The Census Bureau is working with stakeholders to identify data sources to meet its address and mapping needs but could improve the use of leading practices when choosing sources, GAO has said.
It said the Bureau has worked with state, local, and tribal governments and with commercial vendors to identify potential data sources to augment or verify data collected through its Geographic Support System Initiative (GSS-I) program.
The Bureau has inconsistently documented cost and quality support for data source decisions already made, according to GAO-15-21.
It said the Bureau’s approach for meeting its address and mapping needs also lacks key elements of effective project management outlined in guidance.
GAO called on the Bureau to implement processes for reviewing the cost and quality of data source selections and for documenting support for those decisions, document management approval of key data source decisions, track performance against these goals, and set a timeline for them.
