An internal analysis commissioned by the Social Security Administration is critical of the agency’s disability IT program, giving it an overall performance score of 44 out of 100 so far, and faulting the agency for deploying software before it was ready.
A summary of the report, released by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, says the Disability Case Processing System has been stuck in “beta” for about five years, and is perpetually 24 – 32 months away from completion. Republicans on the committee are pressing the agency for allegedly keeping the report under wraps.
The program has spent $288 million over six years, delivered limited functionality and faced schedule delays and increased stakeholder concerns. SSA leadership has now decided to “reset” the program.
Major challenges include diverging perspectives and discord over tactical decisions such as the prioritization of bug fixes, and execution of beta testing has fallen short, including the premature deployment of software.
The report also cited program strengths however, such as stakeholder commitment and early involvement, that is says should ensure the program’s long-term success.
Summary: http://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DCPS-Study.compressed.pdf
