Census 2010: Census at Critical Juncture for Implementing Risk Reduction Strategies

2010 Census: Census at Critical Juncture for Implementing Risk Reduction Strategies

In 2007, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the 2010 Census would cost $11.5 billion, including $3 billion on automation and technology. At a March hearing, the Dept. of Commerce stated that the Field Data Collection Automation program was likely to incur significant cost overruns and announced a redesign effort. At that time, the 2010 Decennial Census was designated as high risk, citing long-standing concerns in managing information technology (IT) investments and uncertain costs and operations. This testimony describes the implications of redesign for: (1) dress rehearsal and decennial operations; (2) IT acquisitions management; and (3) Decennial Census costs. Includes recommendations. Charts and graphs.

In 2007, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the 2010 Census would cost $11.5 billion, including $3 billion on automation and tech. At a March 2008 hearing, it was stated that the Field Data Collection Automation program was likely to incur significant cost overruns and announced a redesign effort. This testimony is based on past work, incl. observation of the address canvassing dress rehearsal. For IT acquisitions, the author analyzed system documentation, including deliverables, cost estimates, other acquisitions-related documents, and interviewed Census Bureau officials and contractors. This testimony describes the implications of redesign for: dress rehearsal and decennial operations; IT acquisitions mgmt., and Decennial Census costs.