**GAO-08-936**                      Published: Jul 31, 2008. Publicly Released: Sep 02, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

The U.S. Census Bureau (Bureau) had planned to rely heavily on automation in conducting the 2010 Census, including using handheld computers (HHC) to verify addresses. Citing concerns about escalating costs, in March 2008 the Secretary of Commerce announced a redesign of the key automation effort. GAO was asked to (1) analyze Bureau and contractor data showing how HHCs operated and their impact on operations, and (2) examine implications the redesign may have on plans for address canvassing in the 2010 Census. GAO reviewed Bureau and contractor data, evaluations, and other documents on HHC performance and staff productivity; interviewed Bureau and contractor officials; and visited the two dress rehearsal sites to observe and document the use of the HHCs in the field.

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## Topics

Government Operations

CensusComputer contractsComputer equipment contractsComputer services contractsComputer software contractsContract performanceData collectionData transmissionOperational testingPerformance appraisalPerformance measuresSoftware specificationsSource data automationSystems testingTechnologyComputer performance evaluationComputer support

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