The committee’s evaluation said the computer project was beset with problems including excessive customization, especially involving changes different from those recommended for the underlying system, and poor communication. It said that while the original contractor-which eventually was replaced in mid-project-failed to produce a working system, the TSP “should have taken more steps early on to prevent this failure and to protect plan participants and beneficiaries from paying the tab.” The TSP also failed to devote sufficient staff to overseeing the project, apparently did not recognize the risks involved and would have benefited from outside evaluation while the project was ongoing, the letter says. The TSP has not issued a response.