately managing associated risks. To achieve its objectives, GAO analyzed acquisition documents and the projects' risk management activities and compared these activities to industry standards.

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## Topics

Government Operations

CensusCost analysisData collectionInformation technologyIT acquisitionsOperational testingProgram evaluationRisk assessmentRisk managementSchedule slippagesSource data automationStrategic planning